Day 1
We arrived in sunny Berlin after an hour and a half flight from Luton airport. Once we left the airport we caught a train to Gesundbrunnen station and found our accommodation for our trip, the CityLight Hotel. We were straightaway impressed on the location, friendliness of the staff and standard of the hotel. We were greeted by the staff, which made us feel welcome and they offered us a tour, showing us all the facilities. They had a large breakfast/dining room, bar, spacious bedrooms, TV lounge and even a disco room.
TOP TIP: Take a trip to the TV Tower and see Berlin from above. The views are unforgettable.
Day 2
After breakfast, we caught the train to Reichstag, German Parliament. We had a tour of the building, where the guide told us the history of the city and the building along with its present day use. We then climbed the dome to the top of Reichstag and saw the amazing views of Berlin, which made it easy to see where all the attractions are located.
We then walked to the famous Brandenburg Gate. This was a busy location with many tourists around and we even saw Mickey Mouse! We then headed to see the Berlin Victory Column, where at the top, a large golden goddess of Victoria sits.
We then made our way to Berlin Cathedral and walked the beautiful streets of the Mitte area, seeing the amazing museums, parks and palace whilst listening to classical music from the street entertainers.
Day 3
On Thursday we visited Checkpoint Charlie. The museum was fascinating and told us all about the lives of the people affected by the Berlin Wall and the history of the checkpoint. We then walked to Topographie des Terrors. This is a free museum telling the history of World War II and why the Berlin Wall was created. Outside a large part of the wall still stands, with explanations on how the wall was demolished.
After lunch we caught a train to visit the Story of Berlin, this was a fun and interactive museum which starts its tours in an underground nuclear bunker, before heading up to the main museum, which shows Berlin through the decades.
Day 4
On our final day we took a 40 minute train journey to Sachsenhausen concentration camp. This was a moving and emotional experience, showing the lives of the prisoners throughout World War II through recordings, pictures and artefacts. We only spent two hours here; however more time was needed.
We then started our train journey back to the airport to head home. There is so much to see and do in Berlin and we feel that this destination is ideal for groups.
