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21/11: Berlin
Just got back from a great break in Berlin. It was my first time to Berlin and, in fact, my first trip to Germany in more than ten years. Julie and I had a great time and learned a lot about the history. The city has certainly had more than its fair share.
We flew over on Ryanair from (Nottingham) East Midlands Airport. We had been recommended a hotel in Charlottenburg by some good friends of ours and I mentally switched off once it was booked. Normally, I read up in the Lonely Planet Guide and figure out what we'll try and see.
We landed on our feet though. We saw an advert for a Free Tour. We were a bit skeptical but thought that we'd give it a go on our first day. Anyhow, we were glad we did.
The page on their site that descibes their free Berlin tour is here.
Our guide Dave O'Kelly was excellent. He had a group of about 40 mostly young Inter Railers from all over the world. He was funny but at the same time sensitive, thought provoking and inspiring. The tour took almost four hours but it felt like two. The tour guides do not get paid for these free tours but rely on tips. Dave seemed to do fine and he deserved it all. He wrapped up his tour with the story of how the wall came down in 1989. He could have been on stage at the Edinburgh Festival and I wouldn't be at all surprised if the next time I see him it's on TV.
I thoroughly recommend this company if you fancy a tour of Berlin and I'd expect their other city tours (London, Munich and Amsterdam) to be worth going on too. I may even do the London tour myself when I'm next there despite having lived in London.
Author: Rob Wills Categories: Travel
1. Wolfgang Fischer wrote:
came along after your great donation for bens MAC (from vowe) and found what I need but didn't searched... a good guided tour you can recommend ... I don't need that often (OK, don't live there and would prefer a german on for my family).
I like to hear that british people are coming more to germany after ryan air has established a affordable service. My sister often uses flies to scotland for a week or a long London weekend and she often gets even the cheapest tickets.
and finally nice blog with interesting posts ... must get some sleep now.
2. Rob Wills wrote:
Thanks for your kind comments.
That tour company also did tours in German and Spanish as well as English.
We had a great time in Berlin and decided that we want to try and visit all European capital cities. These cheap flights are doing nothing for my "carbon footprint"!
I also need to sleep but I am listening to cricket in Australia.