Berlin to Paris: A Tale of Two Capital Cities

7 Day Tour of Berlin and Paris

Overview
Trip Map
Itinerary
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A cyclist passes the Reichstag building in Berlin

7 Days 6 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

Cultural Exploration

History Buffs

Get intimately acquainted with two of Europe's most captivating cities—Berlin & Paris. Begin your adventure in Berlin, a city steeped in history and vibrant modernity. Discover its imperial and WWII history, cruise the River Spree, visit Museum Island, and touch the Berlin Wall. Then, transition to Paris, where you'll explore its timeless elegance, from the iconic Eiffel Tower to the historic Île de la Cité. Enjoy a private guided walking tour, savor French cuisine, and take an evening cruise along the Seine River. This meticulously crafted itinerary provides detailed travel guidance through our mobile app, ensuring a stress-free trip.

Explore the historic Berlin Cathedral and the remnants of the Berlin Wall.
Revisit the Cold War at the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall, & Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin.
Enjoy scenic river cruises in both cities.
Ascend the Eiffel Tower for breathtaking views of Paris.
Stroll through the Tuileries Garden and see the Impressionist masterpieces in the Musee d'Orsay.

Explore the historic Berlin Cathedral and the remnants of the Berlin Wall.
Revisit the Cold War at the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall, & Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin.
Enjoy scenic river cruises in both cities.
Ascend the Eiffel Tower for breathtaking views of Paris.
Stroll through the Tuileries Garden and see the Impressionist masterpieces in the Musee d'Orsay.

The Brandenburg Gate

Historic Landmarks

The Berlin Wall

Historic Landmarks

Checkpoint Charlie

European History

The Reichstag

Architecture

Eiffel Tower

Historic Landmarks

Louvre Museum

Museums & Galleries

Arc de Triomphe

Architecture

Les Invalides

Museums & Galleries

Montmartre

Cultural

Must see sights

The Brandenburg Gate

Historic Landmarks

The Berlin Wall

Historic Landmarks

Checkpoint Charlie

European History

The Reichstag

Architecture

Eiffel Tower

Historic Landmarks

Louvre Museum

Museums & Galleries

Arc de Triomphe

Architecture

Les Invalides

Museums & Galleries

Montmartre

Cultural

Starting from

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per person

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Berlin

Day 1

Arrive Berlin

To Be Determined

Airport Transfer by Taxi or Train

Flying into Berlin you will arrive in the brand new Berlin Brandenburg Airport to the south of the city. Taxis are available at the airport, or you can arrange a private transfer for added convenience. The cheapest and fastest way to reach central Berlin is by train. The Airport Express train delivers you to Berlin's main station (Hauptbahnhof) in the center of the city, from where you can easily hail a taxi.

Day 1

Arrive Berlin

To Be Determined:

Airport Transfer

Afternoon/Late Afternoon:

Iconic Berlin

Early Evening/Evening:

River Cruise

Day 1

Arrive Berlin

Day 1

Arrive Berlin

To Be Determined

Airport Transfer by Taxi or Train

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Berlin's Most Iconic Sights

Many of Berlin’s most iconic symbols are found within a short walk of each other. Most famous of all is the Brandenburg Gate. First built as a symbol of peace, it became a symbol of division during the Cold War. A few steps away stands the Reichstag, which was destroyed in the climax of World War II but which has been beautifully rebuilt with a glass dome. Meanwhile, the modernistic Sony Center also symbolizes a revitalized and rebuilt Berlin. Also close by is the sobering Holocaust Memorial, with its more than 2700 concrete slabs creating an ominous impression of loss. Just beyond it is another reminder of Germany's darkest period - the site of Hitler's bunker during the seige of Berlin.

Early Evening/Evening

Cruise on the River Spree

The Spree is a 250 mile long river that flows through the German states of Saxony and Brandenburg. But it’s best known for its final stretch where it drifts through the city center of Berlin, flowing under more bridges than in Venice and passing the Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom), the Reichstag and the Charlottenburg chateau. Taking a cruise, whether for an hour or half the day, offers a wonderful way to see the city in a relaxed manner.

Day 2

Berlin

Day 2

Berlin

Day 2

Berlin

Day 2

Berlin

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Highlights of Berlin Guided Walking Tour

On this 3 hour tour, your guide will show you the highlights of Berlin and help you understand what makes this city so unique. Sites visited will include the boulevard Unter den Linden, the Gendarmenmarkt, Check Point Charlie, remnants of the Berlin Wall, Potsdamer Platz, the Holocaust Memorial, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Reichstag.

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon

Explore the Museum Island

This island in the River Spree is home to five world-renowned museums, which could easily fill up a whole trip just by themselves. The island is covered in trees and green lawns, while the classically-inspired architecture of the museums can be enjoyed without even stepping inside. Unfortunately, the biggest star of the island, the Pergamon Museum, with its wholly reconstructed ancient buildings, is closed until 2026 for renovations. However, you can still visit a massive 360-panorama depicting the ancient city of Pergamon, and there's still more museums to visit than you could possibly fit in. Also to be found on and around Museum Island are the majestic Berliner Dom cathedral and the huge Berlin Palace.

Late Afternoon to Evening

The TV Tower and Berlin's East German & Medieval Legacies

The Television Tower and its surroundings in Alexanderplatz are Berlin's main architectural monument to the former East Germany. Despite the high-rent stores and offices that now fill the buildings, you can still detect quite a bit of that old communist character. Somewhat ironically, you'll find the medieval Nikolaiviertel, the oldest residential area of Berlin, just a few steps away. You'll also find nearby the Marienkirche (Berlin's oldest parish church), the displaced Neptune Fountain, the Red Town Hall, statues of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, and the massive Loxx model railway that even non-model train enthusiasts will gasp at.

Day 3

Berlin

Day 3

Berlin

Day 3

Berlin

Day 3

Berlin

Morning

Wander the Tiergarten and Climb the Victory Column

Once the hunting ground of the Prussian kings, the Tiergarten is Berlin’s most famous and expansive park. It is a wonderful escape from urban stress located in the very center of the city. You will discover beautiful forests, fields, and ponds, all easily reached through an extensive and well maintained network of trails. Some of Berlin's favorite beer gardens are also located in the park.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Stroll the Kurfürstendamm in West Berlin

In the 1920's the elegant, tree-line boulevard known as the Kurfürstendamm was the center of Berlin's nightlife and leisure scene, attracting writers, film stars, and artists. WWII left it in ruins, and today at the end of the boulevard you'll discover a chilling reminder of that destruction: the purposefully unrecontructed remains of the Memorial Church. During the Cold War, the Kurfürstendamm and its surroundings were central to West Berlin's revitalized identity. This was perhaps best symbolized by the famous KaDeWe, the gigantic department store which served as a symbol of market capitalism lodged in the heart of the Iron Curtain.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Checkpoint Charlie and the Jewish Museum

The best-known Berlin Wall crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War, Checkpoint Charlie was the main gateway between the two Berlins for most non-Germans. Next to it is the Mauermuseum recounting the history of the Berlin Wall, while a few hundred yards away is the Topography of Terror depicting the history of the Nazi regime. Nearby, the Jewish Museum explores the fascinating history of Germany's Jewish heritage in a striking modern building - uneven floors, empty spaces, and sharp zig-zags reflect its turbulent experience in Germany.

Early Evening/Evening

The East Side Gallery & Hip Berlin: Kreuzberg-Friedrichshain

Kreuzberg was a rough, poor area in West Berlin until students, artists, and immigrants began moving there for the cheap rents. Over time it became Berlin’s most hip and happening district, filled with cafes, restaurants, and bars. After 1989, Friedrichshain, a grungy, working-class district just across the river in the former East Berlin, began to compete with Kreuzberg as Berlin's trendiest neighborhood. It's also home to the East Side Gallery, the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall.

Day 4

Berlin to Paris

Day 4

Berlin to Paris

Day 4

Berlin to Paris

Day 4

Berlin to Paris

To Be Determined

Transfer to Berlin Airport by Taxi or Train

The most affordable and fast way to reach Berlin Brandenburg airport is by train. The Airport Express train takes only 30 minutes and leaves directly from the main station in central Berlin (Berlin Hbf). Regional and S-Bahn trains also depart from other locations in Berlin. Berlin taxis are generally reliable and honest, so you may wish to take a taxi or Uber, although this is more expensive than the train and puts you at the mercy of traffic. You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about 3 hours before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with about two hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen to thirty minutes.

To Be Determined

Flight to Paris

You can fly directly from Berlin to Paris, as there are numerous direct connections on a daily basis for this approximately 2-hour flight. Both Germany and France are part of the European Union's internal visa-free Schengen Area, so you won't need to undergo any immigration or customs control when flying between the two countries.

To Be Determined

Arrival in Paris Airport & Transfer by Taxi

Upon arrival at one of Paris's Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airports, it's fairly easy to catch a taxi from outside the main terminal building to your hotel. This is cheaper than a pre-arranged private transfer, although that option is also available if you wish - just ask your consultant. Parisien taxi drivers are generally reliable and honest, but we will provide you with instructions on how to avoid possible scammers and charlatans. If you want to save money, and often quite a lot of time as well, we will also give you alternative instructions on taking public transport into the city center. Details are contained in the full itinerary and mobile app available to our travelers. If on the other hand, you are arriving at Paris's third airport, Beauvais Airport (BVA), then you should always take the shuttle bus. The taxi fare might cost more than the flight - it's nearly 50 miles (75km) outside the city.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

A Jaunt Through the Tuileries Garden & Nearby Art Museums

Stroll in the Tuileries and attend one of the nearby museums, a classic way to spend your free hours in Paris. Originally cultivated in 1564 as the grounds for the Tuileries Palace, the gardens are the oldest in Paris. Its succession of royal owners ended and the garden became a public park in the 19th century; Parisians congregated to relax and socialize beside the fountains and leafy horse chestnut trees - they still do today. The Musée de l'Orangerie, in the Western corner of the gardens, exhibits many Impressionist and 20th-century artworks, including Claude Monet’s famous water lilies.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Invade the Hôtel des Invalides

The Eglise du Dome Church close to the Eiffel Tower is where you observe the gilded tomb of the historic French General and Emperor, Napoleon, but his bones are just a miniscule part of the gigantic Hôtel des Invalides housing the French National Army Museum. Spend some time learning about French warfare from the earliest times to the wax and wane of the Napoloenic Wars and on to the modern French army and a new section dedicated to the life of General Charles de Gaulle.

Day 5

Paris

Day 5

Paris

Day 5

Paris

Day 5

Paris

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Private Guided Walking Tour of the Center of Paris

Embark on a captivating 4-hour walking tour of the center of Paris, the City of Lights, where history and modernity blend seamlessly along its enchanting streets. Starting from your accommodation, you will explore the heart of this dynamic city and learn how to navigate Paris as a local.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Tour Paris' Heart, the Île de la Cité

Discover the origins of Paris on the Ile de la Cité, it's glorious heart. The original settlement from which Paris grew overwhelms with the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Revolutionary history of the Conciergerie, the numinous kaleidoscope of Sainte-Chapelle's stained glass, and a plethora of other interesting sights. This island is a captivating blend of Parisian history and beauty, offering unforgettable experiences at every turn. A visit here traverses the river Seine and centuries, perfect for capturing the spirit of Paris.

Early Evening/Evening

The Eiffel Tower From Above and Below

Maybe the most recognized landmark in the world, the Eiffel Tower never fails to impress and inspire. Its elegance has always drawn crowds, and it demands a little logistical planning in order to expedite the security checks and avoid the crowds. We'll provide you with very detailed information on how to do this in the Full Itinerary, along with how to purchase tickets to speed up your visit. Let your consultant know if you wish to have your Eiffel Tower tickets purchased for you - they require a very specific time slot. We will also provide you with information on the other grand sights to visit nearby, including the famous Museum of Man across the river at Trocadero, and the Quai Branly Museum.

Day 6

Paris

Day 6

Paris

Day 6

Paris

Day 6

Paris

Early Morning to Afternoon

Grand & Grand Gardeners, Visiting the Palace of Versailles

The Château of Versailles, a symbol of the grandeur of French monarchy, invites visitors to explore its lavish history and architectural majesty. From the spellbinding elegance of the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, to the vast, meticulously manicured Gardens the pinnacle of French garden design, every corner tells a story of opulence and power. Discover the intimate escapes of royalty at the Grand and Petit Trianon, and marvel at the divine beauty of the Royal Chapel, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Coffee, Paint, & Bones: A Tour of Montparnasse

Montparnasse grew in esthetic stature in the earlier 20th century, as artists congregated their for inexpensive living close to the center of Paris. Vestiges of this bohemian era remain, lively cafes and restaurants allude to painterly luminaries like Alphonse Mucha and Paul Gauguin. As interesting as their lives were, as busy as the neighborhood is, still more dramatic is what lies under Monparnasse: the Paris Catacombs, the final resting place of over 6 million Parisians dating back centuries.

Early Evening

Cruising Along the Seine's Waters

Embark on an enchanting Seine River Boat Cruise that offers an unparalleled view of the City of Light. Glide past iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre, all while basking in Paris' famed romantic ambiance. Whether you choose a daytime voyage to admire the city in its full glory or a nighttime excursion to see Paris illuminated against the night sky, a Seine River Boat Cruise is an unforgettable highlight that offers a new perspective on the timeless beauty of Paris.

Evening/Late Evening

Survey the Lights from the Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile is an enduring icon of Paris and offers a spectacular view across the city. In fact, some people say the best view of Paris is from the Arc de Triomphe, as the sweeping vista found at the top includes the Eiffel Tower. 'De l'Étoile' or 'star' refers to the junction on which the Arc de Triomphe stands. This is the meeting point of 12 straight avenues including the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, famous for its theatres, cafés, and luxury shops, and the inspiration for the catchy, eponymous song by Joe Dassin. Although this area of Paris bustles with shoppers, tourists, and commercial enterprises there is still much to explore, see, and do here, and some secret places to be found away from the crowds.

Day 7

Depart Paris

Day 7

Depart Paris

Day 7

Depart Paris

Day 7

Depart Paris

To Be Determined

Airport Dropoff by Taxi

Paris taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up about 3.5 hours before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with a little over two hours to spare. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen minutes or so. There are also alternative transport instructions for buses and trains in the Full Itinerary if wish you save on the taxi fare. line-holder NOTE : If you're leaving from Beauvais Airport you should definitely take a shuttle bus because it's 75km/46.6mi from the city center.

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Berlin to Paris: A Tale of Two Capital Cities

7 Day Tour of Berlin and Paris

$0

Secure Your Customizable Trip Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.

Trip Map & Itinerary

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Airport Transfer by Taxi or Train

Secure Your Customizable Trip
Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary
Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.