8 days in Cologne & Berlin Itinerary

Though Cologne famously contains 12 Romanesque churches, the city's top prize remains its landmark Gothic cathedral.

On the 10th (Mon), make a trip to Cologne Cathedral, look for gifts at Tonger - Haus der Musik, then look for gifts at Altstadt, and finally look for gifts at Heinemann Confiserie. Keep things going the next day: browse the eclectic array of goods at Koechemarkt Bad Neuenahr, take a stroll around Bundeskunsthalle, then contemplate the long history of Villa Hammerschmidt, and finally look for gifts at Kolner Weinkeller.

To find traveler tips, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Cologne day trip planner.

Manchester, UK to Cologne is an approximately 5-hour flight. You can also take a train; or do a combination of car and train. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Manchester to Cologne due to the time zone difference. In April, daily temperatures in Cologne can reach 17°C, while at night they dip to 4°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Wed) early enough to catch the flight to Berlin.

The country's capital and largest city, Berlin is a diverse urban center boasting a lively nightlife and countless things to do.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Die Hackeschen Hoefe and Rausch Schokoladenhaus. Pergamonmuseum and Kathe Kollwitz Museum will appeal to museum buffs. Step out of Berlin with an excursion to Spreewaldfahrt, Familie Goertz in Lubben--about 1h 20 min away. There's much more to do: see the interesting displays at Topography of Terror, wander the streets of Kurfurstendamm, don't miss a visit to Friedrichstrasse, and expand your horizons at Ritter Sport Bunte Schokowelt.

To see more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, refer to the Berlin journey planning website.

Fly from Cologne to Berlin in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Mon) to allow time to fly back home.