Berlin Beckons this Xmas!

In many ways Berlin is the least German of the big German cities. You won't see picture postcard town houses, quaint cobbled streets, strapping men in lederhosen drinking huge jugs of beer and slapping their thighs. Rather Berlin is a modern cosmopolitan city, with a vibrant contemporary culture and nightlife scene. Here dilapidated buildings are reincarnated as avant garde art museums, wastelands are turned into funky beach bars and old power stations hide vast techno clubs... Is Berlin beckoning yet?

A BERLIN TASTER...

Since reunification in 1990, Berlin has evolved into a dynamic, modern and creative city with fantastic culture, clubs, pubs and eateries and attracts a huge amount of tourists to its city year on year.

Berlin is the heart of modern Germany, with a population of 3.4 million, full of grand public buildings, glorious museums and theatres, urbane restaurants, bustling pubs and raucous nightclubs. It's a city that thrives on change and that has made a virtue out of reinventing itself.

Berlin's architecture, culture and fashion reflect the city's charismatic flair. The pioneering spirit of this work in progress is a constant source of inspiration for artists, resulting in innovative and varied designs. The dazzling creativity of the city's designers, fashion moguls, photographers, architects and musicians prompted UNESCO to designate Berlin the first German City of Design!

Berlin always has its own ‘live for the moment’ atmosphere in the run up to Christmas and GOBUS will take you right into the heart of things where you can experience the flair of these exciting city market and browse for traditional gifts and Christmas decorations, as well as unique jewellery and artwork.

For the party-goer Berlin's pubs and bars really hit the spot! With more than 212 types of local beer on offer, there's always plenty of stein clanking and ye ol Christmas Cheer!

ACCOMMODATION

In Berlin we use quality hostel accommodation which includes breakfast daily. This uses mixed multi-share rooms.

If you would prefer to stay in a private room we offer upgrades. There are a limited amount of rooms, if you book online, someone will contact you to confirm if this is available

Upgrade to Twin Share - USD $99 per person based on twin share

6 DAYS CHRISTMAS IN BERLIN - USD $559

TUESDAY 23rd December 2008:

Make your way to our Hostel for check in after 3pm. You can meet your tour representatives and other travellers, later let's get together and check out the infamous Berlin night life… Welcome to Berlin!

WEDNESDAY 24th December:

Christmas Eve in Germany is generally considered the most enjoyable day of the Christmas holiday. Most shops and restaurants are closed by 2pm but the Christmas Markets are open so we will start the day by hitting one of the many fantastic Christmas Markets to find a little something special for Secret Santa gifts and to get us in the festive mood. After lunch we will join our local English speaking guide for a walking tour of Berlin. Our guided sightseeing tour will introduce the main highlights, including the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag and the old Berlin Wall.

Tonight the group will come together at the hostel bar for some Christmas Eve warm up drinks and then hit the clubs for an all-important Christmas Eve Party Night!

THURSDAY 25th December:

Merry Christmas! Today is a free day to enjoy the city or just chill out in the our brilliant hostel. The Xmas markets are open as well as lots of shops, theatres and of course bars and clubs! This evening we will join together again for a traditional German Christmas dinner including Glühwein [traditional hot German Christmas wine with spices]! Celebrate with your new friends and cross your fingers for snow!

FRIDAY 26th/saturday 27th December:

These are free days for you to further investigate this awesome city! Your tour leaders will be on hand each morning to assist with any directions you may need and will be heading some excursions themselves. A visit to the Reichstag is a must for the fabulous city views, especially at night! Perhaps go to the Holocaust Museum & Memorial; build snowmen in Tiergarten – Berlin’s biggest park; go through the Checkpoint Charlie Museum; or do a bit of shopping on the famous Friedrichstrausse & Unter den Linden by Brandenburg Gate.

Tonight, we head out on the town. Berlin wins thumbs up for bars, clubs, restaurants and nightlife!

sunday 28th December

Tour ends after breakfast.

ESSENTIAL INFO

Two weeks before departure, a festival fact file filled with tips, tricks and info, will be available for you to download online, be sure to know before you go!