A ten day detailed travel itinerary with full cost breakdown. Starting in Berlin this itinerary traces the transformation of Europe since the end of the cold war.
Why are we taking this trip?
Like all our itineraries we are starting with the question Why?
For the purposes of this itinerary, I have imagined a couple from New York. He studied history and after writng a paper on “The transformation of Europe since the fall of the Berlin wall and the velvet revolution” and has been dreaming of visiting ever since. She loves vibrant cities, castles and palaces. Neither of them are particularly interested in art or gastronomic meals, but they both love beer, good food and comfortable surroundings.
How much do we have to spend of this trip?
This couple have a $10k budget for this trip which needs to include flights, accommodation, food and spending money.
When will this trip take place?
There is no fixed time for this trip, but avoiding the busiest times in Europe would be preferable. It would be nice to have some reasonable weather too. They would like to spend 10 days traveling.
Planning our European trip
It seems pretty clear that the starting point for this trip should be Berlin. It is the city with the most links to our WHY?. The Velvet revolution took place in Czechoslovakia in 1989 so Prague would seem a sensible place to visit. In terms of transformation Dresden fits the bill nicely having been rebuilt since reunification after having been almost totally detroyed by allied bombing in 1945.
Avoiding crowds means skipping July and August, but September still has good weather so would be a great time to travel to central Europe.
A ten day trip, with three cities is ideal so there is no need to look any further. As I explained in Find your when its best to fit in not mor that 3 destinations for a 10 day trip.
What to see and do in our Europe trip ?
What to see in Berlin
- Berlin wall
- Checkpoint Charlie
- Soviet War Memorial Tiergarten
- Topography of Terror
- Tränenpalast
- Reichstag Building
- Tecknical museum
- Berliner Fernsehturn (TV Tower)
- Charlottenburg Palace
What to see in Dresden
- Militärhistorisches Military History Museum
- Dresden Castle & Green Vault
- Altmarkt & Neumarkt
- Brühl’s Terrace
What to see in Prague
- Museum of Communism
- Velvet Revolution memorial
- Prague castle
Hotel Choices
These choices are totally independant with no affiliation. The prices are for a couple and in general I haven’t chosen the most basic room.
Hotel in Berlin
There are so many really good hotels in Berlin it is difficult to choose. For a first hotel in Europe I like to start with a central location, where there is something to see on the doorstep. In Berlin the obvious place to look was the Alexanderplatz. Named after a visit from the Russian Tsar in 1805 this square became a central point for the city of Berlin. It experienced it’s hayday in the early part of the 20th century, when shiny new departments stores were opened and the first German caberet started. Destroyed during the second world war by the red army it was rebuilt in the 1960’s and made pedestrian. It saw the largest protest in Germany in 1989 before the fall of the Berlin wall which makes it the perfect place to start this tour.
The best hotel in the area is the Classik Hotel Alexander Plaza a historic listed building in the Mitte district. Built Art Deco style with masses of natural light it is recommended for its large comfy beds and helpful staff. A premium double room for these dates, including breakfast is 322€ per night.
Hotel in Dresden
The rebuilding of Dresden hit a high point in 2005 with the concecration of the Frauenkirche bringing new life into the Neumarkt which was slowly being rebuilt to its Baroque splendor, which a bit of modernity thrown in. The Steigenberger hotel de saxe is right on the Neumarkt allowing you to watch the hustle and bustle of the square from your terrace. It also happens to do a very good breakfast. A premuim room including breakfast for these dates is 248€ per night including breakfast.
Hotel in Prague
In Prague location is everything. You want to be as central as possible whilst avoiding noise from the bars at night. The Maximilian hotel is the perfect choice, with its spacious well decorated rooms it is on a quiet street while still being in the centre of everything. A superior room will cost 240€ per night including breakfast.
Our 10 day Europe Itinerary
Now we have all that together it is time to detail our 10 day itinerary to Europe, starting in Berlin and finishing in Prague. Note that the walking tours mentioned are an affiliate link to Get your Guide. This is a German site aimed at linking local guides with travellers.
Sunday 7th September
Fly into Berlin on direct flight from JFK (Delta) Land at 7:25
Once through immegration take a (pre booked) taxi to the Classik Hotel Alexander Plaza
9:30am drop the bags off at the hotel, stopping for a coffee, before heading out to the Alexanderplatz.
Take some time to wander an familiar yourself with Berlin.
Go up the Berliner Fernsehturn (TV Tower) (pre book tickets)
Berlin is famous for its currywurst, a type of street food consisting of sausages covered in curry ketchup. The best place to try these in the area is berlin currys https://www.berlincurrys.de/
Walk towards Karl-Marx-Allee to discover the showcase of the communist regime in East Berlin. It’s a very interesting street that really gives you an idea of the context of the former socialist DDR before the fall of the Wall in 1989. The architecture is completely typical, with massive neo classical style buildings.
Back to the hotel for a rest before an early dinner at Schlögl’s – Altberliner Gaststätte Although this restaurant is central it serves good authentic German food for reasonable prices and is great place to get into the German vibe. Reservations aren’t possible, but early on a Sunday evening should cause no problems. (as a side note always check restaurant opening hours on Sundays as many restaurants accross Europe close for the day)
Monday 8th September
10am One of the best ways to get to know a city is with a walking tour by a local guide. Given the interest in the fall of the Berlin wall this Third Reich and Cold War 2 Hour Walking Tour fits the bill perfectly, taking in the Berlin wall, Checkpoint Charlie, Soviet War Memorial, Tiergarten and the Topography of Terror. Checking off a lot of things on our list. I don’t recommend the museum at checkpoint charlie however. The Palace of Tears (Tränenpalast) museum is much better.
12 noon From the end of the walk at checkpoint Charlie head to lunch at Maximilians which offers a great selection of beers, a typical Bavarian wooden decor and has outside seating if the weather is good enough.
After lunch take the 15 minute walk to Palace of Tears (Tränenpalast). This is an excellent free museum at a former border crossing where families were separated.
Another 15 minute walk takes us to the Deutsches Historisches Museum which holds an excellent exhibit “Roads not taken” Starting from key dates in German history, it takes a look back at decisive historical events of the 19th and 20th centuries. It brings actual turning points face to face with what might have happened if it were not for various factors.
A ten minute walk sees you back at the hotel.
Dinner tonight is at an iconic spot. Babylon Berlin meets raging disco at Clärchens Ballroom and Restaurant. Built in 1913, it remains the city’s last surviving ballroom from the era. While famed for its vintage evening dance fests, its latest refurb has turned it into a tribute to kitschy places from bygone days. The redcurrant sorbet is divine.
Tuesday 9th September
10am Time to look forward to the transformation of Germany and what better place to start than Reichstag Building – where you can tour the glass dome, symbolizing transparency in government. The building is free to visit but you do need to book ahead.
From here you can walk through Tiergarten to Potsdamer Platz . This was once a wasteland divided by the Wall, and is now a thriving business district.
The Panorama point Red building has Europes fastest lift and offers great views https://panoramapunkt.de/en/home-en/ from the top.
After which, and because part of being modern is shopping, go to the Shopping center nearby The Playce. https://www.potsdamerplatz.de/en/ There is a food hall on the basement level which is a great stopping point for lunch.
After lunch take the 10 minute walk to Tecknical museum Germany’s technical museum. Rockets, trains, aeroplanes, cars and computers, as well as interactive exhibits. It really has something for everyone. Warning, you could easily spend a day or more here!
After the museum a half hour walk takes you to the Bergmannkiez vibrant neighborhood shaped by reunification which is a great place to have a beer or two before heading back to the hotel.
For dinner this evening we are taking a taxi to Night Kitchen with Mediteranian style food this restaurant has a great atmosphere at nighttime. Casually chic with a nice outdoor eating area if weather is good. I recommend the fixed offer 75€ per person mezze style menu.
Wednesday 10th September
We mustn’t forget the Palaces aspect of this trip so today is dedicated to Charlottenburg Palace for glimpse into Berlin’s royal past. Somewhat unassuming from the outside the interiors are absolutely incredible with beautiful details especially on the ceilings.
Then on to Kurfürstendamm shopping area with a stop at Savignyplatz where there is a good choice of restaurants for lunch.
For dinner this evening we are heading to Zur letzten Instanz. Claiming to be the oldest restaurant in Berlin, with a cosy atmosphere you are served great food from local ingredients.
Thursday 11th September
It’s time to leave Berlin behind and head to Dresden.
With a relaxed start to the day we take the 10:26 train that gets us to Dresden at 12:08.
After dropping the bags at Steigenberger hotel de saxe we head to lunch around the corner at Augustiner where you are served beer with a smile.
After lunch grab a taxi (if you want to walk it will take about 45 minutes) to the Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr (Museum of Military History) this is a very large (and very good) museum covering military history over 4 floors. I recommend visiting the top floor with great views over Dresden and where you can find information about the 1945 bombing of Dresden. You could easily spend 3 or 4 hours at this museum and problably still won’t see it all.
7pm After checking into the hotel and having a rest we are going to dinner at Gaensedieb a charming restaurant with a cozy ambiance and delicious German cuisine featuring traditional recipes with a modern twist.
Friday 12th September
10am This morning we are talking a Walking tour to learn all about Dresden’s past and present. This guide is also happy to offer recommendations for restaurants and other things to see so we are going to take advantage of that for our lunch. One of the best things about these walking tours is you get the opportunity to talk to people who actually live in these cities and who are knowledgable about the area.
The castle is covered in the walking tour, but if you find you want to spend more time there you can head back this afternoon. The castle was almost burnt out during the bombing of Dresden in 1945 it wasn’t rebuilt until ater re-unification. Otherwise head to Brühl’s Terrace – A beautifully restored promenade along the Elbe River.
Dinner this evening is at the Loft restaurant and bar Meals here are of a Greek/Mediterranean flare, giving us a change from the sometimes heavy German offerings.
Saturday 13th September
Saturday is a great opportunity to visit some of the fantastic markets in Dresden. First head to Königstraße, a 20 minute walk from the hotel were you will find a weekly farmers market with regional produce, fruit and vegetables as well as other more exotic offerings.
Next cross back over the Elbe to stroll the 500 stalls at the popular Elbeflohmarkt. Take advantage of the food and drink on offer and eat by the riverbank.
After lunch a relaxing river cruise is the perfect way to round of our visit to Dresden. Its a great way to enjoy the views to the impressive castles that line the river including the Baroque Pillnitz Castle.
It’s Saturday night so tonight we are going to enjoy the nightlife of Dresden starting at Blondes (Louisenstraße 74). There are several other bars in the area for you to have a great beer tasting evening.
Sunday 14th September
After our night out we’ll need a slow morning with a great breakfast before catching the train at 11:10 to Prague. This arrives 13:23 at which point you should take a taxi to Maximilian hotel .
It will probably be still too early to check in so drop your bags and head out. You may want at this point to get some cash out, as Prague does not use Euros. Go to an ATM at a bank (ask at the hotel for the nearest one) and take out a small amount (you can use your cards for most things). Alternatively you can change any Euros you have left over at an offical Exchange centre. Do not accept any offers from people on the street, there are unfortunately numourous scams around.
2pm you are probably a little peckish now despite a big breakfast so grab a bite to eat at Sisters before heading into the old town.
A 6 minute walk will get you to the museum of comunism. A fantastic small excellently curated museum that is surprisingly uncrowded (unusual for Prague). It captures the Czech history under communism very well which fits in well with our theme.
Then walk to Wensleslas square, which was at the heart of the velvet revolution protests, and on to the velvet revolution memorial (sculpture)
7pm A short, 10 minute, walk from the hotel will take us to this evening’s restaurant U modré kachničky II It has a very unassuming street face but inside, it is all elegance and the food is exquisite. Beautiful decor and a pianist to add that je ne sais quoi to the evening. I highly recommend the roasted duck.
Monday 15th September
This morning we are taking another walking tour this time covering Prague’s UNESCO-listed Old Town and the Jewish Quarter, as well as the hidden 12th-century underground of the Town hall.
For lunch we are going to Kuchyň Restaurant Czech food, beer and the best view of Prague. The restaurant also has the advantage of being at the foot of Prague castle which is where we are headed this afternoon.
Prague castle is a breathtaking building! The architecture is stunning, and the whole complex is full of history and amazing views over the city. Walking up to the castle is half the fun. Its a great place to take photos.
Dinner is 15 minute taxi ride out of town to U Matěje but I think its worth it. It’s a great mix of traditional Czech and modern cuisine. You might need to reserve up to a month ahead.
Tuesday 16th September
9am Cross the river for a morning walk in Letná Park followed by a and a visit to the Technical museum Laid out in a pleasing chronological order, this museum is smaller than the one in Berlin but is nonetheless a large musuem. It covers a wide range of engineering and design important to Czech history, from across Europe and beyond. It is both captivating and instructional.
For lunch we are having something a little different. Curry Palace is the place for Indian and Bangladeshi food, and makes a perfect lunch stop after visiting the Museum.
For the final afternoon of our European trip I suggest wandering and taking in some last minute souvenir shopping. Orel and friends could be a good starting point whilst on this side of the river, alternatively head back over the river to Sklenka for some traditional Bohemian glassware.
For our last night in Prague we are eating at Porks. For our last meal we a heading here Its a simple informal spot with an old world vibe. And I don’t think our couple should leave prague without tasting beer icecream!
Wednesday 17th September
7:30am time to catch a taxi to the airport for our 11am flight to JFK. I don’t recommend leaving any later than this as the traffic can build up.
Itinerary Conclusion and cost
This ten day Iteinerary covering Berlin, Dresden and Prague has given us a great feel for life both before and after the fall of the Berlin wall and the Velvet revolution. It has also given us time to eat some great food, drink multiple beers and vist a few castles on the way.
But how much has it all cost?
The total cost of this ten day itinerary in Europe is 8282€. Which at today’s rate is $9276, comfortably under our couples $10k budget.
I have allowed a spending of 90€ per day for sundries such as ice-creams and souvenirs. I have not allowed a shopping budget over and above this. Beer (or wine) is assumed with every meal. Train travel is with the first class option where available.
Here is the breakdown of the costs for this 10 day trip to Europe, from Berlin, Dresden to Prague. As always a full detailed breakdown can be provided on request.
| CITY | ITEM | Cost € |
| Flights | 2223 | |
| BERLIN | Hotel | 1288 |
| Restaurants | 710 | |
| Admissions | 192 | |
| Transport | 65 | |
| Other | 360 | |
| DRESDEN | Hotel | 775 |
| Restaurants | 495 | |
| Admissions | 128 | |
| Transport | 120 | |
| Other | 270 | |
| PRAGUE | Hotel | 720 |
| Restaurants | 561 | |
| Admissions | 125 | |
| Transport | 145 | |
| Other | 180 | |
| Total cost | 8357 |