Starting your cycling in Germany's wealthiest city, Hamburg, whose slogan is "gateway to the world" is sure to delight! You'll meander along the Elbe River to important trading towns of the Hanseatic League which from 1400-1800 dominated the trade routes and economies of the Baltic countries. Pedal through rural countryside to reach Lüneburg, while we finish up the tour at the Prussian kings' summer resort (Potsdam). The grand finalé is the bicycle ride into Berlin.
* We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the private room charge. This charge will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available it will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour.
** For information about what your tour status means please see our FAQ page.
Guided tour of Hamburg, Luneburg saltwater pools and nature reserve, Iron Curtain, Overnight at the Castle of Lenzen, Hanseatic League Cities, Water - birds abound, Potsdam - Sanssouci Palace and Park, Berlin
Keep in Mind: We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
We use charming and modern hotels but A/C or fans may not always be available since they haven't been needed traditionally. Read more on the use of air conditioning in Europe here.
Separated twin beds are rare in many places instead there will be two mattresses together that sit on the same base.
Includes
8 days, 7 nights' accommodation; meals as noted in itinerary; guided tours of Hamburg and Berlin; and the usual (see below).
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic Tour Style page.
Highlights: Free and Hanseatic City, "Gateway to the world"
"The gateway to the world" might be a bold claim, but Germany's second-largest city and largest port (despite being on a river and 100 km from the coast) has never been shy. Hamburg has engaged in business with the world ever since it joined the Hanseatic League back in the Middle Ages, and this "harbourpolis" is now the nation's premier media hub and its wealthiest city. We'll enjoy a special welcome dinner tonight.
Highlights: Guided harbor cruise of the Hamburg Port
Enjoy a harbor cruise this morning and some free time to visit some of the local attractions like the impressive Rathaus (city hall) or one of the museums in the newly popular warehouse district. Or perhaps you'd like some shopping in the main streets around the train station, or a stroll along the Alster River and harbor to see the bustle.
Highlights: Storybook German brick gothic town Lüneburg, town hall
Take a ferry out of Daily Hamburg and find yourself transported to another world - the "Alte Land" a rural paradise famous for its orchards. As the landscape changes we'll ride through the Lüneburg Heath, a nature reserve, on our way to Lüneburg town whose prosperity for centuries came from its salt. The town sat upon a massive salt dome which was mined, sold/traded throughout Northern Europe. Though salt is no longer the primary economic driver, Lüneburg has more than that going for it. For instance our hotel is the location for the German TV series, "Red Roses". Stroll around and enjoy this fairy tale setting.
DAY 4: Lüneburg to Hitzacker and shuttle to Tangermünde
Highlights: Elbe River, Iron Curtain, Baroque gardens at our lodging
Today’s ride follows the Elbe river along a natural area of the Lower Saxony Elbtalaue. With such a picturesque landscape it's difficult to imagine that you are traveling along the Iron Curtain. We'll regather in Hitzacker and take a 1.45-hour shuttle to the final destination of the day, Tangermünde. Our hotel for the night is the former residence of the emperor of Tangermünde, the castle’s unforgettable charm casts a spell on all who visit. Enjoy the pool or spa this afternoon.
You will continue riding along the Elbe valley, a paradise for bird watchers because its extensive alluvial flats offer perfect conditions for a wide variety of birds. After crossing the Elbe by ferry we will be heading toward the next river, the Havel. Actually, it is more of a series of lakes rather than a river that you will be following as you enter the town of Brandenburg.
Highlights: Havel River Bike Path, Sanssouci Palace and Park
Today you will follow bike paths along the Havel River to the final destination for the day, Potsdam. This was the royal residence for Prussian kings and the German Kaiser until 1918. The palace's name Sans Souci, translates to "without concerns". King Frederick set-up his summer residence here in the 18th century to relax and escape the spectacle of the Berlin court. You'll pedal through the city’s impressive park itself to reach our hotel in the center of town. Take the rest of the day to enjoy the town, its many palaces, and parks.
Highlights: Cycle to our final destination: Unified Berlin
Today we cycle to our final destination and Germany’s largest city, Berlin. Our route will take us across the bridge of spies, through the Grunewald, past the Olympia Stadium of 1936, and along bike paths to the Victory Column, through the Tiergarten Park to the Brandenburg Gate and back on bike paths to the Reichstag!
Your cycling adventure is complete, but we will spend our last morning together with a guided visit through the city. Once we finish our tour back at the hotel at around 1 p.m., we hope you have a bit more time to spend in one of Europe's most cosmopolitan cities. It offers a little of everything for its many visitors -- Happy travels!
If you must depart, we recommend you book your home bound flight for the next day as most international flights leave in the morning.
Meeting time 6:00 p.m. - on Day 1, meet your fellow cyclists and Tour Leaders at the Day 1 Hotel specified on the itinerary.
Note:
As you are planning, remember that the hotels listed in our itineraries are our primary hotels and are - in rare cases - subject to change. Before you make arrangements, check with us if your tour departure is guaranteed. If your tour departure is out further than 6 months, please also check with us as there might be slight changes to the itinerary.
The below information will help you plan your arrival. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio. The fare and timing information listed below is approximate.
We recommend flying into the Hamburg Airport (HAM).
From the Hamburg Airport to the Day 1 hotel
Taxi (20 min/EUR 25)
Take commuter train S1 (bound for Ohlsdorf) to the Hauptbahnhof (central station) (25 min/EUR 3.50) and Walk 7 min
Day 8: Departure Information
Berlin
Your trip ends on the final day after the city tour around 1 p.m. back at the hotel.
We recommend you plan your homebound flight for the next day
The below information will help you plan your departure. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio.
Your closest departure airport is Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER).
There is a variety of options available to get to the airport, and you should check how long your chosen option takes as the trip length can vary from 1 to 1.5 hours total. You may check the public transit BVG website or ask the hotel about departing.
From the ending hotel to the BER Airport
Taxi (30min/EUR 50)
or
Public transportation:
Walk or take a taxi to Alexanderplatz (10 min/EUR 10)
Regional trains RE7, RB14 and other lines (25 min/EUR 4).
Note: Many ticket-machines are cash only. Remember to validate your ticket at one of the red boxes on the platform. Not all stations have escalators, so you might prefer a taxi.
Keep in Mind
We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
We use charming and modern hotels but A/C or fans may not always be available since they haven't been needed traditionally. Read more on the use of air conditioning in Europe here.
Separated twin beds are rare in many places instead there will be two mattresses together that sit on the same base.
Pre-Trip Planning Checklist
To Do Today!
Read through your Reservation Confirmation Email, it has important information to help you plan your trip!
Check the date on your passport. The expiration date should extend three months past your date of return to your home country
Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed. As you make your plans refer to the Getting To and Away sent to you in your booking confirmation email it provides meeting times and the starting and ending hotels and shuttle information when applicable.
Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights. Please refer to the Getting To and Away sheet you received in your Reservation Confirmation Email.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Deposit Payment Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail you have received for detailed instructions.
6 Weeks–2 Weeks Prior to Departure
Start reading one of the books or watching one of the movies from our Suggested Reading and Movie List which you'll find on the country page linked from the www.experienceplus.com/travelinfo page.
What was your favorite experience on this trip? Arrows, bike paths, arrows, meals, arrows!
Special, unreal, an experience not to be missed. Great adventure, an unreal experience.
Phillip R., Beverly Hills, NSW - August 2017
This entire trip far exceeded my expectations. The guides were fantastic in every way, and made the trip absolutely seamless and stress-free. I am hooked.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Rolling Hills
Rolling hills featuring multiple gentle slopes (average grade of 3-4%) usually less than 3 km (2 miles). There may also be an occasional shorter (less than 2 km -1 mile) but steeper climb. Or a longer climb where the average grade is less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Tour Levels
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Rolling hills
Hilly
Very hilly
Mountainous
Cycling Copenhagen to Hamburg
Cycling Copenhagen to Berlin
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