Going to spend New Years in Paris and then have 9 days to travel around. Thought of going to Berlin for about 6 days. I know its going to be cold but is Berlin worth it? Spent New Years in Munich last year and loved it! Was cold though. Does anybody have any thoughts on Berlin and what to do while there. Also, have read about traveling what is called the Romantic Road from Wurzburg all the way south to the Swiss border. Lots of castles and more of a old Germany experience. Anybody have a suggestion or experience on this trip either? Its either Germany or down to Provence and the south for 9 days. Help

Berlin is FANTASTIC!! There's so much history in that place from all eras. The city atmosphere is great, the museums superb and then there is the fact that almost at every corner there is a story to be told. It's a big city so you could spend days and days exploring it. <BR><BR>It's also a fun city.<BR><BR>Will you be driving the romantic road? You might want to check the opening times for the castles. I think they are high tourist attractions so they probably will still be opened. There is some maintenance currently being done on Neuschwanstein. I think you can expect there to be snow on the road. <BR><BR>The good thing about doing it about that time is that the christmas decorations may still be up. On the downside, it will be dark rather quickly so there is only so much view you can see. <BR><BR>Good luck.<BR><BR>-brownie.<BR><BR><BR>

ttt

to the top!

to the top!

I go to Berlin repeatedly: always something new. Websites to tell you what you can see are these<BR>http://www.euraide.de/insidetrack.html<BR>http://www.berlin.de/home/English<BR>U-Bahn (metro) map: http://www.reed.edu/~reyn/transport.html#maps<BR>Events lists: http://www.BerlinOnline.de/kultur/tip_magazin/kalender/.<BR><BR>If you have a specific interest please tell me, and I shall gladly see what I can advise. Also, I know a very pleasant cheap hotyel.<BR><BR>Ben Haines, London

I've always wanted to revist Berlin.<BR><BR>Had a great time there on a weekend pass while in the military in the 50's.<BR><BR>This was a couple of years before the wall went up and the city was divided into the British, French, Russian and American zones.<BR><BR>Took a tour to the Russian sector via Checkpoint Charlie and was struck by the contrast between West Berlin's rebuilding and glitzy Kurfurstendom and East Berlin communist sector where very little had been done to remove the rubble and ruin from WWII bombings. Of course all of that has changed over the years and Berlin is probably as great as ever.<BR><BR>Had lots of fun in Berlin great restaurants, caberets, friendly people. <BR><BR>Berlin was a fascinating place. <BR>Gotta get back someday. <BR><BR>I know you'll like it.<BR><BR>

Berlin without a question. There are more indoor and evening things to do. Touring the countryside and samll towns in mid-winter can turn out to be dreary experience, particularly if the weather is dismal. Provincial towns tend to have much less to offer in terms of inddor or evening activities.

topping for ryan

topping for ryan

Ben Haines,<BR><BR>I would appreciate having your Berlin hotel recommendations. My son and I will be there over New Years.

For Pam: Sorry: it is just one place, the Hotel Crystal, Kantstra&szlig;e 144, 10623 Berlin, Tel. 312 90 47, 312 90 48; Fax 312 64 65. It is 200 yards from the S-Bahn station Savignystra&szlig;e, one stop from Zoo station. The staff all speak fluent English and delight to advise you on what is on and what to see. Breakfast is included in the price, something like 80 euros for a double.<BR><BR>Websites include www.net4.com/berlin-hotels/crystal.html <BR>berlin.realhotels.com/berlin-hotels/ 100066-Hotel-Crystal.htm<BR>berlin.hotelguide.net/data/h100066.htm <BR>and Google will show you others.<BR><BR>Please write again if I can help further<BR><BR>Ben Haines