Hanseatic Cities: Cologne to Gdansk
- London to Cologne via Brussels
- The Hanseatic port city of Hamburg on the River Elbe
- Lovely Lübeck and Rostock with their UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Towns
- The Pommeranian port cities of Szczecin and Gdansk
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade your hotels
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- All rail journeys, in Standard Class
- Seat reservations where required
- 10 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Flight from Gdansk to London in Economy class
- Easy-to-follow travel documentation
- Despatch of tickets by email
- Proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruptions
Suggested Itinerary
Travel to Brussels with the Eurostar before making an easy connection onto the ICE service bound for Cologne. On arrival, stroll to your hotel – the MGallery Mondial am Dom (or similar) – conveniently located just moments from both the main station and the city’s striking Gothic cathedral. You’ll spend the night here.
After settling into your room, enjoy an unhurried evening at leisure. Wander through Cologne’s charming Old Town, where you can choose a cosy spot for dinner – perhaps one of the classic beer halls serving hearty local dishes and freshly poured Kölsch, the local beer.
Leave Cologne this morning on an ICE service which will take you directly to Hamburg. On arrival in Hamburg, check in for a 2-night stay at the Reichshof Hotel (or similar).
Enjoy a relaxed evening at leisure in Hamburg. Take a gentle stroll around the atmospheric Speicherstadt district or along the Binnenalster, before choosing a welcoming restaurant or waterside brasserie for dinner.
The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, as its officially known, is Germany’s second largest city after Berlin and the third largest port in Europe. It’s a cultural hub with a wide range of museums, galleries and concert venues – some of the smaller ones are famous for giving the Beatles their start in the early 1960s. The city’s rivers, streams and canals are criss-crossed by around 2,500 bridges – more than Amsterdam, Venice and London put together.
Once you’ve had your fill of Hamburg’s cultural highlights, there’s plenty of space to relax in the lovely Planten un Blumen park or you can sit back and enjoy the scenery on a boat cruise.
It’s a short journey today by regional train from Hamburg to Lübeck. Because you are travelling by regional train, you can choose to leave Hamburg whenever you like. On arrival in Lübeck, check in for an overnight stay at the Atlantic Hotel (or similar).
After settling into your hotel, enjoy a peaceful evening wandering the cobbled streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Perhaps stop at a cosy café or traditional restaurant to sample local specialities, including the city’s famous marzipan.
Spend a free morning in Hanseatic Lübeck, before returning to the station for a 2-hour journey north east to Rostock. You’ll be spending 2 nights here, at the Vienna House by Wyndham Sonne (or similar).
Enjoy a relaxed evening strolling through the historic city centre. You might choose a welcoming local restaurant for dinner or take a gentle walk down to the harbour to watch the sunset over the Warnow River.
Today, you’ll have time to discover Rostock’s maritime charm and Hanseatic heritage. Explore the brick-gothic architecture around the University Square, visit St. Mary’s Church with its impressive astronomical clock, or wander along the bustling harbour promenade. If you’d like to venture a little further, the seaside resort of Warnemünde is just a short tram ride away, offering sandy beaches and a picturesque lighthouse.
This morning, take a regional service across the Polish border to Güstrow. Change here onto a connecting train, arriving into Szczecin in time for a late lunch. Your overnight stay here is at the Hotel Zanek Centrum (or similar).
Szczecin is a major seaport, once an important member of the Hanseatic League. The city’s pretty Old Town features grand landmarks including the Pomeranian Dukes Castle and lovely Wały Chobrego, a raised embankment along the River Oder, dating back to 1902.
Check out of your hotel after breakfast today and return to the station for a direct train which will take you on a 240-mile journey around top of Poland, close to the coast en route to Gdansk. We would recommend bringing some food and drink with you for this journey in case there is none provided onboard.
On arrival into Gdansk in the late afternoon, check in for a 3-night stay at the Hanza Hotel (or similar). Enjoy a toast this evening to your overland journey from London to the Baltic Coast!
Spend two days exploring the historic and vibrant city of Gdańsk. Wander the colourful streets of the Old Town, admire the Long Market and Neptune Fountain, and visit St. Mary’s Church. Take in the atmosphere along the Motława River waterfront, with its cafés and terraces, and learn more about the city’s Hanseatic past at the Historical Museum.
On your second day, delve deeper into Gdańsk’s maritime and modern history. Perhaps pay a visit the European Solidarity Centre and the World War II Museum, stroll through the historic shipyards, or enjoy a boat trip along the river. In the evening, relax in the Old Town, perhaps dining in a traditional restaurant.
Your Hanseatic adventure comes to an end today as you head to Gdansk airport and fly back to London. We may also be able to arrange flights back to other UK airports. Please call us for details and prices.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Cologne
Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne MGallery by Sofitel is located right in the centre of Cologne, close to the famous cathedral and the main station. All of the modern bedrooms feature air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, minibar and satellite TV. The hotel also boasts a restaurant overlooking the cathedral, a sauna, a steam room and a fitness room.
Hamburg
Less than 200 metres from the Hauptbahnhof (main railway station), this Art Deco style hotel has everything you need for an overnight stay. A bar and restaurant is available on site and there are extensive leisure facilities, including a spa, sauna and fitness centre. The Binnenalster and city centre are a short stroll from the hotel.
