Berlin - Iconic and hidden gems.

27 Aug -1 Sept 2025

Hang out with like-minded people, make new friends and mingle with the locals. Join us on a trip to this unforgettable city.

Berlin is a dynamic and eclectic city, known for its rich history, cultural vibrancy, and modern edge. As the capital of Germany, it’s a place where the past and future coexist in striking ways. Berlin is a city shaped by significant historical events, especially the 20th century. It was at the heart of both World Wars, and its Cold War division into East and West Berlin left lasting marks on the city's architecture and culture. The Berlin Wall, which once physically and ideologically split the city, is now a symbol of resilience and unity. Some remnants of the Wall, like the East Side Gallery, are now open-air art exhibitions. Berlin’s mix of history, creativity, diversity, and progressive ideals makes it one of Europe’s most exciting and unique cities. It’s a place where old and new collide, and where freedom of expression and innovation are celebrated in every corner.

What we’ll cover, visit and photograph

Iconic sights - Brandenburg Gate

No trip to Berlin can be considered complete without viewing some of the city’s iconic places. One of these, which we will visit and photograph, is of course the Brandenburg Gate, an iconic neoclassical monument that once symbolised division and now represents unity.

Iconic Sights - The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, often referred to as the Holocaust Memorial, serves as a poignant tribute to the approximately six million Jews who were murdered during the Holocaust. It was designed by architect Peter Eisenman and engineer Buro Happold, and was completed in 2005.

Design and Structure

The memorial consists of 2,711 concrete slabs (or "stelae"), arranged in a grid pattern across a large site in the heart of Berlin, near the Brandenburg Gate. The slabs vary in height, with some rising just above ground level, while others tower above visitors. The uneven, undulating terrain gives the memorial a disorienting and contemplative atmosphere, encouraging personal reflection. The experience of walking through the memorial is meant to evoke a sense of loss and disorientation, symbolizing the emotional and physical absence created by the horrors of the Holocaust.

Concept and Meaning

Eisenman intentionally designed the memorial without any overt symbolism or explanatory text, allowing for multiple interpretations. The stark, minimalist design is intended to be open-ended, confronting visitors with the magnitude of the tragedy without attempting to explain it. Some view the memorial as representing the vast, incomprehensible loss, while others interpret the design as a symbol of the disturbing and fragmented nature of history.

We will be there to guide you creatively and technically as needed so you can realise your own photographic vision for capturing this deeply meaningful site.

Iconic Sights - Oberbaum Bridge

The Oberbaum Bridge (Oberbaumbrücke) is one of Berlin's most iconic and visually striking landmarks, with a rich history that ties into the city’s division during the Cold War. The Oberbaum Bridge was originally constructed in the late 19th century, completed in 1896, to connect the districts of Kreuzberg (in West Berlin) and Friedrichshain (in East Berlin). It spans the River Spree, linking two previously separate parts of the city, which is why it became a symbolic point of connection and division throughout Berlin’s history.

During the Cold War, when Berlin was divided into East and West, the Oberbaum Bridge marked the border between East and West Berlin. The bridge became heavily guarded and inaccessible to pedestrians and traffic - as the Berlin Wall, it came to symbolise the physical and ideological separation of the two sides. The restoration of the bridge and its reopening after the fall of the Wall in 1989 made it a symbol of the reunification of Berlin and the end of the division between East and West Germany.

Iconic Sights - The house of World Culture and the Government District

Completed in 1957 and affectionately known locally as the Pregnant Oyster, the House of World Culture is a stunning piece of modern architecture making a great location for a sunset shoot. On our trip this will be followed by a short walk to the Government district which offers more amazing modern architecture for night photography.

Experience the vibe of Berlin.

In addition to these unforgettable, world-famous places, we have lined up a lot of hidden gems awaiting to be discovered and captured by you.

The Jewish Museum is another example of Berlin’s diverse and stunning architecture.

The original Berlin Main Railway station, opened in 1841. Due to its association with the events surrounding World War II, this station was heavily damaged during the Battle for Berlin and finally demolished in the 1960s to make way for new developments. However, parts of the station still remain on the site and it serves as another reminder to the events that happened there.

Squares, palaces and Brushes.

I am sure you have heard of Alexander Platz (our hotel is in its close proximity) and Potsdammer Platz, famous squares in Berlin which also serve as train stations and in former times the crossing points between the divided city. They are rich in atmosphere and busy modern places with touches of history and unique architectural elements. Places for tourists and locals to jostle while moving to the beat of the city.

The Tranen Palast is the Palace of Tears. This marks another former crossing point from East to West and the museum here serves to inform us of life back then for families that were divided by the politics of the day.

The Beer Brush is a now closed restaurant designed and built in the Brutalist architectural style. It towers over the local area with it’s impressive and unique shape.

Of course as we make our way through the city we will come across and visit many other famous places, such as the Luftwaffe Building and the Topology of Terror as well as the world famous Check Point Charlie; it’s hard to turn any corner in this city without coming across something from history.

Trains, Trains, More Trains:

No visist to Berlin is complete without a visit to Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Hbf), this almost city like structure serves national rail, local rail and subway into and around Berlin. The modern glass structure is a photographer’s playground with the ever-changing light and dynamic environment both inside and outside of the station.

Berlin has some wonderful subway stations with very unique interiors. We have carefully selected some of these and our group will be able to explore and appreciate both the unique designs of the station and also explore photographically how people move through these spaces.

Museums:

In our itinerary we have included visits to several museums and installations, in addition to seeing and photographing exteriors and open-air installations and objectives. These are: Die Mauer Panorama, Stasi Museum, TranenPalast (Palace of Tears).

We will include entry fees for all these in the price of the trip.

Food and Drink

Experience dinner at a tradtional German Beer hall, the Bier Keller.

Eat traditional German food, as guided by our tour leaders who have sampled nearly all the food this country has to offer and can make great recommendations for any palate. Given the multicultural nature of Berlin, traditional German food can be quite hard to find in this city so we will organise some culinary stops for you, should you wish to join in.

Hang out with the locals at a traditional corner pub (Eckkneipe). Sadly these places are now being lost to history. However, Berlin still has some that are thriving and finding a new clientele with the younger generation searching for something a bit different to the vibrant night club scene that Berlin is also famous for.

These activities are optional and not included in the price of the trip, but we will organise them for everyone in the group interested in discovering this side of Berlin with us.

Join us on this unforgettable slice of modern Berlin.

What you’ll get

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    One group airport transfer (public transport) each way on arrival and departure dates (Berlin Airport)

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    5 nights accommodation in en-suite single occupancy room including breakfast.

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    Local daily transportation and museum entry fees where specified.

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    Photography guidance, inspiration and help as required.

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    Small group (min 4, max 8 participants)

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    We will be there throughout the trip to help you, whether it’s food, local info, travel or just getting a coffee.

Price

£1500pp

including everything outlined in the ‘what you’ll get’ section.

Please note this price includes single-occupancy.

For couples sharing, or non-photographer participants sharing with a photographer participant, there is flexibility to offer a discount, please contact us to discuss specifics. This will be deducted from your balance payment.

Not included in the price:

  • international flights to/from Berlin

  • any meals or drinks other than specified

  • travel insurance (required)

Are you ready to book? Please use the form below to send us your details and pay a deposit.

Do you need more time to decide or have any questions you would like to ask? Please get in touch using the form below to contact us.

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • Absolutely not. Feel free to bring your favourite tool for capturing images or video as you wish, be it a smartphone or field camera! We will advise everyone depending on their preferences, from beginners to advanced photography enthusiasts, before the trip.

  • It is reasonable to assume that there will be some walking involved at every location. But our explorations will be slow and allow sufficient time to take in our surroundings and capture them - so everything will be at a reasonable pace.

  • Not at all. We are very experienced in working with a mix of complete beginners as well as technically and creatively accomplished photographers, ensuring that everyone gets a lot out of the experience.

  • Just let us know what is required and we will arrange something to suit your needs for the meals that are included or organised by us. Berlin’s cuisine is very diverse so you will still be able to enjoy some traditional cuisine if you're a pescatarian or a vegetarian for example.

  • No. The price includes accommodation in single occupancy as standard. We may be able to offer a small discount for partners traveling with a participant photographer and sharing a room - just ask.

  • In March, the weather in Berlin is typically cool and variable as the city transitions from winter to spring.

    • Average temperatures usually range from about 2°C (36°F) in the early mornings and evenings to 8°C (46°F)during the day

    • Rain is possible, with March seeing a mix of wet days, but snowfall is less common, though not impossible.

    • The days are gradually getting longer, with more hours of sunlight as the month progresses, though it can still feel chilly, particularly on overcast days or when the wind picks up.

    Overall, March is a transitional month in Berlin, where you'll experience a mix of winter's chill and the first hints of spring warmth. It's advisable to wear layers, including a warm coat, and be prepared for unpredictable weather.