Once we get to Cologne and park our luggage in the hotel - no problem. We can travel any-which-way.

Since you have gotten to the subject of beer - kind of unavoidable in Germany - I have a question. My husband is a great lover of beer. For various reasons I won't bore you with - I do not drink beer or wine - just spirits (mixed drinks with gin and vodka). Are there nice places (bars) in Berlin/Munich/Cologne outside our hotels where my husband can have some great beer - and I can have a mixed drink? Robyn