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Arrival
4 nights
Berlin
Germany
Departure
Day 1
Arrive Berlin
Day 1
Arrive Berlin
To Be Determined
Flying into Berlin you will arrive in the brand new Berlin Brandenburg Airport to the south of the city. Taxis are available at the airport, or you can arrange a private transfer for added convenience. The cheapest and fastest way to reach central Berlin is by train. The Airport Express train delivers you to Berlin's main station (Hauptbahnhof) in the center of the city, from where you can easily hail a taxi.
Day 1
Arrive Berlin
Day 1
Arrive Berlin
To Be Determined:
Airport Transfer
Mid-Day/Afternoon:
TV Tower & Old Berlin
Late Afternoon/Early Evening:
Courtyards of Berlin
Day 2
Berlin
Day 2
Berlin
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
On this 3 hour tour, your guide will show you the highlights of Berlin and help you understand what makes this city so unique. Sites visited will include the boulevard Unter den Linden, the Gendarmenmarkt, Check Point Charlie, remnants of the Berlin Wall, Potsdamer Platz, the Holocaust Memorial, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Reichstag.
Quadriga. Hey, There's a Word to Know When Learning About this Historic Gate
Show MoreMake your way to the top of the dome enjoying amazing views and looking down at debating members of the German Parliament below.
Show MoreQuadriga. Hey, There's a Word to Know When Learning About this Historic Gate
Show MoreMake your way to the top of the dome enjoying amazing views and looking down at debating members of the German Parliament below.
Show MoreQuadriga. Hey, There's a Word to Know When Learning About this Historic Gate
Show MoreMake your way to the top of the dome enjoying amazing views and looking down at debating members of the German Parliament below.
Show MoreDay 2
Berlin
Brandenburg Gate
Highlight of Guided Walking Tour of BerlinQuadriga. Hey, There's a Word to Know When Learning About this Historic Gate
The Brandenburg Gate was built as a symbol of peace, perverted into a symbol of power by the Nazis, and became a symbol of division during the Cold War. Now, however, it is a symbol of reunification. Completed in 1791, it was topped by the quadriga, a chariot drawn by four horses driven by the goddess of peace. Napoleon seized the quadriga as a spoil of war, but after his defeat, it was returned to the city and met by cheering crowds along the way, transforming the goddess of peace into a goddess of victory, holding a Germanic cross.
Reichstag
Highlight of Guided Walking Tour of BerlinMake your way to the top of the dome enjoying amazing views and looking down at debating members of the German Parliament below.
Officially, the Reichstag is actually the Bundestag, which means the federal parliament. The Reichstag was reduced to a ruined shell by arson in 1933 and by World War II fighting, but it was rebuilt with a striking egg-shaped glass dome. Visitors are given a free audio guide that discusses the building’s history and architecture, while also orientating you to the sites of Berlin. It is an excellent introduction to the city. Note that it is usually necessary to book well in advance!
Brandenburg Gate
Highlight of Guided Walking Tour of BerlinQuadriga. Hey, There's a Word to Know When Learning About this Historic Gate
The Brandenburg Gate was built as a symbol of peace, perverted into a symbol of power by the Nazis, and became a symbol of division during the Cold War. Now, however, it is a symbol of reunification. Completed in 1791, it was topped by the quadriga, a chariot drawn by four horses driven by the goddess of peace. Napoleon seized the quadriga as a spoil of war, but after his defeat, it was returned to the city and met by cheering crowds along the way, transforming the goddess of peace into a goddess of victory, holding a Germanic cross.
Reichstag
Highlight of Guided Walking Tour of BerlinMake your way to the top of the dome enjoying amazing views and looking down at debating members of the German Parliament below.
Officially, the Reichstag is actually the Bundestag, which means the federal parliament. The Reichstag was reduced to a ruined shell by arson in 1933 and by World War II fighting, but it was rebuilt with a striking egg-shaped glass dome. Visitors are given a free audio guide that discusses the building’s history and architecture, while also orientating you to the sites of Berlin. It is an excellent introduction to the city. Note that it is usually necessary to book well in advance!
Brandenburg Gate
Highlight of Guided Walking Tour of BerlinQuadriga. Hey, There's a Word to Know When Learning About this Historic Gate
The Brandenburg Gate was built as a symbol of peace, perverted into a symbol of power by the Nazis, and became a symbol of division during the Cold War. Now, however, it is a symbol of reunification. Completed in 1791, it was topped by the quadriga, a chariot drawn by four horses driven by the goddess of peace. Napoleon seized the quadriga as a spoil of war, but after his defeat, it was returned to the city and met by cheering crowds along the way, transforming the goddess of peace into a goddess of victory, holding a Germanic cross.
Reichstag
Highlight of Guided Walking Tour of BerlinMake your way to the top of the dome enjoying amazing views and looking down at debating members of the German Parliament below.
Officially, the Reichstag is actually the Bundestag, which means the federal parliament. The Reichstag was reduced to a ruined shell by arson in 1933 and by World War II fighting, but it was rebuilt with a striking egg-shaped glass dome. Visitors are given a free audio guide that discusses the building’s history and architecture, while also orientating you to the sites of Berlin. It is an excellent introduction to the city. Note that it is usually necessary to book well in advance!
Day 3
Berlin
Day 3
Berlin
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
It is said that some cities were made for pedestrians, and others were made for cars. In that case then, Berlin was made for bicycles. Nearly perfectly flat, and filled with beautiful parks and broad avenues, Berlin is crisscrossed by one of the world’s most extensive networks of urban bike paths and lanes. You will cycle past grand architecture, through green parks, and along charming canals, exploring Berlin in a unique and memorable way.
Day 3
Berlin
Day 4
Berlin
Day 4
Berlin
Early Morning to Early Evening
An enchanted landscape lies hidden within deep forests only an hour from Berlin by direct train. Canals, rivers, and marshes criss-cross an area of ancient settlement by the Sorb people, original Slavic inhabitants who resisted Germanization and colonization by remaining in their watery retreat. Today it is a paradise for lovers of nature and folk culture. Explore it by raft, on foot, by kayak, or by bike.
Enjoy an idyllic few hours cyling through the Spreewald's beautiful but perfectly flat landscape.
Show MoreRelax and soak in the fairy tale atmosphere on a traditional guided punt boat tour.
Show MoreLearn how residents of the Spreewald used to live in this folk life museum.
Show MoreExplore this UNESCO-Heritage biosphere reserve by kayak.
Show MoreEnjoy an idyllic few hours cyling through the Spreewald's beautiful but perfectly flat landscape.
Show MoreRelax and soak in the fairy tale atmosphere on a traditional guided punt boat tour.
Show MoreLearn how residents of the Spreewald used to live in this folk life museum.
Show MoreExplore this UNESCO-Heritage biosphere reserve by kayak.
Show MoreDay 4
Berlin
Bike Rental in the Spreewald
Highlight of SpreewaldEnjoy an idyllic few hours cyling through the Spreewald's beautiful but perfectly flat landscape.
A network of trails and bridges crisscrosses the biosphere making it a perfect location for cycling. Keep in mind that you will have to push the bikes up over some steep bridges which cross the canals (the bridges are usually outfitted with ramps).
Punt Boat Tours
Highlight of SpreewaldRelax and soak in the fairy tale atmosphere on a traditional guided punt boat tour.
A punt tour hrough the beautiful biosphere reserve is a visitor favorite. The guides are locals who will entertain you with witty stories and hilarious anecdotes from the Spreewald, that is, if you speak German. But it is not necessary to understand German to enjoy the tour. The scenery and architecture is beautiful, and the voyage peaceful and relaxing as it passes by green meadows, thick forests, and traditional wooden homes.
Freilandmuseum
Highlight of SpreewaldLearn how residents of the Spreewald used to live in this folk life museum.
Surrounded by canals in the heart of the Spreewald, this museum is a delight for lovers of folk culture and history. Well, preserved homes and farms show the unique traditional way of life of the Spreewald and Sorb people. You’ll check out period costumes, folk art, giant pickle making barrels, farming implements, a working orchard, and furnishings, including a bed designed to sleep three generations simultaneously.
Boat Rental in the Spreewald
Highlight of SpreewaldExplore this UNESCO-Heritage biosphere reserve by kayak.
Pick up a boat and paddle along the quiet streams and canals of the Spreewald, discovering the old traditions and lives of the Slavic culture that still survive along their banks. Cool and wooded, the right turns will lead you to a charming inn; the incorrect turn will lead you to equally charming destinations - It¨s all beautiful; there are no wrong turns in this lovely biosphere.
Bike Rental in the Spreewald
Highlight of SpreewaldEnjoy an idyllic few hours cyling through the Spreewald's beautiful but perfectly flat landscape.
A network of trails and bridges crisscrosses the biosphere making it a perfect location for cycling. Keep in mind that you will have to push the bikes up over some steep bridges which cross the canals (the bridges are usually outfitted with ramps).
Punt Boat Tours
Highlight of SpreewaldRelax and soak in the fairy tale atmosphere on a traditional guided punt boat tour.
A punt tour hrough the beautiful biosphere reserve is a visitor favorite. The guides are locals who will entertain you with witty stories and hilarious anecdotes from the Spreewald, that is, if you speak German. But it is not necessary to understand German to enjoy the tour. The scenery and architecture is beautiful, and the voyage peaceful and relaxing as it passes by green meadows, thick forests, and traditional wooden homes.
Freilandmuseum
Highlight of SpreewaldLearn how residents of the Spreewald used to live in this folk life museum.
Surrounded by canals in the heart of the Spreewald, this museum is a delight for lovers of folk culture and history. Well, preserved homes and farms show the unique traditional way of life of the Spreewald and Sorb people. You’ll check out period costumes, folk art, giant pickle making barrels, farming implements, a working orchard, and furnishings, including a bed designed to sleep three generations simultaneously.
Boat Rental in the Spreewald
Highlight of SpreewaldExplore this UNESCO-Heritage biosphere reserve by kayak.
Pick up a boat and paddle along the quiet streams and canals of the Spreewald, discovering the old traditions and lives of the Slavic culture that still survive along their banks. Cool and wooded, the right turns will lead you to a charming inn; the incorrect turn will lead you to equally charming destinations - It¨s all beautiful; there are no wrong turns in this lovely biosphere.
Day 5
Depart Berlin
Day 5
Depart Berlin
Morning/Mid-Day
This island in the River Spree is home to five world-renowned museums, which could easily fill up a whole trip just by themselves. The island is covered in trees and green lawns, while the classically-inspired architecture of the museums can be enjoyed without even stepping inside. Unfortunately, the biggest star of the island, the Pergamon Museum, with its wholly reconstructed ancient buildings, is closed until 2026 for renovations. However, you can still visit a massive 360-panorama depicting the ancient city of Pergamon, and there's still more museums to visit than you could possibly fit in. Also to be found on and around Museum Island are the majestic Berliner Dom cathedral and the huge Berlin Palace.
Stare into the eyes of the famed Egyptian queen Nefertiti and see other ancient artwork and archeological artifacts.
Show MoreClimb 270 steps to the top of this massive 19th century cathedral for a unique panoramic view of the city.
Show MoreRelive the past in one of the world's premier museums of archealogy and ancient art. You can step into enormous ancient structures, wholly reconstructed.
Show MoreStare into the eyes of the famed Egyptian queen Nefertiti and see other ancient artwork and archeological artifacts.
Show MoreClimb 270 steps to the top of this massive 19th century cathedral for a unique panoramic view of the city.
Show MoreRelive the past in one of the world's premier museums of archealogy and ancient art. You can step into enormous ancient structures, wholly reconstructed.
Show MoreStare into the eyes of the famed Egyptian queen Nefertiti and see other ancient artwork and archeological artifacts.
Show MoreDay 5
Depart Berlin
Neues Museum
Highlight of Museum IslandStare into the eyes of the famed Egyptian queen Nefertiti and see other ancient artwork and archeological artifacts.
The New Museum was opened in 1859 to relieve pressure on the over-crowded Old Museum. The three exhibition floors were decorated by leading Classical painters, with a focal point being a grand staircase winding up all three stories. Exhibits include the archaeological collections of the Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection, the Museum of Pre- and Early History, and the Collection of Classical Antiquities. The 3300-year-old bust of Egyptian Queen Nefertiti is the showstopper.
Berliner Dom
Highlight of Museum IslandClimb 270 steps to the top of this massive 19th century cathedral for a unique panoramic view of the city.
Berlin Cathedral, nestled on Museum Island, epitomizes German neo-Renaissance grandeur with its striking dome. Built from 1894 to 1905 and restored post-World War II, its lavish interior, stained glass, and notable pipe organ draw visitors. Beyond a place of worship, it houses the former imperial ruling family's, the Hohenzollern, crypt, revealing the dynastic past of Germany.
Pergamonmuseum
Highlight of Museum IslandRelive the past in one of the world's premier museums of archealogy and ancient art. You can step into enormous ancient structures, wholly reconstructed.
The museum is a jaw-dropping feast of classical sculpture and monumental architecture from Greece, Rome, Babylon and the Middle East divided into three parts. Highlights include the radiant-blue Ishtar Gate from Babylon, the Roman Market Gate of Miletus and the Caliph's Palace of Mshatta.
Neues Museum
Highlight of Museum IslandStare into the eyes of the famed Egyptian queen Nefertiti and see other ancient artwork and archeological artifacts.
The New Museum was opened in 1859 to relieve pressure on the over-crowded Old Museum. The three exhibition floors were decorated by leading Classical painters, with a focal point being a grand staircase winding up all three stories. Exhibits include the archaeological collections of the Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection, the Museum of Pre- and Early History, and the Collection of Classical Antiquities. The 3300-year-old bust of Egyptian Queen Nefertiti is the showstopper.
Berliner Dom
Highlight of Museum IslandClimb 270 steps to the top of this massive 19th century cathedral for a unique panoramic view of the city.
Berlin Cathedral, nestled on Museum Island, epitomizes German neo-Renaissance grandeur with its striking dome. Built from 1894 to 1905 and restored post-World War II, its lavish interior, stained glass, and notable pipe organ draw visitors. Beyond a place of worship, it houses the former imperial ruling family's, the Hohenzollern, crypt, revealing the dynastic past of Germany.
Pergamonmuseum
Highlight of Museum IslandRelive the past in one of the world's premier museums of archealogy and ancient art. You can step into enormous ancient structures, wholly reconstructed.
The museum is a jaw-dropping feast of classical sculpture and monumental architecture from Greece, Rome, Babylon and the Middle East divided into three parts. Highlights include the radiant-blue Ishtar Gate from Babylon, the Roman Market Gate of Miletus and the Caliph's Palace of Mshatta.
Neues Museum
Highlight of Museum IslandStare into the eyes of the famed Egyptian queen Nefertiti and see other ancient artwork and archeological artifacts.
The New Museum was opened in 1859 to relieve pressure on the over-crowded Old Museum. The three exhibition floors were decorated by leading Classical painters, with a focal point being a grand staircase winding up all three stories. Exhibits include the archaeological collections of the Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection, the Museum of Pre- and Early History, and the Collection of Classical Antiquities. The 3300-year-old bust of Egyptian Queen Nefertiti is the showstopper.
What's Included In Your Trip
Pre-Paid Tours and Activities:
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10 Days
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7 Days
One of the most authentic, storied German destinations, Nuremberg's picturesque old town, glorious castle, and buzzing Christmas Market makes this city a time-true classic. The ideal gateway to old Bavaria, Nuremberg offers a primer in German history before you embark on the lovely journey through old Bavaria, known as the Romantic Road. Considered the capital of the Holy Roman Empire in the middle ages, Nuremberg would have felt like the center of the world as a procession of kings and emperors passed through its magnificent gates. When the German Renaissance came, Nuremberg was at its heart. Albrecht Dürer, the great German master artist, was born here, and Martin Luther called Nuremberg Germany's 'eyes and ears'. Skip forward a few centuries, and the city took a dark turn, as Nuremberg became a gathering point for the German National Socialists. Slightly outside of town, you can still find the Nazi Party Rallying Grounds, a sobering reminder of the not so distant past. If it all gets too heavy, you can end the day with a glass of rotbier (red beer) and mull it over. Nuremberg is a must-see for anyone who wants to delve into Germany's past.
Read More
Dubbed ‘Mainhatten’ for its glass highrises, financial prowess, and proximity to the Main River, Frankfurt offers a fascinating glimpse into the ‘engine room’ of Europe’s economy with an unexpected twist. Among the glass and steel buildings, the old-worldly Römerberg square will give you a double-take. The square’s 15th-century half-timbered houses, old statues, and church spires contrast dramatically against the modern 21st-century skyscrapers beyond. If you visit at Christmas, the Römerberg is truly special, aglow with the light of the tallest Christmas tree in Germany. The square fills with stalls selling handicrafts, and the air is scented with hot apple wine, honey, and cinnamon. Delve deeper into Frankfurt and you’ll find a substantial museum district, the Museumsufer (Museum Embankment). This area features a cluster of twelve museums on either side of Main River. This includes the Städel, home to Tischbein’s famous painting of renowned writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one of Frankfurt’s most prestigious sons. The more time you spend in Frankfurt, the more you’ll discover a highly cultured city lurking beneath its glass facades. If you have the time, Frankfurt is certainly worth a second look.
Read More
Compared to other German cities, Hamburg has a moody, nautical charisma all of its own. Despite being battered throughout history by floods, fires, and bombs, Hamburg has always held its head up high. Resilience is in the air in Hamburg, along with the briny smell of the North Sea. In recent years Hamburg has garnered a reputation for commerce and nightlife. Frequent travelers whisper that Hamburg is Germany’s ‘undiscovered’ city, the place to go for a little business and a lot of fun. Known as Germany’s ‘gateway to the world’, ships dock in Hamburg as they haul cargo up and down the Elbe River. The city thrives as Germany’s primary seaport and has been a center of trade since the middle ages. Its affluence shows in the 19th-century brick warehouses, flourishing restaurant scene, and recently constructed Elbphilharmonie concert hall, which floats majestically in the harbor, part ship and part island. Hamburg is a city for those who like to live large - in a cultured, German kind of way. Attend a performance at the orchestra, cruise on a boat around the Außenalster Lake, or have a night on the Reeperbahn, the Vegas-like strip where the Beatles once performed. Whatever you do in the city, Hamburg will make you look twice and see Germany from a totally different point of view.
Read More
Since the fall of its notorious wall, Berlin’s unification has seen it go from strength to strength. No wonder the city feels like it hasn’t stopped partying since the 1990s. There is so much to celebrate here. Fueled by the robust economy, a thriving tech scene, and straight-up German bonhomie, when you step into Berlin you’ll soon be caught up in its spirit. For all this gusto, Berlin hasn’t forgotten its troubled past. A visit to Berlin is to bear witness to history. Portions of the wall remain intact, and the city’s Jewish Museum offers a detailed, emotional examination of the Holocaust. Inside the reconstructed Reichstag, every attempt has been made to preserve the parliament’s beleaguered history. The buildings' glass dome addition feels less like a triumphal crown and more like a freshly healed battle scar. Days in Berlin are easily spent wandering from a cafe to the cultural institutions on Museum Island, or over to the Charlottenburg Palace. By night, crowds wander through the booming bars and nightclubs or gaze upon the floodlit Brandenburg Gate and Victory Column monuments. An international city that can offer something to everyone, Berlin is an unmissable stop on your German journey.
Read More
The city of Prague is indisputably the gem of Central Europe. Full of history, culture, and classic Czech pubs around every corner, Prague is teeming with nooks and crannies just waiting to be discovered. The narrow cobblestone streets and warm red rooftops give the city a homey feel, while the well-preserved medieval architecture transports you back in time. Walking across the Charles Bridge with the view of the Prague Castle will make you feel like you’re living in a fairytale, and you might as well be. As an up-and-coming destination, Prague is a perfect mix of classic and modern. New trendy cafes and bistros are always popping up, and you can always find a group of lively locals chowing down on goulash and quaffing pivo (the best beer in Europe!) at traditional Czech restaurants across the city. The clash of modernity and tradition, preservation and innovation, gives this city a mysterious air that you won’t soon forget.
Read More
Nearly every wall and rooftop in Dresden seems to be finished with a flourish. Defined by its ornamental baroque architecture, a power statement of Saxon royalty, Dresden is made all the more miraculous considering the city was leveled by firebombing in WWII. After the war, the city was reconstructed, brick by painstaking brick. Even under East German-Soviet rule, which usually eschewed frivolous design, buildings like the Semper Opera House were pieced back to their former glory. Restoration of the majestic Zwinger Palace and bell domed Church of Our Lady slowly followed, with the Frauenkirche only fully repaired in 2005. Arguably there is no other city in Europe that cherishes its hard-won architecture as much as Dresden. Although it is a compact city, so many of its buildings will stop you in your tracks that architecture fans will easily lose a whole day in the Old Town area. Especially during the winter months, Dresden sparkles with a joyous, uplifting ambiance. The city is recognized as having the best-ever Christmas market in all of Europe. Between the twinkling lights, the scent of hot wine and gingerbread, and the towering Christmas tree, it’s worth going out of your way to see Dresden at this time of year.
Read More
One of the most authentic, storied German destinations, Nuremberg's picturesque old town, glorious castle, and buzzing Christmas Market makes this city a time-true classic. The ideal gateway to old Bavaria, Nuremberg offers a primer in German history before you embark on the lovely journey through old Bavaria, known as the Romantic Road. Considered the capital of the Holy Roman Empire in the middle ages, Nuremberg would have felt like the center of the world as a procession of kings and emperors passed through its magnificent gates. When the German Renaissance came, Nuremberg was at its heart. Albrecht Dürer, the great German master artist, was born here, and Martin Luther called Nuremberg Germany's 'eyes and ears'. Skip forward a few centuries, and the city took a dark turn, as Nuremberg became a gathering point for the German National Socialists. Slightly outside of town, you can still find the Nazi Party Rallying Grounds, a sobering reminder of the not so distant past. If it all gets too heavy, you can end the day with a glass of rotbier (red beer) and mull it over. Nuremberg is a must-see for anyone who wants to delve into Germany's past.
Read More
Dubbed ‘Mainhatten’ for its glass highrises, financial prowess, and proximity to the Main River, Frankfurt offers a fascinating glimpse into the ‘engine room’ of Europe’s economy with an unexpected twist. Among the glass and steel buildings, the old-worldly Römerberg square will give you a double-take. The square’s 15th-century half-timbered houses, old statues, and church spires contrast dramatically against the modern 21st-century skyscrapers beyond. If you visit at Christmas, the Römerberg is truly special, aglow with the light of the tallest Christmas tree in Germany. The square fills with stalls selling handicrafts, and the air is scented with hot apple wine, honey, and cinnamon. Delve deeper into Frankfurt and you’ll find a substantial museum district, the Museumsufer (Museum Embankment). This area features a cluster of twelve museums on either side of Main River. This includes the Städel, home to Tischbein’s famous painting of renowned writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one of Frankfurt’s most prestigious sons. The more time you spend in Frankfurt, the more you’ll discover a highly cultured city lurking beneath its glass facades. If you have the time, Frankfurt is certainly worth a second look.
Read More
Compared to other German cities, Hamburg has a moody, nautical charisma all of its own. Despite being battered throughout history by floods, fires, and bombs, Hamburg has always held its head up high. Resilience is in the air in Hamburg, along with the briny smell of the North Sea. In recent years Hamburg has garnered a reputation for commerce and nightlife. Frequent travelers whisper that Hamburg is Germany’s ‘undiscovered’ city, the place to go for a little business and a lot of fun. Known as Germany’s ‘gateway to the world’, ships dock in Hamburg as they haul cargo up and down the Elbe River. The city thrives as Germany’s primary seaport and has been a center of trade since the middle ages. Its affluence shows in the 19th-century brick warehouses, flourishing restaurant scene, and recently constructed Elbphilharmonie concert hall, which floats majestically in the harbor, part ship and part island. Hamburg is a city for those who like to live large - in a cultured, German kind of way. Attend a performance at the orchestra, cruise on a boat around the Außenalster Lake, or have a night on the Reeperbahn, the Vegas-like strip where the Beatles once performed. Whatever you do in the city, Hamburg will make you look twice and see Germany from a totally different point of view.
Read More
Since the fall of its notorious wall, Berlin’s unification has seen it go from strength to strength. No wonder the city feels like it hasn’t stopped partying since the 1990s. There is so much to celebrate here. Fueled by the robust economy, a thriving tech scene, and straight-up German bonhomie, when you step into Berlin you’ll soon be caught up in its spirit. For all this gusto, Berlin hasn’t forgotten its troubled past. A visit to Berlin is to bear witness to history. Portions of the wall remain intact, and the city’s Jewish Museum offers a detailed, emotional examination of the Holocaust. Inside the reconstructed Reichstag, every attempt has been made to preserve the parliament’s beleaguered history. The buildings' glass dome addition feels less like a triumphal crown and more like a freshly healed battle scar. Days in Berlin are easily spent wandering from a cafe to the cultural institutions on Museum Island, or over to the Charlottenburg Palace. By night, crowds wander through the booming bars and nightclubs or gaze upon the floodlit Brandenburg Gate and Victory Column monuments. An international city that can offer something to everyone, Berlin is an unmissable stop on your German journey.
Read More
The city of Prague is indisputably the gem of Central Europe. Full of history, culture, and classic Czech pubs around every corner, Prague is teeming with nooks and crannies just waiting to be discovered. The narrow cobblestone streets and warm red rooftops give the city a homey feel, while the well-preserved medieval architecture transports you back in time. Walking across the Charles Bridge with the view of the Prague Castle will make you feel like you’re living in a fairytale, and you might as well be. As an up-and-coming destination, Prague is a perfect mix of classic and modern. New trendy cafes and bistros are always popping up, and you can always find a group of lively locals chowing down on goulash and quaffing pivo (the best beer in Europe!) at traditional Czech restaurants across the city. The clash of modernity and tradition, preservation and innovation, gives this city a mysterious air that you won’t soon forget.
Read More
Nearly every wall and rooftop in Dresden seems to be finished with a flourish. Defined by its ornamental baroque architecture, a power statement of Saxon royalty, Dresden is made all the more miraculous considering the city was leveled by firebombing in WWII. After the war, the city was reconstructed, brick by painstaking brick. Even under East German-Soviet rule, which usually eschewed frivolous design, buildings like the Semper Opera House were pieced back to their former glory. Restoration of the majestic Zwinger Palace and bell domed Church of Our Lady slowly followed, with the Frauenkirche only fully repaired in 2005. Arguably there is no other city in Europe that cherishes its hard-won architecture as much as Dresden. Although it is a compact city, so many of its buildings will stop you in your tracks that architecture fans will easily lose a whole day in the Old Town area. Especially during the winter months, Dresden sparkles with a joyous, uplifting ambiance. The city is recognized as having the best-ever Christmas market in all of Europe. Between the twinkling lights, the scent of hot wine and gingerbread, and the towering Christmas tree, it’s worth going out of your way to see Dresden at this time of year.
Read More
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