Highlights
- Spend your first day touring a concentration camp near Berlin
- Learn about Dresden's remarkable reconstruction following World War II
- Admire the beautiful architecture in Prague's Old Town and Jewish Quarter
- Visit the courthouse of the Nuremberg trials before heading to Munich
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Berlin (Germany), Tour of Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp | Berlin |
| Day 2 | World War II History Tour in Berlin | Berlin |
| Day 3 | Berlin Wall Graffiti Tour, Walk to Checkpoint Charlie | Berlin |
| Day 4 | Train to Dresden, Historic Walking Tour | Dresden |
| Day 5 | Dresden After World War II Tour | Dresden |
| Day 6 | Drive to Prague (Czech Republic), Visit the Museum of Communism | Prague |
| Day 7 | Day Trip to Terezín Concentration Camp | Prague |
| Day 8 | Tour of Prague's Old Town & Jewish Quarter | Prague |
| Day 9 | Drive to Nuremberg (Germany), Visit the Nazi Party Rally Grounds | Nuremberg |
| Day 10 | Walking Tour of Nuremberg | Nuremberg |
| Day 11 | Visit the Nuremberg Trials Courthouse | Nuremberg |
| Day 12 | Discover Hitler's Former Home in Berchtesgaden, Drive to Munich | Munich |
| Day 13 | Explore Munich's World War II History | Munich |
| Day 14 | Depart Munich |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Berlin (Germany), Tour of Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
Welcome to Berlin! Upon arrival in Germany's capital, you'll be picked up by a private driver and taken to your accommodation to drop off your bags. Hit the ground running with a tour to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp near Berlin. Created by a renowned military historian and former British military attaché in Berlin, Nigel Dunkley, this tour provides a unique perspective on the events of World War II and the lives of prisoners in the concentration camp.
Walking through the camp, your guide will take you to various significant locations, such as the punishment cells, execution sites, and crematoria. Each stop brings to light the camp's dark history and provides an insight into the lives of the imprisoned people there. The tour also highlights the distinctive design of the camp, revealing how its layout was intended to promote terror and repression.
Day 2: World War II History Tour in Berlin
Today, embark on a private guided tour of World War II, exploring the essential sites around Berlin where history was made. Throughout the tour, your guide will share captivating stories about the rise and fall of the Third Reich, providing a deeper understanding of this pivotal period in history. This engaging and informative walk will take you on a journey through time as you visit iconic landmarks and uncover the stories behind them.
Begin your tour at the Soviet War Memorial, an imposing monument built to commemorate the 7,000 of the 80,000 Red Army soldiers who fell in the Battle of Berlin in April–May 1945. Proceed along the route toward the final battlefield for the Reichstag, the heart of the Nazi regime. Then, visit the site of Führerbunker (Hitler's Bunker), where the infamous dictator spent his last days before taking his own life. You'll also explore the ministry where the German Luftwaffe was coordinated, learning about the strategic planning behind the war efforts.
Throughout the experience, your guide will share details about the progression of World War II but also what life was like for the people living under the oppressive regime, including those who resisted the Nazis. Following the tour, take some time to walk through the stark but compelling Holocaust Memorial on your own.
Day 3: Berlin Wall Graffiti Tour, Walk to Checkpoint Charlie
Berlin's street art scene has become a vital part of the city's cultural identity since the fall of the Berlin Wall. The city's vibrancy and allure are inextricably linked to the creativity and self-expression of the artists who adorn its walls with colorful murals and striking graffiti. This morning, you'll take a guided tour of some of the city's vibrant street art and gain a deeper understanding of the artists who contribute to its dynamic and ever-changing landscape.
Later, take a self-guided walk to Checkpoint Charlie, the infamous Cold War-era border crossing between East and West Berlin. See where US and Soviet tanks faced off during the 1961 Berlin Crisis, and view the iconic "You Are Leaving The American Sector" sign in four languages. This historic landmark serves as a powerful reminder of political division and the struggle for freedom during the Cold War era. While here, spend some time at the nearby Checkpoint Charlie Museum, also known as the Mauermuseum, where you can learn about various escape attempts from East to West Berlin.Day 4: Train to Dresden, Historic Walking Tour
Today you'll take a train to Dresden, a city in southeastern Germany that's near the Polish borders. Once settled at your hotel, travel back in time on a walking tour through the city's historic Old Town and witness the aftermath of the devastating bombings in February 1945. Your tour will take you past the city's most iconic landmarks, delving into their history, destruction, and eventual reconstruction. Check out the city's most famous landmarks, including the Zwinger Palace, Semperoper, Royal Palace, and the reconstructed masterpiece, the Frauenkirche.
Throughout the tour, you'll learn about the political challenges and obstacles faced by the city during its rebuilding process and witness the remarkable transformation that has taken place over the years.
Day 5: Dresden After World War II Tour
After learning about Dresden's World War II history yesterday, today, you'll take a tour focused on the city's postwar history, which is just as fascinating. You and your guide will explore what life was like in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) and the dramatic events of the Peaceful Revolution of 1989 that brought down the regime and led to the fall of the Berlin Wall.
You'll also dive into the world of espionage as your guide takes you to the infamous Stasi Memorial. This is where you can learn about the Stasi, East Germany's secret police, their role in surveillance and interrogation, and the eventual reunification of Germany.
Day 6: Drive to Prague (Czech Republic), Visit the Museum of Communism
Today you'll pick up your rental car and drive across the border into the Czech Republic, heading to the splendid capital, Prague. The city experienced limited physical damage during World War II, but as you'll discover during your time here, its culture and communities were not left unscathed. Its postwar and Communist-era history is rich and fascinating.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 7: Day Trip to Terezín Concentration Camp
Today you'll take a day trip to Terezín, a small town just a 45-minute drive from Prague. This 18th-century fortress has a chilling past, having served as a temporary refuge for Czechs fleeing Hitler's annexation of the Sudetenland. Later, it fell into the hands of the Nazis, who transformed it into a Gestapo prison for political opponents and resistance fighters and a deportation camp that sent countless innocents to their deaths in extermination camps in Poland. Today, Terezín stands as a somber reminder of the attacks that took place during the Holocaust.
Take a tour of the town and the concentration camp, where you'll learn about the harrowing experiences of those imprisoned and deported. While here, you'll also have the opportunity to pay your respects at the National Cemetery, a somber memorial to the thousands who perished here.
Day 8: Tour of Prague's Old Town & Jewish Quarter
Back in the Czech capital today, you'll explore this city's beautiful architecture, diverse cultures, and history. Begin your private tour in the heart of Prague's Old Town, at the Old Town Square, which boasts the magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady before Týn and the iconic Old Town Hall with its renowned Astronomical Clock.
From there, take a short walk to the enigmatic Jewish Quarter through narrow, winding streets layered with history. Learn about local Jewish legends about the Golem, a mythical creature said to have been created and brought to life by a powerful rabbi to protect the Jewish people. Explore the historic synagogues, the Old Jewish Cemetery, and the Jewish Museum, each bearing witness to the turbulent history of Prague's Jewish inhabitants. Make sure to look up and appreciate the remarkable architecture and well-preserved buildings that contribute to its mystical charm.
Day 9: Drive to Nuremberg (Germany), Visit the Nazi Party Rally Grounds
Drive back to Germany today and head to Nuremberg, a beautiful city with a dark and infamous history. After your arrival, head to the former Nazi Party Rally Grounds in the southeast corner of Nuremberg. The large area was designed to showcase the power and grandeur of the National Socialist regime to Germany and the world. Your walking tour begins at the Luitpold Arena site, once a massive gathering spot for Nazi rallies. Next, visit the Congress Hall, an imposing structure intended to house thousands of Nazi party members during their protests.
Continue down Great Street, a colossal boulevard designed for parades and processions. While walking this historic path, your guide will explain the importance of these events and how they were meticulously stage-managed to maximize their impact. Your tour concludes at the Zeppelin Field, a chilling reminder of the regime's megalomania. As you take in the vastness of this site, reflect on the immense scale of the Nazi regime's ambitions and the lasting impression they left on history.
Day 10: Walking Tour of Nuremberg
Delve further into Nuremberg's rich history on an immersive walking tour today. Stroll down narrow streets in the Old Town, appreciate the timbered houses, and marvel at the impressive city walls. As you walk, your guide will share captivating stories of Nuremberg's past, from being the undeclared capital of the Holy Roman Empire to its role in Germany's industrial revolution.
Stop by Hauptmarkt, the city's central square, where you'll admire the ornate Gothic Frauenkirche and witness the daily spectacle of the clock's figures performing the Little Men Dancing routine. Just steps away, you'll marvel at the stunning Schöner Brunnen (Beautiful Fountain) and learn the legend of its two golden seamless rings. Then, ascend to the majestic Nuremberg Castle and learn about the castle's importance during the Middle Ages. You'll also discover the connection between Nuremberg and famous artists like Albrecht Dürer, whose house is just a short walk away.
As you continue exploring, delve into Nuremberg's darker history, learning more about the Third Reich and the Nuremberg Trials. Your guide will share stories of the city's resilience and its eventual recovery from the devastation of World War II. Finally, no visit to Nuremberg would be complete without sampling its renowned local food and drink. Check out some of the city's best breweries and beer gardens, where you can savor the famous Nuremberg sausages with sauerkraut.
Day 11: Visit the Nuremberg Trials Courthouse
Visit the historic Nuremberg Palace of Justice today, the site where Nazi leaders faced trial for their heinous crimes in 1945 and 1946. Explore Courtroom 600—a working courtroom until recently—where the groundbreaking Nuremberg Trials took place, and then delve deeper into the top floor's documentation center. Learn about the defendants, their crimes, and the aftermath of the trials while gaining a greater understanding of the lasting impact on international criminal law and the concept of "crimes against humanity."
Day 12: Discover Hitler's Former Home in Berchtesgaden, Train to Munich
Drive into the Bavarian Alps today to the picturesque town of Berchtesgaden, and journey up to the historic Eagle's Nest, once Hitler's home and southern headquarters. The trip begins at the base of Eagle's Nest, where you'll board a cable car for a thrilling ascent up the Kehlstein Road. Marvel at the breathtaking Alpine scenery at the summit before taking a luxurious brass elevator through the rock and into the heart of the Eagle's Nest. Your guide will share insightful information about the site's past, including its use as Hitler's home and headquarters during World War II.
Have lunch at the mountaintop restaurant, then descend the mountain via the cable car. At the bottom, return to Berchtesgaden and take some time to wander through the picturesque streets of this Bavarian village, browsing local shops and perhaps doing some souvenir shopping. When you've had enough retail therapy, drive to Munich and return your rental car. From here, spend the evening walking to the city's best beer gardens.
Day 13: Explore Munich's World War II History
Enjoy the freedom of a self-guided tour of Munich today, focusing on the city's World War II history. Start at the Munich Documentation Centre for the History of National Socialism, where you'll explore the permanent exhibition showcasing the rise of the Nazi party, their ideology, and the consequences of their actions. Gain a deeper understanding of Munich's involvement in this dark chapter of history as you wander through the informative displays.
Next, make your way to the Feldherrnhalle, a prominent site associated with the failed Beer Hall Putsch in 1923. This event marked a pivotal moment in Hitler's rise to power. Continue to the White Rose Memorial Museum, dedicated to the student resistance group that actively opposed the Nazi regime. Learn about the courageous actions and intellectual resistance of these young people who sought to spread awareness and promote freedom.
Conclude your day at the Munich Residenz, the former royal palace. While not directly related to the war, the palace houses the exhibition "Monarchy and Modernity," which explores the tumultuous history of the Wittelsbach dynasty, including their role during the Nazi era.
Day 14: Depart Munich
Your grand tour of Germany and the Czech Republic has come to an end. You have undoubtedly gained a deeper and broader understanding of World War II history and how it affected and shaped this part of Europe. Depending on your departure time, you may enjoy one last walk and a hearty Bavarian lunch before heading to the airport and catching your flight. Safe travels!
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