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A Culinary Exploration of Berlin and Dresden

Sail down the beautiful rivers

The perfect introduction to Culinary Germany, A Culinary Exploration of Berlin and Dresden is designed to introduce you to some of the sites and food you need to see and try on your first trip to this country, with the experience that only Exeter International can provide.

The Basics

Six nights in Berlin & Dresden top hotels, inclusive of tax and breakfast
Private airport transportation to and from your hotel
Private Exeter Guide at your service as described in the program
Entrance Fees to all the sites mentioned in the program
24-hour, English-speaking local assistance in case of emergency or changes

For custom luxury travel and tours to Central Europe, please contact one of our travel experts.

Arrival in Berlin | Arrival in Berlin

Arrival into Berlin, where you will be met by your driver for your transfer to your hotel in the center of the city, Mitte. Your hotel is right in Gendarmenmarkt – one of Berlin’s most beautiful squares, which was created in the 17^th century as a marketplace. Its center is crowned by a statue of the famous German poet and playwright Friedrich Schiller.

Many of the historic buildings surrounding the square were destroyed in the Second World War but have been restored to their former state. Among these, worth noting are the magnificent neo-classical Concert Hall with its colonnaded portico, as well as the French and the German Cathedrals on both sides of the Gendarmenmarkt square.

This afternoon, your expert guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to accompany you on an initial walking tour that will introduce you to Berlin’s fascinating history. Begin with a walk with your guide along Unter den Linden, now the main boulevard of the city. This avenue leads to Pariser Platz, where the Brandenburg Gate is located. The new buildings which have been added to this historic square are based on their historic forbearers. Noble villas, embassies and the luxurious Hotel Adlon arose around the square, which was then destroyed in the Second World War. Brandenburg Gate is Berlin’s only remaining city gate and a symbol of the city. Situated as it was in the no man’s land just behind the Berlin Wall, it also became symbolic of the division of the city.

You will also see the symbol of Berlin – the Reichstag, which was built in the late 19th Century to house the German Parliament. The building was badly damaged by fire, and renovations did not start until well after the end of the Second World War – in 1957.

Today you will have an appointment to head to the Norman Foster designed dome for sweeping views both into the building and over Berlin. Step inside Käfer, the rooftop restaurant, for a welcome drink and snack with your guide. Enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches or sweets along with a glass of prosecco while Berlin glitters all around you.

Exeter Services

Arrival Transfer; Guide (4 Hours)

Hotel

Rocco Forte De Rome or Similar

20th Century Berlin & Its Food | 20th Century Berlin & Its Food

This morning you’ll have a dive into Berlin’s turbulent 20th century history while you’re also getting to know its diverse neighborhoods and food. Just about every neighborhood in Berlin has some food angle. Start in Mitte. Today’s exploration takes you to the tiny shops and cafes that you might not find unless you’re an in-the-know local. Your tastings will include a tiny shop of oils, vinegars, spirits and liquors. You can’t visit Berlin without experiencing a döner kebab and your guide will take you to the best spot for this. After all, these were invented here!

Afterwards, stop at the Topography of Terror. This indoor/outdoor museum on the site of the former headquarters of the Gestapo and SS, is an essential visit. After the war, the original buildings were pretty much destroyed and razed to the ground. Later, the Berlin Wall border between East and West was exactly at this location and 200 meters of the Wall have been preserved. Along the wall is the outdoor portion of the museum that documents the rise of the Nazi Party and its rule in German politics. The indoor documentation center houses the permanent exhibition: Topography of Terror: Gestapo, SS and Reich Security Main Office.

Then drive by nearby Checkpoint Charlie. After the building of the Berlin Wall in 1961, the checkpoint remained an official crossing point until the reunification in October 1990, when the booth was removed and the watchtower was later destroyed. A copy of the booth and sign that once marked the border crossing was later erected where Checkpoint Charlie once stood.

Your guide will then take you to Kreuzberg, formerly a haven for Turkish immigrants. It’s now gentrified but you can still find some of the best food in the city right here. This is the perfect food walk if you want to taste food from a variety of nations, including Indian, Spanish, Turkish and Italian cuisine. All the while, your guide will tell you some of the history of this now-trendy neighborhood.

Afterwards you may stop by the “East-Side Gallery.” This is the longest cohesive section of the Berlin Wall. This stretch of the Berlin Wall has been painted by various artists after the fall and it stretches for a mile or so.

Exeter Services

Vehicle, Driver & Guide (6 Hours)

Hotel

Rocco Forte De Rome or Similar

The Former West Berlin | The Former West Berlin

Meet your guide and driver to continue the exploration of the city.

Today, you will head towards West Berlin – once the flourishing area of the city, filled with music venues, bars and a vibrant cultural scene, its flare slowly started to disappear after the wall came down in 1989, shifting all the night life to the east. Today this part of the city is experiencing a renaissance and quickly regaining its shine. Your first destination is the Charlottenburg neighborhood. This gorgeous district of Berlin was the haven for wealthy citizens of the city and it’s anchored by Charlottenburg Palace. You’ll see beautiful villas, lovely gardens and historical sites. You will taste delicious samples from local cafes and bistros, including a traditional marzipan manufacturer. Be prepared to sample from a variety of nations, including Persian spices, Austrian cuisine and even a South American café.

If you would like to see palace staterooms, your guide will be happy to take you to Charlottenburg Palace. If you love rococo, this is the spot for you. It was once a royal summer residence and today it’s Berlin’s magnificent palace. It was named after Sophie Charlotte, the first Queen consort in Prussia, and today’s visits focus on the New Wing. Stroll through the opulent rococo ballroom and the stunning silver vault.

You will find several quaint cafes located just across the street and may want to stop for a traditional Berliner drink – Berliner Weisse mit Schuss: Himbeere. You will receive a “white” beer with a shot of red raspberry syrup – very refreshing on a warm day.

Enjoy your afternoon at leisure.

Early this evening your guide will meet you to use public transport to visit one of Berlin’s most famous historic covered market, the Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg. Here you can experience flavors from all over the world during its Street Food Thursday (5PM – 10PM), a vibrant bustling meeting place for Berliner’s and visitors alike. This is a weekly platform for street food from a variety of vendors in one location. You have a choice from food stalls featuring cuisines from all nationalities and tastes. Your guide will help you find seats and select food and drinks.

Exeter Services

Vehicle, Driver & Guide (4 Hours); Evening Guide (3 Hours)

Hotel

Rocco Forte De Rome or Similar

Berlin at Leisure | Berlin at Leisure KaDeWe Foodhall Berlin

Today is open for you to explore Belin on your own. We will share all our favorite museums, restaurants, shops and cafes for you to explore independently.

Definitely don’t miss a stop at the famous KaDeWe. While the eastern part of Berlin now has fantastic shops, boutiques and department stores, no visit to Berlin is complete without a visit to KaDeWe (Kaufhaus des Westens). This multi-level department store has a plethora of high-end goods.

The highlight, however, is the sixth floor food hall – Europe’s largest gourmet hall. Dine or take-away from one of the 33 individual food stands, actually mini-restaurants. This popular spot for locals is truly a must-visit in Berlin, even if just for a snack.

Exeter Services

None

Hotel

Rocco Forte De Rome or Similar

Berlin to Dresden | Berlin to Dresden

This morning board your train to Dresden. First class tickets are included on this two hour journey and you will have your choice of train times. Upon arrival, meet your driver on the station platform for the short drive to your hotel.

After time to check-in, meet your guide and driver to explore Dresden’s culinary side. Head across the Elbe to Dresden’s trendy Neustadt district. The unbroken rows of patrician houses, restored at great expense, provide a good impression of how Dresden used to look. The many inner courtyards are also worth a glance. Some accommodate tucked-away restaurants, while others invite you to spend some time shopping in their elegant boutiques and passageways full of stores. You will be tasting samples here and there as you go.

For a light snack (or just a good photo opportunity), we can highly recommend a visit to Pfund – simply the most beautiful cheese shop in the world, located in Neustadt. The interior is comprised of embellished tile paintings in a neo-Renaissance style and the hand-painted motifs were produced in the Dresden stoneware factory of Villeroy & Boch. Don’t overlook the delicious chocolate bars here – they’re always a hit as a souvenir!

Exeter Services

Station Transfers; Vehicle, Driver & Guide (4 Hours)

Hotel

Kempinski Taschenbergpalais or Similar

Dresden & Countryside | Dresden & Countryside

This morning meet your guide to explore Dresden’s Old Town. Protected for centuries by mighty fortifications, the Saxon capital of Dresden developed splendor and activity. Once known in the 18th century as the “Florence of the north” due to its priceless art treasures and exquisite architecture, Dresden is sure to enchant you after the big- city feel of Berlin. Your guide will take you to the Altmarkt, the city’s central square since the 13th C. (destroyed in 1945). It owes its present handsome and imposing aspect to the use of typical Dresden Baroque architectural forms in the rebuilding, which began in 1953.

Today you will have the opportunity to visit one of Dresden’s treasures – the Green Vault, which houses a one of a kind collection of gemstones, gold, ivory, objects d’art and historic treasures. Your guide will also take you for a stroll on the Brühl’s Terrace, a 930-meter-long promenade above the River Elbe, known as “Europe’s balcony”.

You will then visit the Frauenkirche. Originally completed in 1743, the Frauenkirche, or Church of Our Lady, was an architectural masterpiece for its time. The church’s most incredible feature was its bell-shaped dome of solid stone. Unfortunately, the church was reduced to rubble after Allied bombing in World War II and for many years it was left as a ruin.

No visit to Dresden is complete without a visit to the Zwinger, a beautiful Baroque structure housing several museums. We recommend a visit to the Old Masters Gallery, to see Dresden’s priceless art collection including Raphael’s famous Angels.

Afterward, meet your driver and spend a bit of time outside the city limits in the Elbe valley. Your destination today is the historic winery of Hoflöβnitz. The vineyards have been here since the 1400s. Today it’s a protected part of this region and your destination today is their scenic wine terrace, where you will have scenic views over the countryside and a tasting of wines and light snacks.

Exeter Services

Vehicle & Driver (2 Hours); Guide (6 Hours)

Hotel

Kempinski Taschenbergpalais or Similar