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Essential Berlin

Hotelde Rome Rooftop Terrace Berlin

Berlin

The largest and most modern of the Central European capitals, Berlin has reinvented itself since reunification into Europe’s powerhouse city. Each area has its own unique character, from the historical heart in Mitte to the hipster center of Kreuzberg. With over 80 museums from contemporary art to WWII history, and the outstanding Berlin Philharmonic—now joined by the Frank Gehry designed Pierre Boulez Saal concert hall—high culture predominates.

Overview Tour

Meet your guide this morning for a walk along Unter den Linden.  Berlin’s magnificent boulevard and the centerpiece of Old Berlin. Unter den Linden leads from the Schlossbrücke Bridge to Pariser Platz at the Brandenburg Gate.

You will see the renewed beauty of the Pariser Platz. The new buildings which have been added to this historic square are based on their historic forbearers. You will also see the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin’s only remaining city gate and a symbol of the city.  

Afterward, continue with a visit of Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial, which opened in May 2005, the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II.

 

jewish-berlin
Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin

East Berlin Tour

This morning meet your guide and driver for an overview of Berlin’s recent history.  You will then drive through Potsdamer Platz, a perfect example of urban renewal.    Your first stop will be the Topography of Terror.  This indoor/outdoor museum on the site of the former headquarters of the Gestapo and SS is an essential visit. Drive by the 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. 

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.  We recommend that you walk a bit and explore some of the different subjects portrayed.  Later today you will also visit one of the most interesting exhibits detailing life in a divided Germany – the Berlin Wall Memorial and Documentation Center. 

Jewish Heritage

This morning, meet your guide for your visit to the Neue Synagogue. The synagogue was first inaugurated in 1866 and features the oriental-influenced architecture that was popular at the time. You may visit the immediate area, one of the most vibrant in Berlin, and full of Jewish history. 

Exeter International Extraordinary Experience

In the afternoon, you will enter one of the most famous apartments in Berlin – that of Erika Hoffmann.  Once per week she opens their apartment for viewings of part of their personal art collection and today you will have the opportunity to visit this unique space privately.

 

Berlin synagogue
Potsdam Germany

Potsdam Day Trip

Drive outside of Berlin to Potsdam – the former home of Prussian Kings.

En route, you may stop at the famous villa on the Greater Wannsee Lake, where on January 20, 1942, senior Nazi officials met to discuss the ‘Final Solution’ – the plan of the extermination of the Jews of Europe.

You can also visit the memorial at Track 17, once one of the major sites of the deportation of Berlin Jews.

Potsdam is the former home of Prussian Kings.  In fact, this small town has the highest number of palaces per capita in Germany!  It hasn’t just been a spot for kings, but also for films and TV, such as Grand Budapest Hotel, Bridge of Spies, Homeland and more.  It’s definitely worth a day! 

Berlin - Museum Island

This morning, meet your guide and head back to Unter den Linden and stroll to Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the home to many of Berlin’s top museums, including the Neues Museum. Here you will find the bust of Nefertiti in her stunning new environment. This museum houses the contents of the Egyptian museum, as well as the Museum of Pre- and Early-History.

If you wish, you can also visit Berlin’s incredible Pergamon Museum, located right next door, and filled with a fabulous collection of ancient Greek art.

Museum Berlin
Munich Germany

Continue your journey

Why not extend your stay? Berlin combines ideally with Munich.

Our process is high-touch, and extremely personalized. Let us walk you through the steps when you decide to travel with Exeter.