Journey through Berlin's history till now

Duration:

5 Hours

Start & End-point:

Pick up from your Hotel

Inclusions:

• Private Expert Guide • Pick up and Drop off at your Hotel • Private Driver/Black Van for the driving option

Exclusions:

• Gratitude for your guide • Food & drinks

About:

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the city of Berlin underwent a building boom that erased any traces of the former divide and the devastation of WW2. But those who are in-the-know know where you can still find ruins of the city’s past.

On this Berlin historical tour, you’ll join a private local guide who knows exactly that. Our guides are experts on WW2 history and the Cold War — with many of them having witnessed the Cold War era first-hand. With local insight and personal anecdotes of life in a divided Berlin, they’ll give you an unforgettable lesson on the German capital, both past and present.

After meeting at your hotel this Berlin highlights tour starts at the spectacular Reichstag building, an appropriate place to begin, as this building has long stood at the centre of German history and reflects the country’s ups and downs, particularly that of the Third Reich, like no other.

From there, you’ll explore the sprawling Pariser Platz, once the grandest square in Berlin and reduced to rubble by the end of World War 2. While Pariser Platz has since been rebuilt, one original structure remains: the iconic Brandenburg Gate. While the gate once represented German division, it is now considered a national symbol of peace and unity.

Next, visit the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe — a massive and overwhelming piece of art and commemoration. In contrast, a short walk away is the almost-forgotten former site of Hitler’s bunker, where he hid out during the final battle until his death.

Passing by former Nazi ministries, we’ll reach the Topography of Terror memorial and museum. We’ll continue along the former “death strip” of the Wall towards Checkpoint Charlie, the best-known crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War.

Not far from this famous boulevard is the Gendarmenmarkt, widely considered the most beautiful square in Berlin, where the German and French cathedrals flank the concert hall. Finally, take Bebelplatz, past the Nazi book burning memorial and the restored State Opera and Humboldt University.

It’s here that we arrive at the final stop on your Berlin highlights tour: Museum Island. Located opposite the reconstructed Prussian Palace, it is one of the most important museum sites in Europe. You’re free to spend the rest of your day exploring the exhibits on your own, or to head off and discover more of Berlin.

About Our Guides:

Our Berlin tour guides are more than just guides — they are true ambassadors of the city, with deep knowledge of Berlin’s history, art and politics. Some of them were eyewitnesses to the Cold War, with personal stories to share about their lives during that time. Come with plenty of questions, to be answered by someone who lived it!

Tour Flexibility:

This private tour is flexible and customizable – if there are specific sights that you would like to focus on, please let us know and we can adjust the itinerary to suit your interests. The tour can be done entirely on foot or with a private vehicle with driver. Let us know which you prefer, and we can accommodate your wishes.

What to bring:

• Please wear comfortable walking shoes
• Germany is still a cash country - please remember to bring some cash