Germany: West and East

Join your Tour Director for a sightseeing tour of Heidelberg, a charming city surrounded by mountains, forests, and the Neckar River. Stroll through Market Square for views of Germany’s oldest university, then visit Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance landmarks north of the Alps. Learn about its turbulent history from the Thirty Years’ War to a lightning strike in 1764, and explore the castle courtyard to see the world’s largest wine barrel, a symbol of the city’s enduring spirit and charm.

Meet six influential figures from Germany’s history, then join a lively debate to argue their accomplishments and decide together who deserves the title of greatest German.

Journey into the Black Forest, where dense woods and fairytale landscapes inspired the Brothers Grimm. Travel past alpine villages and Lake Titisee, taking in the contrast of dark forests and colorful towns. Along the way, experience the region’s traditions and unique cultural character.

Visit the Bavarian village of Hohenschwangau and learn about Hohenschwangau Castle, the childhood home of King Ludwig II, with views of Lake Alpsee and the surrounding Alps. Then enjoy a scenic hike toward Neuschwanstein Castle and pause at Queen Mary’s Bridge for an unforgettable photo stop of the fairytale fortress and mountain landscape.

Enjoy Bavarian- or Berlin-style sausage with traditional sides. Bavarian sausage is made from veal and pork back bacon, while the Berlin style features fried pork.

Join a licensed guide for a whirlwind look at Munich, from its medieval heart to modern landmarks. Stroll through Marienplatz to see the Neues Rathaus and its famous Glockenspiel, framed by the twin towers of the Frauenkirche. Visit the Residenz, then explore Olympiapark, built for the 1972 Games, and step into BMW Welt to experience innovation and sleek design.

Dachau, the first of Nazi Germany’s concentration camps, became the model for thousands that followed. Now a memorial and museum, it honours the 206,000 prisoners held here from 1933 to 1945 and traces the rise of the Nazi party, pre-1930s anti-Semitism, and the lives of those imprisoned.

Explore Alexanderplatz, known to locals as “Alex,” once a cattle market and now Berlin’s bustling central square. Gaze up at the iconic TV Tower, built by East Germany to symbolize socialist pride. Nearby, admire the ornate Neptune Fountain and the striking red-brick Rotes Rathaus, Berlin’s historic town hall.

Take interactive learning to another level with a Tour Director-led scavenger hunt of Alexanderplatz, Berlin's most famous public square! Enjoy an after-dinner adventure, complete exciting activities and solve fun clues. Each clue and every activity is built to maximize on-tour experiential learning.

Join a licensed guide to explore Berlin’s most iconic sites. Visit the Brandenburg Gate, once trapped in Cold War “no man’s land” and now a symbol of unity, and step into its Room of Silence to reflect on Germany’s past. Follow the route of the Berlin Wall, marked with crosses and wreaths honouring those who lost their lives. At Checkpoint Charlie, see the museum’s powerful exhibits on daring escape attempts, then continue to Potsdamer Platz, a modern hub rebuilt from the once-divided city centre.

The Topography of Terror in Berlin is a museum and historical site that documents the crimes of the Nazi regime, particularly those committed by the Gestapo, SS, and Reich Security Main Office. It features exhibitions, educational programmes, and preserved remnants like a section of the Berlin Wall to provide a deeper understanding of this period.