history tour germany

THE 10 BEST Germany Historical & Heritage Tours

Historical & heritage tours in germany.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace Day Trip from Munich

2. Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour from Munich by Train

3. Skip-the-Line: Eagle's Nest in Berchtesgaden Tour from Salzburg

4. Discover Berlin Half-Day Walking Tour

5. Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Munich

6. Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace Day Tour from Munich

7. Death and Chocolate: Walking Tour of Munich's Old South Cemetery

8. Third Reich Walking Tour Munich

9. Salzburg Sightseeing Day Trip from Munich by Rail

10. Romantic Road, Rothenburg, and Harburg Day Tour from Munich

11. Berchtesgaden and Eagle's Nest Day Trip from Munich

12. Berchtesgaden and Eagle's Nest Day Tour from Munich

13. Fall in Love with Munich in a Private Old Town Walking Tour

14. Berlin Third Reich and Cold War 2-Hour Walking Tour

15. Potsdam Private Walk Tour from Berlin

16. Heidelberg Castle and City Day Tour from Frankfurt

17. Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour from Berlin

18. Private Berlin Complete History All Day Walking Tour

19. Munich Old Town Walking Tour

20. Munich Sightseeing Guided Bike Tour

21. Frankfurt Highlights Guided Walking Tour

22. Berlin Highlights 3-Hour Bike Tour

23. Explore Berlin's Top Attractions 3-hour English Walking Tour

24. Eagle's Nest-Berchtesgaden-Obersalzberg Private Half Day WWII Historical Tour

25. Munich Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local

26. Berlin Highlights Private Guided Walking Tour

27. Munich World War II Sites Including Dachau Concentration Camp

28. Cologne City Tour Experience cathedral city on the Rhine

29. Munich City Walk and Oktoberfest Tour With Beer Tent Reservation

30. Heidelberg Castle and Old Town Tour from Frankfurt

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Experience Germany differently. Enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences and uncover local secrets when our friends across the country open their doors to you. Here’s just a sample of the rich experiences you can expect.

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Explore Neuschwanstein castle

Used as inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella film, the castle of Neuschwanstein stands with impossible grandeur in the hills of Bavaria’s Hohenschwangau district. Originally built for King Ludwig II who only spent 11 nights in the castle before his death, it now enchants visitors aplenty. Our trip to Germany would not be complete without it.

See the remnants of the Berlin Wall

Once dividing the German capital both physically and politically, what remains of the 155 kilometre long Berlin Wall has been largely dressed in thought-provoking graffiti. Feel the emotion of our visit, celebrating its symbolic demolition in 1989 and commemorating this dark patch in German history.

Embrace the Bavarian rich beer brewing heritage

Governed by a set of 16th century rules that determine purity, beer brewing in Germany is a cultural art form. Peel back the layers of beer culture to gain a deeper understanding of its significance, as we visit some of the 1300 breweries found here.

Go up the iconic Berlin TV Tower for 360° views

The Berliner Fernsehturm, or Berlin TV Tower, once stood as a proud statement of communist power. With democracy in place, we will take a trip to the top of the capital’s TV Tower to soak up the sentiment of a united city, admiring 360-degree views from the observation deck found at a height of 203 meters.

Admire the beautiful Baroque building façades in Dresden

The rebirth of Dresden since the bombings of 1945 is a testament to the German spirit of resilience. Connect with the intricacies of Baroque architecture whilst stepping into a pace of life found in many of the country’s boutique cities.

Our top 5 things to do in Germany

When you explore Germany with Trafalgar,  we'll connect you with Bavarian beer heritage, nostalgic castles, Baroque architecture and political complexities.

Stasi Museum

The blurred political history of Germany is uncovered within the stark walls of the Stasi Museum. Once the headquarters of East Germany’s Ministry for State Security, it now stands as a memorial and research centre. Germany tours are scarcely complete without a trip to Stasi.

Residenz Museum

Peel back the layers of German opulence with a step into the former home of Bavarian royalty. A well-timed visit to the Residenz Museum complex will see you watching a performance by the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. On any other day, be awe-struck by the grandeur of the palace’s ten courtyards and 130 display rooms.

Oranienburg

Memorial & Museum Sachsenhausen

Visit a Nazi concentration camp and you will begin to understand the deeply moving stories of Germany's troubled historical past.Not for the faint of heart, Memorial & Museum Sachsenhausen in Oranienburg will walk you through a mortuary, execution trenches and prison cells. The enormity of suffering remains thick in the air.

Best museums in Germany

Packed with breathtaking moments and cultural significance, museum hopping is an important part of any trip to Germany. With Trafalgar, you'll step from the tumultuous past to the progressive present to understand the complete German story.

Best food in Germany

An indulgent sausage tour is hard to resist in Germany, particularly when washing wursts down with local beer. Trafalgar will guide you through the goodness of this meaty cuisine, always laden with condiments, always satisfying.

A simple pork sausage first steamed and then fried, it’s the lashings of curry ketchup that make currywurst unique. This fast food local favorite is enjoyed with hot potato chips and a local beer, while standing and engaging in a chat with some locals.Add an additional layer of curry powder for extra kick.

Slightly less indulgent than the currywurst, a weisswurst sausage is typically made of veal and pork and warmed in water without complete cooking or frying. Eat the near-raw weisswurst as a mid-morning snack served alongside warm pretzels.

Schweininshaxe

Roasted pork knuckle is an adored culinary dish found across Germany. Often left to marinate for around a week before being slowly roasted at low temperatures, Schweininshaxe is a labour of love. Appreciate yours over a leisurely meal lasting many hours.

What to pack for Germany

Otto Wolff’s guide to German food

Gelbwurst, rindswurst. Kartoffelpuffer, kartoffelkloesse. German food can be a mouthful before the dish has been served. The Wurst! By Otto Wolff will guide you through the very best of German cuisine.

An eye for fairytale architecture

Most sources claim that over 20,000 castles can be found across the hills of Germany. Allow this trip to inspire childhood nostalgia with its fairytale architecture.

Digital maps

It's always good to have a backup of digital maps on standby when you're out exploring in your own time. Download them prior to your trip so you can reach them even when your phone is offline.

Travel adaptor

Though many hotels will have adaptors available for use, being prepared with your own will ensure you're always charged and ready to go.

Traditional costume

Oktoberfest is not the only time that traditional dress could be called upon in Germany. Travelers looking to connect closer to the culture may like to pack the 19th century German attire of a Dirndl or lederhosen.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and toiletry bottles.

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Germany

Find the right fully guided tour for you in Germany. There are 671 trips to choose from, that range from 2 days in length, up to 22 days. The month with the most departures is October, making it the most popular time to visit Germany.

250+ Fully Guided tour packages in Germany with 2,525 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Sightseeing

Best of Germany (12 Days)

Trip was great. Loved all the places where we went. Coach was kept clean. Hosts and driver were very nice and thorough to provide cultural experience. Over all it was great.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Christmas & New Year

Highlights of Germany

Dori was very polite and did all the requirements a tour guide should do. However, one could tell her heart was not in it and her knowledge of Germany was limited. Our tour group was very prompt which made the trip comfortable but we did not get any German culture or history at all.

Magical Bavaria

Small tour group with an exceptionally knowledgeable guide. He knew the best places to stop for food/beer and navigated us through any queues! Such beautiful places to explore (Rothenburg & Residenz Wurzburg were a particular highlight... we would never have visited if travelling alone) Hotels were of a high quality... particularly loved the hotel in Nuremberg (facilities & breakfast were awesome) Location of all hotels were perfect. All airport transfers were on time and very professional. Tour transport was very comfortable- Mercedes Bus. We would definitely book with Indus Travel again as they responded quickly to all queries. Miller were their local supplier in Germany we can highly recommend them - a very professional service.

• Coach / Bus

German Highlights

German Vista

Best of Germany (Classic, 12 Days)

Customized Germany Train Trip with Daily Departure

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Best of Germany (Small Groups, 12 Days)

Beautiful Views End Berlin

Pedro Repiladoand Mariano, you guys are good ! Thank you !

Bavaria Bike Tour | Guided Bike Tour | Germany

• River Cruise

Rhine and Moselle Castles Dutch Symphony Intermediate Deluxe

Mecklenburg Lake District Guided Bike Tour of Lakes, Castles and Idyllic Villages

A Journey Through Germany

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Moselle River Cruise (Mainz-Mainz) - MS Crucevita 4*sup

Our cabin was upgraded, which greatly added to our enjoyment of the cruise. The food was superb, the staff friendly and efficient. There appeared to be a good atmosphere between the staff generally which resulted in a happy atmosphere. We will not have a problem recommending you to our friends.

German Riverscapes from Passau to Trier (Passau - Trier)

2nd Amadeus river cruise and we loved it. very laidback and enjoyable.

What people love about Fully Guided Tours in Germany

The trip was packed with activities and experiences. The tour director was excellent. Christina was very helpful and friendly. We purchased all the optional experiences and thought all were worthwhile except the last one. We will book a similar trip in the future

A fascinating, (sometimes too) whistlestop tour of German towns and cities. The tour guide Zsofi and her driver were probably the best I've ever had - they were helpful, upbeat and very clear in their instructions. Trip 'Good' rather than 'Excellent' because of the location of the hotels, most of which were so on the outskirts of a city that it limited what we could do in our free time. Also, some days towards the end of the tour were a bit rushed - the whole thing could stand to be at least two days longer.

Small tour group with an exceptionally knowledgeable guide. He knew the best places to stop for food/beer and navigated us through any queues! Such beautiful places to explore (Rothenburg & Residenz Wurzburg were a particular highlight... we would never have visited if travelling alone) Hotels were of a high quality... particularly loved the hotel in Nuremberg (facilities & breakfast were awesome) Location of all hotels were perfect. All airport transfers were on time and very professional. Tour transport was very comfortable- Mercedes Bus. We would definitely book with Indus Travel again as they responded quickly to all queries. Miller were their local supplier in Germany we can highly recommend them - a very professional service.

Regions in Germany

• Bavaria (53)
• Northern Germany (16)

Travel Styles

• Fully Guided
• Germany Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 10 Day Germany Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

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Discover your German Heritage

Trace the roots of your family tree

Explore where it all began

Follow the paths of xour ancestors

Learn the german emigration story

#DiscoverYourGermany

• Famous People
• Made in Germany
• Travel Planning

Explore Your German Heritage

Trace the roots of your family tree in Germany, and follow the routes your ancestors took to reach a new life in America. Follow the 400-year timeline of significant events in German emigration history, and see how German-Americans continue to shape the modern United States today.

From religious freedom seekers in the 1600s to one of the leading ancestry groups in the U.S. today, German immigrants have woven their stories into the fabric of American culture. Get to know the rich history of your ancestors in the Genealogy section, where you’ll find valuable links to regional archives and web resources to guide you on your German heritage journey.

In the Famous People section, learn about famous German-Americans who’ve had a big influence on American cultural identity and society. Then, build a custom itinerary with our Trip Planner to visit the historic places which tell the story of German emigrants to America.

Your Journey Begins Here

First, your research strategy should be focused on finding the last residence or at least the area in Germany your family came from. Then, identify local or regional resources in that area. For this purpose, passenger manifests, including lists of arrivals at U.S. ports, or departures from Germany often provide very helpful information. Those include established large databases, provided by commercial firms for fees, or those offered for free by societies or other institutions.

The next steps lead you to state archives, church archives, and civil registration offices of communities, towns or districts. Also, local databases, including name-lists, family and local history publications are helpful. You will notice that archives in Germany – be it church or state archives, German websites from genealogical societies, church offices or groups of volunteers – do not always provide English-language navigation or explanation. Therefore, you should contact them directly. Be advised that many institutions or organizations may not have the resources to carry out extensive research, or that they need time to work on your request, and nominal fees may apply.

The following recommendations are based on a selection of addresses, resources, institutions and tools that are helpful in a basic and practical way. Please keep in mind that even in times of electronic data and high-speed internet, historical biographical research is a complicated task that requires time and patience.

Bremen Cathedral square at night ©LOOK Bildagentur der Fotografen (Günther Bayerl)

Explore the German Archives

Records on emigration archives usually relate to applications of passports, reports of public administration, correspondence or related matters. Some archives have duplicates of church books, and some have civil registration records. From 1875 onwards, civil registration and vital statistics were filed at the Civil Registry Offices (Standesamt). Addresses are available through the cities' public administration. Use may be restricted or by appointment only. Church archives keep church books, and in some cases local genealogical societies have compiled family history books from these records.

• www.archivschule.de/content/23.html German archives. This site is hosted by the Deutsche Archivschule at Marburg and lists addresses of archives in Germany. Mostly in German. Some archives have English websites.
• www.ekd.de/archive/deutsch/index.htm The website of the Evangelical Church in Germany lists the member archives which are listed by cities and regions. Please note that church records may not necessarily be kept in these centralized repositories but may be kept in local church offices.

Get Started: Orientation & Research Tools

These are the major websites for research and travel in Germany compiling resources of emigration, historical and biographical databases, record lists, research strategies and services, as well as biographies, articles, timelines and links to academic institutions, tourist organizations and other useful information. The sites are well established in the genealogical community and most of them are constantly updated.

• www.roots-in-germany.de Website of Research and Travel. Compilation of resources and tools for emigration and historical biographical research in Germany. Many links to a variety of regional and local databases. Also links to German tourist organizations. Research and travel services are offered for fees.
• www.germanroots.com/emigration.html Compilation of German emigration online records, lists, resources. Useful links, orientation and explanations.
• http://www.cyndislist.com/germany.htm Well-known list with numerous links including orientation on general resources. Well established in the genealogical community, constantly updated.
• www.germancorner.com Extensive German-American links and information, well-known portal including timelines, historic chapters, biographies.
• http://www.genealogienetz.de/ German Verein für Computergenealogie: valuable links, resources. Important: this site links to the genealogical societies in the German federal states (Bundesstaaten) and many local history sources.
• www.ahnenforschung.net Directory for genealogists provided by Genealogie-Service de GmbH Germany. Links to online book shops, paid services as well as free resources.
• www.familysearch.org Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Well-known website of the Genealogical Society of Utah/Mormon church. Site links to the popular International Genealogical Index (IGI) which is their widely used collection of data, mainly from microfilmed church registers, many entries for Germany.
• www.feefhs.org The Federation of East European Family History Societies links to various databases which contain names in Eastern European regions including former German settlements, also genealogical aids, maps, links, etc.
• www.ahsgr.org The American Historical Society of Germans from Russia website.
• www.jewishgen.org Link to a special interest group for Germany: www.jewishgen.org/GerSIG which then refers to resources, databases, valuable information, etc.

Genealogical finding aids, websites, general information that covers the federal states or historic regions of Germany are provided by various genealogical societies. A list of these societies is displayed in cooperation with the ‘Verein für Computergenealogie’: wiki.genealogy.net . For more detailed listings of local databases, please refer to www.routes.de and www.genealogienetz.de

The following list provides the most popular and widely used resources on passenger lists. Some are free to use, while others require subscription or demand fees.

• www.ancestry.com Ancestry.com is one of the most extensive online databases with more than 27 billion records and over 100 million family trees. It is one of the most extensive online databases with more than 80 million images of records online, more than five billion names. The U.S. Immigration Collections gives access to arrivals at New York, Baltimore, Boston, New Orleans, Galveston, Philadelphia, California and some other places mainly 1820 to 1957 (varies for ports), requires fees.
• www.passagierlisten.de These are the only surviving departure lists for Bremen and Bremerhaven in the time period 1920-1939. A project by the Bremen Genealogical Society in collaboration with the Bremen Chamber of Commerce.
• www.immigrantships.net The Immigrant Ships Transcribers Guild (ISTG) is a long-standing group of volunteers who transcribe various ship manifests. The index page lists manifest per year, ship name, port, etc. Especially important for ships prior to 1800.
• www.theshipslist.com Contains a collection of transcribed passenger manifests along with related information. Rich content and links.
• www.castlegarden.org From 1855 to 1890, Castle Garden located at Manhattan's southern end was America's first official immigration center. Online database for 10 million immigrants from 1830 through 1892.
• heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger The Statue of Liberty—Ellis Island Foundation, Inc. The free Passenger and Ship Search databases comprise nearly 65 million arrival records and ship manifests from passengers arriving to the Port of New York from 1820 to 1957.
• www.pier21.ca Pier21 – Canada's Historic Soul. Visitors may search electronically for the basic arrival information and country of residence of anyone who immigrated through a Canadian port between 1925 and 1935. Many of them continued their journey to the U.S.

Explore the Emigration Timeline

Uncover the history of your German ancestors with the help of our emigration timeline. Spanning more than 400 years, the timeline begins with the earliest German settlers arriving in North America in the early 1600s, follows the great immigration waves of the 18th and 19th centuries, and highlights notable German-Americans and their contributions to American society and culture.

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1800s - 1820s

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The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

10 of the Best Historic Sites in Germany

Dive into several millennia of rich history in our guide to germany's top historic locations, featuring the likes of the brandenburg gate to the open-air hedeby viking museum..

Peta Stamper

03 aug 2021.

Each year, tourists flock to Germany – one of Europe’s largest countries – drawn in by its natural beauty, notable cities , long and complex history and, of course, beer.

Home of the ancient Germanic tribes, impinged on by the Romans , centre of the Holy Roman Empire, and the focal point of 20th century conflict, Germany is a nation with a diverse history which is reflected in its range of historic sites today.

There’s a wealth of cathedrals, monuments, museums, and castles to choose between. From the historic Brandenburg Gate and magnificent Würzburg Residence to the Gothic Cologne Cathedral, here’s our selection of sites you can’t miss when visiting Das Land der Dichter und Denker – ‘the country of poets and thinkers’.

1. Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate is a famous landmark in Berlin built between 1788 and 1791 which once served as a city gateway. Commissioned by King Frederick William II of Prussia it stood in the entrance to boulevard Unter den Linden, which led to the city palace.

The gate was reopened on December 22, 1989, in the course of the reunification of East and West Berlin, when West German Chancellor Helmut Kohl walked through it to meet East German Prime Minister Hans Modrow. Following the  fall of the Berlin Wall , the Brandenburg gate became a symbol of German reunification.

2. Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall was an 87 mile long concrete barrier between East and West Berlin, a symbol of the Cold War and an embodiment of the so-called ‘ Iron Curtain ’ between eastern and western Europe.

The Berlin Wall was a matter of great controversy throughout its existence. World leaders continually calling for it to be torn down, including  John F. Kennedy ’s famous declaration of “Ich bin ein Berliner” and Ronald Reagan’s 1987 speech when he implored, “Mr. Gorbachev , tear down this wall!”.

3. Reichstag

The Reichstag is one of Berlin’s most significant historical buildings, having borne silent witness to the turbulent history not just of Berlin, but wider Germany. It is also the current home of the German parliament.

Designed by architect Paul Wallot during the reign of Emperor Wilhelm I, the Reichstag contained several pioneering architectural elements, including a steel and glass copula – the first of its kind.

4. Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) is a vast and impressive gothic cathedral which took over 600 years to complete. Visible from nearly every point in the city, it is the second highest building in Cologne.

Located on what was previously the site of a Roman villa, thought to have dated back to the 4th century – as well as several increasingly larger churches – construction of the current Cologne Cathedral began in 1248.

5. Dachau Concentration Camp

Dachau Concentration Camp (KZ-Gedenkstätte Dachau) was one of the first of many concentration camps set up by the Nazis to imprison and murder certain groups as part of their campaign of genocide.

Today, the site of Dachau Concentration Camp houses a memorial to those who suffered and perished under the Nazis: expect to spend at least half a day here to take everything in and digest it.

6. Lubeck Town Hall

Lübeck Town Hall (Lübecker Rathaus) is an incredible medieval structure which began as a 13th century cloth hall. One of Germany’s most famous brick Gothic buildings , Lübeck Town Hall was added to over the centuries.

Even today, Lübeck’s Town Hall continues to serve as the city’s administrative headquarters and meeting place of the city parliament. The halls are open to visit by guided tours, a highlight being the splendid Audience Hall, decorated in the lush Rococo style of 1755 depicting the virtues of a good government.

7. Holstentor

If Holstentor looks familiar, this might be because you have glimpsed it on a German 2 Euro coin. Built in the 15th century, Holstentor (also known as Holsten Tor or Holsten Gate) was part of the medieval defences of the Hanseatic city of Lübeck and is one of only 2 of the original 4 gates of the city, the other being Burgtor.

Today, Holstentor is one of a long list of buildings included as part of the UNESCO Hanseatic City of Lubeck site. Looking like it has come straight out of a fairytale, inside this medieval gem is the city museum of Lübeck.

8. Munich Frauenkirche

A late Gothic, 3-nave hall church, the Munich Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) is one of the city’s most iconic sites. Begun in 1468 over the site of an earlier church, the Munich Frauenkirche was consecrated in 1494.

However, it was not until the 16th century that Frauenkirche got its most famous additions: a pair of onion-dome topped towers. Inside, visitors can see fantastic artworks spanning several centuries.

9. Würzburg Residence

Called the ‘ castle above all castles’, the Würzburg Residence in Germany was principally designed by little-known court architect Balthasar Neumann and commissioned by Johann Philipp Franz von Schönborn, Prince-Bishop of Würzburg.

According to UNESCO – for which Würzburg was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1981 – the “Residence is a document of European culture. Perhaps no monument from the same period is able to claim such a concurrence of talent”.

10. Hedeby Viking Museum

Hedeby Viking Museum (known locally as Wikinger Museum Haithabu) is a museum near the site of Hebedy, a former medieval city.

Hedeby was founded at the beginning of the 9th century by Danish King Göttrik and, with its excellent location at the neck of Jutland in what is now Germany’s Schleswig-Holstein state, it was the ideal trading port, becoming one of the most significant trade centres in Northern Europe.

One of the most striking displays is ‘Wreck 1’, which, until recently, was thought to be the longest war boat from the Viking period .

Rated 98% based on 1029 reviews

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The Rise & Fall of Nazi Germany

Darkness visible.

General History Tours Holocaust Tours Military History and Battlefield Tours

17th - 24th June 2024 (8 Days)

Expert Historian : Professor Alexander Korb

Tour price: £4,045

click here to book

Your Holiday Essentials

17th - 24th June 2024 (8 Days)

3-4-star hotels, meals as indicated,

drinks with dinner, all entrance fees,

tour manager and expert historian

throughout, all internal travel,

optional travel from UK

Activity Level : 2

Standard price: £3,395

Incl. travel from UK: £4,045 Room sole occupancy supplement: £550 Non-refundable deposit: £600

Booking open

Interested in this tour but not ready to book? Register your interest using the link below and we will keep you updated on the progress of the tour.

click here to register your interest

Tour Introduction

This tour traces the dramatic and harrowing story of the Rise and Fall of the Third Reich chronologically from its birth in 1919 Munich, to its bloody end in Berlin in 1945. In the company of an expert historian, we visit all the significant milestones marking Adolf Hitler's ascent and Germany's descent into the abyss. We begin in the Bavarian capital where we see the sites associated with the Nazi party’s rise, including the route of the 1923 Beerhall Putsch, the site of the party HQ and that of the 1938 Munich conference. We tour the appalling Buchenwald concentration camp; the Fuhrer's idyllic mountain retreat at Berchtesgaden; the Nazi party’s monster rally grounds at Nuremberg; and where Nazi crimes were judged and condemned. We explore the state building that housed the weak and ineffectual government of the Weimar Republic. During our final days in Berlin, we visit Wannsee, where the Holocaust was planned, and walk through the city centre viewing the Reichstag, Holocaust memorial, and the site of the bunker where Hitler’s life ended.

Munich, 1919. An unknown Austrian corporal walks into a beerhall...and the rest is history. The remarkable rise of Adolf Hitler from obscurity to Germany’s dictatorial Fuhrer, and finally to the overlordship of occupied Europe, is the story of a catastrophe unparalleled in human history. The Nazi dream of a racially pure Third Reich, and the quest for Lebensraum in Russia, turned Germany into a totalitarian state and plunged the world into war.

• Enjoy a drink at the historic Hofbrauhaus in Munich
• Ascend the spectacular 6,000 ft. Kehlstein to enjoy a tour, amazing mountain views, and lunch in the Eagle's Nest
• Visit the remains of the Berghof, Hitler's mountain home
• Enjoy a private tour of the Nuremberg courtroom where the surviving top Nazis were tried by the International tribunal in 1946
• Buchenwald & Wannsee
• Tour the Topography of Terror museum
• Walk around central Berlin, viewing the Reichstag, the Holocaust memorial, and the site of the Bunker where Hitler and his bride Eva Braun committed suicide in April 1945

What's Included

• Return flights from London (optional)
• 3 & 4 Star Hotels
• Buffet breakfast each morning
• Dinner parties hosted by your expert historian and tour manager
• Two drinks i,e wine or beer at each dinner and a welcome drink on first evening
• Dedicated Tour Manager
• Entrance fees for sites included in itinerary
• Modern, comfortable, air-conditioned coach
• Tour information booklet
• Helpful and friendly travel advice
• The company of like-minded travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Munich We fly into Munich and check-in to our hotel for two nights. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks and an introductory talk from our expert historian followed by dinner. (D)

Day 2: Munich A full day on foot and public transport exploring the sites associated with Hitler’s rise to power: the former Sternecker beerhall, where Hitler first encountered the Nazi party; walk along the route of the 1923 Beerhall putsch to the Odeonsplatz, where the first Nazi bid for power came to bloody grief; enjoy a beer at the historic Hofbrauhaus; visit tour the documentation centre at the site of the party HQ, the Brown House; see where the 1938 Munich conference took place, today the city's Music college. (B,D)

Day 3: Berchtesgaden We check out of our hotel and drive through beautiful mountain scenery to Berchtesgaden, the pretty town where Hitler, Goering and Speer had their rural retreats. We ascend the spectacular 6,000 ft. Kehlstein to enjoy a tour, amazing mountain views, and lunch at the Eagle's Nest, Hitler's mountain top eyrie. Visit the remains of the Berghof, Hitler's mountain home, where he received foreign guests including Chamberlain, Lloyd George and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. We tour the nearby documentation centre recording the Nazi links with the area. Check-in to our hotel for one night. (B,D)

Day 4: Nuremberg Visit Surberg, where ‘death-marched’ Jews were massacred a week after Hitler’s suicide. At The Bavarian Army Museum in Ingolstadt we view its excellent exhibition on Hitler’s rise to power. In the afternoon we drive to Nuremberg to see the Nazi party rally grounds where thousands gathered annually to hear Hitler speak in massive, choreographed shows of strength and military muscle. We then visit the documentation centre in the vast, half built, Congress Hall which showcases megalomaniac Nazi building plans. Check-in to our hotel for one night. (B,D)

Day 5: Judgement We take a tour of the courtroom where the surviving top Nazis were tried by the international tribunal in 1946. This afternoon we explore the House of the Weimar Republic where Hitler first came to power. Check-in to our hotel for one-night. There will be some free time to explore this beautiful city. (B,D)

Day 6: Buchenwald & Wannsee Visit Buchenwald, one of Germany’s first and largest concentration camps with its huge memorial complex, crematorium, SS guards’ barracks, commandant’s headquarters, railway station, gatehouse and very moving exhibition. This afternoon we drive to Berlin's leafy western suburbs to visit Wannsee where, in a grand lakeside villa, the Holocaust was planned at a meeting chaired by Reinhard Heydrich. We tour the permanent exhibition on the history of German anti-Semitism and the Holocaust. Check-in to our central Berlin hotel for two nights. (B, D)

Day 7: Berlin A full day on foot and U-Bahn visiting the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, the Fuhrer bunker where Hitler and his bride Eva Braun committed suicide in April 1945, the Holocaust memorial, and the Topography of Terror Museum: built on the site of the SS/ Gestapo HQ, this records the network of terror that the Nazis built and the fate of its victims. (B, D)

Day 8: Berlin & Home Visit the Platform 17 memorial at Grunewald, from where thousands of Berlin’s Jews were transported to their deaths. Thence brief stops at the Olympic Stadium and Tempelhof Airport to examine iconic Nazi architecture. Continue to Berlin Brandenburg Airport for return flights home. (B)

Recommended Reading List

• A Brief History of the Birth of the Nazis: How the Freikorps Blazed a Trail for Hitler
• Countdown to Valkyrie: The July Plot to Assassinate Hitler

Professor Alexander Korb

Alexander Korb was director of the Stanley Burton Centre for Holocaust and Genocide Studies between 2012 and 2018. Alexander is an expert of the Holocaust in Central and Southeastern Europe. Moreover, he specializes in the history of genocide, of international relations within wartime Europe, and in a transnational intellectual history of right-wing Europe.

Photo Gallery

• The View from The Eagle's Nest
• Our group examines a monument at Dachau
• At the International Monument at Dachau
• Memorial at Dachau
• Exploring Dachau
• Our 2019 tour group at Dachau
• Grave of many thousands unknown
• At The Eagle's Nest
• Arbeit Macht Frei

Tour Review

Take a look at some of the images taken on our most recent tour

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Berlin History Tours

Second World War, Reichstag and Berlin Wall

No other city informs German history like Berlin. Even today, the marks of history remain visible. Delve into Berlin’s history on the various themed tours offered by our tour guides. Learn more about the many facets of Jewish life in Berlin. Group tours are available for up to twenty-five people per tour guide.

Contact us for a non-binding quote via our contact form .

Current Berlin history tours (duration roughly 2 hours):

Berlin from national socialism to the second world war.

This tour takes you from the Brandenburg Gate to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, along Voßstraße and Wilhelmstraße to the Topography of Terror*. Wilhelmstraße was a showcase of Prussia’s and the German Empire’s political power both during the Weimar Republic and National Socialism. Discover the traces of the Third Reich’s atrocities around the former Wilhelmplatz and learn more about the Nazi's plans and the liberation of the city. Suggested route: from the Berlin Tourist Info at the Brandenburg Gate to the Topography of Terror (Niederkirchnerstraße) Please note that admission to and a guided tour of the Topography of Terror exhibition is not included in the price.

Berlin Politics – government district including the Reichstag

Berlin as the seat of government: a tour of the centres of political power, both old and new. See offices of politics from Prussia and the German Empire:

• Old Chancellery
• Prussian Ministry of State
• Ministry of Justice
• Ministry of War
• Reich President’s Palace

and, to contrast, the new government district with the

• Federal Ministry (German Chancellery, Ministry of Finance)
• Ministerial Gardens
• and the new seat of the Federal Government: the Reichstag

Suggested route: from U-Bahn stop Mohrenstraße/Zietenplatz to the Berlin Pavilion at Scheidemannstraße 1

Berlin – capital of the GDR

On our tour from Alexanderplatz to the far end of Karl-Marx-Allee, you’ll see places with a direct link to the history of the GDR. Buildings and monuments illustrate how the GDR operated, how it was governed and how its character changed over the forty years of its existence. Sights to see include the parade roads, the Plattenbauten and Stalinist buildings, the Sputnik on Café Moskau, the bust of Karl Marx, the Kino International cinema and locations from the film The Lives of Others. Suggested route: Alexanderplatz, Haus des Lehrers, Alexanderplatz tunnel to Karl-Marx-Allee (Café Sybille)

The Wall – retracing divided and reunified Berlin

This tour will take you to the remains of the Berlin Wall in Niederkirchner Straße, the former border between East and West Berlin. The tour starts at the Brandenburg Gate, passes Potsdamer Platz and ends at the former border post known as Checkpoint Charlie. Learn about the construction and fall of the Berlin Wall, about successful escapes along the former border strip in Berlin's inner city and see how impressive and successful building and reunification projects have been since. Suggested route: from the Berlin Tourist Info at the Brandenburg Gate to Checkpoint Charlie – at the currywurst stand (Friedrichstraße)

Jewish Life in Berlin

Jewish life is evident in many spots all over Berlin. Learn more about early and modern Jewish history on three tours. You have a choice of Jewish Life in Berlin-Mitte, Jewish Life in Berlin-Charlottenburg and Jewish Life in Berlin-Schöneberg. The walk will take you on a journey back to the new beginnings of Jewish life that started with the invitation to families displaced from Vienna to come to Berlin in 1671. Discover the location of the first synagogue on Heidereutergasse and the first cemetery on Große Hamburger Straße. Moses Mendelsohn founded the first boy’s school for Jews and his final resting place is close by. Under National Socialism, non-Jewish women successfully protested on Rosenstraße for the release of their Jewish husbands. Otto Weidt hid a family in his brush factory on Rosenthaler Straße. The tour ends outside the new Synagogue on Oranienstraße.

What we offer:

• Over 100 certified guides in the Association of Berlin Tour Guides
• Tours in more than 20 languages
• Customised tours, designed according to desired themes

Contact us for a non-binding quote via our contact form.

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Best World War II Tours in Germany and Berlin

World war 2.

Berlin World War II Tour: History and Downfall of the Third Reich

Private Berlin Third Reich Bike Tour World War Sites & History

Sachsenhausen Tour with a Licensed Guide

Best world war tours other parts of germany.

Munich – Berchtesgaden and Eagle’s Nest Day Tour from Munich

Nuremberg Medieval Old Town and Nazi Rally Grounds Walking Tour

Munich WWII Combo: Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site and Third Reich Walking Tour

The Colossus of Prora – Rugen

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16-day World War II Memorial Tour of Europe

NORMANDY, FRANCE

The Higgins boat monument at Utah Beach

Colleville-sur-mer, france.

The American Cemetery near Omaha Beach honors over 9000 fallen soldiers

Paris, france.

The Arc de Triomphe stands at the end of the famous Champs-Élysées Avenue

Amsterdam, the netherlands.

Quaint row houses line the canals of this influential city

Antwerp, belgium.

The main city square is lined with 16th-century Flemish Guildhouses

Dachau, germany.

The memorial at Dachau Concentration Camp was designed by Holocaust survivor Nandor Glid

Munich, germany.

Get a taste of Oktoberfest all year round at the Hofbräuhaus beer hall

Caen, france.

The Caen Peace Memorial & Museum

Nuremberg, germany.

The colossal Congress Hall was built to seat the Nazi Party congress

Rhine river, germany.

This legendary waterway is lined with castle ruins, vineyards, and romantic villages

Pricing disclaimer.

  16-day tour featuring Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, Belgium, Holland and France. Revisit the dramatic history of World War II at famous battle sites, war museums and memorials. Many scenic and cultural highlights are also included, providing an enjoyable combination of learning and leisure.

Tour Year 2024

Tour itinerary.

DAY 1 - Overnight flight to Europe.

The Trip Documents will provide guidance for airport check-in and for your arrival in Europe. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.

DAY 2 - GERMANY . . Arrival at Frankfurt Airport – Bavaria.

Upon arrival, clear passport control and collect your luggage. Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” in the Trip Documents for directions on where and when to meet your tour manager. Settle into your comfortable motor coach on the way to your hotel in the scenic and festive state of Bavaria. Get acquainted with your fellow tour members during the “Welcome to Europe” dinner. (Dinner)

DAY 3 - GERMANY . . Nuremberg - Bavaria.

Your bus transfer into the city center introduces you to the history of Nuremberg. Hitler staged his propaganda rallies here and, after his fall, it was chosen as the location for the War Trials. You will have an opportunity to see the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, Congress Hall, and Palace of Justice where the War Trials were held. Consider the causes and consequences of Nazi Germany during a visit to the Documentation Center (visit the temporary exhibit during the 2023 renovations).  Discover the Old Town’s half-timbered buildings and gingerbread shops before returning to your Bavaria hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 4 - GERMANY . . Dachau - Munich - Tyrolean Village.

Travel to Dachau for a somber visit to the Concentration Camp Memorial. At the entrance, you are prompted to reflect on the incomprehensible as your tour manager translates the German phrase on the iron gate: ARBEIT MACHT FREI (Work Makes One Free). Study the exhibit recounting the “path of the prisoners” and see the site of the former barracks. Your tour continues to Munich, the elegant capital of Bavaria. Pass points of interest, such as the Hitler Building, on your way to the Marienplatz, a pedestrian-only zone where historic buildings are cleverly interspersed with modern store fronts. The centerpiece of the square is the Rathaus (Town Hall) with its captivating Glockenspiel (clock tower). Following your visit to Munich, head south into the mountain range along the German/Austrian border, where you will spend the next two nights in a Tyrolean Village. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 5 - GERMANY/AUSTRIA . . Tyrolean Village.

Enjoy a relaxing day in the surroundings of your hotel. Your Alpine Village offers a variety of options for leisure activities amid the spectacular mountain scenery. Another choice is to join the full day optional Salzburg & Eagle’s Nest with Dinner  excursion (see Optional Excursions), which includes a guided visit to the Kehlsteinhaus, Hitler’s mountain hideaway, followed by an afternoon in Salzburg, known as Mozart’s birthplace and the setting for “The Sound of Music.” Spend a second night at your peaceful Tyrolean Village hotel. (Breakfast)

DAY 6 - GERMANY . . Ulm – Bad Herrenalb.

After breakfast, travel to Ulm to view the imposing Ulm Minster with the tallest church steeple in the world. This afternoon, make a stop at the grave of Erwin Rommel, the German general who was forced to commit suicide when Hitler suspected him of treason. End the day with a buffet dinner at your hotel in Bad Herrenalb, on the northern edge of Germany’s Black Forest. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 7 - FRANCE . . St. Avold – Fort Hackenberg & GERMANY . . Trier.

Follow a scenic route through the Alsace Region and the Vosges Mountains. This area was the site of heavy fighting in the fall of 1944. You will make a stop at Lorraine’s American Cemetery in St. Avold, the largest American World War II cemetery in Europe. The afternoon is reserved for a tour of Fort Hackenberg, part of the Maginot Line, which was constructed between the world wars as a defense against any future German invasions. Your hotel for the next two nights will be in Trier, the oldest city in Germany, located near the three-country border of France, Luxembourg and Germany. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 8 - LUXEMBOURG . . American Cemetery - Diekirch, BELGIUM . . Ardennes – Bastogne & GERMANY . . Trier.

The morning stop is at the American Cemetery in Luxembourg where General George Patton is buried. Continue into the Belgian Ardennes Region and arrive in Bastogne to view the star-shaped Mardasson Monument, a tribute to the soldiers who died in the Battle of Ardennes. You will also see the fox holes used by Easy Company, whose stories inspired the TV mini-series “Band of Brothers.” Your travels this afternoon take you to the Luxembourg National Museum of Military History in Diekirch. Trier's famous Porta Nigra provides an intriguing backdrop for your independent dinner before returning to your hotel. (Breakfast)

DAY 9 - GERMANY . . Rhine River – Remagen – Rhine-Ruhr Region.

Motor to one of the most beautiful stretches of the Rhine River where you will board a river steamer for a boat ride past endearing villages, medieval fortresses, and hillside vineyards known for producing the distinctive Rhine wines. Continue through the Rhine River Valley to Remagen to view the remains of the Ludendorff Bridge, the last standing bridge on the Rhine, which was captured by U.S. soldiers on March 7, 1945. By mid-afternoon, continue to your Rhine-Ruhr region hotel. Dinner will be served at the hotel this evening. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 10 - HOLLAND . . Groesbeek – Nijmegen – South Holland.

Crossing the border, focus on sites significant to World War II liberation efforts in The Netherlands (Holland), including locations associated with Operation Market Garden. The bridge over the Waal River at Nijmegen was a strategic asset reclaimed after the historical crossing of American paratroopers. Travel Hell’s Highway and stop at the memorial in Overasselt, commemorating the site of the largest airborne operation of all time. This day will also feature a visit to one of the local museums documenting the World War II resistance in The Netherlands. Continue to your South Holland hotel for check-in and dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 11 - HOLLAND . . Amsterdam – South Holland.

Travel through Holland's countryside, characterized by canals, dikes and windmills, as you make your way to the dynamic city of Amsterdam. Your visit begins with a ride aboard a glass-topped boat through Amsterdam’s harbor and canals where you will see numerous bridges, boathouses and bicycles while gliding past 17th-century gabled houses. During an independent lunch, try a pannekoek (Dutch pancake) or other local specialties. This afternoon, walk to the main square, an ideal focal point for your individual exploration. Return to your South Holland hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 12 - BELGIUM . . Antwerp & FRANCE . . Caen.

Today consists of a full day of travel from Holland to Caen, France, with a stop in the port city of Antwerp, Belgium. Explore the central market square with its irresistible chocolate shops and convivial outdoor cafés serving Belgian Waffles. Continue the drive into France for an early evening check-in at your Caen hotel where dinner is served shortly after your arrival. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 13 - FRANCE . . Normandy Landing Beaches – Caen.

The entire day is spent touring the famous Normandy Landing Beaches. From Caen, drive to the coast and stop at Pointe du Hoc to view the German fortifications. You’ll also travel to Utah Beach and Sainte-Mère-Église, the site where paratroopers landed during World War II as portrayed in the movie “The Longest Day.” Visit Sainte-Mère-Église Airborne Museum before continuing to Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. Proceed to the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer. At today’s final stop in the village of Arromanches, view remnants of the artificial harbor and reflect on the sights of the day over an independent dinner. (Breakfast)

DAY 14 - FRANCE . . Caen – Paris.

Spend the morning touring the Caen Peace Memorial and Museum, established to honor the liberators, victims, and all those who continue to fight for peace. As you depart Caen, pause at the Pegasus Bridge to understand how its capture by the British 6th Airborne division was instrumental in deterring a German counterattack. Arrive in Paris by early evening and join your travel companions for a festive “Farewell Dinner” of enticing French dishes at an authentic Parisian bistro with roving musicians. The return transfer provides additional impressions of the city at dusk. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 15 - FRANCE . . Paris.

The day is devoted to Paris, La Ville Lumìere ("City of Light"). On your way into the center, see the Arc de Triomphe which has been the staging area for victory parades throughout history including those following World War II. Your tour manager will also direct you to the location of other principal sights, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, and Louvre Museum (open every day except Tuesday). Before beginning your free time, we suggest joining the optional Seine River Cruise excursion (see Optional Excursions). Spend the evening exploring the Montmartre District, where Paris looks as it does in old paintings and artists still display their works. An uphill walk to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica rewards you with expansive views of the cityscape. Montmartre boasts excellent restaurants and characteristic sidewalk cafés perfect for an independent dinner in the French capital. (Breakfast)

DAY 16 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A.

Transfer to the Paris Airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)

Travel Time

Overnight flight from the U.S.A. to Frankfurt.

Arrival at Frankfurt Airport . Meet your tour manager, board your deluxe motor coach and travel (1¾ hrs) through the Franconian Wine Region . After a rest stop, continue (1½ hrs) to your hotel located in the festive state of Bavaria for a "Welcome to Europe" dinner. ( Dinner )

During an introductory sightseeing (1 hr), experience the history of Nuremberg and view the site of the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, the Congress Hall, and the Palace of Justice where the War Trials were held. Return (½ hr) to your hotel in Bavaria  for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 4 - GERMANY . . Dachau - Munich - Alpine Village.

Depart Nuremburg (1¼ hrs) and after a morning stop travel (1¼ hrs) to Dachau Concentration Camp . In the afternoon continue (½ hr) to the elegant Bavarian capital of Munich . Depart Munich in the late afternoon and head south (2 hrs) to an Alpine Village hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 5 - GERMANY/AUSTRIA . . Alpine Village.

Enjoy a day of leisure or join your tour manager for the full day optional Salzburg & Eagle's Nest with Dinner  excursion, including a guided visit to Hitler's mountain hide-a-way (1 hr), sightseeing in Salzburg (½ hr) and an authentic Austrian dinner (1 hr) before returning (1 hr) to your Alpine Village hotel. (Breakfast)

Return to Germany (2 hrs) and after a morning stop proceed (1½ hrs) to Ulm for an independent lunch and views of the imposing Ulm Minster. Next, travel (1 hr) to the Rommel Memorial. Continue (2¼ hrs) to Bad Herrenalb , on the northern edge of Germany's Black Forest. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 7 - FRANCE . . St. Avold – Fort Hackenberg & GERMANY . . Igel.

Follow a scenic route (1¾ hrs) through the Alsace Region and Vosges Mountains. On to (1 hr) Lorraine's American Cemetery, the largest American World War II cemetery in Europe. From here continue (1 hr) to Fort Hackenberg , part of the Maginot Line. After a visit, continue (1½ hrs) to your hotel in Igel . (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 8 - LUXEMBOURG . . American Cemetery - Diekirch, BELGIUM . . Ardennes – Bastogne & GERMANY . . Trier – Igel.

It's a short ride (¾ hr) to the American Cemetery in Luxembourg . Drive (1½ hrs) through the Belgian Ardennes Region and arrive in Bastogne . In the afternoon travel (¾ hr) to the Luxembourg National Museum of Military History in Diekirch . Transfer (1 hr) to Trier , the oldest city in Germany, for an independent dinner before returning (¼ hr) to your hotel in Igel . (Breakfast)

In the morning, travel (2 hrs) to the legendary Rhine for a boat ride along one of the most beautiful stretches of the river. After disembarkation, proceed to Remagen (1 hr) to view the Ludendorff Bridge. Continue (1¼ hrs) to your hotel in the Rhine-Ruhr Region . (Breakfast, Dinner)

Cross the border (2¼ hrs) on the way to Nijmegen to focus on the sites significant to WWII liberation efforts in the Netherlands. Visit (½ hr) one of the local museums before traveling (1½ hrs) through the Dutch countryside to your South Holland hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Transfer (1½ hrs) to Amsterdam where a boat ride through the canals is followed by ample free time. In the evening, return (1½ hrs) to your South Holland hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

A full day of travel. Head south (1¾ hrs) into Belgium to visit the historic town of Antwerp . After free time in Antwerp, drive (2 hrs) to a lunch break near the French/Belgian border. Continue (2¼ hrs) to an afternoon stop in northwestern France. Just before dinner time, arrive (2 hrs) at your hotel in Caen . (Breakfast, Dinner)

The entire day is spent touring the famous Normandy Landing Beaches , including a visit to Pointe du Hoc, Utah Beach, Sainte-Mère-Église Airborne Museum and stops at Omaha Beach, the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer and Arromanches (travel time between stops varies from ¼ hr to ¾ hr). Short transfer (½ hr) back to Caen . (Breakfast)

Transfer (¼ hr) to the Caen Peace Memorial and Museum for a visit and then continue (½ hr) onto the Pegasus Bridge. Stop for lunch (1¾ hrs) in the French countryside on the way (1¾ hrs) to Paris . Spend the evening in the Montmartre District, an ideal place for your independent dinner (¼ hr). (Breakfast)

A full day for individual exploration (¾ hr transfer in each direction) of Paris , during which you may wish to join the optional Seine River Cruise excursion. This evening, join your travel companions for a festive “Farewell Dinner” at an authentic Parisian bistro. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Transfer (1 hr) to Paris Charles de Gualle Airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)

Favorite Traveler Experiences

•   View Hitler’s Nuremberg Rally Grounds with solemn contemplation
•   Examine the eye-opening exhibits at Dachau Concentration Camp
•   Listen to the chiming of the Glockenspiel on Munich’s main square
•   Tour part of the Maginot Line defense structure at Fort Hackenberg
•   Explore Bastogne, synonymous with the “Battle of the Bulge”
•   Glide past castles and vineyards on a scenic Rhine River boat ride
•   See first hand the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe in Paris
•   Take a serene boat tour through the famed canals of Amsterdam
•   Tour the Normandy Landing Beaches and Military Cemetery
•   Accommodations in Superior Tourist Class or First Class hotels
•   14 Breakfasts and 10 Dinners in addition to any in-flight meals
•   Tour Manager for the full European duration of the tour
•   Land Transportation in Europe by deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach
•   Image Tours Touroclopedia® trip preparation tips
•   Trip Documents with luggage tags, final details and travel guidance

Traveler Reviews

Kenneth & tammie j., andrew & jean b., paul & tammy k..

The Availability, Departure Dates, and Rates are for illustration and planning purposes only. Since final pricing and single availability can only be confirmed with a travel agent, steps 4 & 5 of this on-line booking module is reserved for your travel agent only. (Please Call) indicates that we still have some tour availability; however, you should have your travel agent call our office to confirm air availability.

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Upcoming departures, may 08, 2024, may 23, 2024, $4,940 p.p.d.o., jun 12, 2024, jun 27, 2024, sep 04, 2024, sep 19, 2024, almost sold out, sep 11, 2024, sep 26, 2024, may 07, 2025, may 22, 2025, $4,990 p.p.d.o., jun 11, 2025, jun 26, 2025, sep 03, 2025, sep 18, 2025, oct 01, 2025, oct 16, 2025, tour hotels.

NH Collection Nürnberg City

• Air Conditioning
• Satellite TV
• In-Room-Safe

Seminaris Hotel Nuremberg

• satellite TV
• in-room safe
• fitness center

Landhotel Kirchenwirt

• wellness area

Parkhotel Luise Bad Herrenalb

• indoor swimming pool
• safety deposit box at reception

Vienna House Easy Trier

NH Hotel Capelle

• air conditioning
• in room safe

Van der Valk hotel Ridderkerk

Mercure Caen Côte de Nacre

• restaurants

Holiday Inn Express - Canal de la Villette

• internet center

Optional Excursions

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS DETAILS

Our tours are carefully planned to offer a comfortable balance of sightseeing, entertainment and leisure time. Optional Excursions provide the flexibility to choose between leisure time or additional guided sightseeing activities. Unless otherwise noted, optional excursions must be booked with and paid to your tour manager during the tour. Prices are in U.S. Dollars. MASTERCARD®, VISA®, or DISCOVER® (no other credit cards are accepted) are recommended to avoid carrying excessive cash and exchange rate fluctuations. You must be able to present the actual card to your tour manager. If you bring a DISCOVER® card, also bring a VISA® or MASTERCARD®, as DISCOVER® is not widely accepted in Europe. Cash payments during the tour must be in Euros. Personal checks and traveler’s checks are not accepted. The operation of all excursions is subject to sufficient participation, and some excursions are subject to favorable weather conditions. Your tour manager reserves the right to make changes or cancel excursions at their sole discretion.

SALZBURG & EAGLE'S NEST WITH DINNER

Upon arrival in Berchtesgaden, Germany, you will take a bus and elevator up to the Eagle’s Nest, Hitler’s mountain hide-away. In the case of halted bus operation, we will substitute a visit to the Obersalzburg Documentation Center. After an independent lunch, become acquainted with nearby Salzburg, famous home of the “Sound of Music” and Mozart. This excursion includes a traditional Austrian dinner at an alpine village restaurant.

SEINE RIVER CRUISE

Glide along the Seine River by boat, while viewing the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and several other impressive sights in Paris. This excursion provides for excellent photo opportunities.

Tour Extensions

Paris post-tour extension, paris and london post-tour 3-night extension, tour year 2025.

Today begins your World War II Memorial Tour of Europe adventure. The Image Tours "Departure Instructions" will provide guidance for airport check-in. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.

Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” for directions on where and when to meet your Tour Manager. Settle into your comfortable motor coach on the way to your hotel in the scenic and festive state of Bavaria. Get acquainted with your fellow tour members during the “Welcome to Europe” dinner. (Dinner)

Your bus transfer into the city center introduces you to the history of Nuremberg. Hitler staged his propaganda rallies here and, after his fall, it was chosen as the location for the War Trials. You will have an opportunity to see the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, Congress Hall, and Palace of Justice where the War Trials were held. Consider the causes and consequences of Nazi Germany during a visit to the Documentation Center.  Discover the Old Town’s half-timbered buildings and gingerbread shops before returning to your Bavaria hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Enjoy a relaxing day in the surroundings of your Tyrolean Village hotel, which offers a variety of options for leisure activities amid the spectacular alpine scenery. Another choice is to join the full day optional Salzburg & Eagle’s Nest with Dinner  excursion (see Optional Excursions), which includes a guided visit to the Kehlsteinhaus, Hitler’s mountain hideaway, followed by an afternoon in Salzburg, known as Mozart’s birthplace and the setting for “The Sound of Music.” Spend a second night at your peaceful Tyrolean Village hotel. (Breakfast)

DAY 10 - THE NETHERLANDS. . Groesbeek – Nijmegen – South Holland.

Crossing the border, focus on sites significant to World War II liberation efforts in The Netherlands (Holland), including locations associated with Operation Market Garden. The bridge over the Waal River at Nijmegen was a strategic asset reclaimed after the historical crossing of American paratroopers. Travel Hell’s Highway and stop at the memorial in Overasselt, commemorating the site of the largest airborne operation of all time. This day will also feature a visit to one of the local museums documenting the World War II resistance in The Netherlands. Continue to your, in the region of South Holland, for check-in and dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 11 - THE NETHERLANDS. . Amsterdam – South Holland.

Travel through Holland's countryside, characterized by canals, dikes and windmills, as you make your way to the dynamic city of Amsterdam. Your visit includes a ride aboard a glass-topped boat through Amsterdam’s harbor and canals where you will see numerous bridges, boathouses and bicycles while gliding past 17th-century gabled houses. During an independent lunch, try a pannekoek (Dutch pancake) or other local specialties. This afternoon, walk to the main square, an ideal focal point for your individual exploration. Return to your South Holland hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Today consists of a full day of travel from The Netherlands to Caen, France, with a stop in the port city of Antwerp, Belgium. Explore the central market square with its irresistible chocolate shops and convivial outdoor cafés serving Belgian Waffles. Continue the drive into France for an early evening check-in at your Caen hotel where dinner is served shortly after your arrival. (Breakfast, Dinner)

The entire day is spent touring the famous Normandy Landing Beaches. From Caen, drive to the coast and stop at Pointe du Hoc to view the German fortifications. You’ll also travel to Utah Beach and Sainte-Mère-Église: the site where paratroopers landed during World War II as portrayed in the movie “The Longest Day.” Continue to Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. Proceed to the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer. At today’s final stop in the village of Arromanches, view remnants of the artificial harbor and reflect on the sights of the day over an independent dinner. (Breakfast)

Spend the morning touring the Caen Peace Memorial and Museum, established to honor the liberators, victims, and all those who continue to fight for peace. As you depart Caen, pause at the Pegasus Bridge to understand how its capture by the British 6th Airborne division was instrumental in deterring a German counterattack. Arrive in Paris by early evening and join your travel companions for a festive “Farewell Dinner” of enticing French dishes at an authentic Parisian bistro with roving musicians. The return transfer provides impressions of the city at dusk. (Breakfast, Dinner)

The day is devoted to Paris, La Ville Lumìere ("City of Light"). On your way into the center, see the Arc de Triomphe which has been the staging area for victory parades throughout history, including those following World War II. Your tour manager will also direct you to the location of other principal sights, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, and Louvre Museum (open every day except Tuesday). Before beginning your free time, we suggest joining the optional Seine River Cruise excursion (see Optional Excursions). Spend the evening exploring the Montmartre District, where Paris looks as it does in old paintings and artists still display their works. An uphill walk to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica rewards you with expansive views of the cityscape. Montmartre boasts excellent restaurants and characteristic sidewalk cafés perfect for an independent dinner in the French capital. (Breakfast)

16-day World War II Memorial Tour of Europe Map

Historic Germany: Berlin to Bavaria

4.7 out of 5 stars

You have up to 60 days to get a full refund

Feel good about putting a tour on the calendar today: Enroll in AutoPay or pay in full when you book, and if you change your mind,  you’ll get your money back .†

Meet a country that’s history-conscious but forward-looking.

Begin your adventure in artsy, edgy Berlin, reunited Germany’s political and cultural capital. Stop at the historic outpost of Potsdam, then continue on to Dresden. Take a step back in time as you wander along the medieval streets of Rothenburg ob der Tauber before ending in Munich, the capital of Bavarian food and culture.

Special departures of this itinerary

Oktoberfest     Christmas Markets

Your tour package includes

• 10 nights in handpicked hotels
• 10 breakfasts
• 4 dinners with beer or wine
• 6 sightseeing tours
• Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

• Brandenburg Gate
• Museum Island
• Cecilienhof Palace
• Zwinger Palace

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Day-by-day itinerary

Board your overnight flight to Berlin today.

Welcome to Germany! Meet your fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

A local guide introduces you to the monuments of Berlin’s intricate past as well as the signs of its re-emergence as a vibrant cultural center.

• Discover the Brandenburg Gate, the symbol of a reunited Berlin
• See the Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Wall's East Side Gallery
• Journey down Unter den Linden, the city’s most elegant boulevard, passing the Reichstag and Museum Island

Enjoy a free afternoon in Berlin or add an excursion.

World War II Walking Tour

From $79 per person

Travel to Potsdam, where American, British, and Soviet leaders drew up plans for the postwar administration of Germany at the Potsdam Conference.

• Explore the historic town center, New Garden, and Dutch Quarter with a guide
• Step inside Cecilienhof Palace, site of the Potsdam Conference’s iconic photo

Leave Berlin for a guided tour of Dresden, once considered to be the most beautiful city in the world.

• Stroll through the Old Town and pass the renovated Semper Opera House, site of the Saxon State Orchestra
• Admire the Dresden Frauenkirche and statue of Martin Luther
• See the Zwinger Palace, a striking example of Baroque architecture, and walk through the palace gardens

This evening, sit down to an included dinner with your group.

Spend a full free day in Dresden or add an excursion.

From $115 per person

Travel to Bamberg by way of Weimar, the UNESCO-listed intellectual hub that nurtured the genius of Goethe, Nietzsche, and Schiller.

• Learn about the city’s literary history on a walking tour through the Old Town
• See remnants of the Bauhaus architectural movement
• Discover the German National Theatre and its monument to Goethe and Schiller

Then, continue on to Bamberg where you'll sit down to an included dinner with your group.

(Please note: Some departures may overnight in Würzburg, Bayreuth, or Coburg instead of Bamberg.)

Set off with a local guide on a walking tour through Bamberg, a city built on seven hills.

• Enter the towering Bamberg Cathedral and surrounding square
• Pass the Baroque New Palace
• Stand in awe of Old Town Hall, built in the middle of Regnitz River
• Visit the quaint fisherman’s village of Little Venice

Enjoy a free afternoon in Bamberg or add an excursion.

Historic Nuremberg

From $105 per person

Set off for Munich, stopping en route in Rothenburg ob der Tauber for a for brief walking tour of the town's picturesque squares with your Tour Director.

Enjoy a free evening to explore Munich on your own.

Get to know the Bavarian capital on a guided tour.

• Travel past the Englischer Garten and fashionable Schwabing district
• Enter the Nymphenburg Palace, the Baroque home to past Bavarian royalty
• Walk from Odeonsplatz through the nearby Hofgarten to view the Residenz, once home to the Wittelsbach dukes of Bavaria
• Explore Marienplatz, Munich’s medieval heart, and see the famed Glockenspiel

Enjoy a free afternoon in Munich or add an excursion.

From $55 per person

Spend a full free day in Munich or add an excursion.

Say goodbye to your group at a farewell dinner this evening.

Bavarian Alps Castle Visit

From $95 per person

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue on to Vienna.

Pass through the Austrian countryside, stopping to explore Salzburg on your own en route to Vienna.

Get transported back to the Age of Empires on a guided tour of Vienna.

• Travel down the Ringstrasse to the Parliament building and the Vienna State Opera
• View the impressive art collection inside the Kunsthistorisches Museum
• See the grand Hofburg Palace, the Hapsburg’s preferred winter residence

Enjoy a free afternoon in Vienna or add an excursion.

Traditional Viennese Heurigen Evening

From $119 per person

Spend the day exploring Vienna on your own or add an excursion.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Danube River Cruise & Melk Abbey

From $139 per person

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Book for just $99 down

That’s all it takes to secure your spot on tour with AutoPay. Then, pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments.†

Overall rating 4.7 out of 5

5 out of 5 stars

All around wonderful trip

This trip was my first trip, and it was amazing. Our tour director Chaira did a fantastic job, I highly recommend her. If you're looking for a tour that has beauty and history, this would be the tour for you. Just be aware that there is a decent amount of walking on this trip.

Congratulations on completing your first Go Ahead ...

4 out of 5 stars

Traveler photos

Hotels, flights & FAQ

This contemporary hotel is located in Berlin center. Guests enjoy a restaurant, lounge-bar, and fitness room. Nearby, you'll find exclusive boutiques ...

This modern hotel is located in the Leipziger Vorstadt neighborhood, north of the Dresden city center. Guests enjoy a fitness room, bicycle rentals, a...

This Venetian-inspired hotel is centrally located at the Chain Bridge in Bamberg. Guests enjoy bicycle rentals, the restaurant, and on-site coffee hou...

This artsy hotel is located in the Obersendling district. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and sauna. Nearby you’ll find the Hellabrunn Zoo, the Theres...

This convenient hotel is located in the city center of Vienna, Austria. Guests enjoy the fitness area, on-site bar and restaurant, and spa. Nearby you...

• Round-trip flight for your tour
• Airport transfers at your destination
• A great price locked in today
• 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
• Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
• Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
• Find out more about flights
• This tour visits Germany (and Austria on the tour extension). In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
• We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
• Beginning in 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
• Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center .
• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
• You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code GMY.
• You will walk for about 1 hour daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with few hills.
• Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
• You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
• If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
• Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Berlin and depart from Munich (or Vienna on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
• Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
• All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
• Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
• Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
• One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
• You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
• German food is hearty and substantial. Among the specialties are dumpling stews, sauerkraut, sausages, smoked cheeses, and dark breads. Bavaria produces some of the world’s purest beers, and white German wines are exceptionally good.
• On the tour extension, Austria is known for its savory Wiener schnitzel and excellent wild trout, carp, and crayfish. Save room for dessert—especially the strudels of fruit and nuts and elegant chocolate cakes, such as the world-famous Sachertorte.
• All destinations visited on this tour operate on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C or F plugs with two small, round pins.
• We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
• The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
• Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply. In more remote locations, internet access may be limited and is not guaranteed.
• There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
• Germany and Austria (on the tour extension) are one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
• When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.
• You will use the euro on your tour.
• We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
• Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
• International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
• At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
• We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
• If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.
• Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on your tour.
• Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for optional excursions.
• Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
• Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.

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4.8 out of 5 stars

History of WWII Germany Tour

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• Trip Overview

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Countries Visited

Places visited, suggested duration, customizable itinerary, berlin - arrive in berlin with an introductory tour.

Berlin is a dynamic city that mesmerizes visitors with glamour, vibrant culture, edgy art, and tangible history. Your private transfer will meet you upon your arrival at Berlin Brandenburg Airport. You will start at the iconic Brandenburg Gate. When you reach the Reichstag Building, you will find a structure that was burned, bombed, and braced by the Berlin Wall before becoming the home of German parliament. You have the option of continuing to the Alexanderplatz TV Tower to ride the express elevator to the rotating platform for a panorama of Berlin. For dinner, you can dine at a trendy restaurant in a historic Jewish Girls School decorated in style from the 1920s and 1930s but serving modernized, regional cuisine.

What's Included:

Berlin - Discover Berlin’s World War and Cold War History

After breakfast, you will meet your specialist guide for an insightful and electrifying tour of the turbulent history of the Third Reich and Cold War. You will find monuments built as a testament to Nazi grandeur and triumphs that can be visualized in the remains of the Reich Chancellery and Gestapo headquarters. Continue into Cold War history as you travel from the Brandenburg Gate to learn more about the energy of the city during the night the wall crumbled. At Checkpoint Charlie, you can imagine how American and Soviet tanks faced one another during the height of tension between the two countries.

Berlin - Explore Jewish Life and Historical Museums

You will once again meet your specialist guide in the morning after breakfast for a day of exploring the different cultural histories of Berlin. You will begin an emotional journey through a dark chapter in Germany’s history by visiting a selection of the more than 80 Jewish memorial sites across the city. The Holocaust Memorial Monument possesses 2,711 concrete columns arranged in a labyrinth and covering 200,000 square feet. After tracing Jewish life in Berlin, you can visit a selection of the historical museums that provide a deeper context of life between the rise and fall of Hitler. The Berlin Story Bunker is located inside a preserved World War II bunker. The intimate and cold setting offers an alluring look at the rise and brutality of the times with the exhibition “Hitler - How Could It Happen.” The timeline focuses not only on the outcome of Hitler’s rise but also on how and why the Nazi Party came to power.

Berlin - Traverse Potsdam and the Bridge of Spies

Your guide will meet you at the hotel and escort you to Potsdam, which is a city glowing with splendor. As the former seat of Royal Prussia, Potsdam hosts lush parks and gilded palaces that survived the chaos of World War II. The English-style palace of Schloss Cecilienhof hosted the 1945 Conference when Stalin, Truman, and Churchill decided the fate of post-war Germany. Your guide will lead you through the stunning architecture and lively streets to reach the Glienicke Bridge, the former East-West border post known as the Bridge of Spies. Before returning to Berlin, you will stop at the House of Wannsee Conference, a charming villa overlooking the tranquil lake.

Nuremberg - Uncover the Distinctive History of Nuremberg

You will reach Nuremberg in the morning after riding the high-speed train from Berlin. Your private transfer will escort you to your luxury hotel. Afterward, you will discover the beauty of the city, which is often ranked in the top 25-most livable cities in the world. The streets have tangible energy that moves with history, dating back to the Holy Roman Empire. Your tour will lead you to the Reichsparteitagsgelände, which are the grounds where many of the infamous photos of Nazi rallies hailing Hitler were taken. At the documentation center, you will find representations of the rise of the Nazi party, the rallies, and also the Nuremberg Trials. At the Nuremberg War Trials Museum, you can enter Courtroom 600, which remains a working courtroom. The room carries the immense weight of the trials,  their formation, and their impact.

Munich - Trace Munich’s Medieval, Baroque, and Contemporary Past

Your specialist guide will meet you at your centrally located hotel after you arrive by high-speed train from Nuremberg. Munich showcases the contrast of tradition and modernity with high-tech cars and lederhosen. You will wander through the charm of Marienplatz to see the Glockenspiel and to enjoy the rhythm of life that pulses beneath the spires of Baroque churches. After taking in the view of the city and the bordering alps from Frauenkirche’s church tower, you will continue along Munich’s more contemporary history, beginning with the Beer Hall Putsch. You can follow the lane designated with a yellow line that leads to the Rococo palace. Here, non-supporters used to avoid soluting the monument, which was required by law under Nazi power. At dinner, you can enjoy the ambiance of oompah music and the aromas of grilled sausage in the famous Hofbrauhaus.

Munich - Tour Munich’s Layered History and Culture

You will make your way to Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site after breakfast to find the complex where more than 40,000 inmates lost their lives. You will walk through the remains of the camp to find the barracks and crematory intact. Back in Munich, you will visit the new NS Documentation Center, which was built on the former site of Nazi Headquarters. The exhibit displays over 900 illustrations and interactive exhibits that help explain the Nazi party’s rise in popularity. After exploring the small exhibition dedicated to the White Rose resistance, you will visit Ohel Jakob Synagogue, home to the Jewish Synagogue and Museum. At BMW World and Factory, you will find sleek and elegant cars inside the astounding architecture, and your guide will also share BMW’s intertwining with Germany’s World War II history.

Berchtesgaden - Find Alpine Charm and the Eagle’s Nest

After breakfast, you will pick-up a rental car and enjoy the scenic drive into the countryside along the famous autobahn. You can stop at a typical Bavarian brewery to sample the delicious beer and enjoy the authentic cuisine before reaching Berchtesgaden. The alpine peaks soar above the hidden corner of Bavaria, which is known for its myths and legends that have been crafted in the shadow of Watzmann summit. You will meet your guide in town and travel to the notorious site of the Obersalzberg, the alpine resort that was once used as the second-seat of Nazi power. The exhibitions span the various rooms that once housed the Nazi elite in addition to reflecting the facets of terror of the party and the mythological appeal of the Fuhrer. You will continue to Hitler’s private home and the Eagle’s Nest.

Berchtesgaden - Embrace Charming Salzburg and Hallstatt

The short drive to Austria will bring you to the enchanting city of Salzburg, which was the setting of the Sound of Music and the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Here, you will find the aromas of coffee and strudel drifting out of the local coffee houses as you explore. Mozart’s childhood home displays his operas, costumes, as well as set designs, and Julie Andrews taught the von Trapp children to sing in the Baroque landscape of the Mirabell Palace Gardens. Outside of the city, you can visit the stunning Lake District to find the shining blue hues of Lake Wolfgangsee or cruise the tranquil waters of Lake Mondsee. In the fairytale village of Hallstatt, you can enjoy the view of pastel-colored homes in the glassy lake surface before sampling one of the mouthwatering apple strudels.

Berchtesgaden - Depart for Home

In the morning, you can return to Salzburg to enjoy the flavorful coffee and storybook views. The tunes to famous songs from the Sound of Music are intertwined with Mozart’s compositions. If you choose to stay in Berchtesgaden, you can spend time exploring the salt mines that are known for glowing grottos and a 328-foot long subterranean lake. After your time exploring the Bavarian Alps, you will return to Munich Airport when you are ready with plenty of time to connect for your flight home.

Trip Highlights

• Trace the rise and fall of the Third Reich in Berlin on a tour with a specialist guide who knows the hidden monuments, history, and local lore of Berlin under the Nazi regime
• Visit the sobering grounds of the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site for insight into the complex, its purpose, and its true purpose on a tour led by a specifically licensed guide
• Discover a new perspective of Cold War history when you enter the escape tunnels that once paralleled the Berlin Wall, where East Berliners tried to flee the Communist regime
• Juxtapose the immense beauty of the view from the Eagle’s Nest outside of Berchtesgaden, which was the home of Adolf Hitler during his time as Fuhrer
• Follow the timeline of the Nazi Party’s rise to power in Munich, which is captured in the Fledherrnhalle monument’s storied history and its neighboring alley
• Witness Glienicke Bridge, the famous Bridge of Spies where Russian and American governments exchanged spies
• Enter the working courtroom that held the Nuremberg Trials before visiting the War Trials Museum in the Palace of Justice’s upper floor
• Delight in the charming ambiance of Salzburg with a self-guided tour at your preferred pace to find the history of Mozart and the true story of the Sound of Music
• Interact with the Holocaust Memorial Monument in Berlin before following the timeline of the Nazi Party’s rise to power in an authentic World War II bunker at the Berlin Story Bunker

Starting Price

$7,795  per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

What’s Included:

• Accommodations
• In-country transportation
• Some or all activities and tours
• Expert trip planning
• 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

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Tour Germany’s Incredible Historic Sites With a Powerful Past

Posted: December 24, 2023 | Last updated: December 24, 2023

Places with a past

Germany has seen all forms of human and natural history, and its landscapes and cities still have many of those stories on display. There are sites bearing witness to the first humans arriving on the continent of Europe, soaring places of worship and architectural achievements that have influenced the rest of the world. From monuments to mudflats, here are some of the most historic sites in Germany according to the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Aachen Cathedral

It’s hard to decide whether this 8th-century structure is more beautiful outside or in. The cathedral was originally built as a chapel for Emperor Charlemagne (who was buried here) and further expanded and embellished in the Middle Ages. The Gothic exterior is elegant and imposing while the interior dazzles with marble columns, bronze gates, an intricate mosaic and a gilded dome (pictured). There’s even a stone throne, upon which German emperors were crowned here until 1531, while the cathedral shelters priceless treasures including a bust of Charlemagne.

Haus am Horn

Weimar was the birthplace of Bauhaus , one of the world’s most influential schools of design and architecture – yet its presence here is only discernible in a few remaining structures and a museum , which opened in 2019. The controversial avant-garde school moved to Dessau in 1925 and then to Berlin in 1932, and was forced to close completely a year later by the Nazi regime. The 1923-built Haus am Horn, an experimental residential house in a striking, steel and concrete cubic design, is the only Bauhaus-designed building in the city.

Masters’ Houses

Some of the Bauhaus movement’s greatest names lived in this cluster of seven homes in Dessau , where the design school moved from Weimar in 1925. The residences were designed and decorated by Bauhaus professors Henry van de Velde, Walter Gropius, Hannes Meyer, László Moholy-Nagy and Wassily Kandinsky. Comprised of one detached home and three identical semi-detached houses split into apartments, the interlocking cubic structures are among the most striking examples of the progressive – and hugely influential – style Bauhaus became known for.

Hainich National Park

Swathes of ancient and primeval beech forests are protected under  UNESCO World Heritage status , including the native woodland of Hainich National Park . This wonderful wilderness was once a restricted military zone, which allowed the woodland to grow relatively undisturbed – preserving one of the last remaining primeval beech forests in Central Europe. It’s home to some fascinating creatures, too, with lynx, wolves and wild cats among those who roam the land, which is dissected by a zigzagging canopy walk that weaves through the treetops.

This network of sand spits, mud flats and wetlands is the largest such intertidal system in the world , spilling into the Netherlands and Denmark as well as Germany. The water is scattered with the wildly beautiful Frisian (or Wadden) Islands, known for pale sandy beaches and spa resorts. But it’s the waterways that swirl with historical and natural significance. With up to 12 million birds passing through the area each year, it’s one of the world’s most important areas for migratory birds.

Lorsch Abbey

The imposing gatehouse is the standout feature of Lorsch Abbey , a church and monastery founded in 764 and one of the finest surviving monuments from Germany’s early medieval Carolingian Renaissance period. The entryway is more than 1,200 years old yet wears its age remarkably well, with its archways, turrets and pitched roof impeccably preserved. Though other parts of the site have been ravaged by time and fire damage, much remains intact as a chronicler of monastic life.

Hedeby and the Danevirke

These connected sites are considered among the best preserved from the Viking era, offering a captivating glimpse into what life might have been like towards the end of the first millennium AD. The archaeological finds here date back as far as the 6th century, in fact, and with roads, buildings and cemeteries discovered in trading town Hedeby. Today, reconstructed homes bring the period back to life, while the defensive forts of the Danevirke show a complex network of walls, mounds and ditches that protected the trading hub.

Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe

Water features don’t come much grander than this incredible example of man-made design enhancing the dramatic beauty of nature. The construction of this Baroque “bergpark” (mountain park) began in 1689 when the Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel, Charles I, created a display of waterworks that cascade from a building topped by a copper statue of Hercules. Along the way are waterfalls, rapids, grottoes and a fountain, interspersed by a Chinese-style pagoda and Roman aqueduct.

Bauhaus Building

The progressive design movement Bauhaus was only in Dessau, where it had moved from Weimar, for seven years. In fact its time in Germany was short-lived, with its professors and many alumni fleeing the country in 1933, having been forced to close what the Nazi party described as its “degenerate” school. Its sweeping influence, from iconic chairs by Mies van der Rohe to skyscrapers in New York and Chicago, has since been recognized. Dessau’s Bauhaus Building , designed by the movement’s founder Walter Gropius as the new school and workshop, is among sites protected by UNESCO .

Gartenstadt Falkenberg

These warm-hued homes are among six Modernism housing estates in Berlin that have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites . These were bold, colorful examples of a new attitude to social housing, with cheery hues, clever use of space and lots of natural light creating a striking contrast to the dark, cramped flats that were previously the norm. Gartenstadt Falkenberg was the first to be constructed, built by Bruno Taut from 1913-15. Building styles changed under Nazi rule from 1933, though most of these bright and beautiful buildings survived.

Großsiedlung Siemensstadt

Another example of Berlin’s progressive social housing movement , which reached its peak in the 1920s, this joyful Modernism estate was hugely influenced by the Bauhaus design movement. In fact the school’s founder Walter Gropius was one of the six architects involved in its construction in the late 1920s and early 1930s. The apartment complex, which provided affordable housing for workers at the nearby Siemens factory, was a deliberate antidote to cheerless blocks and incorporated open spaces and communal areas to foster a sense of community.

The Westwork of Corvey

This monastery, convent and abbey was built on the riverbank by French Benedictine monks in AD 822, when it was among many such structures. Today, the central building’s westwork (western facade) is the only standing structure dating back to the early medieval period of the Carolingian era. Perhaps its rural location, in West­phalia, northwestern Germany, aided its survival, with the imposing structures and grand interiors with vaulted halls and columns remarkably intact. The underground remains of a “lost” medieval city were also discovered nearby.

Augustusburg Castle

The hunting lodge that shares the grounds with this decadent Brühl residence is palatial enough. Built on the edge of a tucked-away grove in the German Rococo style, Falkenlust has lavish rooms fit for a king or indeed the Archbishop Clemens August, who had the structures built in the early 18th century. His castle , though, is something else entirely. It looms elegantly in buttercup-yellow and white above impeccably landscaped gardens, reflecting the Baroque opulence of the time.

Caves of the Swabian Jura

The six caves of the Swabian Jura or Swabian Alps, a mountain range in Germany’s Baden-Württemberg, effectively house art galleries and a series of natural history museums. This is one of the areas where, during the last ice age, humans first arrived in Europe, and a rich array of artworks, musical instruments and jewelry were excavated from the caves in the mid-19th century. Carved figurines of mammoths, horses and mythical creatures are among the world’s oldest examples of figurative art.

Naumburg Cathedral

The dramatic spires of this 11th-century cathedral can be seen from pretty much every part of the town of Naumburg, towering above pretty red-roofed buildings and gazing across at surrounding hills and vineyards. The Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul, or Naumburg Cathedral , encompasses Romanesque and Gothic features, and is just as beguiling on the inside. Its choir is dotted with life-size statues of the cathedral’s founders including Uta, described as the most beautiful woman of the Middle Ages.

Maulbronn Monastery

This former Cistercian abbey oozes charm, color and intrigue. Just the fact that its many structures still stand in such impeccable condition seems like a miracle, while the grounds are rich in religious, cultural and architectural history. There’s the Paradise, which forms a vaulted entryway to the church and is a masterpiece of early Gothic design – yet the name of its master building remains a mystery. Its colorful medieval cloister buildings (pictured) are especially charming.

Schloss Belvedere

Weimar underwent an incredible cultural renaissance from the late 18th century – so much so that a raft of its buildings and other sites have UNESCO World Heritage status as Classical Weimar . It would be hard to pick a more striking site here than this Baroque castle, though. Schloss Belvedere was built as a summer residence or pleasure palace for Duke Ernst August. The elegant structures are surrounded by equally elegant grounds, including an orangery and labyrinth.

Peacock Island

Counted among the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Berlin and neighboring Potsdam, this river island is like something from a fairy tale or children’s picture book. The island on the River Havel was settled thousands of years ago, with Iron Age artefacts unearthed by archaeologists. But it’s the pristine palace , built as a summer residence for Friedrich Wilhelm II in the late 18th century, that’s the real draw. Details such as the cast iron bridge, spanning two towers, add to the charm – as do the peacocks that roam the gardens.

Würzburg Residence

This Baroque palace in southern Germany was built and decorated within the same century, which is pretty fast compared to many similarly sized structures. Because of this it’s not only one of the most beautiful such palaces in Germany, it’s also one of the most cohesive in terms of style and vision. Construction began in 1720 under Prince-Bishop Johann Philipp Franz, who hired the period’s most renowned architects, landscapers and decorators to create an ostentatious work of art.

Muskauer Park

The bold red New Palace is the most eye-catching part of this park, which crosses over the border into Poland. But it’s the landscaping of the grounds that has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list . The grounds that make up Muskauer Park were designed by Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau in the early 19th century. Inspired by English gardens, it bucked trends for manicured lawns and classical landscaping and instead used native plants and blooms to seamlessly and beautifully blend with nature.

Goethe's Garden House

German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is among the artists and intellectuals credited with transforming Weimar into a hub of culture and architecture. The home where he was born in 1749 is also in the town and operates as a museum, though his garden house is perhaps the most charming of all. It’s located in the Park on the Ilm, with both among the sites making up the UNESCO World Heritage listing for Classical Weimar .

Speyer Cathedral

German emperors were buried at Speyer Cathedral for almost 300 years from the late 11th century, which gives some idea as to its importance. It’s also the largest Romanesque church in the world, having been extended from a flat-ceilinged basilica to a grand vaulted structure in 1077. The significance of the church goes beyond its size, though. Its groundbreaking design, from the gallery that encircles the building to the series of arcades, was hugely influential on European architecture.

Sanssouci Palace

Potsdam is so rich in opulent architecture that it’s been dubbed the “Prussian Versailles” – and Sanssouci Palace is the jewel in its gilded crown. Built in the mid-18th century as the summer home of Frederick the Great, its name translates as “without a care” – and it would be tough to worry in such gorgeous surroundings. There are even other palaces, including the Charlottenhof Palace and New Palace, on its beautifully landscaped grounds. UNESCO World Heritage includes Sanssouci Palace with other structures and parks in Potsdam and neighboring Berlin.

Off the northern shore of Lake Constance, Germany’s largest lake, Reichenau is a glorious blend of natural beauty, bucolic farmland and early medieval architecture. A Benedictine monastery was founded here in AD 724 and several churches and monastic buildings remain on the island. It’s also home to well-preserved wall paintings, vineyards – and some pretty impressive vegetables from tomatoes to lettuces (pictured).

Discover these surprising German sights around the world

Cologne Cathedral

It took successive armies of builders more than 600 years to complete this Gothic masterpiece, which is the most recognizable and iconic landmark of the city by the Rhine. Construction of Cologne Cathedral began in 1248 and, though it wasn’t completed until 1880, the final result was remarkably faithful to the original medieval plans. The grandeur of the five-sided basilica is equalled only by the contents, which includes statues, stained-glass windows and a shrine to the Three Wise Men.

Museum Island

The buildings that make up this unique cluster of cultural institutions in Berlin are as important for their role in the story of the museum as for the art and artifacts they contain. Museum Island or Museumsinsel encompasses five world-class institutions on Spree Island, right in the heart of the city and accessed via bridges. Begun under Prussian rule and built between 1824 and 1930, the buildings include the Pergamon Museum and Altes Museum, which was the first public museum when it opened in 1830.

Duchess Anna Amalia Library

This library is pretty nice to admire from the outside, with its buttery stone façade. But it’s the interior that truly stuns and particularly the Rococo Hall (pictured) opened in 1766. Duchess Anna Amalia is credited with ushering in Weimar’s cultural and artistic renaissance, appointing poet Christoph Martin Wieland as her sons’ tutor. Other literary luminaries followed and many played a role in curating the library’s collections. The building was damaged in a fire in 2004 and reopened three years later after extensive renovations.

Wartburg Castle

Perched high above the town of Eisenach, hilltop Wartburg Castle was the first fortress in Germany to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its origins are believed to date back to 1067, though the oldest surviving part is the 12th-century great hall – with later additions and 19th-century reconstructions giving the façade an eclectic charm. Aside from its aesthetic appeal, and the way it blends beautifully into its forested surroundings, the castle is especially important as the place where Martin Luther translated the Bible.

Regensburg old town

Regensburg’s old town is both a remarkably preserved medieval city and a vibrant urban center. Founded in the 2nd century AD and named an imperial city in the Roman Empire, this was the first capital of Bavaria and is so rich in historic importance that it’s crammed with more than 1,500 listed buildings, including close to 1,000 designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites . In other words, it’s a charmer, from its position on the Danube and colorful homes to important structures like St. Peter's Cathedral and the ancient Stone Bridge.

Bremen Market Square

This charming market square is the heart of Bremen, a city that straddles the Weser River in northwest Germany. It’s also home to two UNESCO designated structures , both dating from the early 15th century: the grand, Gothic town hall and a stone statue of Roland, symbolizing civic freedom. Other highlights include 11th-century St. Peter’s Cathedral and “The Hole of Bremen”, a drain cover with a slot for coins. The latter is inspired by the legend of t he M usicians of Bremen – a group of animal performers said to reward donations with their music.

Messel Pit Fossil Site

From fossilized bats to perfectly preserved primates, Messel Pit is considered the world’s best site for shedding light on the early evolution of mammals. It was an oil shale mine until the late 1960s and nearly became a refuse dump until the government stepped in and placed it under protection. Since then, some incredible discoveries have been made of intact plants and animals from the Eocene age (up to 48 million years ago). Finds include Ida, the most complete primate fossil ever discovered.

Pilgrimage Church of Wies

The miracle happened before this Rococo church was created – though, looking at its riotously ornate interior, this incredible structure itself seems pretty miraculous. In 1738, it’s said a wooden figure of Christ, mounted on a column in the hamlet of Wies in Bavaria, was seen to shed tears. In response to the miracle, a simple wooden chapel was erected to house the statue – and it became a pilgrimage site. Architect Dominikus Zimmermann thought the statue deserved more, building his opulent masterpiece between 1745 and 1754.

The High Cathedral of St. Peter

The southwestern city of Trier is rich in Roman history. On the Moselle River and surrounded by vineyards, the city was an empirical colony from the 1st century AD and a trading hub so significant that it became known as the “second Rome”. Its monuments are so impeccably preserved that it resembles an open-air museum, with important UNESCO-listed structures including this 4th-century cathedral, the oldest bishop’s church in Germany. It stands above a former emperor’s palace, with the original Roman walls still visible inside.

Margravial Opera House

This Baroque masterpiece in Bayreuth is the last remaining structure of its kind. Built between 1745 and 1750, the gorgeously sumptuous theater and opera house keeps the tradition of Baroque court opera alive, with the incredible acoustics provided by the original materials of wood and canvas. The interior, with ornate carvings, gilded details and layers that create the illusion of depth, is both decadent and dazzling.

Bamberg old town

Towns don’t come much prettier than this Bavarian beauty. In the north of the region, Bamberg has some perfectly preserved structures sweeping from the 11th to 19th centuries and had a huge architectural influence in Germany and beyond. Unsurprisingly, given its beauty, it attracted some great writers and philosophers and was a center of Enlightenment. Highlights include the Romanesque-Gothic cathedral, the Baroque New Palace and the medieval stone bridges that lead to Altes Rathaus (the old town hall), on an artificial island.

See more of Germany's most beautiful towns and villages here

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WWII Poland and Germany Tour

If you can only take one trip take the Poland Tour. All of the guides were very knowledgeable about the places and things we saw. The hotels were a mixture of old world and new. The people of Poland are hard working and very friendly. The food was outstanding.

– John Rice

The first shots of WWII rang out in Gdansk, Poland on September 1, 1939. Five years later the Warsaw Uprising commenced on August 1, 1944 and lasted for 63 days as the Polish resistance Home Army fought valiantly to liberate Warsaw from Nazi Germany.

Our WWII Poland and Germany Tour begins in Gdansk, which is also the site of another historic push for freedom — the Solidarity movement led by electrician Lech Walesa. We will then begin to wind our way on to Ketrzyn, Warsaw, Krakow, Auschwitz, Zagan, and Berlin, where some of the fiercest battles of the war were fought.

Guests who have traveled on this tour before rave about the charm of these historic cities and towns, the warmth of the people in this part of the world, and the many outstanding restaurants, some of which are located in beautiful buildings that date back to the last century. As always, you can expect an unimpeded history study.

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• Gdansk:  Begin in Gdansk at Westerplatte where the Polish garrison withstood German naval, artillery and infantry assaults for seven days in the war’s first action
• Hitler's Wolf's Lair:  Walk through the eerie remains of Hitler’s Wolf’s Lair hidden in the pine forests of NE Poland.  Here he masterminded his eastern front operations and survived the 1944 assassination attempt
• Warsaw:  Tour Old Town Warsaw completely rebuilt after the city was destroyed and the Warsaw Rising museum, tribute to the courageous 1944 battle that lasted 63 days
• Krakow:  Visit 1000 year old Krakow and the Royal Castle and the Schindler Factory and Museum before entering through the “Arbeit Macht Frei“gates of Auschwitz, the international symbol of the Holocaust
• Stalag Luft III:  Visit Stalag Luft III where the “Great Escape” took place allows us to see the barracks and the remnants of tunnels Tom, Dick and Harry dug by the Allied airmen.
• Berlin:  In Berlin we stand where the final surrender took place at Karlshorst, as well as see the Reichstag and the  chilling Topography of Terror Museum. Not far from the Brandenburg Gate we experience the height of the Cold War at the Checkpoint Charlie Museum straddling what was East and West Berlin.

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1 in the air.

Flights to Gdansk guests depart the United States for Gdansk, to arrive the following day.

DAY 2 Gdansk

The world has focused on the Polish city of Gdansk twice during the last century. The first shots of WWII rang out here in 1939, and in 1980 the Solidarity movement led by electrician Lech Walesa began its confrontation with the Communist government in the shipyards. The focus of our tour will begin here in Gdansk as we set the stage for our upcoming tour.

The tour will officially start with a Welcome Reception and dinner where participants can get acquainted. We will have a briefing and overview of our upcoming tour and the key sites we will visit.

DAY 3 Gdansk

Westerplatte: In1939, the Polish garrison of 182 soldiers withstood German naval, artillery and infantry assaults for seven days in what was the first military action of WWII. Here we will view the massive monument to the Heroes of Westerplatte and visit the small museum nearby in what was Guardhouse No 1. The concrete walls are still pocked by enemy gunfire. The Wisloujscie Fortress, originally constructed in the middle ages stands here as a sentinel for the harbor. Over the years architects upgraded the fortifications to enable resistance to modern weaponry. We visit the Polish Post Office where armed postal workers and boys scouts held off German militia and armored attacks before surrendering.  They then faced summary execution.

From here we will go to the Gdansk Shipyard and Solidarity Monument to visit the site were the movement to topple communism began.  The nearby Museum documents the beginning of the movement, the years of Martial Law in Poland, and the ultimate victory over a failing system.

DAY 4 Ketrzyn

The Old Town of Gdansk, completely rebuilt after WWII, features a marketplace, ornamentally decorated town houses and numerous monuments along the Royal Way. Perhaps the most famous is the Neptune Fountain, the symbol of the city. We will see this as well as tour the Historical Museum in the old town hall. Its ornate rooms and collections offer insight into the history of the city and an ideal starting point for the Old Town.

After lunch we will depart for Ketrzyn, the site of Hitlers Wolfs Lair. Built in the pine forests of the Masurian Lake District, the headquarters had 50 bunkers, a complete power system, and an airstrip and railroad terminus. Once camouflaged and surrounded by mine fields and razor wire, the ruins offer a glimpse into the sinister nerve center of Hitlers eastern operations. The Wolfsschanze was the setting for the failed plot to assassinate Hitler in July 1944.

DAY 5 Warsaw

After an early breakfast we will depart for Warsaw. En route, we will stop at Grunwald, the scene of Europes largest medieval battle. In 1410, the Allied forces of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania decisively defeated the Teutonic Knights. This victory drastically changed the balance of power in central Europe.

This area also was the location for the battle of Tannenberg in 1914 between Germany and Russia. It was one of the key battles of WWI, and it put the Romanov Empire on the slippery slope to oblivion.

We arrive in Warsaw in the early evening. Tour members will be able to relax or explore the Old Town and environs.

DAY 6 Warsaw

We begin our visit with an exploration of the Polish Military Museum. An array of weaponry, uniforms, paintings and historical collections tell the story of Polish armed forces from the Middle Ages to WWII. Permanent exhibits include The Defense in 1939, and The Polish Army in the East 1943-45. Afterwards we visit the site of the infamous Jewish Ghetto and the Path of Remembrance, which includes the Umschlagplatz where the Nazis loaded deportees onto cattle cars for resettlement in the east. We continue to the Jewish History Institute and finish the day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

We finish the day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We will visit the Old Town (Stare Miasto) and the main square. The people of Warsaw used architectural drawings and artists’ renderings to completely rebuild and restore this area after the devastation of WWII. We also will tour the Royal Palace at Plac Zamkowy (Castle Square). Here King Zygmunt III took up residence in 1611 and made Warsaw the capital of the Polish Commonwealth. His statue, with a cross in one hand and a sword in the other, stands in the center of the square.

DAY 7 Warsaw

In the morning we will go to Modlin Fortress on the outskirts of the city. Napoleon’s engineers constructed the fortress in the early 1800’s.  Years later it became the scene of the last of Polish forces to fall to the Germans in 1939. The surrounding structures and museum afford a view into a little known chapter of this period of WWII. After lunch we will go to the Warsaw Rising Museum. Here we will see the exhibits that describe the history of Poland during the war. The actual Rising of the Polish Home Army against the Germans in 1944 is the main feature. The Home Army of some 40,000 soldiers and citizens battled the Nazis and their reinforcements fiercely for 63 days. They waited in vain for support from the Red Army, but the Soviets refused. In a rare tribute to their enemies, the Nazis granted the Polish combatants POW status.

DAY 8 Krakow

We board the train for Krakow immediately after breakfast. Upon arrival,  we walk up Wawel Hill to the Royal Castle. The Poles erected the first buildings here in the year 1000, including a stone cathedral. Redecoration in the Italian Renaissance style occurred in the early 16th century. Here also are the Royal Tombs, where most of Poland’s monarchs are buried, as well as a few national heroes. Perhaps most notable is Thaddeus Kosciusko, Polish patriot and hero of the American Revolution. Kosciuszko is considered the father of West Point and American artillery In the evening we can enjoy and explore downtown Krakow.

DAY 9 Krakow

Today we will go to the Kazimierz district, the old Jewish neighborhood, which is home to the museum and the Isaac Synagogue. Afterwards we will cross the Vistula River to what was the Jewish Ghetto. We will see the museum housed in what was once the only pharmacy in the Ghetto and the Enamel Utensil Factory run by Oskar Schindler on Lipowa Street. His efforts to save a group of prisoner-workers became the main subject of the film Schindler’s List. Today it is a museum that many say is one of the best documentations of WWII and the holocaust in Poland. After lunch we will visit the Polish Home Army Museum. Although the exhibits show Polish military history for the last 100 years, the emphasis is on the struggle and resistance against the Nazis in WWII. Polish pilots were vital in the Battle of Britain, so we will take in the Polish Aviation Museum with more than 100 aircraft at its airfield. 

DAY 10 Krakow, Oswiecim, Wroclaw

This morning we will depart for the international symbol of the Holocaust, genocide and terror: Auschwitz. We will see the Main Camp and Birkenau and you will experience the eerie chills of the admonition "Arbeit Macht Frei" (Work Makes You Free) above the gates. We will leave in the afternoon and spend the night in Wroclaw. 

DAY 11 Zagan

After breakfast and a morning tour of the old town of Wroclaw (Breslau) we will leave for Zagan where The Great Escape of book and film fame took place. Here at Stalag Luft III, 80 imprisoned airmen escaped through a 111-meter tunnel. Thus began a colossal manhunt throughout the entire territory of the Reich. Only three escapees were completely successful, while 50 of the 73 others were captured and executed. We will see the monument to the escape and visit the Museum of Allied Prisoners of War Martyrdom.

DAY 12 Berlin

We will depart immediately after breakfast for Seelow Heights. As the massive three pronged Soviet advance converged upon Berlin, General Georgi Zhukov pitted his one million men and more than 3000 tanks against the German defenses on the Oder River. We see the Red Army command bunker and observation posts, German defense trenches and the first Soviet T-34 tank to cross the Oder. After stopping at the cemetery we proceed to Berlin.

DAY 13 Berlin

This morning we pass the Brandenburg Gate on the way to the nearby Reichstag. The Nazis paraded through the gates to celebrate their assumption of power in 1933. The famous fire that same year at the Reichstag enabled the Nazis to blame enemies of the state and embark on their official reign of terror. You can still see graffiti left by Red Army soldiers in 1945. We move on to the Soviet Memorial and then a remnant of their post-war legacy, Checkpoint Charlie. This is the well-known Cold War crossing point between East and West Berlin.

DAY 14 Berlin

On our final day, we will visit Karlshorst where the final surrender took place.  The room where the documents were signed is still intact.  We then see the the Topography of Terror which chronicles the history of Nazism, before ending the day at the Reichstag.   That evening we will return to our hotel for a farewell dinner.

DAY 15 Flight home

A transfer will be offered to the Berlin International Airport.

• August 30 - September 13, 2024 - Waitlist Only!
• August 30 - September 13, 2025

Recommended Reading

A Traveller's History of Poland by John Radzilowski

Tour Includes

• Daily lectures by historian, Mark Bielski or Chris Anderson
• On-the-ground Tour Manager taking care of logistics
• 13 nights in 3- or 4-star hotels, including all hotel taxes, porterage (where available) and service charges
• Touring by first class air-conditioned motor coach
• 14 breakfasts, most dinners, some lunches and a welcome reception
• All entrance fees to museums and attractions

Activity Level

There is a fair amount of walking on this tour, including on cobblestones, gravel paths and inclines. Certain parts of the tour require mobility. Call Company Director Mark Bielski at 504-821-9283 for a fuller explanation and any questions.

Photo Gallery

• Chris Anderson
• Mark Bielski, Ph.D., Director

TRIP COST $7,190

Prices are per person based on double occupancy. For a single room please add $1,900.

Our Guests’ Reviews

There are 7 reviews for ' WWII Poland and Germany Tour '. Add your review

Amazing Trip Back Into Time

This is the second trip that my wife and I have taken with Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours. We had the pleasure of having Chris Anderson as our Historian and George Luz, Jr. as our Tour Manager for both trips. They are the best in the tour business! I never knew much about Polish history before this trip. Chris did an incredible job of taking us back into time and showing us how Poland’s history was closely tied to World War II and why Hitler had a deep hatred toward Poland. The trip was like pieces of a puzzle that Chris put together for us throughout the tour. Today’s Poland is amazing and beautiful with wonderful people – I admire them greatly. Over the centuries Poland was beat down time and time again, but they have come back even stronger. Amazing country! We loved this trip! A side note: My wife had a stress fracture in her leg for the entire trip and our drivers (Klaas and Lucas) were so gracious and caring – they always made sure the wheelchair was available for us to use. Both men were wonderful – and great drivers too!

This profoundly moving tour dramatically expanded my understanding of WWII in Europe, particularly the often over-looked (by Americans) heroism and resilience of the Polish people. Bookended by visits to the sites where the war began (in Gdansk) and ended (in Berlin), the tour included many of the most iconic locations of WWII. Highlights for me were: seeing the Polish Post Office building in Gdansk; walking through the ruins of Hitler’s bunker at the Wolf’s Lair; visiting the “Mila 18” memorial in Warsaw; contemplating the Holocaust at Auschwitz-Birkenau, and studying the large-scale battlefield where a million Russian soldiers broke through to Berlin. Other stops were more contemporary, such as the Gdansk shipyard and the Berlin Wall. Along the way, our tour leader Chris Anderson and several local guides did an outstanding job of describing exactly what we were seeing and placing it in historical context. Chris cares deeply about the history and meaning of the war, which helped to make this trip an unforgettable experience.

Fantastic trip w/ the Best Guide in the Business!

Just got back from the Poland portion of this trip (led by Chris Anderson) and it was an absolute great time. Between the nice hotels, nice bus, nice driver, excellent itinerary, but most of all, the best guide in the business in Chris Anderson, it was a top notch, unparalleled tour. Chris is not only knowledgeable but passionate about history and understands the sacredness of the locations that we visited, and this passion comes through in the way he explains things. In addition to Chris, SAHT brings in local experts at Gdansk, Wolf’s Lair, Warsaw castle, and Krakow, among others. They are well versed in their areas of expertise and deliver stories and knowledge with an energy that conveys how important these areas are to them, and to history. The hotel stay at the Hotel Zemek Ryn is an interesting one as a 15th century castle turned four star hotel is an interesting transformation. Even though it took me a little bit to feel comfortable, I hope this stays on the itinerary as it is one of the aspects that make this tour unique and special. Overall, it is a great tour and well worth it. I also met some very nice and interesting people. Highly recommend!

Having visited most of the battlefields of Western Europe, this trip allowed me to round out my experience by visiting other battlefields of Eastern Europe.

Historical content seemed to flow well and really helped to understand the history of Poland and Germany….took time to talk to everyone in the group and include everyone in different discussions.

Mark was more than knowledgeable, presented details in context of where we were and what we were experiencing, with an excellent sense of humor. Kept things organized, moving and relevant.

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How to plan a road trip in the Bavarian Alps

A week-long drive through the mountains of southern Germany takes in a range of architectural wonders.

While not as high or visually dramatic as some other sections of the European range, the Bavarian Alps come with plenty of charm. Cowbells resound across high pastures, wooden huts serve cold beer and turquoise lakes shimmer in the countryside below. There’s also, of course, a famous castle. Schloss Neuschwanstein welcomes huge numbers of visitors every year and fronts many a guidebook — and it has notably just undergone the largest restoration project in its 150-year history. Travelling from west to east, this road trip starts at the landmark before making stops at other impressive structures, notable buildings and feats of engineering across the region.

1. Schloss Neuschwanstein  

Kick things off at one of Germany’s most recognisable locations, the enchanting castle said to have inspired those featured in Disney’s Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. The most extensive makeover to date, including meticulous work on paintings, furniture and a one-tonne chandelier, began in 2017 and is due to be completed this summer. Book onto a guided tour to see the results for yourself, then stroll to nearby Marienbrücke bridge for a view back at the turreted marvel.

2.   The Passion Play Theatre

For a scenic mountain route, drive via Plansee in Austria to reach Oberammergau. The village is adorned with murals known as Lüftlmalerei, including depictions of Hansel and Gretel and Little Red Riding Hood. But there’s another, different story this place wants to tell. Locals have been putting on a once-a-decade Passion Play, telling the story of the Crucifixion, for almost four centuries — a pledge once made to fend off the plague. The next performance is scheduled for 2030, but you can join a daily tour of the specially built theatre.

3.   Zugspitze Cable Car

Drive south to the island-dotted lake of Eibsee and the Zugspitze cable car. Its construction, which began in 2015 and took two years, was a veritable engineering feat: carrying up to 120 people each, its glass cabins glide smoothly to the 2,962m summit of Germany’s highest mountain in a matter of minutes. Buy a return ticket, allowing plenty of time to take in the panorama: on a clear day, you can see peaks as far as Austria, Italy and Switzerland.

4.   Tegernseer Hütte

Next, head east and get ready for a hike to the Tegernseer Hütte, a mountain hut perched between the peaks of Roßstein and Buchstein. First constructed in 1903, it was rebuilt in 1965 after a lightning strike. The quickest path takes two hours or less from the car park just west of Bayerwald, zig-zagging through forests, meadows and rougher terrain at the end. Alternatively, there’s a gentler three-hour option. Set off early to reach the terrace for lunch or book well in advance for an overnight and time without the crowds.

5.   Wendelstein Cog Railway

Continue along the shores of the Tegernsee and through Bayrischzell until you reach the village of Brannenburg. From here, hop onto one of the yellow carriages that shuttle visitors up and down the Wendelstein mountain. Built between 1910 and 1912, this high-Alpine rack railway was the first of its kind in Germany. Since modernised, it takes you over bridges, through tunnels, under galleries and around rock faces in around 25 minutes.

6.   Eagle’s Nest

Follow the road via Reit im Winkl to the Berchtesgadener Land, where the Kehlsteinhaus (nicknamed the Eagle’s Nest) was built atop a rocky outcrop as a retreat for Nazi leadership in the 1930s. Leave your car in Obersalzberg and take a designated bus up Germany’s highest road; a brass-lined lift inside the hillside will then take you to the site, now maintained as a restaurant. There are guided tours of the area to learn about its turbulent past, then end the trip exploring the wider Berchtesgaden National Park.

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