BERLIN TOUR
Is the turbulent history of this fascinating and vibrant city finally over? It has certainly paid it's part in European events over the previous two centuries and when visiting one feels that the story is never quite finished. We focus on two major chapters of Berlin's life - The final collapse of Hitler's Third Reich and the infamous Berlin Wall.
The final Battle for Berlin opened at 05:00 hrs on the banks of the River Oder some 92 kilometres to the east the city on the 16th April 1945. Fourteen days later and after a furious and bloody conflict Hitler was dead. The battle raged on for another two days but victory was finally achieved by the Red Army who hoisted their Red Banner on top of the destroyed Reichstag. Walking the ground we will provide you with the atmosphere that prevailed during those final days.
The Berlin Wall was and still is a scar on a major European city. Although is has been pulled down it's legacy is a 'line in the road'. There is no better way to 'feel' it's presence than to visit some of the important areas it crossed. These are included on our tour along with some interesting relevant commentaries.
DAY 1 (Sunday)
Meet for breakfast and depart hotel approximately 09:30 hrs. Lots to see today and mostly on foot. Remember to bring passports with you today.
- Herman Goering’s Air Ministry Building – last surviving architecture from Nazi period
- Reichchancellory Gardens / Bunker exit / Adolf Hitler’s last remains (we will stand on the exact spot). Then and Now photos to view.
- Jewish Memorial (opportunity to visit underground museum).
- Coffee – time for reflection.
- East meets West (brief introduction to Berlin Wall)
- Brandenburg Gate. Then and Now photos to view.
- Cross into what was West Berlin
- The Reichstag. On route see the memorials to those killed attempting to cross into ‘the west’. Then and Now photos to view.
- Red Army Memorial situated in the Tiergarten
Lunch at Parisier Platz – must depart at 15:00 hrs for……….
- 15:30 – 17:00 – Surprise Tour – (free gratis with English guide)
Evening Meal at Wilhelmstrasse. Time to be agreed. Nightcap(s) in hotel bar for review of day’s events.
DAY 2 (Monday)
Meet for breakfast and depart hotel approximately 09:30 hrs
- Take S-Bahn then short bus journey to Lake Wannsee. Packed lunch required which we will purchase on route.
Reflect on morning’s visit on return trip to city.
Evening Meal at Restaurant in Leipzigerstrasse. Nightcap(s) in hotel bar. Finalise plans for Day 3.
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DAY 3 (Tuesday)
Berlin Wall day! U-Bahn to Bernauerstrasse to see remains of wall and visit museum.
- Locate one of the last remaining Guard Towers in Kielerstrasse.
Lunch
For those willing to stay longer we have prepared an excellent day's itinerary for Day 4 as an optional extra.
Day 4
We will transport you 70 km east of Berlin to the town of Seelow overlooking the River Oder flood plain. It was here that 'Operation Berlin' kicked off on the 16th April 1945. Thirteen days later and after enormous loss of life Hitler was dead. This is a rare opportunity to visit such sites as Marshal Zhukov's bunker where he oversaw the carnage beneath him and the Red Army Cemetery dedicated to those who fell. We will explain in great detail how the battle unfolded and help you understand the tactics used by both sides.