history of germany tour

THE 10 BEST Germany Historical & Heritage Tours

Historical & heritage tours in germany.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Scenic Railroads
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
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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 Tour from Munich

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

3. Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace Day Trip from Munich

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

5. Discover Berlin Half-Day Walking Tour

6. Berlin Highlights 3-Hour Bike Tour

7. Salzburg Sightseeing Day Trip from Munich by Rail

8. Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Munich

9. From Kiel: All-in-One Hamburg Shore Excursion

10. Third Reich Walking Tour Munich

11. Heidelberg Castle and City Day Tour from Frankfurt

12. Guided Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour with Train from Munich

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

14. Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Self Guided Walking Tour on your Phone

15. Private Berlin Complete History All Day Walking Tour

16. Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour from Berlin.

17. Berlin Highlights Private Guided Walking Tour

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

19. Potsdam Private Walk Tour from Berlin

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

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

22. Munich Sightseeing Guided Bike Tour

23. Munich Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local

24. Private taxi tour to Potsdam and Sanssouci 6-8h

25. VIP Day Trip Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castle from Munich

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

27. Munich Old Town Walking Tour

28. Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof, Ettal, Oberammergau Private Tour from Munich

29. Frankfurt Highlights Guided Walking Tour

30. Neuschwanstein Castle, Ettal Abbey and Oberammergau Private Tour from Munich

What travelers are saying.

• Stephen C 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Jake our tour guide was awesome. Was a very heavy and well given Tour by Jake. We loved every minute. He was very knowledgeable and educated on many different facets. Read more Review of: Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour from Munich by Train Written April 11, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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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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"I love showing guests the depth of German culture and cuisine; it lets them experience how truly multifaceted Germany really is!"

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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.

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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.

• Present Day

1800s - 1820s

1830s / early 1840s, 1861 - 1865, 1914 - 1919, 1933 - 1938, 1945 - 1947, 1960s - 1980s, 2005 / 2007, discover more, natural landscapes, health & wellness, scenic routes, food & drink, sustainable travel, in cooperation with.

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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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Germany

Find the right fully guided tour for you in Germany. There are 644 trips to choose from, that range from 2 days in length, up to 22 days. The month with the most departures is June, making it the most popular time to visit Germany.

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250+ fully guided tour packages in germany with 2,543 reviews.

• In-depth Cultural
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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

Were was the black forest? And the begging for tips was terrible!

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

Best of Germany (Classic, 12 Days)

German Highlights

German Vista

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.

Bavaria Bike Tour | Guided Bike Tour | Germany

Best of Germany (Small Groups, 12 Days)

Beautiful Views End Berlin

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

From Hamburg to Berlin: Discover the Medieval Charms of Hanseatic Cities

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.

Christmas Markets Rhine Cruise (Dusseldorf - Dusseldorf)

Excellent cruise. Beautiful Christmas Markets. Wonderful staff.

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

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 (55)
• Northern Germany (16)

Travel Styles

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

• Berlin In a Day
• Essential Berlin Tour:
• Berlin Wall & Cold War
• Berlin World War Tour
• Sachsenhausen Memorial
• Potsdam Tour
• Berlin Custom Group Tour
• Berlin History and Highlights Tour
• Berlin Wall Tour
• Sachsenhausen Memorial Tour
• Third Reich Tour Berlin
• Berlin Blog
• Discover Berlin History & Highlights
• Berlin Wall Bike Tour
• Third Reich World War Sites & History
• Berlin Highlights Brandenburg Gate & Tiergarten
• About / Contact

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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Dates & prices.

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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, 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

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Seminaris Hotel Nuremberg

• satellite TV
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• 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

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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, 16-day world war ii memorial tour of europe map.

Rated 98% based on 1021 reviews

UK   0345 475 1815   USA (toll free)   877‑209‑5620   International   00 44 345 475 1815 [email protected] Rated 98% on feefo

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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: £3,945

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: £3,945 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.

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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 University's 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

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Medieval Tour of German Castles

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Medieval Germany isn't just a slice of history. It's alive, breathing an evocative atmosphere into cobbled villages and castles that cling to cliffs. On this unique two-week tour you will journey into its heart and soul, stay in castles and immerse yourself in the untouched charms of bygone centuries. From the royal fortresses of emperors to the fairytale icons of the Alps, discover all the glamor and allure of the medieval era, traveling in style across Germany.

Customizable Itinerary

Frankfurt – relaxation in the city.

The River Rhine should be savored and explored during the day when the castles dominate the cliffs and the patchwork fields are in full bloom; but that's for tomorrow. After your intercontinental flight to Frankfurt, be greeted at the airport and transferred to a five-star hotel just outside the city, for a relaxed evening that helps you reenergize from the journey. Dating back to 1904, the slick, polished interiors of your luxury hotel reflect Frankfurt's glamorous past, and it’s a serene place to recuperate. A dinner at its elegant restaurant is also included.

What's Included:

Heidelberg – Castles and Cruising Along the River Rhine

Follow the river, sit back and watch a carpet of vineyards spread across the Rhine Valley. The remains of castles stand unbowed on the hilltops, millennium-old stone crumbling and decaying, but refusing to relinquish its grip. Stop for your lunch amidst the vines, two classic dishes accompanied by a tasting menu that introduces the delicate flavors of the Rhine. Grapes have been cultivated here for six centuries, and there is finesse to the sensual white wines on offer. If you've had good German wine before, there's a good chance it comes from this region. Continue by the river, winding towards Heidelberg, a city that offers an easy introduction into the charms of medieval Germany.

Heidelberg – The Romance of the Medieval City

Follow the Haupstrasse away from the river and ascend to Heidelberg Castle, left in a strange state of semi-ruin as it gazes upon the town and forest-clad valley. Parts of the castle showcase the romance of the Renaissance, sculpted for pleasure rather than defense. This fortress has never been particularly effective, and it was sacked and commandeered by invading armies throughout its history. The wings are scattered across the forest, sunset-colored sandstone blown into jagged chunks that reflect Heidelberg's turbulent history. Mark Twain described it as “deserted, discrowned, beaten by the storms, but royal still, and beautiful.”

Descend back into the town for a day surrounded by red roofs and the half-timbered facades of wine taverns, a place where stone bridge archways occupy the photographs and ivy creep up the medieval stone. Your hotel stands at the start of the Haupstrasse , its stately facade enticing visitors into the heart of the old town. A golden inscription reveals the building's date – 1592 – when it served as a town hall and it’s an iconic place to start exploring the country's old-world accommodation.

Rothenburg – Following the Beautiful River Neckar

Follow the River Neckar and travel across the undulating hills of Germany's backcountry, stopping at Heilbronn to explore and dine. Like every road journey, you're traveling in a luxury saloon vehicle with a local driver guide, an expert in narrating the mystique and secrets of Germany's medieval past. Have a stroll through Heilbronn and enjoy lunch with a sublime view of the River Neckar. Then continue to Rothenburg, where you're guided through the city after dark by a night watchman. An atmosphere from the past is even more resonant once the light fades away. Wander beneath the medieval city gate, through the narrow alleys past sloped tiles, onto rustic taverns from the 13th century, every step overlooked by the surreal church spires. A traditional dinner of Franconian dishes and home-brewed beer adds further authenticity to the tour.

Rothenburg – Baroque Wine Villages and Heritage Streets

Rothenburg dates to the 13th century, and your hotel is an original part of the city. Originally a customs house, it has been hosting guests since 1488. Every room is unique, both in size and style, the furnishing provided by antiques and the bedrooms cascading old charms. It's a symbol of Rothenburg, and a tranquil space to base your free day in the city. The streets look different in the light, and it's easy to explore without a map; just take the random alleys to boutique shops, medieval taverns, and the timeless design of Rothenburg's era. You may also wish to spend the afternoon in nearby Iphofen, a Baroque wine village that's hidden behind old city walls.

Ahorntal – Fortress of the German Emperor

The sandstone silhouette of Nuremberg Castle dominates the panorama, an imperial showcase of power rising spherically above the town. It dates back to the Roman Empire and was enlarged by the monarchs who ruled Bavaria. Enticing and evocative, the castle guides you into an old town of fortifications and Gothic churches, of gilded fountains and stone that's softly faded over time. So much has happened here, from the Nuremberg Trials to the Durer City and tales of religious crusades. Spend half the day in Nuremberg, a local guide opening up the locks of the city to reveal so many centuries. Nuremberg is halfway to Ahorntal, so from here the road winds through the sublime Altmühltal Valley, connecting a series of medieval villages with postcard-perfect architecture. Admire the views and then rise above it all, spending the night at a cliffside castle in Ahorntal.

Ahorntal – Ancient Villages and Franconian Switzerland

An 800-year-old castle crowns the heart of Franconian Switzerland, rising above the green paradise like a charismatic sentinel. From the outside, it glistens like the past, full of mystique and fabled presence. The interiors reflect the historical ambiance, but they've been refurbished to offer contemporary luxury. Every suite is unique and individually decorated, with the windows gazing out on the Franconian Switzerland Nature Preserve. The castle is surrounded by woodlands, and the day is at your leisure offering the chance to wander along the pathways beneath the castle's iconic facade. You may also choose to spend the afternoon in nearby Bayreuth, the city of Richard Wagner in the foothills of Franconian Switzerland.

Wartburg Castle – Relaxing in Tudor-Style Germany

Wartburg Castle is doused in fame, a UNESCO World Heritage site that proudly overlooks Thuringia and a forested valley. While the fortress symbolizes military power, there's a harmony to how Wartburg blends into the landscape and preserves an antiquity that cuts across the centuries. It was here that Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German, something that's expertly remembered in the castle museum. Your hotel is located within the World Heritage grounds, a former pilgrims' hostel that's been around almost as long as the castle and recently converted into a five-star hotel.  It's so good you shouldn't just spend one night, so you will spend two, especially with all the nature reserves and historical attractions that lie within walking distance.

Dresden – A Knight's Castle on a Cliff

The castle of Kriebstein radiates knightly stories, some from the realms of fiction and others with a Saxon flair that's eminently believable. Part myth, part medieval fortress, it's a castle that reflects the atmosphere of this luxury tour – so much doesn't seem believable, even when you're crossing the moat and walking beneath the bay turrets.  Stop at Kriebstein on route to Dresden, spend two hours exploring the castle and then dine with a fabled view of the fortress. Arrive in Dresden to explore the Pillnitz Castle, a picturesque former residence of the Kings of Saxony, a royal palace that stands elegantly over the Elbe River. Your hotel is within the castle grounds, the suites overlooking lush cultivated gardens and the Baroque splendor of the city.

Dresden – A Royal Residence in a Baroque City

Dresden has risen from the ashes, rebuilding itself yet maintaining the architectural integrity of its Baroque past. A city of nobility and a place of grandeur that attracted the finest designers in Central Europe; Dresden features theaters surrounded by ornate sculptures, townhouses that arched beneath Baroque cathedral spires, murals that roamed hundreds of meters through the city. Dresden was decimated in WWII, but it's recovered, painstakingly recreating its former glory. A local guide takes you on a half-day walking tour, including the palaces of the city and the galleries where stolen art treasures have been returned. The afternoon is at your leisure, and there are some wonderfully atmospheric places to observe the life of the city.

Neuschwanstein – The Iconic Fairytale Fortress

Fly south from Dresden to Munich and drive into the foothills of the Alps, where Neuschwanstein Castle beckons from its perch. A castle from the fairytales, the blueprint for Sleeping Beauty, and so many romanticized images, you'll need a glamorous vehicle for your trip. Travel up the hill in a horse-drawn carriage, winding through the trees as the turrets poke out from above. Walk beneath the archway and immerse yourself in a fictional world, one of exuberant interiors and the flamboyance of King Ludwig II. A castles tour of Germany would not be complete without Neuschwanstein, without imagining the operas of Richard Wagner and creating the storybook narrative.

Neuschwanstein – Surreal Tales Amidst the Alps

Your hotel provides a gentle base in the Alps, the castle of Neuschwanstein rising just two miles away and a dozen walking trails taking you through the foothills of Europe's jagged mountains. Spend the day at leisure, finalizing the immersion in medieval Germany and using Neuschwanstein as the effervescent compass point. You may wish to return up the hill to the castle, or descend into the tiny villages that dot the valley. Life is serene and surreal here, stuck in time and inviting you to stay as long as you can.

Munich – Departure

Wave farewell to Neuschwanstein Castle and watch it slowly fade as you travel away from the Alps. It's a short transfer back to Munich, and the international airport for your return flight.

Trip Highlights

• Spend almost every night in an authentic castle, an accommodation that reflects the charismatic beauty of Germany's old-world realm
• Explore the medieval towns that have been completely untouched by modernity, like romantic Heidelberg and Rothenburg
• Immerse yourself in Franconian Switzerland, a land of half-timbered villages and green valleys
• Discover the fabled castles of the country, like Kriebstein, the knight's castle on a cliff, and Wartburg, where Luther translated the Bible
• Journey into the fairytale world of Neuschwanstein, King Ludwig's castle on a hill that was the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty
• Find yourself lost amongst the Baroque brilliance of Dresden and the Renaissance beauty of architecture across the region
• Travel slowly through Germany and take in the panoramas of its backcountry, epitomized by a private cruise on the River Rhine

Detailed Description

Medieval Germany appears like fiction when seen from afar; the castle of Sleeping Beauty dominating a hilltop, a knightly realm clinging to a hillside, half-timbered houses untouched for centuries, valleys dappled with Baroque design. The panorama appears like a postcard, expertly edited to blur the boundaries of fiction. But when you explore medieval Germany, discover that the landscape is very much alive. Not merely a historical realm; it's more than a slice of the past preserved as if in a museum. A resonant atmosphere flickers through the cobbled streets, castles are still working buildings, and tradition is preserved because there has never been any other way. Explore medieval Germany and the ambiance envelops you at every turn, pulling you into a world that's architecturally unchanged, but also culturally untouched. It feels like you're in another era.

This expert luxury tour maximizes the immersion. Over two weeks, explore the most redolent of Germany's medieval villages and towns. Almost every night is spent sleeping in a castle, enabling you to breathe in the heritage at all times. Each stop is bathed in a certain historical romance, the streets doused in a blanket of intrigue and old-world fascination and every night ensures the spell is never broken. Travel across Germany, heading west to east and then finishing at Neuschwanstein, the castle that inspired Sleeping Beauty and so many fictional narratives. Along the way, there's Baroque wine villages, sublime valleys, cities resurrected from the ruins, and lots of castles.

After a night in Frankfurt following your intercontinental flight, take a private cruise along the River Rhine to Heidelberg, winding slowly past the crumbled ruins and expressive vineyards of the Rhine Valley. Travel through Heilbronn and follow the River Neckar to Rothenburg, where your hotel is an ancient tollhouse from the year 1264, refurbished with contemporary comfort in mind. Discover the fortress of the German emperor in Nuremberg before spending two nights in Franconian Switzerland in an 800-year-old castle that towers above the landscape.

Move on to Wartburg Castle, perhaps Germany's most aesthetically pleasing fortress, with its Tudor-style design and expansive views. Naturally, you'll be staying in the castle itself. Kriebstein Castle offers a knightly tale on route to Dresden, the Saxon capital that's been restored to its Baroque glory. Your hotel is situated on the grounds of Pillnitz Castle, the residence of the Kings of Saxony. Then a short flight to Munich enables you to complete the luxury itinerary at Neuschwanstein Castle, the most iconic and famous of Germany's fortresses.

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$5,455  per person (excluding international flights)

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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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Visit europe online and on location and learn about the history of jehovah's witnesses, my story and motivation, hello i'm tomek, a jehovah's witness from berlin. with my wife, wiola, i have the privilege to serve as an elder and pioneer in an english-speaking congregation. since 2007, i have done history tours in berlin, now for a living. best job ever thank you all why am i doing these videos and tours knowledge of history helped me make the most important decisions in my youth, saved my life when i made mistakes as an adult and helped me through difficult times during the pandemic. do you want to know more watch the video.

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Once in a while, I invite you to a live meeting via Zoom. I'm showing a video I made and will tell you the story live. All Tours are donation-based.

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Presenting history in a child-friendly way is the goal of my homeschool lessons. I show how events from the past influence us and what kids can learn.

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There are several ways to support us. one is with a donation. and also with the purchase of a book. and, of course, by forwarding my website to advertise my tours any support from you is greatly appreciated. i can offer these videos and tours thanks to your help, interest, and advertising. thank you very much tomek & wiola and merle.

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Each of these tours is adjustable. contact me if you want a tour designed only for you., history of jehovah's witnesses in berlin.

How it started in Germany Where they smuggled literature during the Nazi time How they survived the communists A Tour focused on these amazing men and women!

Sachsenhausen camp

My focus is the history of 1000 Jehovah's Witnesses in that camp. It's an encouraging tour! After that tour, you will be impressed and proud of all these Witnesses!

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Visit Europe

Berlin, Sachsenhausen camp, Nürnberg, Munich, the Central Europe Branch of JW in Selters, small villages on our way, and national parks. After this tour, you'll see Germany and taste it!

Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, and Slovakian Republic. After this tour, you'll see the beauty of Middle & Eastern Europe and learn about Jehovah's Witnesses and Europe!

The Death March from Sachsenhausen

We will walk part (most miles by train or car) of the Death March and hear the story of 230 men and women who marched the same way as we will do.

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We visited the Pergamon Museum with Tomek and did the city tour . Both tours were very interesting and instructive. Tomek has a nice way to guide a group that keeps it fascinating. We were immersed in different stories that made history very lively. Very pleasant!

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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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