Germany: Polka, Punk and Palaces

Welcome to the vibrant city of Berlin! Upon arrival, a representative will greet you at the airport and escort you to the Telegraphenamt Hotel, a beautifully restored historic building in the heart of Berlin. This stylish boutique hotel provides an ideal base for our German adventure.

Later this afternoon, we will gather in the hotel lobby for a welcome drink. This will be a great opportunity to get to know each other before embarking on our exciting journey.

Following our meet-and-greet, we’ll hop into a traditional East German car for a unique city tour. As we drive through Berlin, you’ll get an intriguing first glimpse of this dynamic city’s rich history and vibrant present.

This evening, we’ll dine at the iconic Lutter & Wegner, a traditional German restaurant that has been delighting guests since 1811. Savor the flavors of authentic German cuisine as we toast to the start of our adventure.

This morning, after a hearty breakfast at our hotel, we’ll set off to explore Berlin’s historic sites with our expert guide. We’ll visit the iconic Brandenburg Gate, the impressive Reichstag building, Checkpoint Charlie, and the poignant Holocaust Memorial.

For lunch, we’ll indulge in Berlin’s best wiener schnitzel at a renowned local eatery. Afterward, we’ll visit the Boros Collection, a fascinating modern art collection housed in a World War II-era bunker.

Our afternoon will continue with a leisurely stroll around the Hackescher Hof, a vibrant area filled with galleries, shops, and cafes. This evening, we’ll enjoy a delightful dinner at our hotel’s stylish restaurant, reflecting on the day’s discoveries.

Today, we journey to Potsdam, the royal retreat of Prussian kings, located just a short drive from Berlin. We’ll explore the magnificent Sanssouci Palace and its enchanting gardens, a true testament to Prussian grandeur.

After a delicious lunch in Potsdam’s charming Dutch district, we’ll embark on a steamer cruise through the lake district. Marvel at the beautiful Italian villas and the historic Cecilienhof, the site of the famous post-World War II conference in 1945.

This evening, we’ll return to Berlin and after an eventful day, dinner is on your own. 

After breakfast, immerse yourself in Berlin’s Cold War history this morning with a visit to the DDR Museum: Berlin's Interactive Museum. This interactive museum transports you back to the era of a divided Germany, offering a fascinating glimpse into daily life behind the Iron Curtain.

For lunch, we’ll enjoy casual yet delicious fare at one of Berlin’s best imbisses, sampling döner kebab and currywurst. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Berlin Wall and the Palace of Tears, sites that tell poignant stories of separation and hope.

Dinner tonight will be at the celebrated Café Frieda in Prenzlauer Berg, where we’ll savor contemporary German cuisine in a lively neighborhood setting.

This morning, we depart Berlin and take a scenic train ride to Munich, enjoying a leisurely lunch en route. Upon arrival, we’ll check into the lovely and historic 4-star Eden Hotel Wolff perfectly situated in Munich’s historic center. We'll be enjoying their Alpine Style Rooms.

After settling in, we’ll explore Munich’s rich history with a guided tour of the city’s landmarks. This evening, we’ll feast on traditional Bavarian dishes at the iconic Hofbräuhaus, raising our steins to a day well spent.

Today, we embark on a journey along the Romantic Road, visiting some of Bavaria’s most picturesque villages. Our first stop is Harburg Castle, one of Germany’s oldest fortifications, followed by the brightly colored village of Dinkelsbühl, famed for its role in "The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm."

We’ll enjoy a delightful lunch in a traditional beer garden before continuing to the walled town of Nördlingen. After returning to Munich, you’ll have the evening free to explore or relax at your leisure.

After breakfast at the hotel, our day begins with a visit to the enchanting Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, this fairytale castle offers breathtaking views and stunning architecture.

After lunch at a nearby inn, we’ll visit the opulent Linderhof Palace, a small but lavish retreat surrounded by beautiful woodlands. This evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner at the Michelin-starred restaurant Mural, celebrating our journey through Germany’s past, present, and future.

After a delightful breakfast, we’ll bid farewell to our new friends and the beautiful country of Germany. As you reflect on our adventure, we hope you leave with wonderful memories and a newfound appreciation for Germany’s rich history and vibrant culture!