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From the Saxon Kings to Modern Germany: A History of Germany

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Tour leader
Giles Milton
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Dates
30 Sep
7 Oct
2024

Follow the history of Germany from the powerful Saxon kings to the modern day.

Follow the rise of Prussia - exemplified by Sansoucci, Frederick the Great’s magnificent summer palace in Potsdam – whose reach was extended via marriage into the royal families of Europe, including the British royal family. The narrative continues with the Kaiser and the rise and fall of imperial Germany, through WWII and the Cold War to the modern day.

Your local German guide will trace the fascinating history of Germany with visits to key sites, including walking tours and a cruise. The guide will be accompanied by British author and speaker, Giles Milton, whose background is Churchill and WWII. His particular focus will be on 20th century Berlin and the Cold War.

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Price (room to yourself)
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Reference:
GER0924-1
At a glance
What you need to know
Type of tour
Cultural
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Nights
7
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Countries
1
Tour grade
Moderate
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Remaining places
10
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Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

1
Dresden
Monday
,
30
September
Fly to Berlin and meet the guide and bus transfer at the airport. Drive to Dresden and overnight at the NH Hotel. Local dinner.
2
Dresden
Tuesday
,
1
October
Walking tour of Dresden. Visit Frauenkirche (Our Lady) Church and Dresden Cathedral. Visit Zwinger Palace, a lavish complex with gardens and one of the most important buildings of the Baroque period in Germany. Visit the German Hygiene Museum, a medical museum and a forum for science, culture and society, whose history reflects that of 20th century Germany.
3
Dresden
Wednesday
,
2
October
Visit Green Vault, home to the largest treasure collection in Europe. The museum was founded in 1723 by Augustus the Strong. See Pillnitz Palace and visit the museum. Walk in extensive parklands, including 18th century English gardens, a Chinese Pavilion, an Italianate Temple and a palm house. Enjoy a cruise along the Elbe with coffee and cake.
4
Dresden / Berlin
Thursday
,
3
October
Drive to the Renaissance Colditz Castle, also the site of Oflag IV-C, a prisoner-of-war camp during World War II for "incorrigible" Allied officers, who had repeatedly attempted to escape from other camps. Drive to Berlin and check in to the Westin Hotel.
5
Berlin
Friday
,
4
October
Take a walking tour from Bebelplatz and the Empty Library in the historic heart of Berlin. Continue to the German Resistance Museum, the site of Führerbunker, Holocaust Memorial, Brandenburg Gate and the Soviet Memorial.
6
Berlin
Saturday
,
5
October
Drive to Potsdam and visit magnificent Sanssouci Palace and park.Visit Schloss Cecilienhof, Glienicker Bridge (Bridge of Spies) and Rathaus Schoneberg.
7
Berlin
Sunday
,
6
October
Take a walking tour in Gendarmenmarkt, seeing Check-Point Charlie, the Detlev-Rohwedder-Haus Topography of Terror, Potsdammer Platz and Kulturforum. Time at leisure, with the option to visit to a number of excellent museums. A 3-day museum pass is included as part of the tour – visits could include the New National Gallery, Picture Gallery and Stasi Museum. Farewell dinner.
8
Berlin
Monday
,
7
October
Morning at leisure and depart hotel after breakfast.
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Tour map

Plot your journey

Your local German guide will trace the fascinating history of Germany with visits to key sites, including walking tours and a cruise.

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What to expect

Tour highlights

Specialist talks
Berlin

Speaker Giles Milton, author of Checkmate in Berlin and Churchill's Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare talks on the Cold War.

German Hygiene Museum
Dresden

Visit the German Hygiene Museum, a medical museum, whose history reflects that of 20th century Germany.

Soviet, British and American espinionage
Berlin

At the Bridge of Spies, learn of Soviet, British and American espinionage.

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Beautiful landscapes

Tour gallery

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Tour exertion grading

Is this tour right for me?

Moderate
Level 3

Some walking between destinations, more time spent standing, and increased travel distances. Requires a reasonable level of fitness.

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Your expert companions

Tour leaders

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Accommodation

Hotels

We like charm, comfort, convenience in location, and of course, excellence in service.

Dresden

NH Hotel Dresden Altmarkt

Berlin

Westin Hotel

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Ask us anything

If you have some questions about this particular tour, you can contact the Jon Baines Tours team by phone or email.

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02072239485
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