Unique Germany

Visit iconic landmarks in the capital city of Germany with an expert tour guide. Walk through the historic Brandenburg Gate and enjoy the atmosphere of the old town center with its pre-1918 remnants of Prussian grandeur, interspersed with inspired contemporary projects. Berlin is marked by sharp contrasts, and almost every stone you turn is steeped in history. Visit popular destinations such as Unter den Linden boulevard, admire the magnificent dome of the Berlin Cathedral and marvel at the artistic beauty of Museum Island, a World Heritage site. There’s more architectural beauty in store as your tour takes you to Gendarmenmarkt with its concert hall and churches. See the Reichstag where the lower house of the national legislature meets, the popular inner-city park, and the Tiergarten Park, among others. Discover the sites and memorials that have shaped 20th century history, including the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the site of Hitler’s bunker and the Topography of Terror. And no visit to Berlin can be complete without seeing the former Checkpoint Charlie and remnants of the original Berlin Wall. (Duration: 3 hrs; Time of the Day: 10 am; Private Activity; Fitness level: Moderate; Transfers are not included: Meet at Brandenburg Gate, in front of the Southern Guesthouse tourist information office; Entrance tickets are not included and can be purchased at your own expense.).

Spend a day driving through the city of Potsdam, the capital of the German federal state of Brandenburg. Learn about the historic importance of the city, which borders the German capital Berlin and is part of the Berlin/Brandenburg Metropolitan Region. Visit a series of interconnected lakes around the city, an area where the Prussian kings and the German Kaiser resided until 1918. Spend time at important cultural landmarks, such as the parks and palaces of Sanssouci, the largest World Heritage site in Germany. You will also visit Cecilienhof, the palace that hosted the Potsdam Conference, the major post-World War II conference between the victorious Allies. Learn how Potsdam developed into a scientific hub in the 19th century while you explore its three public colleges, the University of Potsdam and more than 30 research institutes in the city. (Full Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness level: Easy; Please note the tour is not available on Sundays and holidays; Sanssoucci & Cecielienhof Palace entrance fees are included.)

Journey back in time with a walking tour of Heidelberg that covers the two most popular historical sites, the Old Town and the Heidelberg Castle. Wind through romantic cobbled paths to reach the Altstadt (or Old Town) and then explore the atmospheric Marketplatz or town square, lined with outdoor cafes and boutique stores. Witness the medieval grandeur of the Heidelberg University founded as far back as the 14th century, and breathe in the venerable air of the Heiliggeistkirche or Church of the Holy Spirit. Explore the quaint Jewish Quarter with its old synagogues and modern museums that depict the history of Jews in this city. Take the funicular railway to the imposing Königstuhl hill where the red sandstone remains of the Heidelberg Castle still speak of majestic Renaissance architecture. (Duration: 3 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness level: Moderate; Includes castle entrance.)

Explore Heidelberg on board the Neckarsonne, a modern solar powered ferry. Sail down the Neckar River to take in various historical landmarks of Heidelberg as well as pleasing vistas all around. Make the most of comforts such as two bistros, modern toilets, as well as a PA system which tells you more about the picture postcard landscape and the importance of renewable energy such as the Neckarsonne uses. Nibble on cakes and snacks or splurge on a hot coffee, served by ferry staff, as you glide by the spectacular countryside on board the Neckarsonne. (Duration: 50 mins; Shared Activity; This tour is available from Tuesday through Sunday; Transfers are not included: Departure Jetty is Karl-Theodore Brücke/Old Bridges)

Get to know a little of the distinctive character of the Bavarian capital on this leisurely walk. Following a hearty breakfast at your hotel, meet your local guide at the landmark fountain on Marienplatz Square, Munich’s central square. As you stroll through the city, passing by iconic churches and cathedrals, museums and historic palaces, let your guide fill you up with stories and anecdotes behind each. Starting off with the Marienplatz, the heart of the Altstadt with the striking St. Peter’s Church and City Hall, enjoy your informative and laidback tour. Amble past the landmark Frauenkirche, the gigantic church with its twin towers; the Residenz Palace and Museum, the erstwhile home of Bavaria’s Wittelsbach rulers; and the legendary Hofbräuhaus, the massive beer hall and restaurant that easily hosts the largest beer tent during Oktoberfest! Also take in the lively Food Market, the old Jewish quarter and the City Museum, as your guide keeps you entertained with snippets from the cultural history of this remarkable city. (Morning Activity; Duration: 2 hrs; Time of the Day: 1000 hrs; Private Activity; Fitness level: Moderate; Please wear comfortable walking shoes; Transfer are not included: Meet at the fish fountain in Marienplatz; Entrance tickets are not included and can be purchased at your own expense)

Head out to explore the magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle on this private tour. Drive out of Munich and travel for about two hours to reach Neuschwanstein. As you travel, watch out for breathtaking views of the iconic Romanesque Revival castle set on a rugged hill. Soaring over the town, this impressive castle built by King Ludwig II known for his eccentric tastes appears to be straight out of a fairy tale. Aptly so, as it has served as the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle! Movie lovers are also sure to identify it as the castle featured in the classic movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Explore to your heart’s content the exquisite architectural features of this castle. Marvel at the incredible artwork housed in this beautiful castle and savor the spectacular views from its many windows before it is time to turn back. Round out the day with a visit to Linderhof Palace, followed by a visit to the village of Oberammergau. (Full Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy; Neuschwanstein & Linderhof entrance fees included)