Essential Germany: Berlin, Nuremberg, and Munich

Prepare to delve into Berlin’s vibrant food scene on this local neighborhood food tour. Indulge in culinary delights at hidden gem eateries to savor the authentic flavors of a city that defies traditional German cuisine norms. Explore the capital’s rich history through its diverse gastronomy and uncover a few delightful surprises along the way. With a knowledgeable local food expert as a guide, guests will embark on a tantalizing journey through a variety of mouth-watering dishes, uncovering the stories behind the cuisine and their passionate food stall vendors. This immersive experience promises to be unforgettable! This food walking tour offers a tantalizing blend of classic Berlin dishes, street food, fusion cuisine, local oriental flavors, renowned regional beers, and the latest trends in organic and sustainable dining, ensuring a culinary adventure like no other.

Discover world history on every corner on this short walk through the beating heart of Berlin. This 2-hour tour is perfect for guests looking to get the most out of Berlin in the quickest time! To being the private tour, guests will meet at their expert guide at the Brandenburg Gate in front of the tourist information desk (Pariser Platz 1, Berlin). From here, guests will get a quick overview of the city and lots of insider tips on what to explore later on their own. The professional guide has a deep love for Berlin, excellent knowledge of history, and a great sense of humor. If guests have limited time in Berlin, this is the perfect tour! Using the latest historical research, the guides will show guests the wild, tragic story of this great city. They'll stroll through the Brandenburg Gate, stand above the remains of Hitler's bunker, and cross the Cold War frontier at Checkpoint Charlie. They'll hear the secret stories of Berlin that make the past come to life! During the tour, guests will see Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the Holocaust Memorial, the Air Force Ministry, Checkpoint Charlie, the site of Hitler's bunker, and the remains of the Berlin Wall. This tour has taken the absolute best of Germany's capital and condensed Berlin's top main sites into an informative and fun 2-hour experience for guests.

This morning is perfect for exploring Berlin at leisure. Visitors can enjoy a sunny picnic the Tiergarten—one of the world's largest urban parks—or check out the 1,500 animal species housed in the sprawling Berlin Zoo. The trendy Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain neighborhoods with their vibrant street art and hip cafes are well worth a visit. For a different perspective of the city and its many landmarks, a leisurely boat ride down the Spree river is perfect. In the afternoon, take a somber visit to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial and learn more about Berlin's turbulent past.

A visit to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Camp offers a somber glimpse into the Holocaust and its impact. Located half an hour away from Berlin, this former training ground for the Nazi Party's paramilitary Schutzstaffel (SS) organization was also the headquarters of all concentration camps in Germany. It now serves as a memorial to victims of the Nazi regime. Led by a knowledgeable local expert, walk through cells, barracks, and grounds, which offer historical context and feature memorials and tributes. The tour is educational and poignant, emphasizing the importance of remembering humanity's collective history during this time of upheaval, and its lasting impact.

Spend the day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage city of Potsdam, less than an hour away from Belin. The summer residence of King Frederick the Great in the 18th century, the city boasts beautiful palaces and gardens that can be explored at a leisurely pace. In the evening, return to Berlin for a final evening out and about the city. The city offers a fantastic food and nightlife scene, with vibrant neighborhoods such as Mitte, Kreuzberg, and Friedrichshain. Enjoy dining out at Hackescher Markt, step inside a club at Berghain, or even catch a show at Friedrichstadt-Palast.

Combining rich history and a splash of royalty with a breathtaking backdrop, explore this stunning city alongside an expert guide providing context of each landmark every step of the way. Visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites while soaking in Potsdam's lush landscape, walk through the royal gardens, learn of Prussian kings, and view the Venetian mosaic in the Church of Peace. Visitors can also take in some exquisite sights on their own after the guided tour, such as several idyllic palaces, the notorious Bridge of Spies, and the exquisite Dutch quarter. Afterwards, stroll through the charming city center of Potsdam. Sights include the Sans Souci park and gardens, the Bridge of Spies, the New Garden, Marble Palace, the "Green House", Germany's largest collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Russian Colony, the story of the Potsdam Conference, the Potsdam Stasi Prison, the Friedenskirche Church, Potsdam's charming town center, the Nauener Tor, the Cecilienhof Palace, the Church of St. Peter and Paul, the Dutch Quarter, and the Brandenburg Gate (yes, Potsdam has its own Brandenburg Gate)! The meeting point is Hauptbahnhof or from a centrally located hotel. This tour usually ends in front of the New Palace. Please note that guests do not go inside any of the Palaces during the tour, but they can do so individually after the tour.

This morning, spend time soaking in the main sights and sounds of Nuremberg on a privately guided tour—a perfect introduction to this historic city. After a hearty lunch, set out to explore the hidden gems, such as the Historischer Kunstbunker, a former bomb shelter where precious artwork was stored for protection during WWII. Add a touch of whimsy to the day with a visit to the Spielzeugmuseum, with its collection of computer gates, wooden and tin toys, and a play area for children.

Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Nuremberg. Accompanied by a driver-guide in a comfortable vehicle, get personalized insights and information as guests visit iconic sites such as medieval-era Nuremberg Castle with panoramic city views, and the historic Old Town, or Altstadt, with cobblestone streets and market squares. Next, visit the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds which details the history of the Nazi regime in Germany. The final stop is at the medieval town of Furth with its beautiful architecture and old world charm, located at the scenic junction of two rivers.

The last day in Nuremberg is for visitors to enjoy at their own pace and style. After breakfast, perhaps start off the morning with a trip to the lively Hauptmarkt. Peruse the stalls of fresh produce or head to the Frauenkirche, an ornate Gothic church at the eastern end of the square. Learn about the history of the bahn in the German Railways Museum, featuring an interactive section for children. Make sure to take some time during the day to sample some traditional Nuremberg dishes. Sausages, tender pork knuckle with dumplings and gravy, and lebkuchen (gingerbread) are some of the city's most authentic offerings. Don't forget to wash down the meal with a cold Nuremberg brew!

Experience Munich nightlife on this beer and bites tour! Known for its rich beer culture, Munich is the perfect place for a beer adventure. Starting at Marienplatz, guests sample a 19th-century beer in a cozy Bavarian Wirtshaus with a traditional starter platter. A local guide leads the way through the old city, enjoying regional bottled beer and Germany’s favorite street food, the doener. No need for paper bags—public drinking is celebrated here! After visiting the historic Hofbrauhaus, savor a strong beer from a nearby monastery. The tour ends near the starting point, with guides ready to suggest further adventures.

Today will be a treat, as after breakfast travelers will embark on a full-day tour of the Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castles in Bavaria. Billed as fairytale castles, these stunning structures are masterpieces of King Ludwig II's vision and offer a glimpse into his extravagant tastes. Neuschwanstein, the inspiration behind the famous Sleeping Beauty's castle in Disneyland, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The opulent Linderhof Palace is famed for its beautiful gardens and lavish interiors, which guests can explore at a leisurely pace. Upon return, remember to get some dinner—try a traditional pork chop with red-cabbage dumplings!—and return to the hotel for a sound night's sleep.

This excursion takes travelers inside two extraordinary castles, both testaments to the visions of Bavaria's "fairytale king," Ludwig II. After a short shopping break at Oberammergau, home of the Passion Play, continue to Neuschwanstein Castle. The striking white structure towers above the Bavarian countryside and was the inspiration behind Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty's Castle. Next up is Linderhof, the smallest of the three palaces built by King Ludwig II and the only one whose completion he was alive to witness. The palace's elaborate interior features an ostrich-down carpet, ivory candelabras, and an ornate Hall of Mirrors.

The last day in Munich is free for exploring this bustling megacity with its population of 1.5 million people. Choose to visit the iconic Glockenspiel or mechanical clock or enjoy strolling through the lush green English garden. For a taste of local culture, if travelers are visiting in mid-November through December, be sure to plan for the sparkling Holiday Markets that light up Munich.

Munich has been hosting Christmas markets for 600 years, and every year the medieval center of town is transformed into a winter wonderland. The streets are cluttered with charming stalls selling every variety of classic decoration and gift in an atmosphere happy with the scent of roasted nuts and hot spiced wine. Visitors may find themselves stopping often at the colorful shops while the guide tells them about the history of the markets, the meaning of the displays, and the Advent and Christmas rituals associated with them. While here, don't forget to try the local mulled wine.

This morning, bid goodbye to Munich as travelers make their way to the airport with a transfer representative. Hopefully there are enough souvenir beer steins and edelweiss bells for family and friends who will be envious of this journey. Auf wiedersehen!