Elegant Elbe

Witness Berlin’s resurgence, an intriguing blend of modern sophistication and sobering reminders of the past. Travel along Berlin’s Unter den Linden, a lovely boulevard lined with Linden trees. Cross the Spree River over the restored Palace Bridge, and see the Berlin Cathedral, a breathtaking neo-Renaissance masterwork. You will also stop at the East Side Gallery, a section of the Berlin Wall where 106 paintings by international artists are on display. Continue into the older part of Berlin, past the New Synagogue, an imposing Moorish Revival structure topped with ornately gilded domes. After time to admire the many historic buildings in this part of town, stop to see the Brandenburg Gate, an entry into the city through which Napoleon once marched. Conclude your excursion at Checkpoint Charlie, once the only crossing point between East and West Berlin.

Sample the flavors of Berlin at some popular culinary institutions while exploring the city like a local. Take the S-Bahn to the Hackescher Markt station. As you walk, you will hear stories about Berlin’s colorful food landscape, informed by influences from the East and West. At Lindner, the city’s renowned fine foods shop celebrated for its house-made butter, you will enjoy a taste of Berliner Boulette—a flat meatball flavored with onions—along with other delicacies. Admire Berlin’s colorful street art en route to EAT Berlin, located amid a network of picturesque art nouveau courtyards. Local cheeses, mustards, pestos (sauces) and more are sold here, with lots of items to sample. At the popular Curry 61, order currywurst, a city favorite. No food tour of Berlin would be complete without a taste of traditional coffee and cake from one of the city’s many cafés, which serve this mainstay of German culinary traditions at any time of day.

Marvel at Berlin’s magnificent monuments as they are grandly illuminated by city lights during a panoramic tour. Drive to Alexanderplatz, where you will see the World Clock, a revolving banner that tells time around the globe. You will also drive past the Berlin Cathedral and admire its colossal facade. Pass through Potsdam Square and see the splendid Philharmonie, home to one of the best orchestras in the world. Gaze up at the golden sculpture of Victoria, the mythological goddess, atop the Siegessäule, or Victory Column, erected to commemorate the Prussian victory against the Danes in 1864. And stop for photos at two of the city’s most celebrated landmarks: the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of German unity and peace, and the Reichstag with its spectacular glass dome, meeting place of the German Parliament. Savor dinner at a typical local restaurant before returning to your hotel.

Set sail through the heart of Berlin, admiring important landmarks while enjoying a delicious dinner. After transferring to the pier in the fashionable district of Charlottenburg, board your canal boat, the MS Flying Dutchman. Then, embark on a cruise along the sublime Spree River, cruising past the Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, the Reichstag and the striking architecture of the new government quarter. Learn about Berlin’s history as you admire the Wilhelminian-style buildings, the reconstructed Berlin Palace, the Humboldt Forum and more while savoring a three-course meal, accompanied by drinks. At the end of your cruise, return to the pier and board your motor coach for a panoramic drive back to your hotel, viewing notable sights such as Charlottenburg Palace, the Kurfürstendamm, the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag en route.

Experience an unforgettable evening at the Friedrichstadt-Palast Theater, home to one of the world’s biggest stages. A historic show palace for more than a century, the Friedrichstadt-Palast is also the most visited theater in Germany, known for its unique programming and expansive dimensions. Upon arrival, enter through the grand hall and follow your guide to your reserved seat to enjoy one of the grand shows this theater is known for. Watch as artists take the stage in colorful costumes, creating a dazzling spectacle as they perform. Complex set pieces and high-tech effects backdrop the intricate dances and impressive acrobatics of the Friedrichstadt-Palast’s stage. During intermission, enjoy a glass of sparkling wine before taking your seat for the exciting second act. At the end of the night, you will return to your hotel.

Discover Berlin during a bicycle ride to lesser-known sights in the neighborhoods of former East Berlin. Board the metro for your transfer to Prenzlauer Berg, where you will meet your guide and receive your bike and helmet, then set off on two wheels. Cycle deeper into Berlin, uncovering obscure places that represent the different periods of the city’s intriguing past. See examples of the typical Berlin-style buildings erected around 1900 and learn about the East German approach to rebuilding the city following World War II. Other stops will include the ruins of a former brewery and the medieval city wall, as well as the city’s oldest neighborhood and pub. Gain insight into Berlin’s Jewish history before capping your ride at the Märchenbrunnen (“Fairy-tale Fountain"). Your journey will include time for photos and a coffee break. After, you will return to base, then your hotel.

Explore Berlin and learn about life since reunification as you visit some of the city’s iconic sights. Berlin spent 28 years divided by its wall, under Soviet rule in the east and Allied occupation in the west. With your guide, you will uncover more about the Cold War and its effect on the people of Berlin. Visit the Stasi Museum, located in the former Stasi headquarters, and view exhibits that tell the story of East Germany’s surveillance of its people. Continue to the Berlin Wall Memorial and hear stories about those who tried to escape. Stop at the Nordbahnhof, known as the ghost station, as it was closed to the people of East Berlin to stop them from crossing into West Berlin. Cap your tour with a poignant stop at the “Palace of Tears,” the site where families on either side of the divide bid farewell to each other, not knowing when they would see each other again.