Germany Culture & History: Berlin, Dresden & Bavaria

Today you explore Berlin with your expert local guide, tracing the drama of the twentieth century. You stand before the neoclassical Brandenburg Gate, the symbol of German reunification, and take in the glass-domed Reichstag, the seat of parliament. You walk the grand boulevard of Unter den Linden, pause at the vast Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, and stand at Checkpoint Charlie, the Cold War crossing. You trace surviving stretches of the Berlin Wall at the East Side Gallery and the Berlin Wall Memorial, which recall the city's division and joyful reunion. The history is powerful and moving. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having walked through modern history. This evening, savour Berlin's lively dining scene. Rest well, ready to explore the city's artistic treasures tomorrow.

Today you delve into Berlin's artistic and cultural riches. You explore Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage ensemble of five world-class museums in the river Spree, coming face to face with the exquisite bust of Nefertiti, marvelling at the monumental treasures of antiquity, and admiring masterpieces of European art, with the great domed Berlin Cathedral beside the river. You might visit the moving Jewish Museum, the German Historical Museum, or the elegant baroque palace of Charlottenburg, deepening your understanding of the German story. You take in the creative energy of the city between sights. The art and history are captivating. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having explored Berlin's cultural treasures. This evening, enjoy a final Berlin dinner. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey south to baroque Dresden.

Today you travel south by fast, comfortable train to Dresden, the historic capital of Saxony on the river Elbe. On arrival you are met and settle into your hotel, then begin exploring this magnificently rebuilt baroque city with your guide. Once called the 'Florence of the Elbe' for its splendour, devastated in 1945 and beautifully restored, Dresden is a moving symbol of reconciliation. You marvel at the reconstructed Frauenkirche, its great dome once again crowning the skyline, and stroll the elegant old town, the royal palace and the riverside terrace known as the Balcony of Europe. The beauty and resurrection are captivating. As the day ends, you settle into Dresden. This evening, savour Saxon cooking and wine in the atmospheric old town, perhaps with views of the floodlit domes and spires. Rest well, ready to explore more of the city tomorrow.

Today you explore more of baroque Dresden and its artistic treasures. You visit the sumptuous Zwinger palace, a masterpiece of baroque architecture set around a garden courtyard, home to the Old Masters Picture Gallery with works by Raphael and Vermeer, and to a dazzling porcelain collection. You take in the Semper Opera House, the Green Vault treasury with its royal jewels, and the long Procession of Princes mural of tiled porcelain. You might take a stroll or river cruise along the Elbe, or visit the nearby porcelain town of Meissen. The art and grandeur are captivating. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having savoured Saxon splendour. This evening, enjoy a final Dresden dinner in the beautifully restored old town. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey to historic Nuremberg.

Today you travel to Nuremberg, one of Germany's most historically resonant cities, transferring by comfortable train through the countryside. On arrival you settle into your hotel and explore the city with your guide. You wander the beautifully restored medieval old town, with its imperial castle high above the rooftops, half-timbered houses, great churches and market square, and the workshop-museum of the great artist Albrecht Durer. You also confront the city's darker modern history at the vast Nazi Party Rally Grounds and the Memorium of the Nuremberg Trials, where the post-war tribunals were held. The layered history is fascinating and moving. As the day ends, you settle into Nuremberg. This evening, savour hearty Franconian cooking, perhaps the city's famous little grilled sausages, in an atmospheric old-town tavern. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey to Munich.

Today you travel south to Munich, the proud capital of Bavaria, transferring by fast, comfortable train. On arrival you settle into your hotel and begin exploring this grand, convivial city with your guide. You stand on the vast Marienplatz to watch the figures of the famous Glockenspiel, wander the colourful Viktualienmarkt food market, and explore the opulent Residenz, the vast former palace of the Bavarian kings, with its treasury and lavish rooms. You take in the city's grand churches and elegant squares. The grandeur and good cheer are captivating. As the day ends, you settle into Munich. This evening, savour the celebrated Bavarian beer-hall experience, with hearty food, cool beer and good cheer at a traditional hall such as the Hofbrauhaus, a warm and convivial contrast to the day's history. Rest well, ready for a final day of art and culture tomorrow.

Today you enjoy a final, rich day of art and culture in Bavarian Munich. You admire the old masters of the Alte Pinakothek, one of the world's great art galleries, with works by Durer, Rubens and Raphael, and might take in the modern collections nearby. You stroll the vast English Garden, one of the world's largest city parks, pausing at a beer garden beneath the Chinese Tower, and take in the twin-domed Frauenkirche and the stately squares of the old town. You reflect on the layered German story you have traced across four cities. The art, grandeur and good cheer are captivating. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having savoured gracious Munich. This evening, enjoy a final Bavarian dinner, reflecting on your rich journey through Germany's history. Rest well, ready for your journey home tomorrow.

After a final morning in Munich, perhaps a last look at Marienplatz or a museum visit, you are transferred to Munich Airport for your onward international departure. You leave having traced the dramatic history and living culture of Germany across four great cities, Berlin with its gate, Reichstag and Wall, baroque Dresden risen from the ashes, medieval and modern Nuremberg, and royal Munich with its art and squares. The images stay vivid long after you land, the Brandenburg Gate, the dome of the Dresden Frauenkirche, the imperial castle of Nuremberg, and the old masters of Munich. Germany offers layered history, magnificent art and living regional culture in abundance, and you depart with a deeper understanding of this remarkable country, already dreaming of a return to explore its castles, rivers and mountains.