World War II History Tour of Germany - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Berlin, Third Reich Walking Tour

Welcome to Berlin, the vibrant capital of Germany, located in what was formerly East Germany. Upon arrival, you'll be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel by private car. Take time to settle in and relax, then meet your private guide for an informative walking tour focused on World War II.

Day 2: Tour the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

After breakfast at your hotel in Berlin, you'll visit a notorious World War II-era site just outside the city: the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. Created by a renowned military historian and former British military attaché in Berlin, Nigel Dunkley, this tour provides a unique perspective on the events of World War II and the lives of prisoners in the concentration camp.

As you walk through the camp, your guide will take you to various significant locations, such as the punishment cells, execution sites, and crematoria. Each stop brings to light the camp's dark history and provides an insight into the lives of the people imprisoned there. The tour also highlights the unique design of the camp, revealing how its layout was intended to promote terror and repression.

Day 3: Train to Dresden, City History Tour

Head south by train today to the city of Dresden, located near the border of the Czech Republic and Poland. Dresden was once nicknamed "Florence on the Elbe" because of its beautiful architecture and flourishing arts scene. It suffered enormous damage at the end of World War II, but it has undergone much reconstruction in the early 21st century. Dresden's palaces, churches, and stately buildings once again showcase its Baroque and Renaissance architecture.

Travel back in time on a walking tour through the city's historic Old Town and witness the aftermath of the devastating bombings in February 1945. Your tour will take you past the city's most iconic landmarks, delving into their history, destruction, and eventual reconstruction. Check out the city's most famous landmarks, including the Zwinger Palace, Semperoper, Royal Palace, and the reconstructed masterpiece, the Frauenkirche.

Day 4: Train to Nuremberg, Visit the Nazi Party Rally Grounds

Travel southwest by train today to Nuremberg, a beautiful city with a dark and infamous history. After your arrival, head to the former Nazi Party Rally Grounds. The large area was designed to showcase the power and grandeur of the National Socialist regime to Germany and the world. Your walking tour begins at the Luitpold Arena site, once a massive gathering spot for Nazi rallies. Next, visit the Congress Hall, an imposing structure intended to house thousands of Nazi party members during their rallies. 

Continue down Great Street, a colossal boulevard designed for parades and processions. While walking this historical path, your guide will explain the importance of these events and how they were meticulously stage-managed to maximize their impact. Your tour concludes at the Zeppelin Field, a chilling reminder of the regime's megalomania. As you take in the vastness of this site, reflect on the immense scale of the Nazi regime's ambitions and the lasting impression they left on history.

Day 5: Old Town & World War II Tour of Nuremberg

Delve further into Nuremberg's rich history today on an immersive walking tour. Start by strolling down narrow streets in the Old Town, appreciate the half-timbered houses, and marvel at the impressive city walls. As you walk, your guide will share captivating stories of Nuremberg's past, from being the undeclared capital of the Holy Roman Empire to its role in Germany's industrial revolution.

During the tour, you'll stop by Hauptmarkt, the city's central square, where you'll admire the ornate Gothic Frauenkirche, followed by a visit to the stunning Schöner Brunnen (Beautiful Fountain). Then, ascend to the majestic Nuremberg Castle, an emblem of the city's powerful past. You'll also delve into Nuremberg's darker history, learning more about the Third Reich and the infamous post-war Nuremberg Trials at Courtroom 600 in the Palace of Justice, where the trials were held. Until quite recently, it was an operational courthouse.

Finally, no visit to Nuremberg would be complete without sampling its renowned local food and drink. Check out some of the city's best breweries and beer gardens, where you can savor the famous Nuremberg sausages with sauerkraut. As you enjoy these delicious flavors, you'll understand why Martin Luther once described Nuremberg as "a sun among the moon and stars."

Day 6: Visit Hitler's Former Home in Berchtesgaden, Train to Munich

Day 7: Visit the Dachau Concentration Camp, Depart Munich

Make the most of your last day in Germany with a morning tour of the sinister Dachau Concentration Camp, a short distance from Munich. The camp opened in 1933 as Germany's first Nazi concentration camp and served as a blueprint for other concentration camps. Learn about the lives of the 200,000+ prisoners who passed through here, and pay tribute to the 40,000 who perished. Established in 1965, the memorial offers a poignant and educational experience.