Walls, Waffles and Wonders

A dream comes true as your wide-bodied jet thunders off the airstrip, Europe-bound. Time for a meal, a movie and a nap. Then it gets light again, first off the left-hand side of the airplane, then everywhere. It's morning and your destination is Berlin, Germany!

On your walk you will discover a city which has risen from the scars of its recent history to reclaim its former splendor as the capital of a united Germany, with Potsdam Square, long a desolate sector of East Berlin, once again its most vibrant district. You'll see striking buildings that have been designed for Berlin by prominent architects such as Daniel Libeskind, Norman Foster, Richard Meier, Renzo Piano, I. M. Pei, Mies van der Rohe, Frank Gehry, and many more.

"Ich bin ein Berliner!" On a guided tour of the city, you'll understand why John F. Kennedy made this claim on behalf of all world citizens. See Rathaus Schöneberg, where 1,500,000 West Berliners flocked to hear this speech in 1963, the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the imposing Soviet War Memorial, Kurfürstendamm, the historic Unter den Linden, now checkered once again (under its trees) with Western-style sidewalk cafés, and what's left of the Berlin Wall.

Visit the memorial dedicated to the victims of the partition of Germany. In addition to the Memorial Stone and Walk set along Bernauer Strasse, the site includes the Berlin Wall Documentation Center, which illustrates the history of the Wall, and the Chapel of Reconciliation, inaugurated on the 62nd anniversary of the anti-Jewish pogrom of 1938, known as Kristallnacht.

Delve into the city's gripping history at the Checkpoint Charlie Museum. As the best-known crossing point between East and West Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie became a symbol of the East/West split of both Berlin and Germany, and, for East Germans who wanted to escape, a gate to the West.

A unique opportunity to experience the street art culture led by local graffiti writers and urban artists. Experience Berlin off the beaten path areas and the places and culture that makes Berlin...Berlin. From Bansky to Bacho, there is street art on almost every corner. You will even have the opportunity to create your own piece of paste-up art.

Berlin was the nerve center of the Third Reich and therefore one of the main targets for Allied bombing during WW II. On this tour, our expert guides will lead you in exploring one of the few remaining bunkers, as it was left after the war. There you will learn more about the life of the average Berlin citizen during the air raids that destroyed up to 80% of the city center. Traveling through the twisting passages and rooms, you will also see countless artifacts from the war that have been buried for decades. Additionally, by looking into the development of the city's subway and sewerage systems as well as its former pneumatic post, we will provide you with an insight into the 160-year-old underground history of Berlin.

Visit Berlin’s largest green space. Tiergarten offers wide paths, lakes, and shaded lawns for a relaxing break. Highlights include the Victory Column, memorials, and nearby landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag. Ideal for walking, cycling, or enjoying a pause at Café am Neuen See.

Walk with your courier through the area known as the Jordaan, full of narrow streets, small canals, quaint shops, and beautiful 17th-century houses with hofjes (courtyards with gardens). It attracts visitors with its art studios, markets such as the Lindenmarkt, and landmarks like the North Church.

Enjoy a city sightseeing tour of Amsterdam, old and new. See 17th- and 18th-century patrician houses, historic landmarks such as the Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis) and churches like the Oude Kerk (Old Church), Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), and the Westerkerk (West Church), where Rembrandt is buried.

Enjoy a bike tour led by an English-speaking guide for an offbeat bike adventure, where we uncover hidden gems, street art, and architectural marvels, both old and new. The group will be immersed in Amsterdam's vibrant biking culture and thriving alternative art scene on this tour designed for a fun group experience. Venture into the famous Western part of the city. An intriguing neighbourhood that combines the charm of a hipster 19th-century district with a modern twist. From there, you will delve into the Jordaan, an enchanting area with a rich working-class history.

Get acquainted with Brussels on a coach tour that highlights landmarks such as the Royal Palace.

Experience a Waffle Workshop held in English, starting with a short introduction to the wonderful world of waffles. Then comes the time to get your hands dirty, split into teams and work on the batter. Assistance, kitchenware and demonstrations will be provided along the way, so that each participant will bake, decorate and eat as many yummy waffles as they can!

Enjoy an excursion to Bruges, a city that was once a world-famous trading center and a cradle of Flemish art, and which is now a beautiful reminder of medieval times and pageantry.

A puppet show performance will be included during your stay in Brussels at the Theatre Royal de Toone, one of europe's oldest puppet theatres. Most performances are in French.

Au revoir! Tot ziens! Most good things must come to an end. Stately avenues glide past your coach window as you head to Brussels' airport. You'll arrive home today, eager to share your discoveries with family and friends.