WWII, the Cold War, and the Holocaust

Join a licensed guide to explore Berlin’s most iconic sites. Visit the Brandenburg Gate, once trapped in Cold War “no man’s land” and now a symbol of unity, and step into its Room of Silence to reflect on Germany’s past. Follow the route of the Berlin Wall, marked with crosses and wreaths honoring those who lost their lives. At Checkpoint Charlie, see the museum’s powerful exhibits on daring escape attempts, then continue to Potsdamer Platz, a modern hub rebuilt from the once-divided city center.

The Topography of Terror in Berlin is a museum and historical site that documents the crimes of the Nazi regime, particularly those committed by the Gestapo, SS, and Reich Security Main Office. It features exhibitions, educational programs, and preserved remnants like a section of the Berlin Wall to provide a deeper understanding of this period.

Step into the lives of those impacted by the Berlin Wall through a group activity that brings history to life. Recite personal accounts, reflect on their experiences, and discuss the lasting repercussions to gain a deeper, more personal understanding of Germany’s past.

Located on the line that once separated East and West Germany, this stirring museum was built in the shape of a warped Star of David and focuses on the realities of Jewish life in Germany, from ancient times up to the horrors of the Holocaust.

Discover Potsdam, once Germany’s “Little Hollywood” and the showpiece city of Frederick the Great. Admire Baroque castles, marble fountains, and pavilions like the Chinesisches Teehaus with its golden Buddha figures. Enjoy a guided visit of the Neues Palais, including the Grotto and Theater, stroll the gardens of Sanssouci Palace, and explore the Russian Colony for a glimpse into Potsdam’s unique cultural heritage.

Stop in Dresden for a visit to the Baroque-style Zwinger Museum where Bavarian Princes once lived and collected master art works. The museum’s exterior, framed by statues of gods and goddesses, boasts 6 linked pavilions surrounding a vast esplanade embellished with pools and fountains. Tucked safely inside, you’ll find masterpieces such as Raphael’s Sistine Madonna and great works by Van Eyck, Vermeer and Veronese. The grand collection of Meissen (European porcelain) is a flattering ode to fine china.

Dresden, the capital of Saxony, sits along the River Elbe near the Czech border and is known for its rich cultural life. Visit the Frauenkirche, a Lutheran church destroyed in 1945 and later rebuilt as a symbol of reconciliation. See the Saxon State Chancellery, which reflects the city’s political history, and view the Fürstenzug, a massive porcelain mural depicting Saxon rulers. Together, these landmarks highlight Dresden’s recovery and its nickname, the “Florence of the Elbe.”

Feel the inspiration behind Franz Kafka’s novels as you wander the medieval streets of Mala Strana. Continue into Josefov, the Jewish Quarter, to see Europe’s oldest synagogue, which dates back to 1270.

Explore Prague with a guided tour of Old Town Square and its famous Astronomical Clock, where carved figures appear each hour. Walk across Charles Bridge with views of the Vltava and the city’s spires, then stop at the John Lennon Peace Wall. Finish at Prague Castle, a vast complex of courtyards and palaces that once housed the Habsburgs.

Explore the immense Prague Castle in the Hradčany Quarter, recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest ancient castle in the world. The castle complex showcases nearly every major architectural style of the past millennium and includes churches, a monastery, gardens, and multiple museums.

Explore a real underground bunker in the heart of Prague, once built to protect important officials during the Cold War. Filled with fascinating artifacts and stories, this hidden museum gives a glimpse into daily life and secret technology from a unique period in history.

Krakow is one of Europe's most beautiful and historic cities, with its elegant Old Town and medieval market square, its vibrant old Jewish Quarter, and where cafes and bars sparkle amidst reminders of a more poignant past.

Ceský Krumlov Castle is one of the Czech Republic’s most remarkable landmarks, showcasing a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Dating back to the 13th century, it features grand halls, ornate interiors, and one of Europe’s best-preserved Baroque theaters. Climb the Castle Tower for panoramic views of the town and Vltava River, and wander through courtyards and gardens that reveal centuries of history. While some sections close from November to March, highlights like the Castle Museum and Tower remain open.

Largely untouched during World War II, Kraków offers a powerful setting to study European history, religion, and cultural continuity. At Wawel Hill, explore Wawel Castle and its cathedral to learn about Poland’s monarchy, political power, and the role of the Catholic Church. Walk through Rynek Główny, medieval Europe’s largest town square, and visit the Cloth Hall to understand trade, daily life, and urban design in the Middle Ages. Inside St. Mary’s Basilica, examine Gothic art and religious symbolism. In the Kazimierz Jewish Quarter, study Jewish history, culture, and resilience, deepening conversations around identity, tolerance, and 20th-century European history.

Explore Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau on a guided visit to one of the most important historical sites of the 20th century. At Auschwitz I, examine original buildings and permanent exhibitions that document life and persecution within the camp. Continue to Birkenau to see the prisoner barracks, unloading ramp, and the ruins of gas chambers and crematoria. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Auschwitz stands as a memorial to the more than one million people murdered here and provides essential context for understanding the Holocaust, the consequences of hatred, and the importance of remembrance.