Germany, Prague, and Austria

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.

Head to Potsdam to visit Sanssouci, the summer palace of Frederick the Great, an ornate Rococo style palace surrounded by lush gardens and a terraced vineyard.

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.

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 Hradcany quarter, that was named by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest ancient castle in the world. Prague Castle represents virtually all of the architectural designs of the last millennium and contains several churches, a monastery, gardens as well as multiple museums.

Explore Vienna’s imperial past with a guided visit to the Hofburg, the historic seat of the Habsburgs. Continue to the elegant Belvedere Palace before viewing the famed Vienna Opera House. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral in the heart of the city, then end your tour at Schönbrunn Palace, where young Mozart once performed for Marie Antoinette.

Step, two, three - waltz away at Vienna's famous Elmayer Dancing School and discover the nineteenth century dance trend! Master the moves and social graces of this Austrian tradition, including the handkuss and heel-click greeting.

Domplatz visit, Festung Fortress Hohensalzburg, Mozart’s birthplace visit

Meet six influential figures from Germany’s history, then join a lively debate to argue their accomplishments and decide together who deserves the title of greatest German.

Join a licensed guide for a whirlwind look at Munich, from its medieval heart to modern landmarks. Stroll through Marienplatz to see the Neues Rathaus and its famous Glockenspiel, framed by the twin towers of the Frauenkirche. Visit the Residenz, then explore Olympiapark, built for the 1972 Games, and step into BMW Welt to experience innovation and sleek design.

Bavarian Dancing Lesson