Germany: an acquaintance with severe, but welcoming north

Flight to Berlin. Arrival, accommodation in hotel. An evening thematic excursion is possible*.

Berlin is not only the capital, the biggest city, and one of its 16 Federal States of Germany, but a big treasure of German culture, history and wonderful traditions. We will see the very different Berlin from various points of view – as a noisy and dynamic European metropolis and as a keeper of the past centuries – and will be certain in uniqueness of this city. Additional excursion in Scharlottenburg Palace* (this is a museum, the biggest baroque ensemble for electors of Brandenburg, Prussian kings, and German emperors), or in the Gallery “The old Masters” (which boast of one of the best collection of the European art of 13-18th centuries including the masterpieces of Van Eyck, Breughel, Dürer, Rubens etc.) with guide. Lunch. Moving to the North Germany. 

Moving to Schwerin, the capital of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern State. Visit the Schwerin castle*, the present place of the government, and the former residence of the dukes of Schwerin. The castle was built in eclecticism, was restored many times, and is the most visited castle of the North. Excursion in historical center. Moving to Wismar. Excursion in historical center. Moving to Rostock. Overnight in hotel on the way.  

Excursion in Rostock, the biggest former Hanseatic City in this State. 
Rostock was also a large port of East Germany, and center of shipbuilding. Moving to Greifswald, the university city of brick Gothic. Excursion in the center of the city. Night in hotel. 

Moving to Stralsund. Excursion in the city center. Stralsund was once the main Hanseatic City with Lübeck, Bremen, and Hamburg. Its Hanseatic flourishing is symbolized by historic center implying the outstanding masterpieces of brick gothic, old cobbled streets, and beautiful medieval edifices. Free time, lunch*. Trip to Rügen* (the Visit of of of Jasmund National Park, a stroll towards chalk cliffs, on the way back a stay in Bergen-on-Rügen for free time. Night in hotel.

Excursion in Lübeck – the “king of Hansa” which city center is listed in the UNESCO. Moving to Hamburg. Excursion in the second biggest city of Germany. The main symbol is the port! Free time or a trip on a boat*. Lunch*. Free time. Overnight in hotel. 

Acquaintance with Schleswig-Holstein – the most northern State of Germany. The past, rich in various historical events, doomed this region to endless wars with Denmark and close contacts with the Russian Empire, which was reflected in cultural characteristics and even the modern way of life. Visit of of of Rendsburg and Flesburg (or Kiel as an alternative). Return to hotel. 

Moving to Lüneburg. Acquaintance with the “Salt city” of Germany which became rich because of its trade with the “white gold”. Moving to Bremen, to the famous Bremen Town Musicians. Excursion in the town which includes the Schnoor district, St. Peter cathedral, historic guildhall, the craftsmen street Böttherstrasse. Overnight in hotel on the way. As an alternative one can offer the larger version of the program with one separate day with Hannover and Celle (preserved its half-timbered historic center).

Moving to Braunschweig. Excursion (historic city center, St. Blasius cathedral, the duke’s palace, Dankwarderode castle). Additional excursion in the Museum of the duke Anton Ulrich, one of the oldest art galleries in the world which can boast of its huge collection of the “Old Masters” of the Northern Europe including Rembrandt and Vermeer. Moving to Magdeburg. Excursion (Magdeburg cathedral, the guildhall, the old market, the Magdeburg knight). A night in hotel near Potsdam.  
Day 10. Moving to Potsdam. Excursion in the city center. Moving to Berlin. The end of the program.

Moving to Potsdam. Excursion in the city center. Moving to Berlin. The end of the program.