54ab1e458e83a munichpragueandberlin2015 1 5 by Go Real Europe

An Adventure in Europe Specially created for Jane Example and John Example Itinerary Preview Munich, Prague, and Berlin September 01 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; September 12, 2015

ITINERARY OVERVIEW Members of the Travel Group: Jane Example and John Example 1. This is only a summary of your trip! Full-length itineraries include destination information, travel directions, maps, pictures, tips, and other details. 2. Select “Hotels” on your client dashboard to see hotel pictures and descriptions.

Pre-Paid Tours and Activities: • Guided Full-Day Excursion to the Neuschwanstein Castle

• Guided Excursion to the Medieval Town of Kutná Hora by Train

• Guided Walking Tour of the Prague Castle and the Royal Coronation Route

Pre-Paid Transportation: • 2nd Class Train Tickets from Munich to Prague • 2nd Class Train Tickets from Prague to Berlin • 2nd Class Train Tickets from Prague to Berlin

• Public Transport Tickets for Prague • Private Transfer from the Rail Station to Your Hotel • Private Transfer to the Rail Station in Prague

Pre-Paid Hotels, including Daily Breakfast: • 3 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in Munich

• 4 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in Berlin

• 4 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in Prague

Travel Information included in your itinerary: • City Maps of Prague • Point to point travel directions

• Free Skype calling to landlines worldwide, and to mobile phones in the U.S. and Canada

• Destination information & travel advice

Total Trip Cost for All Travelers:

N/A e

Please see payment details and travel conditions here.

ITINERARY CONTENTS 1 September 01, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arrival in Munich Airport and Transfer to Hotel by Taxi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self Guided Visit to Munich’s Altstadt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 September 02, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tour of the Residence Palace . . . . . . . . . . . Stroll through the English Garden . . . . . . . . The Hofbräuhaus, Munich’s Famed Beerhall . .

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3 September 03, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guided Full-Day Bus Excursion to the Neuschwanstein Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4 September 04, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Taxi Transfer to the Munich Main Rail Station . . . . . . . Rail Journey from Munich to Prague . . . . . . . . . . . . Private Transfer from the Rail Station to Your Hotel . . . Self Guided Visit to Prague’s Old Town . . . . . . . . . . .

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5 September 05, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guided Walking Tour of the Royal Route and Prague Castle . . . . . . . Self Guided Tour of Prague Castle, Hradčany, and Strahov Monastery . Self Guided Tour of Prague’s Little Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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6 September 06, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . Self Guided Tour of the Old Jewish Quarter . Self Guided Tour of Prague’s New Town . . . Concert or Other Cultural Event in Prague .

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7 September 07, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Guided Excursion to Kutná Hora by Train . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 8 September 08, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Private Transfer to the Prague Main Train Station . . . . . . . . . . Rail Journey to Berlin with a Stop in Dresden . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arrival at Berlin Main Train Station and transfer to Hotel by Taxi . .

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9 September 09, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Self Guided Visit to the Dorotheenstadt (Berlin Mitte) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Self Guided Visit to Potsdamer Platz and Checkpoint Charlie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 10 September 10, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Self Guided Visit to the Tiergarten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Stroll along the Kurfürstendamm and to the Memorial Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 11 September 11, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Self Guided Visit to the Museum Island and Alexanderplatz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Tour of Charlottenburg Palace and Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 12 September 12, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Berlin Airport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

DAY 1 Arrive Munich

September 01, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)

Arrival in Munich Airport and Transfer to Hotel by Taxi To Be Determined For your arrival in Munich we will provide information on the customs and passport procedures. We will also provide advice on taking a taxi to your hotel, including an estimate of the cost and time of the ride to your hotel. We will also provide some very basic directions for taking rail service into central Munich to save on the taxi fare. Included: Arrival and transfer advice. Not Included: Taxi fare (about 65 EUR)

Self Guided Visit to Munich’s Altstadt Afternoon Munich boasts a large old town (Altstadt) with many beautiful historic buildings. Sometimes called the world’s largest village, it is a perfect place to wander. You will discover many Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings, as well as several stunning examples of modern architecture. Pleasant cafes, beer halls, cozy restaurants, and great shopping all add to the charming atmosphere. The heart of the Altstadt is the Marianplatz. This historic square is home to the New Town Hall and has been the center of Munich since the Middle Ages. The New Town Hall features a famous Glockenspiel clock tower, which at 11 A.M. and noon sends forth 32 life-sized ﬁgures to reenact Bavarian history. A golden bird chirps 3 times to mark the end of the display. Nearby is also the massive Frauenkirche Cathedral. This Gothic church can hold over 20,000 worshippers and a climb to its lofty bell tower affords a breathtaking view of the city and, in good weather, the nearby Alps. Munich is not a “full service” Go Real Europe destination. Itineraries only provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel directions in Munich.

DAY 2 Munich

September 02, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)

Tour of the Residence Palace Morning The Munich Residenz was the seat of government for Bavaria’s Dukes and Kings from 1508 to 1918. Originally a medieval castle, it was transformed over the centuries into a beautiful palace. Today it is open to the public and you can explore its magniﬁcent interiors, numerous courtyards, and elegant garden. The living quarters of the royal family have been transformed into a museum which provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Kings and Queens. In the treasury museum you can also see the many precious jewels and great works of art which Bavaria’s rulers collected. Munich is not a “full service” Go Real Europe destination. Itineraries only provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel directions in Munich. Entry into the palace is not included (7 EUR).

Stroll through the English Garden Afternoon The English Garden is one of Europe’s largest parks; in fact it is larger than New York’s Central Park. While it is called the “English Garden” after the style of the park, it was actually designed by an American, and is now a symbol of the very Bavarian city of Munich. The park is a perfect place to escape the city for a long stroll, where you can enjoy the natural scenery and the people watching. You can even enjoy a refreshing swim in the river Eisbach, which ﬂows through the middle of the park, or rent a paddle boat for a cruise on Lake Kleinhesseloher. When you are ready for some refreshment, you can ﬁnd several large beer gardens in the park, where you can mix with the locals and enjoy some of Munich’s famous brews. Munich is not a “full service” Go Real Europe destination. Itineraries only provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel directions in Munich.

The Hofbräuhaus, Munich’s Famed Beerhall Evening The Hofbräuhaus is Munich’s most famous beer hall, which in fact, makes it the world’s most famous beer hall. The Hofbräuhaus was founded as the Bavarian king’s royal brewery over 400 years ago. In the beer hall you and up to 1,300 other revelers will sit on long wooden benches, many of them over a hundred years old themselves. Musicians will play Bavarian polkas and the atmosphere is only made more festive by the waiters and waiters dressed in traditional garb, balancing 5

DAY 2 Munich

September 02, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)

trays filled with huge liter-sized beer steins. With all that beer, you will need something to fill your stomach as well, but luckily there is plenty of hearty and filling Bavarian cuisine to choose from as well. Munich is not a “full service” Go Real Europe destination. Itineraries only provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel directions in Munich.

DAY 3 Munich

September 03, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)

Guided Full-Day Bus Excursion to the Neuschwanstein Castle Full Day Inspiration for the Disney Castles, numerous fairy tales, and countless dreamers, the Castle of Neuschwanstein is probably the most famous castle in the world. Perched on a peak in the foothills of the Alps, the setting provides the perfect backdrop to the spiraling towers and turrets of the castle. On this full day excursion, you will not only visit this amazing castle, but also another fantastic creation of its builder, King Ludwig II of Bavaria. In his Linderhof Palace you will discover an elegant palace surrounded by a beautiful park. You will learn about how the shy, reclusive, and eccentric (some even say mad) king built the castle and palace to escape society and pursue his favorite passions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; such as Wagnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operas. Your trip will also include a stop to the charming Bavarian village of Oberammergau. Oberammergau is home to a famous Passion Play, staged only once each ten years, which draws visitors from around the world. THIS IS NOT A PRIVATE TOUR Included: Cost of the guided tour and bus transportation. Not Included: Entry into individual sites (23 EUR per person)

DAY 4

September 04, 2015

Munich to Prague

(Hotel T.B.D.)

Taxi Transfer to the Munich Main Rail Station 8:00 AM Munich taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. If you are picked up one hour prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train. Included: Instructions on taking a taxi to the rail station, instructions for ﬁnding your train. Not included: Taxi fare.

Rail Journey from Munich to Prague 09:01 – 14:44 by Rail Tickets and seat reservations for this six hour journey to Prague are included with purchase of an itinerary. You will also receive detailed instructions for the voyage, as well as a translation and explanation of your tickets. You can relax and enjoy the pleasant scenery, while reﬂecting on the fact that you are effortlessly passing through a border which you would have been unable to cross during the Cold War. Included: Tickets, seat reservations, and detailed travel information.

Private Transfer from the Rail Station to Your Hotel 2:44 PM We will schedule a pick up for your train’s arrival time. You will be met in the station by an English speaking driver holding a sign with your name on it. The drivers will give you good Prague tips during your ride to the hotel. The ride is for your party only - you will not be sharing a vehicle. The cost of the ride is included in your package, and you will not have to pay the driver, unless you choose to offer a small tip. Included: Private Transfer to Your Hotel

Self Guided Visit to Prague’s Old Town Afternoon TOP SITES: OLD TOWN HALL & CLOCK TOWER, KARLOVA STREET, CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF TYN A visit to Old Town (Staré Město) transports you to an entirely different era. A labyrinth of twisting cobblestone lanes and alleys surround Old Town Square, which has been Prague’s municipal center since the Middle Ages. The Square is lined by magniﬁcent churches 8

DAY 4 Munich to Prague

September 04, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)

and imposing Renaissance palaces. Most notable are the Old Town Hall, with its famed astronomical clock drawing large crowds at the turn of each hour, and the Tyn Church, with a multitude of spires that seem to sprout like leaves from its towers. As you wander through the Old Town, you will discover numerous other delights, including several beautiful churches, a plentiful supply of cozy cafes and pubs, and an outdoor market dating back to the Middle Ages. You could explore for days in this charming district and still not uncover all of its hidden wonders. Included:Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area.

DAY 5 Prague

September 05, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)

Guided Walking Tour of the Royal Route and Prague Castle 9:30 - 12:30 PM On this charming guided walk you will explore the Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in all of Europe. To reach the castle you will trace the Royal Coronation Route and cross the Charles Bridge, whose “speaking stones” reveal the amazing and often cruel history that has occurred there. You will pass through the enchanting Little Quarter, and take a tram up the hill to the nearly eleven hundred year old Prague Castle. Your tour will then take you through the castle courtyards and into the dramatic St. Vitus Cathedral in the center of the castle complex. The tour ends up with a spectacular panoramic view of the city of a hundred spires. Included: 3-hour Private Guided Walking Tour, Entry into part of St. Vitus Cathedral. Not Included: Entry into the palace interior.

Self Guided Tour of Prague Castle, Hradčany, and Strahov Monastery Early Afternoon TOP SITES: ST. VITUS CATHEDRAL, GOLDEN LANE, LOBKOWICZ PALACE, STRAHOV MONASTERY, LORETO Prague Castle is the most visited destination in Prague, and for good reason. The castle’s history stretches back over a 1000 years, and it has served as the seat of government for Bohemian kings, Holy Roman Emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia. It is now the seat of government of the Czech Republic, so you will encounter military honor guards rigidly standing guard at the castle entrances. The castle sits impressively perched on a hill overlooking the city, providing a breathtaking and romantic view. The castle is actually an entire complex of palaces, churches, and fortiﬁcations representing almost every architectural period of the last millennium, including the dramatic St. Vitus Cathedral, the historical seat of Prague’s archbishop. In the castle’s surrounding neighborhood, known as Hradčany, you will discover beautiful gardens, a dazzlingly restored monastery, and more. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area.

DAY 5

September 05, 2015

Prague

(Hotel T.B.D.)

Self Guided Tour of Prague’s Little Quarter Late Afternoon TOP SITES: CHARLES BRIDGE, NERUDOVA STREET, ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH, WALLENSTEIN PALACE AND GARDENS The Little Quarter is a quaint yet lively quarter of Prague tightly nestled on the slope and river bank beneath the Prague Castle. While it may be small, the Little Quarter played an important role in Prague’s history. It is ﬁlled with the homes of medieval and renaissance nobility who wanted to live as closely as possible to the castle. Picturesque side streets, beautiful churches, and impressive Baroque architecture all abound within the Little Quarter. The Little Quarter is connected to the rest of the city by the Charles Bridge, the city’s most well-known icon. No trip to Prague is complete without a visit to the bridge. You will also ﬁnd the peaceful island of Kampa Park, which is a pleasant place for a stroll and offers a great chance to take in a view of Prague from the river bank. Nearby, the Wallenstein Palace Gardens offer a peaceful yet fascinating retreat from the city bustle. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. A map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area.

DAY 6

September 06, 2015

Prague

(Hotel T.B.D.)

Self Guided Tour of the Old Jewish Quarter Morning TOP SITES: JEWISH CEMETERY, OLD-NEW SYNAGOGUE, SPANISH SYNAGOGUE, CONVENT OF ST. AGNES Some of Prague’s earliest residents were Jewish, and their long history in the city endowed it with a rich heritage of Jewish culture. Medieval church prohibitions against money-lending resulted in the Jews playing an important role in ﬁnancing Bohemian kings and nobility, and thus an important role in the city’s economy. The Jewish ghetto, now known as the Jewish Quarter, was created in the twelfth century, as Jews were forced by decree to live separately from Christians and close to Old Town Square. Despite continued severe persecution, which sometimes escalated to murderous mob attacks on the ghetto, the Jewish community in Prague prospered over the long term. Sadly, only a small minority of Prague’s Jews survived the Nazi occupation, and today’s Jewish community is only a shadow of its former self. They left behind, however, a lasting legacy for you to explore, including synagogues, architecture, and a fascinating cemetery. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area.

Self Guided Tour of Prague’s New Town Afternoon TOP SITES: WENCESLAS SQUARE, MUNICIPAL HOUSE, SHOPPING ON NA PŘIKOPĚ STREET Despite being nearly 700 years old, the New Town (Nové Město) is the youngest of the original ﬁve independent towns that made up Medieval Prague. In one sense however, the New Town is new. In the late 19th century much of the New Town was demolished and rebuilt, giving it a distinctly different look and feel than the Old Town. Today, the heart of New Town is still one of the three original central markets around which it was planned - Wenceslas Square (Vaclavské Náměstí). The square, which could also be described as a wide boulevard, is the commercial center of Prague, and is busy nearly 24-hours a day. In the New Town you will ﬁnd a great variety of shops, restaurants, nightspots, and pubs, as well as churches, cultural sites, museums. You can also visit one of the world’s most beautiful art-nouveau buildings the Municipal House. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area. 12

DAY 6

September 06, 2015

Prague

(Hotel T.B.D.)

Concert or Other Cultural Event in Prague Evening A trip to a concert or other performance in the Czech Republic is a treat on many levels. Czech musicians, dancers, and actors are some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best, and are the product of a long-lasting national obsession with the arts. In fact, prior to Czech independence, the arts were one of the only outlets available to express Czech national pride and identity, which is one reason why today Prague has more theater and concert seats per resident than any other city in the world. With so much of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pride and wealth poured into their concert venues, the exquisite details of the performance halls and foyers will make the experience even more special and rewarding. A Prague concert guide with information on choosing a performance and reserving tickets is provided to Go Real Europe clients. Concert is not included. At your request, we can help you select a performance and puchase tickets for you. A 4% transaction fee and a $17 USD booking fee is added to the cost of the tickets (applied per travel party, not per person). In cases where the ticket must be picked up at a ticket oďŹ&#x192;ce in advance and mailed to you, there is an additional $50 fee.

DAY 7

September 07, 2015

Prague

(Hotel T.B.D.)

Guided Excursion to Kutná Hora by Train Morning / Afternoon On this full day guided excursion you will discover the charming Bohemian town of Kutná Hora. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel, and after an hour long train ride through the pretty countryside, you will begin exploring the medieval town. Due to nearby silver mines, Kutná Hora was rich and powerful during the the Middle Ages. It was even declared a Royal town, meaning that the Bohemian King directly controlled the town. The town spent much of its wealth on beautiful buildings, many of which still exist today, and which have earned the town the status of a UNESCO World Cultural site. Your visit will include stops at the incredible Gothic church of St. Barbara, the Royal Mint, and if you choose, the famous “Bone Church”. Formally known as the Church of All Saints, the interior of the “Bone Church” is decorated with the bones of thousands of victims of a plague epidemic and the Hussite Wars. Another fascinating but hair raising option is to descend into the narrow shafts of the Medieval silver mines. Included: PrivateGuide Services, Transportation, Entry into St. Barbara’s Church and the Bone Church. Not Included: Entry into the Silver Mines or other sites, Lunch

DAY 8 Prague to Berlin

September 08, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)

Private Transfer to the Prague Main Train Station 7:40 AM A private transfer service will pick you up from the (Hotel T.B.D.) and deliver you to the Prague Main Train Station (Praha hl.n). Your itinerary will provide detailed information on navigating the train station and ﬁnding your train, making the whole process simple and stress free. Included: Private transfer to the train station, Instructions on ﬁnding your train.

Rail Journey to Berlin with a Stop in Dresden 08:29 – 10:45 by Rail and 17:04 – 19:15 by Rail Tickets and seat reservations for this rail journey are included in the purchase of the itinerary package. Detailed directions and instructions that make the trip easy and stress free are also included in the Full Itinerary. The itinerary will also tell you which sights to look out for on your journey through three scenic regions - Bohemia, Saxony, and Brandenburg. As an added bonus, we will purchase tickets for the Prague to Dresden and Dresden to Berlin legs separately, meaning you will several hours to explore the enchanting Saxon capital of Dresden. The city had a long history as a royal residence of the Kings of Saxony, who were prince electors of the Holy Roman Empire. They transformed their home over the centuries into a splendid architectural jewel. Because of its fascinating baroque and rococo city center, Dresden was often called “Florence on the Elbe”. Included: Tickets, seat reservations, and detailed information on your train journey. Detailed travel information about Dresden is also provided.

Arrival at Berlin Main Train Station and transfer to Hotel by Taxi 7:15 PM Berlin taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. If you are picked up one hour prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train. MORE DETAILED DEPARTURE INFORMATION FOR MAKING YOUR WAY FROM THE TAXI STAND TO THE DEPARTURE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED WITH THE PURCHASE OF AN ITINERARY PACKAGE

DAY 9

September 09, 2015

Berlin

(Hotel T.B.D.)

Self Guided Visit to the Dorotheenstadt (Berlin Mitte) Morning The Dorotheenstadt lies in the historic heart of the city and the political center of Germany. The Reichstag, the building which houses the German Parliament, is located here. It is topped by a egg-shaped glass dome which is open to the public. You can look down on the debating lawmakers beneath, or look out upon beautiful views of the city. You will encounter the city’s most iconic image, the Brandenburg Gate. Once the main entrance to Berlin, then later a symbol of its division, it is now a symbol of the city and nation’s reuniﬁcation. At nearly 200 foot tall it is an impressive site to behold. The gate leads into the Unter den Linden. This tree-lined boulevard is Berlin’s central axis and is crowded with important and historic buildings. Berlin is not a “full service” Go Real Europe destination. Itineraries only provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel directions in Berlin.

Self Guided Visit to Potsdamer Platz and Checkpoint Charlie Afternoon Potsdamer Platz is one of Berlin’s hippest new areas. Historically it was one of the most important commercial and entertainment centers of Berlin, but it was completely leveled during World War II. It was then bisected by the Berlin Wall during the Cold War, becoming a lifeless area. When the wall came down, Potsdamer Platz became a symbol of the reunited Berlin, and a tremendous amount of investment went into its rebuilding. Today you can find restaurants, shopping malls, bars, and other establishments that constantly attract locals to the area. A highlight is the Sony Center, a complex of entertainment, shopping, and office buildings surrounding a plaza covered by a unique, tentlike roof. About half a mile from the Potsdamer Platz you will find Checkpoint Charlie, a poignant reminder of the Cold War. Along the way you will see remnants of the Berlin Wall, and although it is not well signed, the WWII command bunker where Hitler met his end is also located here. Berlin is not a “full service” Go Real Europe destination. Itineraries only provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel directions in Berlin.

DAY 10 Berlin

September 10, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)

Self Guided Visit to the Tiergarten Morning Once the hunting ground of the Prussian dukes and kings, the Tiergarten is Berlin’s most famous and expansive park. It is a wonderful escape from urban stress located in the very center of the city. You will discover beautiful forests, ﬁelds, and ponds, all easily reached through an extensive and well maintained network of trails. In the center of the park lies the Victory Column. Built as a memorial to Prussian victories in the 19th century, it is now a visitor favorite. A 285-step climb leads up to a viewing platform with unobstructed views of the park and the city. Germany’s oldest zoo is also located in the Tiergarten, and is well worth a visit. Berlin is not a “full service” Go Real Europe destination. Itineraries only provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel directions in Berlin.

Stroll along the Kurfürstendamm and to the Memorial Church Afternoon In the 1920’s the elegant, tree-line boulevard known as the Kurfürstendamm was the center of Berlin’s nightlife and leisure scene, attracting writers, ﬁlm stars, and artists. Once Berlin was divided by Communism the Kurfürstendamm became the commercial heart of West Berlin; the city’s own Champs-Élysées. Even after the fall of the Berlin Wall, it remains a favorite destination for Berliners for shopping, dining, and cafés, and in some ways is still the true center of Berlin. At the east end of the Kurfürstendamm, you will discover a chilling reminder of the destructiveness of war. The Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gadächtnis-Kirche, is a former church originally built as a memorial to the Kaiser Wilhelm I. The church was mostly destroyed in World War II, and what remains now is the tower, jaggedly shorn of its upper reaches. Nearby you will also discover the famous KaDeWe, the gigantic department store which served as a symbol of Western market capitalism during the Cold War. Berlin is not a “full service” Go Real Europe destination. Itineraries only provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel directions in Berlin.

DAY 11 Berlin

September 11, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)

Self Guided Visit to the Museum Island and Alexanderplatz Morning In the middle of the Spree River lies one of the world’s most impressive collections of museums - Berlin’s Museum Island. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to ﬁve museums. A must for any history lover is the Pergamon Museum. It holds a spectacular collection of ancient and classical art and architecture, including whole reconstructed buildings! To the east of the Museum Island lies the Alexanderplatz. This square was once the center of East Berlin, and was rebuilt in the 1960’s as a showcase of Communist urban planning and architecture. Towering above the Alexanderplatz is the Fernsehturm, a 1,200 foot tall television tower provides incredible panoramic views of the city. Berlin is not a “full service” Go Real Europe destination. Itineraries only provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel directions in Berlin.

Tour of Charlottenburg Palace and Gardens Afternoon Despite its many historic buildings, Berlin’s modern architecture, constant construction, and hipness often make it feel like a thoroughly 21st century city. It is nice, therefore, to escape the bustle of the city by visiting the beautiful palace of Charlottenburg and its idyllic park and gardens. First constructed in 1696, with additions and renovations in the 18th and 19th centuries, the palace was nearly completely destroyed in World War II, but was lovingly restored to its baroque grandeur. The lavishly decorated rooms, artwork, silver collection, and furnishings reﬂect the grandeur of its royal Prussian inhabitants. The palace places a special emphasis on the intriguing story of the ﬁrst Queen in Prussia, Sophie Charlotte, who founded the palace as a country home (it was then far from city). Particularly beautiful and fascinating are the porcelain collections. The most famous room in the palace is known as the Porcelain Cabinet, which has rooms literally covered in an elaborate display of thousands of porcelain pieces. Stretching behind the palace are French-style baroque gardens and a relaxing English-style park. The park contains a system of canals and lakes connected to the adjacent Spree River, which allowed Sophie Charlotte to visit Berlin without need to resort to dusty roads. Berlin is not a “full service” Go Real Europe destination. Itineraries only provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel directions in Berlin.

DAY 12

September 12, 2015

Depart Berlin

Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Berlin Airport To Be Determined Berlin taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up about 3 hours before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with a little over two hours to spare. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra ďŹ fteen minutes or so. Included: Advice on taking a taxi to the airport. Not included: Cost of Taxi Fare