Private tour in Berlin Matthew R
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Matthew R.
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A chance encounter with a Cold War spy in Berlin led me to stumble into tour guiding 19 years ago after moving to the German capital as an aspiring writer from my native England. Assured that not only did I. . . "know a lot about German history" but also. . . "didn't mind embarassing myself in front of large groups of people" - the basic requirements for a Berlin tour guide at the time - I was hired by a local tour company and began what has since turned into my passion and profession. Over the years I have introduced thousands of visitors to Berlin: from independent travellers, families, companies and schools - to Holocaust survivors rediscovering the streets they once called home and the relatives of Nazi perpetrators seeking answers to the crimes within their families. Although due to my professional background I specialise in Berlin's 'heavy history' of the 20th century (the era of Adolf Hitler's so-called 'Third Reich' and 'Cold War' period), I also understand it would be impossible to understand the big picture when it comes to Berlin without the context of previous chapters in say Prussian and early medieval history - and the city's more uplifting contemporary realities. Adding context to Berlin's history is, for me, one of the most rewarding aspects of being a tour guide. As such, although I do offer historical experiences of Berlin exploring the distinct periods in the city's past, I always tailor my tours to my clients wishes, expectations, and previous knowledge. Of course, we can visit the major places in the city - the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie etc - but the quirky, comical, and often secret details are what many people will remember beyond these sights. As Berlin is a city that is more than the simple sum of its landmarks, and is best experienced that way. There is something for everyone here; and the stories of this city echo across the world. Come explore and find your Berlin. 20 years experience (Berlin guide since 2005) President Emeritus - Berlin Guides Association (BBS) 2018-2020 Rick Steves Partner Guide 2023-25 Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial License Former East German Secret Police Headquarters - Stasi Museum Historical Consultant BA Journalism (Hons) First Aid Certified I am not a driver, but can arrange for a vehicle and driver at an additional cost - upon request.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Matthew R.
Discover the history of the Third Reich beyond the pulp mythology - follow the path of Hitler's Machtergriefung (rise to power); learn about the catastrophic events; the dominant personalities of the Nazi party; and the courageous individuals who stood up against totalitarian rule. Delve into Berlin's darkest chapter and explore what remains of Hitler's grand project, Welthauptstadt Germania, and the 'Thousand Year Reich' - a private guided tour through the heart of the capital of tyranny. This tour is an opportunity to address the many aspects of life in the Third Reich, while following the path of Hitler's Machtergreifung (rise to power). Revisit the catastrophic events; the dominant personalities of the Nazi Party and Adolf Hitler's inner circle; and consider the acquiescence, either criminal or passive, that allowed National Socialism to flourish and maintain its hold on German society until the end.
- The Reichstag/German Parliament - The Brandenburg Gate - Former Prussian/Nazi Government Quarter - Site of Hitler's New Reich Chancellery - Site of the Führerbunker - Former Nazi Propaganda & Public Enlightenment Ministry - Georg Elser Memorial - Former Nazi Airforce Ministry - Former SS-Gestapo Headquarters - Topography of Terror Museum - Brandenburg Gate - Former Charlottenburger Chaussee - Site of the British Victory Parade and Allied Victory Parade in 1945 - Ruined Anhalter Bahnhof Diplomatic and Deportation Station - Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe - Memorial to the Roma & Sinti - Memorial to the Persecuted Homosexuals - Soviet War Memorial in the Tiergarten - Siegessaule (Victory Column) - Japanese & Italian Embassies - T4 Memorial for the Euthanasia Victims of National Socialism - Bendlerblock/German Resistance Museum - Ruined Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche - Kufürstendamm - Gleis 17 Deportation Memorial
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Tour includes private transportation in a Volkswagen Caravelle/Mercedes Benz V-class. Separate guide and driver.
Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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