Private tour in Berlin Matthew R
5.0
(5) reviews
6 hours
1
6 hours
1
Matthew R.
5.0
Guide rating
83
Reviews
Tours delivered
3 hrs
Avg. response time
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.
If you're newly arriving in Berlin and looking to make the most of your time in the German capital, this six hour private walking tour is what you're looking for. In over a decade of working as a professional guide, 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 familes. To remove Berlin from the European story would leave many questions unanswerable; eras have begun and ended here; events served as catalysts to the great turning points in history. Germany's doomed involvement in World War One; the city's status as the nerve centre of Hitler's Third Reich; Berlin carved up and occupied on the frontline of the Cold War conflict; the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall; the reunification of Germany with Berlin as the country's capital
I can't imagine a better tour of Berlin than Matt's. He's extremely knowledgeable, yet makes it feel like a casual conversation rather than a lecture. It was a very enjoyable day and set us up with a great background and ideas to plan the rest of our week. Couldn't recommend more.
Matthew was excellent: informative, knowledgeable, responsive, great sense of humor. He was wonderful with our kids, conversational, and kept things moving at the perfect pace. The history and knowledge from Matthew was great context for the remainder of our trip, which included Auschwitz, Munich, and Bavaria. Highly recommend Matthew as a guide.
We had an excellent day with Matthew. Great communication beforehand and throughout the day. We were able to accomplish so much during the tour. It would have taken us many more days to see what we did - but then to have the significance of those sights explained while seeing them greatly enhances the whole experience. Matthew is prompt, engaging and was good enough to answer our many questions about the sights as well as life in Berlin/Germany. Highly recommended!
Matthew was prompt, friendly and extremely knowledgeable about Berlin and historical facts contributing to why it is the city it is today. We were a group of nine friends and he started the tour at the hotel where most of us were staying. Very accommodating! I would highly recommend Matthew, especially if you are first-timers to Berlin as we were.
It was a wonderful day trip with a lot of exciting facts, incredible sightseeing and several handy points for our further staying in Berlin. Mattew combined all our wishes - a walking tour, a bicycle ride, a panorama overview - in a solid and fascinating journey through old times, recent history, and nowadays Berlin. Our high recommendations!
This Berlin Highlights Private Walking Tour takes you through the milestones of Berlin past and present. Covering the major sights and stories behind them. Explore a city fraught with history. Within the six hours of this private Berlin Highlights tour, you will discover the city's major and many minor sights - focusing on the central historic Mitte district and the five grand squares - the Lustgarten, Bebelplatz, Gendarmenmarkt, Wilhelmplatz & Pariserplatz - that dominate the area. From Alexanderplatz to Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall to the Brandenburg Gate. The city's central historic district is easy to walk, with many important stories and secrets along the way. This tour can easily be tailor to your own interest in the city - hear the stories of Berlin's humble beginnings; of life in the Prussian Kaiser's capital; Hitler's rise to power; the Fall of the Berlin Wall, and discover what Berlin has to offer as a world city today!
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
This is a private walking tour so there is no need for public or private transportation.
Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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6 hours
1
6 hours
1
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
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