Private tour in Berlin Matthew R
5.0
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Matthew R.
5.0
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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.
Home to the opulent summer residences of the Prussian kings & German emperors, Potsdam is flush with regal splendour and tranquil sculpted parks and gardens. A city of kings and emperors, often referred to as Berlin's equivalent of Versailles, Potsdam housed Prussia's royal House of Hohenzollern family on the edge of Berlin until the fall of imperialism in 1918. The city has retained much of its old world splendour - visible in its luscious lakeside parks, castles, and its charming historical centre. This tour is a relaxing day out from Berlin to this beautiful city, boasting architectural wonders of Baroque, Rococo & Neo-Classical style. Beyond the famous Sanssouci Palace, constructed by Frederick the Great in 1747, we will also have time to visit the exterior of the Cecilienhof Palace - site of the 1945 Potsdam Conference attended by Truman, Stalin and Churchill (note the palace interior is unfortunately under renovation until 2027...)
Berlin to Potsdam - The Charlottenburg Palace - The Bridge of Spies - The Glienicke Palace - The Babelsberg Palace, the childhood residence Of Wilhelm I - the first German Emperor - The former Emperor's train station - The impressive New Palace on the west side of the Sanssouci Park - The Orangerie Palace - The Chinese Tea House - The Sanssouci Palace, the most renowned of Potsdam's former royal residences, built by Frederick the Great - The grave of Frederick the Great - The panoramic vista of the terraced vineyard in front of the Sanssouci Palace - The Bildergalerie, with its world-class collection of Flemish & Dutch Baroque art and Italian Renaissance masterpieces - The Church of Peace - The quaint cobbled-streets of Old Town Potsdam - Potsdam's Brandenburg Gate - The Dutch Quarter - The Alexandrowka Russian Colony - The New Gardens - The Schloss Cecilienhof, site of the 1945 Potsdam Conference attended by Truman, Stalin and Churchill Return to Berlin
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The tour will be both with private transportation and on foot (as we exit the vehicle to explore some of the sites). I only use German vehicles (unless specified) such as Mercedes Benz Vito/Viano and Volkswagen Caravelle through reputable professional private transportation companies - with separate chauffeur included. All vehicles are air-conditioned and can hold 6 people.
Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Hotel/accomodation in Berlin
9 reviews
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