Private tour in Rostock Matthew R
5.0
(6) reviews
12 hours
1
12 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.
A trip from Berlin's beginnings in the swamplands of Brandenburg, through Prussian imperialism and the raucous years of the Weimar Republic, to the Second World War, the Cold War, the ecstasy of reunification, and to the vibrant capital that is today's Berlin. If you're only on shore for a day and looking to make the most of your time, this Berlin Highlights tour covers almost 1, 000 years of the city's history in the space of a day - all the sights, the sounds and the stories. This excursion lasts around 12 hours - with 3 hours driving time to Berlin and 3 hours back. The private tour starts in Berlin and lasts six hours - with time for a lunch break (not included in the tour price).
Great driver and outstanding as well as knowledgeable guide. As a wearer of hearing aides he was easy to understand. Both guide and driver helped my brother in law with his mobility scooter. This trip was outstanding. We had visited Berlin many years ago when is was a walled city and were impressed with the ability of keeping the old as well as the new. Would definitely recommend this guide and the driver
If we could give this 6 stars, we would. Matt was hands down the best tour guide we had on our 2 weeks cruise throughout the Baltic. His large iPad with photos and videos to bring Berlin history to life was incredible. Our group of 6 was blown away by his knowledge and understanding of German history. The transportation he set up was 1st class and it was so nice having a private Mercedes van all day. It was so easy getting to/from the cruise terminal to Berlin. Our driver, Thomas, was amazing as well. 1000% recommend Matt and this tour. We will def use him again if we ever come back to Berlin for one of his other tours.
Matt is a fantastic guide. He is so knowledgeable, prepared and interesting. We were able to see so much in one day. I highly recommend Matt if you want a thorough and fascinating day in Berlin.
Truly phenomenal "Best of Berlin" tour provided by Matt! His outstanding mastery of history, combined with his great presentation skills and perfect English fluency, made for an unforgettable experience for my family of six. I absolutely recommend Matt for any tour … you will not be disappointed.
Thank you so much Matt for a great day in Berlin. We so appreciated being picked up at the cruise port by Thomas. He was so professional and kind, he took such great care to get us there and back safely. Matt, your guidance around Berlin and the knowledge and historical facts you shared with us were excellent. The private tour for our group couldn't have been better. We learned so much and you helped us to connect with the history & challenged how we viewed different aspects of it. You were Terrific!
After being met at the port terminal by your dedicated chauffeur, you'll be whisked through the agricultural flatlands of Germany in the comfort of a Mercedes Benz van. Unlike the slower public excursions, this cuts your transportation time down significantly, allowing for more exploration in the capital. Arriving in Berlin; I will join you to cover all the major city sights and more: - Charlottenburg Palace - The Kaiser-Wilhelm Memorial Church - Ku'damm Shopping Street - Kadewe Department Store - Siegessäule Victory Column - Tiergarten - Reichstag Building - Brandenburg Gate - Site of Hitler's Bunker - Checkpoint Charlie - Nazi Airforce Ministry - The Nazi Book Burning Square - Alexanderplatz and the TV Tower - Gendarmenmarkt French Quarter - Potsdamer Platz - East Side Gallery - Berlin Wall I am more than willing to customize this tour according to your preferences, please contact me for a customized tour
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.
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. All vehicles are air-conditioned and can hold 6 people.
Warnemünde Cruise Center, Rostock, Germany
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Your driver will meet your at the Warnemünde arrivals center with a sign with your group name. I will meet you in Berlin to start the tour after you travel to the city with the driver. All drivers are English speaking.
German
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12 hours
1
12 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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