Overview
Introduce students to Germany – the economic powerhouse of modern Europe, where East meets West and sombre reminders of WW2 and the Cold War bring learning to life. Come face to face with the nation’s darkest hour at Dachau Concentration Camp and discover an array of historic monuments, museums and art galleries, including the fairytale castle that inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty!
Itinerary
Germany: East meets West
- History
- War History
Day 1
Overnight flight to Germany (Munich)
Day 2
Arrive in Munich
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Day 3
Dachau Concentration Camp and Memorial visit
Dachau, the first of Nazi Germany’s concentration camps, became the model for thousands that followed. Now a memorial and museum, it honours the 206,000 prisoners held here from 1933 to 1945 and traces the rise of the Nazi party, pre-1930s anti-Semitism, and the lives of those imprisoned.
Munich guided sightseeing tour
Join a licensed guide for a whirlwind look at Munich, from its medieval heart to modern landmarks. Stroll through Marienplatz to see the Neues Rathaus and its famous Glockenspiel, framed by the twin towers of the Frauenkirche. Visit the Residenz, then explore Olympiapark, built for the 1972 Games, and step into BMW Welt to experience innovation and sleek design.
Day 4
Hohenschwangau excursion
Visit the Bavarian village of Hohenschwangau and learn about Hohenschwangau Castle, the childhood home of King Ludwig II, with views of Lake Alpsee and the surrounding Alps. Then enjoy a scenic hike toward Neuschwanstein Castle and pause at Queen Mary’s Bridge for an unforgettable photo stop of the fairytale fortress and mountain landscape.
Travel to Rothenburg
Day 5
Rothenburg Tour Director-led sightseeing
Christmas reigns year-round in Rothenburg, a jewel along Germany’s Romantic Road. Walk the medieval city walls and visit the Rathaus on the Marktplatz, where a unique clock reenacts the legendary wine-drinking feat of a former mayor during the Thirty Years’ War. Across the square, the Gothic St. Jacob’s Church adds grandeur to this storybook town.
Travel to Nuremberg
Day 6
Nuremberg guided sightseeing tour
Discover Nuremberg, a historic Bavarian city with nearly 1,000 years of history. Once a favoured residence of German emperors during the Middle Ages, the city later became closely associated with the Nazi era. Although much of Nuremberg was destroyed during World War II, its medieval Old Town has been carefully reconstructed. With a licensed guide, explore the historic centre, including remnants of the city walls and fortifications that once protected this important imperial city.
Nazi Party Rally Grounds Museum visit
Explore the causes, consequences, and legacy of Nazi Germany at the former Nazi Party Rally Grounds, where more than one million people gathered between 1933 and 1938. Visit the museum's "Fascination and Terror" exhibition for a deeper look at the Nazi dictatorship and the history of the party rallies.
War Crimes Trial Museum visit
Following World War II, leading Nazi officials were brought to justice before the International Military Tribunal during the Nuremberg Trials. Visit the historic Courtroom 600 at the Palace of Justice, where these landmark proceedings took place, and learn how the trials helped shape modern international criminal law. Please note: Courtroom 600 remains an active courtroom and can only be visited when court is not in session.
Day 7
Travel to Dresden
Dresden guided sightseeing tour
Take a guided sightseeing tour of Dresden, a city largely destroyed during Allied air raids in 1945. Visit the Frauenkirche, a Lutheran church rebuilt from the ruins and now a symbol of reconciliation. Walk along Brühlsche Terrasse, known as the “Balcony of Europe,” and see the Fürstenzug, a 19th-century mural made of porcelain tiles.
Museum of Military History visit
Explore centuries of German military history and examine the complex relationship between warfare, society, and culture. Through historical objects and exhibits, consider how conflict has affected soldiers and civilians, shaped political and social change, and influenced everyday life while gaining a deeper perspective on Germany’s military past.
Day 8
Travel to Berlin
Berlin city walk
Explore Alexanderplatz, known to locals as “Alex,” once a cattle market and now Berlin’s bustling central square. Gaze up at the iconic TV Tower, built by East Germany to symbolise socialist pride. Nearby, admire the ornate Neptune Fountain and the striking red-brick Rotes Rathaus, Berlin’s historic town hall.
Alexanderplatz scavenger hunt
Take interactive learning to the next level with a Tour Director-led scavenger hunt through Alexanderplatz, Berlin's most famous public square. Complete exciting activities, solve fun clues and enjoy an after-dinner adventure designed to bring experiential learning to life.
Day 9
Berlin guided sightseeing tour
Join a licensed guide to explore Berlin’s most iconic sites. Visit the Brandenburg Gate, once trapped in Cold War “no man’s land” and now a symbol of unity, and step into its Room of Silence to reflect on Germany’s past. Follow the route of the Berlin Wall, marked with crosses and wreaths honouring those who lost their lives. At Checkpoint Charlie, see the museum’s powerful exhibits on daring escape attempts, then continue to Potsdamer Platz, a modern hub rebuilt from the once-divided city centre.
LEAP
LEAP Ich bin ein Berliner
Step into the lives of those impacted by the Berlin Wall through a group activity that brings history to life. Recite personal accounts, reflect on their experiences, and discuss the lasting repercussions to gain a deeper, more personal understanding of Germany’s past.
Topography of Terror visit
The Topography of Terror in Berlin is a museum and historical site that documents the crimes of the Nazi regime, particularly those committed by the Gestapo, SS, and Reich Security Main Office. It features exhibitions, educational programs, and preserved remnants like a section of the Berlin Wall to provide a deeper understanding of this period.
DDR Museum visit
The interactive DDR Museum gives you a chance to experience what life was like in Communist-controlled East Berlin. Focusing on the material history of how objects inflected an East Berliner’s daily life, the museum houses many of the most commonly-used objects. Explore a typical residential apartment, a standard-issue East Berlin automobile, and a hidden ‘bugging’ station that gives visitors a sense of what it must have been like for so many common citizens ‘under surveillance’.
Day 10
Potsdam excursion
Once a royal residence of Prussian kings, Potsdam is known for its magnificent palaces, gardens and architectural heritage. Admire Baroque palaces, marble fountains and the Chinese House with its gilded figures. Enjoy a guided visit to the Neues Palais, featuring the ornate Grotto Hall and historic palace theatre. Stroll through the gardens of Sanssouci Palace and explore the Russian Colony for a glimpse into Potsdam’s cultural heritage.
Bavarian bratwurst dinner
Enjoy Bavarian- or Berlin-style sausage with traditional sides. Bavarian sausage is made from veal and pork back bacon, while the Berlin style features fried pork.
Day 11
Flight home from Berlin
Day 12
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing in October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more meaningful learning moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Select transport options that suit your group's needs
- Choose from a variety of accommodation styles to support your level of comfort
Dine Your Way
- Choose pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2 course meals at local restaurants or at your accommodation, with the option to upgrade to 3 courses
Inclusions
Accommodations
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to and from your destination
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Daily meals with options varying by program
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding multi-day bus drivers)
Entrance fees to attractions as per itinerary
Guided sightseeing tours and city walks as per itinerary
Scenes from Germany
Health, Safety & Protection
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Request a Quote
Ready to turn this itinerary into an unforgettable learning experience? Tell us about your school, group and travel plans, and our team will create a tailored quote for your next adventure.