Explore Berlin as the capital of culture and the epicenter of the most catastrophic conflicts of modern times during a guided tour.

The German capital has lived catastrophic conflicts in the 20th century, but the seeds of those hostilities were planted centuries before: Get a broad view of the political and ideological forces that unleashed genocide and global war in the 20th century. Explore Berlin’s iconic landmarks while emphasizing the tumultuous Nazi and Cold War eras and learn how in the 1700s tiny Prussia’s violent transformation into Europe’s dominant military power already set the stage for the great tragedies of recent history.

See the famous Reichstag building and admire its glass transparent dome that is now an iconic image of modern Germany’s commitment to democratic government. Walk by the neoclassical Brandenburg Gate from the 18th century and find out more about the many famous events from Napoleon’s triumphant entrance to Ronald Reagan’s cold war speech that have taken place at this legendary gate. Marvel at the Museum Island, the unique ensemble of five large Berlin museums on the Spree island built under the Prussian rulers, including the Pergamon, the Neues Museum, and the Alte Nationalgalerie.

Pass by the historic Potsdamer Platz that has reborn since the fall of the Berlin wall and walk along the grand boulevard “Unter den Linden”, 19th century Berlin’s answer to Paris’ Champs-Elysées. Immerse yourself in the graceful gardens of the Tiergarten, the inner-city park, and stop at the Holocaust Memorial for some reflection.

In the end, consider with your guide Berlins’ present-day successes and confront its dark past with the dynamic modern capital known for multiculturalism, tolerance, and creativity.