Due to its unique architecture and long-standing role in the art world, Dresden gained the nickname of “Florence of the Elbe.”

Many tourists travel to the city each year to see this stunning architecture and immerse themselves in the local art scene. They also come to visit the many museums and surrounding natural landscapes, including the Ore Mountains, Elbe Valley, and Saxon Switzerland National Park.

Several festivals are held in the city throughout the year, including the International Dixieland Festival Dresden and Polimagie Festival.

Below are 14 of the best tours in Dresden.

1. Embark on a Walking Tour of Dresden

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The best way to get familiar with Dresden and see its main points-of-interest is with a guided walking tour of the city.

This 90-minute tour will take you into the center of Old Town, where you’ll see attractions such as the Zwinger, the Neumarkt, and the Church of our Lady. Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will talk about the history of the city, and you’ll have a chance to sample a surprise local delicacy.

At the end of the tour, your guide will provide you with valuable information on the best eateries and things to do around Dresden.

2. Take a Tour of a Volkswagen Factory

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If you’ve ever wanted to see what goes on inside a car manufacturing plant, this 90-minute tour will take you inside the Dresden Volkswagen Transparent Factory, where you’ll embark on a guided exploration.

During the tour, you’ll see the daily workings of the factory and watch a Volkswagen electric car being produced. You’ll also learn about the cars being made there and the newer technologies that are being employed.

After the tour, you’ll have some time to explore other attractions in the immediate area.

3. Take in the Natural Beauty of Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland National Park

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Leave the urban landscape behind and head into nature with a ten-hour day trip into the Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland National Park.

Meet your local guide at your hotel and travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned minivan. During this hour-long drive, your guide will tell you about the history of the park and what to expect during the day.

You’ll arrive at the entrance before the large crowds arrive, and set out to explore this beautiful area that has captured the eye of many filmmakers throughout the years.

You can choose from three different tours. The hiking tour takes you to all the main highlights of the park, including Bastei Bridge, Elbe River Canyon, and the Pravcicka Gate.

You’ll also take a boat ride through the Kamenice River Gorge, embark on a ten-kilometer hike, and sample some local cuisine.

The Fantasy Highlights tour includes visits to many of the same attractions, plus the Sneknik lookout tower, Tyssa Walls, and Narnia Labyrinth, where you’ll embark on a nine-kilometer hike. A winter tour is also offered.

4. Experience Dresden of the 18th Century

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Experience Dresden as it was in the 18th century with this unique 90-minute tour. Follow your costumed guide to Saxon Court, where you’ll take an animated trip back in time to when the Count and Countess von Bruhl were in power.

Learn about life at that time and practice your manners and how to behave accordingly at court. During this tour, you’ll also enjoy a champagne reception.

5. Take a Cruise on the Elbe River

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Take a trip from Dresden to Meissen on this full-day tour that will take you on a journey over water along the Saxon Wine Route. Board a paddle steamer, and during the voyage, enjoy the stunning scenery of the region.

Arrive in Meissen in the early afternoon and visit various attractions, including the Albrechtsburg, the town museum, the porcelain factory, and Frauenkirche. Take some free time to walk through the walled town and take in the sights before sailing back to Dresden.

6. Learn about the Events of World War II

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Get an intriguing history lesson combined with the opportunity to view some of Dresden’s top attractions.

The focus of this two-hour guided walking tour is some of the events of World War II, the Third Reich, the rise and fall of Hitler, and how these events affected Dresden and the people of Germany during this dark time.

As you move through this historic city, you’ll see many iconic landmarks, including Bruhl’s Terrace, Zwinger Palace, Semper Opera House, Altmarkt, and Frauenkirche.

7. Admire the Beautiful Murals of Dresden

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The streets of Dresden are filled with mesmerizing street art and murals. On this three-hour walking tour, you’ll not only see the art, but you’ll also learn the history behind it and the artists.

Some of the art is quite old, while some of it is modern. All of it is beautiful. You’ll see works by several artists, including Jens Besser and Ema Jones.

8. Explore Pillnitz Castle

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Take a journey around Pillnitz Castle with this 90-minute tour with a Baroque theme. Meet your costumed guide at the Old Guardhouse and follow along as you tour the castle and grounds.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the society games of that period and brush up on your etiquette skills in preparation for the evening ball.

Enjoy a delicious meal and champagne reception, followed by theater performances, illuminations, and other forms of entertainment. End the tour in the Fliederhof courtyard.

9. Indulge with a Meal and Beer Tasting

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Indulge with food and beer on this 90-minute tour that’ll take you through the streets of Old Town. A master brewer will lead you to the Altmarktkeller Restaurant, where you’ll enjoy four beer tastings and a two-course meal.

Along the way, you’ll see many of the city’s attractions and learn about its unique relationship with beer.

10. Tour Dresden on a Segway

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A segway is a modern and unique form of transportation that’s perfect for exploring cities. On this 90-minute tour, you’ll zip around on a segway while your knowledgeable guide points out important landmarks and top attractions as they provide some of the city’s history.

Meet your guide at the Neustädter Markt monument, and after brief instruction on how to use your segway, head to Konigsufer.

Next, make your way over the Alber Bridge and into Neumarkt, where you’ll see the iconic Frauenkirche. Head to the old town district and see many more of the city’s highlights.

11. Follow in the Steps of Kurt Vonnegut

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The story of Kurt Vonnegut is an intriguing one that you may be familiar with if you read his book about his experience as a prisoner-of-war and subsequent survival.

This two-hour tour brings that iconic piece of literature to life through an exploration of his experience.

See the buildings that were destroyed during the bombings of 1945 and hear about their reconstruction. Visit the Old Slaughterhouse where Kurt Vonnegut and his fellow POW’s survived the bombings. Hear stories about the events leading up to the bombings and life in the city afterward.

12. Take Part in a Scavenger Hunt

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Scavenger hunts are fun, but they also provide a unique way to explore a new city. This scavenger hunt around Dresden takes players down old city streets, through colorful districts, and near some of the city’s top attractions. All you have to do is book your game and pick it up or have it delivered to you.

Start the hunt at Theaterplatz and solve puzzles and riddles. As you go, see various landmarks such as Bruhl’s Terrace, the Frauenkirche, Zwinger Palace, Augusttusbrucke, and Dresden Castle.

You can start and end the game whenever you please, as there’s no set timeline in terms of how long it takes to finish it.

13. Hear Stories about Dresden while Seeing the Sites

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Meet your guide near the River Elbe and make your way through the city streets as you listen to stories about love, war, and betrayal through the centuries.

On this 90-minute tour, you’ll also see many of the city’s top attractions and hear the stories behind them. Theaterplatz, Semperoper Opera House, Zwinger Palace, Taschenberg Palais Hotel, and Frauenkirche are just some of the attractions you will see along the way.

14. Enjoy Free or Discounted Entry to Museums and Attractions

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This voucher, which is available in print or for mobile services, allows you free access to many museums around the city. You’ll be able to skip the line-ups as well. Some of the museums include Zwinger Palace, Dresden Castle, Albertinum Modern Art Museum, and the Jagerhof Museum of Saxon Folk Art.

There are also discounts for many other museums, attractions, activities, and restaurants.

The post 14 Best Dresden Tours appeared first on The Crazy Tourist.

Cologne’s location along the Rhine River, combined with medieval architecture, including the iconic Cologne Cathedral, makes the city appealing to the eye.

A beautiful riverside district and historic Old Town area are just the beginning. The city is home to dozens of museums, hundreds of art galleries, and one of the oldest and biggest universities on the continent.

With a population of just over one million people, Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany. The city’s residents are known for their upbeat, live-in-the-moment lifestyle. Cologne has more pubs than any other city in the country.

A number of festivals also take place in Cologne throughout the year, including The Cologne Carnival, Ringfest, and the Christmas Market.

Below are 14 of the best tours in Cologne.

1. Tour Cologne with a Local

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The second best way to get familiar with any city is to leave the confines of your hotel and explore on your own. The top way to get familiar with a new city is to explore with someone who lives there and has all the insider tips and tricks to get around more easily; they will know the best places to eat, drink, and experience the history and culture.

Meet your local guide at your hotel and start your walking tour with an introduction to your immediate surroundings. Share your interests with your guide so they’re able to customize the tour to suit you.

Spend the next several hours seeing top attractions and hearing about the history of the city and what it’s like to live there. End the tour feeling confident that you have all the information to make your stay in Cologne the best it can be.

2. Take a Virtual trip Back in Time

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While you won’t actually travel back in time at TimeRide Cologne, this virtual reality experience is the closest thing to it.

Don a pair of VR glasses and get ready to be taken back to the earlier part of the 20th century to see Cologne how it was then.

For 45 minutes, you’ll take a ride through Old Town and see an accurate depiction of the city in the year 1900, tram and lively street scenes included.

Visit a cinema where you’ll watch a short movie about Cologne’s past and present and see 3D pictures of iconic landmarks.

3. Experience the Darker Side of Cologne

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Cologne was a very different place in Medieval Times. This two-hour evening walking tour takes you back to those times when life in the city was marred by hardships.

Meet your guide at Heumarkt and take a walk through the historic heart of Cologne. Listen carefully as your guide tells you stories of witches, ghosts, and murders.

4. Learn About the History of Chocolate at Cologne’s Chocolate Museum

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Chocolate has been around for a long time. This Cologne Chocolate Museum ticket, which is valid for an entire day and allows ticket-holders to skip the line-ups, is a collection of exhibits about 5,000 years of chocolate history.

The museum, which is situated in the Old Town district, is a must-see for chocolate lovers. Learn about the origins of the world’s favorite treat and how cocoa was used in South America before it made its way to Europe. See how chocolate has changed over the centuries.

5. Tour Cologne on a Bicycle

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Meet your guide and get fitted with a bicycle, helmet, and rain poncho before taking a ride through the beautiful city of Cologne.

Start your journey at the Eigelsteintor in Old Town, and for the next three hours, soar through the streets of this Medieval city with the wind flowing through your hair.

Cross the Zoobrucke bridge, and along the way, see various attractions and landmarks, including Prussian Fort X, Philharmonic Hall, the 3 Crane Houses, Museum Ludwig, the Siebengebirgshaus, and Rheinpark, which is one of the most beautiful parks in the country.

Kick back with a cold beer in a brewery and visit the exclusive district of Rheinauhafen. Head back to where you started via a route that runs along the Rhine.

6. Taste Local Beer on a Cologne Brewery Tour

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Cologne, like the rest of Germany, is known for its beer. In this city with more pubs than any other in Germany, there are plenty of opportunities to sit back with a cold one.

Meet your guide at the cathedral near the Kreuzblumen monument and embark on a fun and enlightening tour of Cologne and its breweries.

Spend two hours admiring the attractions in between brewery stops. As you go, your guide will get to know everyone in the group so that they can choose which breweries are most suitable.

Stop at three different breweries and sample three local beers while learning about the history of local brewing and hearing interesting stories.

7. Take a Cruise Along the Rhine

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See the city of Cologne from a different viewpoint with a one-hour cruise along the Rhine. Discover many of the city’s top attractions from the water, including Old Town and Cologne Cathedral.

Snacks and beverages are available from the bar. You also have the option to take a Sunday Brunch cruise or evening buffet cruise.

8. See Cologne from a Rickshaw

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Another unique way to tour the city of Cologne is by rickshaw. Meet your guide and rickshaw driver in the city center and set out for a 1.5-hour journey through the streets of Cologne.

During the tour, your guide will show you some of the top attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, Middle Age Town Hall, Old Town, and Rhein River Boulevard. Warm blankets and rain gear are provided in case of bad weather.

9. Fast-track your way into the Hard Rock Cafe Cologne

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A meal at the Hard Rock Cafe Cologne is a must. This ticket allows you to skip the line-ups and dine in style. The ticket is good for one full day, and while there, you can dine on a wide variety of tasty options, including authentic American cuisine and decadent desserts.

Admire the rock and roll memorabilia or purchase a souvenir to take home as a reminder of your memorable meal.

10. See Cologne from the Air

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Seeing a city from the air provides you with a bird’s eye view of the city’s landscape and attractions. Visitors to Cologne have the opportunity to take such a tour with a one-hour flight over the city.

Make your way to the Bonn/Hangelar Airport and meet your well-trained pilot, who will provide you with an overview of the flight before you take-off on the adventure of a lifetime. See iconic attractions such as the Cologne Cathedral, Rurstausee, Hohenzollern Bridge, and the Rhine River.

During the flight, you’ll be equipped with a headset so you can easily hear your pilot.

11. Unlock Haunted Cologne

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If you’re looking for an independent but interactive experience in Cologne with a unique twist, this walking tour game is a fun way to get to know the city and its darker side.

Your experience starts with purchasing access to the game through your Smartphone.

Follow the map and make your way through areas of the city that are said to be haunted. As you move along, you’ll need to solve clues to unlock spooky stories about various locations and attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral and Alter Market.

There’s no set time limit to complete the game, so you can go at your own pace. You can play alone or with a group.

12. Party Your Way Through Cologne on a Private Pub Crawl

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Cologne is known for its lively nightlife, and this four-hour tour allows you to experience it with the help of a knowledgeable local who knows where all the top party spots are.

There’s no need to plan anything; you can meet your guide at your hotel at whatever time is most convenient for you. Get the party rolling with your first drink of the night – a welcome shot. Head out with your guide to experience the hottest nightspots in the city, where you’ll enjoy live music, drinks, and an exciting atmosphere. You won’t have to worry about waiting in any lines: this tour guarantees you immediate entry, and you’ll receive a free schnapps at each bar you go to.

13. Discover Melaten Cemetery

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Melaten Cemetery is a peaceful place immersed in history and art and the contrast between life and death. During this two-hour tour, you’ll walk the beautiful grounds, which are home to 55,000 gravesites.

Admire these natural surroundings in the center of Cologne and learn about the history of the cemetery and the people who rest there.

14. Admire Cologne’s Street Art while Touring on a Bicycle

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Head to Eigelsteintor, where you’ll meet your guide, acquire your rented bicycle, and head out for a three-hour tour through the Belgian Quarter and Ehrenfeld District of Cologne.

As you navigate through the city streets, you’ll see different types of street art by artists from all over the world. Your guide will tell you about the different techniques used in this type of art and the history of the art-form itself. End the tour with a break in a cozy cafe.

The post 14 Best Cologne Tours appeared first on The Crazy Tourist.

It’s also the most populous city in the state of Hesse, and one of the continent’s most active financial trading centers.

Frankfurt’s ideal location on the River Main has made it a commercial center for centuries. It’s awash in natural, historical, and cultural attractions that make it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

The city sports trendy art and food scenes and a variety of guided tours are available to suit most budgets and interests.

Below are 15 of the best tours of Frankfurt.

1. Welcome to Frankfurt Private Tour with a Local

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Want to help reduce greenhouse gases and ease urban congestion?

If so, then forgo the typical bus and van tours and set out with a local guide to explore the wonders of Frankfurt using nothing more than muscle power.

These private tours can be customized based on available time as well as the interests of the group, and generally range from two to six hours.

Tours begin with getting to know your guide and familiarizing yourself with the neighborhood in which you’re staying.

Aspects of history, culture, food, and nightlife may be included, but food, drinks, and site entrance fees are extra.

2. Unique E-Bikes Tours

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In keeping with the increasingly popular eco-friendly theme, these e-bike tours are great ways to see things from a unique perspective without contributing to the demise of the planet.

E-bike tours come in three options that include a Frankfurt City Tour, the Green Belt Cycling Road, and a Cider and Orchard Tour.

City Tours focus on history, art, and architecture and are particularly popular with those who prefer bustling urban settings.

The second and third options explore regional parks and green spaces, as well as the large tracts of orchards that have been growing apples and making cider for centuries.

3. Food Hopping Tour of Soul Food and Cult Drinks

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Generally speaking, Soul Food is more associated with American cities like Atlanta, Memphis, and New Orleans than with German ones like Frankfurt.

That being said, Frankfurt is often referred to as the Hessian Manhattan, and its food scene features a number of international influences.

This four ½-hour food, drink, and culture tour focuses on traditional pubs, trendy eateries, hip hangouts, and other places of interest that are a bit off the beaten path.

That means more intimate and memorable experiences for travelers who’d rather rub elbows with locals and live like a Frankfurter than cram themselves into a hot tour bus and view things from a distance.

4. Frankfurt Scary Tour

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Apparently, Frankfurt is one of Europe’s creepiest and most ghost-ridden cities, because a number of fear-based tours are available to visitors who prefer to explore the dark side.

Tours begin when participants meet their guide in a central Old Town location.

Scary tours are conducted on foot, last about 75 minutes, and hit some of the city center’s most historically significant sites.

Nearly all of them have elements of the macabre in their pasts, and there’s no better way to learn about them than with a knowledgeable local.

Though tours are spooky, they’re generally appropriate for all but the very young and shamelessly weak-kneed.

5. 1 or 2-Hour Frankfurt Sightseeing Cruise

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River cruises are especially popular options for those interested in seeing many of Frankfurt’s most impressive and iconic attractions from a different perspective.

Tours leave from the Eiserner Steg boat launch multiple times daily, come in 50 and 100-minute options, and depart heading both up and downstream.

The aforementioned options make it possible to see the city from multiple vantage points, which is a great fit for photographers.

Tours offer unobstructed views of the city’s skyline and financial center, as well as other attractions like the Sachsenhausen museum district and the monument built in honor of the German poet Goethe.

6. Night Pub Crawl through Alt-Sachsenhausen

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If trendy clubs, VIP wristbands, and free shots sound like great additions to a night on the town, then this pub crawl tour through Alt-Sachsenhausen was made just for you.

The tour is only offered on Friday and Saturday nights when things are in full swing and includes stops at four or five pubs and clubs in the city’s most vibrant party area.

Guests will spend about an hour at each location, and a number of free drinks and shots are included throughout the night.

Stops range from wine bars and Irish pubs to chic cocktail lounges and thumping nightclubs.

7. Wertheim Village Shopping Package from Frankfurt

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For those in need of a little retail therapy, there’s no better destination in the Frankfurt metropolitan area than Wertheim Village.

It’s an outlet village that features exclusive international brands like Hugo Boss, Versace, Coach, and Calvin Klein products and apparel at significantly reduced prices.

Participants get a VIP Card worth 50 Euros at the time of booking. Since it’s just an hour from Frankfurt, most of the tour’s six hours are spent taking advantage of the smoking deals.

Transportation to and from the village is provided on a dedicated Shopping Express bus, and meal vouchers are part of the package as well.

8. 2 ½-Hour Food Hopping Taste and Tales Tour

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Despite its relatively short length, this 2 ½-hour tour packs a big punch.

It combines elements of food, history, culture, and local lore into one convenient package that’s perfect for those who’d rather not skimp on the vacation experience just because they’re working with limited time.

After meeting their guide, tour guests will head into the city’s gastronomic Old Town Quarter to explore markets, restaurants, food stalls, and other obscure culinary gems.

Tours include an English-speaking guide, six tastings, and lots of interesting narration along the way.

Guests typically discover places they’d like to explore later on their own, so don’t be shy about asking your guide for suggestions.

9. Frankfurt Flight Simulator

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Imagine landing an Airbus A320 full of antsy travelers at a distant airport at night in the rain.

Or piloting a supersonic F-16 fighter jet on a bombing mission over enemy territory.

Sounds pretty unlikely for the uninitiated, but those who choose to spend time strapped into Frankfurt’s premier flight-simulator attraction can live those scenarios and many more.

Before hitting the skies, guests will get a briefing from an experienced airline pilot who will give them the basics of flight.

Featuring hundreds of aircraft and tens of thousands of airports to choose from, it’s a truly exhilarating experience, and you won’t have to worry about anti-aircraft fire or jetlag.

10. Old Town Guided Walk

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Frankfurt’s Old Town is one of the city’s most visited neighborhoods. It is full of an impressive variety of historic attractions and magnificent modern buildings that seamlessly blend elements of the old and new worlds.

At one ½-hours, these guided walking tours are perfect for those of most levels of physical fitness. They visit several key attractions like the Emperor’s Cathedral, St. Paul’s Church, and the museum district on the shores of the Rhine River.

Along with their guide, tour guests will explore some of the city’s most quaint neighborhoods characterized by narrow lanes, centuries-old buildings, markets, and family restaurants.

11. Day Trip to Eltz Castle

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The combined population of Frankfurt proper and the surrounding towns and suburbs contain more than two million residents.

That means lots of urban hustle and bustle, which for many visitors, can get to be a bit much after a few days.

Thankfully, there are a variety of day-trip options that begin and end in Frankfurt while allowing guests to spend ample time in the country.

Eltz Castle is a wonderfully preserved attraction that’s still much the way it was over eight centuries ago.

Tours include unrestricted castle access and the chance to appreciate its opulent appointments while learning about those who lived there in eras long past.

12. 1 or 2-Hour Hotrod Sightseeing Tour

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Sit down. Strap yourself in. Start your engine.

Well, first you’ll need to meet your guide, learn the basics of German road laws, and get an overview of how to use your hotrod safely.

For car aficionados with an hour or two to spare looking for a memorable experience, this tour is just the ticket.

Following their guide’s lead, guests will pilot their machines to city hotspots like the Port of Frankfurt, the museum district, and over the Friedensbrücke Bridge taking in the city’s iconic skyline.

Bring your camera, a scarf, and a pair of those cool antique racing goggles if you have them.

13. Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour

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For those who prefer seeing things their own way, hop-on-hop-off tours are great value.

Not only does this Frankfurt tour include stops at some of the city’s most notable attractions like Goethe’s home, the historic City Hall, and the Church of St. Paul, but it allows eager sightseers to experience the things that interest them and skip those that don’t.

The city’s famed Zeil shopping district and the European Central Bank tend to be perennial favorites, but they’re just a few of many included.

Depending on which ones guests decide to explore, tours can range from just a few hours to nearly nine.

14. Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle and Rothenburg

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Germany is brimming with castles and fascinating history dating back countless centuries.

This guided tour begins and ends in Frankfurt and includes excursions to Neuschwanstein Castle nestled amid the foothills of the majestic German Alps.

For lovers of impressive architecture, old-world craftsmanship, and intriguing history, it’s truly in a league of its own.

From there, guests will head to Rothenburg, one of the most well-preserved medieval towns in all of Germany.

Tours include roundtrip transportation to and from central Frankfurt, a boxed lunch, and admission fees to all attractions.

At more than 12 hours, it’s a long day, but well worth it for those with plenty of stamina.

15. Half-Day Tour of the Rhine Valley from Frankfurt

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The middle and upper Rhine Valleys are among the most scenic destinations within day-trip distance of Frankfurt.

This six-hour, value-packed tour includes an English speaking guide and a river cruise, as well as amazing views of medieval castles, idyllic wineries, and quaint villages that look like they’ve been forgotten by time.

Guests will enjoy sightseeing by bus, time to explore on foot, a wine tasting at an old tavern, and a romantic dinner at an acclaimed restaurant overlooking the river.

Consider reserving your space well in advance of your trip, because spots tend to fill up quickly during the peak tourist season.

The post 15 Best Frankfurt Tours appeared first on The Crazy Tourist.

It’s located amidst a particularly fertile swath of land along the Neckar River within an easy drive of the famed Black Forest.

Stuttgart is a regional center for sports, the arts, food, and culture, and it’s one of the countries centers for automobile design and production as well.

With an abundance of tour options to satisfy those of different ages and interests, finding things to do while in the area shouldn’t be a challenge.

1. 24-Hour Hop-On-Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

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Hop-on-hop-off tours have taken the travel and tourism worlds by storm in recent years because they’re fun, reasonably inexpensive, and allow visitors to see and experience things on their own terms.

Stuttgart is a multi-faceted city with lots to offer inquisitive tourists. This 100-minute option includes some of Stuttgart’s premier attractions, like the Mercedes Benz and Linden museums and Schlossplatz, to name just a few.

Tickets allow participants to see what interests them while ignoring those things that don’t.

Tickets are good for 24 hours from the time of purchase and include audio guides in more than ten languages.

2. Vineyard Wine Safari

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The fertile farmland around Stuttgart has been producing grapes for countless generations; they’re turned into some of the world’s most sought after wines.

This three ½-hour afternoon tour begins and ends in Stuttgart and includes the services of a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide and wine aficionado.

Guests will hike to vista points and take in the area’s magnificent scenery, learn about its history and winemaking traditions, tour a winery, and sample some of its tastiest products.

Since it’s an outdoor tour, pack a camera, a number of layers appropriate for various weather conditions, and wear comfortable shoes.

3. Exclusive City Walk

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The Upper Palace Gardens, Eckensee Lake, the Stuttgart Opera, and New and Old Palaces are a few of this guided city walk tour’s main attractions.

Tour size is smaller than most, meaning guests will have a more personalized experience while learning about the city’s history, culture, and economy as they’re strolling leisurely between sites.

In addition, guests will experience the Market Hall that’s generally considered the city’s culinary epicenter.

It’s usually abuzz with buyers and sellers haggling over everything from produce and fresh meat to cheese, pickles, bread, and sweets.

Tours begin and end in a central location that’s convenient for guests.

4. Christmas City Tour by Bus

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For those lucky enough to find themselves in Stuttgart during the Christmas season, the city is truly a sight to behold.

Previous guests have described it as a winter wonderland, and this Christmas city bus tour is a great way to see a ton of holiday-related attractions in a short time.

Tours get started at the central tourist information called I-Punkt in the city’s heart.

From there, guests will plug in their audio guides, sit back, and take in the sights as the bus heads into the hills overlooking the city.

Tours last less than an hour, and children under three are free.

5. Bad Cannstatt Culinary Excursion

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Stuttgart’s food scene is a mishmash of contemporary and traditional regional cuisines that are best experienced with the assistance of a local guide.

Bad Cannstatt is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, and also one of the metropolitan area’s food hotspots.

This two ½-hour tour is engaging, educational, and downright tasty. It offers an excellent opportunity to see things from a unique perspective.

Guests will visit markets and restaurants and sample a variety of delicacies, ranging from soup and pasta to bread, cheese, and meat.

Though full meals aren’t included, most guests fill-up quickly and have a truly memorable time in the process.

6. Mercedes-Benz Arena: VfB Stuttgart Stadium Tour

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The Mercedes-Benz Arena is home to the VfB Stuttgart football club, and on match days, welcomes nearly 60,000 fanatic fans from all over the country.

On this one ½-hour tour, guests will get behind-the-scenes access that’s usually only reserved for players, coaches, and arena staff.

Tours are available in English and German and are led by experienced guides who know all the ins and outs of the team’s history and players.

Highlights include the tunnel leading from the team’s changing rooms to the pitch, the press room, and the main grandstand.

Participants get a 10% discount on apparel in the team store after the tour as well.

7. Stuttgart Nature Experience Day

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Including the surrounding towns and suburbs, the combined population of Stuttgart exceeds two million people.

For those who need to spend some quality time with Mother Nature away from the city’s hustle and bustle, this guided nature experience would be a great way to spend a day.

After a brief ride to scenic Max-Eyth Lake, energetic tour guests will have the option of canoeing, paddle-boarding, swimming, or just relaxing and taking in the majestic scenery.

Tours also include a guided vineyard hike, a motor-less scooter excursion, and a relaxing afternoon barbecue in the great outdoors before heading back to the city center.

8. Evening of Raclette, Wine, and a Show

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According to previous tour guests, wine, cheese, and magic were made for one another, and there’s no better way to experience them together than with this three ½-hour combo tour.

It’s an evening event like few others. In addition to indulging in some of the area’s most sumptuous treats – like raclette cheese and local wine – guests will see a show that includes multiple forms of entertainment, including comedy, magic, and singing.

The evening takes place along the scenic shores of the Neckar River. After the show, guests will have time for a brief stroll to enjoy the view and take in the fresh night air.

9. Private Super Premium Pub Crawl Tour

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For clubbers who want to hit Stuttgart’s swank nightclub scene without messing with all the pesky details and logistics, this four-hour super-premium pub crawl would be a wise choice.

It’s a big hit with bachelor, bachelorette, and birthday parties, and attracts significant numbers of international visitors as well.

Tour tickets include access to exclusive venues, a free drink or shot at every stop, and all entry fees too.

As a free gift, each female participant gets a tiara, and men get a bottle opener.

Click the link below to discover other tantalizing adult-only options that are available as well.

10. Guided Segway Tour

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Segway tours are great options for those interested in seeing the sights of Stuttgart from a unique and exhilarating perspective.

Tours begin when participants meet their guide and get an overview of how to use their two-wheeled electric conveyance.

From the shores of the Neckar River, riders will set out to see city attractions like the Burgholzhof Tower, and country ones like Max Eyth Lake and the vineyards in the nearby river valley.

Guests will benefit from their guide’s local knowledge and see some of the area’s most stunning natural and humanmade attractions.

Tours include paved and dirt-path portions, as well as moderately busy traffic zones.

11. TV Tower Tickets

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At more than 600 feet tall, Stuttgart’s iconic television tower looms over the city below.

Whereas some towers are considered eyesores, Stuttgart’s is regarded as both architecturally unique and aesthetic.

It’s also one of those attractions that most visitors choose to experience on their own because it doesn’t warrant the services of a guide.

Upon reaching the top, guests will have unobstructed views of both the city and countryside, including the Alps, the Neckar River Valley, and the Black Forest.

There’s also a cool on-site café for those who’d like to relax with a bite or a drink before heading off to other attractions.

12. Stuttgart in 1 Hour: Highlights of the City Center

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Though you may miss a few things that guests will see on longer half and full-day tours, it is possible to get a thorough overview of Stuttgart and its attractions in just an hour.

This tour is a wise choice for those who’ve just landed in town and are looking to get their bearings quickly.

It’s a walking tour, so all you’ll really need is a hat, some sunglasses, and a willingness to stretch your legs.

Tours of this nature don’t stop long at any one attraction, but they’re great ways to discover things that you’d like to check out on your own later.

13. Curling Experience

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Curling is one of those sports that’s kind of a mystery to those who’ve only seen it on late night international sports news reports.

Thankfully for those who like to try new things, there’s a way to try your hand, and it won’t take up a lot of time or cost an arm and a leg.

After meeting their coach-guide and getting an overview of the misunderstood winter sport, participants will hit the ice and enter into a little friendly competition with fellow guests.

The idea of the game is to gently slide a stone towards a target; those that get the closest win the most points.

14. Stand-Up Paddle Board Yoga Experience

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Since yoga and paddleboarding are both so popular, it was only a matter of time before some enterprising entrepreneur combined the two.

In stand-up paddleboard yoga, the floating board is the mat, thereby increasing the workout and the amount of concentration necessary to remain as motionless as possible.

Guide yoga sessions include a 15-minute intro and warm-up, 1 hour of yoga, and another 30 minutes of free paddling time.

Sessions are offered in the morning and afternoon, take place in a quiet and idyllic setting away from the crowds, and last slightly longer than an hour and a half.

15. Magician Show and Dinner

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Magic shows are often-overlooked forms of vacation entertainment for those more intent on seeing local attractions with their limited time.

But according to previous guests, there’s no better way to end a day than taking in an impressive magic show while enjoying a delectable three-course meal, just a stone’s throw from the Neckar River in Stuttgart.

This evening magic tour and dinner combo is a great option for families traveling with kids. It tends to be an interactive experience, which means the audience may be asked to get involved at any time.

Meals include appetizer, entrée, and dessert.

The post 15 Best Stuttgart Tours appeared first on The Crazy Tourist.

It’s also one of Germany’s federal states and is bordered by Schleswig-Holstein to the north, and to the south by Lower Saxony.

Though it’s not located directly on the North Sea, it’s connected via the River Elbe, which has made it a commercial hub for centuries, and one of the country’s economic powerhouses.

Hamburg features a variety of historical sites, tons of natural beauty, and all the big-city attractions international visitors expect.

Below are 15 of the best tours of Hamburg.

1. 3 ½-Hour Bike Tour

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Despite its bustling streets and millions of residents, Hamburg has many areas that are perfectly accessible to those traveling by bike.

On this 3 ½-hour guided tour, eager peddlers will be taken to many of the city’s most iconic attractions, including St Michael’s Church, the Alster Lakes, the Town Hall, and the world-renowned Reeperbahn.

Brief stops are made at each attraction; participants will have time to ask questions, snap a few photos, and have a quick drink before heading off to the next site.

Due to the city’s relative flatness, tours are appropriate for those of most ages and levels of physical ability.

2. 2-Hour Hamburg Port Tour

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According to commerce statistics, the Port of Hamburg is second only in volume to Rotterdam. It’s almost always abuzz with arriving and departing freight vessels from all over the world.

The port is largely responsible for Germany’s economic might and features one of the most modern overseas container facilities on the continent.

It’s also home to fish markets, seedy stretches that cater to sailors’ every whim, and historical attractions as well.

This 2-hour tour is a pleasant alternative to city tours and leaves plenty of time to explore on your own or hook-up with another two or three-hour tour afterward.

3. Evening Illumination Cruise through Harbor

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Evening cruises around Hamburg’s harbor are the perfect way to end an exhausting activity-filled day.

As the evening light fades, the city becomes awash in vibrant light that makes for truly remarkable views.

The bustling container terminal is an impressive sight, as are the bevy of canals, the International Maritime Museum, and the Marco Polo Tower – to name just a few included attractions.

Along the way, guests will benefit from anecdotes of local history offered by their guide, and get a totally new perspective of the layout of the city, as well as its history, cultural, and maritime commerce tradition.

4. City Tour with Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket

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Discovering Hamburg on your own terms couldn’t be easier for those who purchase hop-on-hop-off city tour tickets.

Hop-on-hop-off tours give savvy travelers access to a number of sites and allow them to see and experience the things that interest them while ignoring those that don’t.

For many guests, there are too many attractions to visit in a day, but perennial favorites include the St. Pauli Piers, Miniature Wonderland, Hans Albers Square, and the Reeperbahn.

Depending on the weather and their level of exhaustion, guests may choose to stay on the bus as little or as much as they want—at least until something strikes their fancy.

5. Haunted Hamburg Tour

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From long-lost ghost ships and medieval witches to demons and the downright unexplainable, Hamburg is an eerie place after dark.

This two-hour guided night tour is a perfect fit for lovers of the odd and macabre. It offers guests a slice of the city that isn’t often experienced by more traditional tourists.

Along with their guide, guests will make their way to several supposedly haunted sites that seem perfectly normal by day.

The Reeperbahn, St. Catherine’s Church, and the Quarter of the Crooked Moon are all on the itinerary, but tours are best left to those 12-years and older.

6. 3-Hour Culinary Tour of the Schanzenviertel

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Featuring a staggering number of nearly unpronounceable epicurean destinations for English-speaking visitors, this 3-hour culinary tour is still a popular option for lovers of all things food-related.

Many of the city’s oldest neighborhoods are known for their distinct cuisines. On this tour, guests will have ample time to explore them, meet locals, and sample a variety of traditional and contemporary dishes.

Tours stop by at least five different locations and include elements of history, politics, and contemporary issues that most guests find intriguing, like gentrification, commerce, and labor issues.

Guests are encouraged to show up with empty stomachs and open minds.

7. 1-Hour Harbor Cruise

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For centuries Hamburg and other Hanseatic cities dominated much of the region’s maritime trade, and the city still boasts more canals, bridges, and locks than nearly any other place in Europe.

Seeing the city from the water on this 1-hour harbor cruise tour is an excellent use of valuable vacation time, because it covers parts of Hamburg that those stuck on land just won’t see.

Tour highlights include impressive bridges, the container terminal, and the Speicherstadt warehouse district.

Tour vessels include shaded sun decks and ample indoor seating for those who prefer cold drinks and air-conditioning to sun and sea breezes.

8. Following the Footsteps of Olivia Reeperbahn Tour

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According to those who’ve already experienced it, Hamburg’s Reeperbahn neighborhood is akin to Las Vegas, only sleazier and more glitzy.

Also an uber-concentrated pocket of everything that makes Hamburg what it is, it is, therefore, a must-visit attraction for the adventurous and un-prudish.

The area features a little bit of everything – from seedy cocktail bars and drag-queen shows to iconic football stadiums and cabaret venues.

Though it’s generally the exclusive realm of the young and crazy, this 2 ½-hour tour has its fair share of older visitors as well, so if you fall into the latter category, consider stepping out of your comfort zone.

9. Hamburg Harbor Light Tour

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As the sun drops behind the skyline, Hamburg’s harbor becomes engulfed in a myriad of lights that make it particularly stunning.

In fact, the lights at the port and container terminal are so bright that they cast the city in an aura, making the skyline stand-out against the night sky.

This evening tour lasts 90 minutes and includes engaging historic narration from the captain-guide along the way.

Visited sights vary slightly depending on the tide and season, and a number of special tours are offered periodically, so check to see what’s on their schedule before booking your excursion.

10. Sex and Crime in St. Pauli

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Hamburg’s St. Pauli District has a well-deserved reputation for being one of the city’s grittiest neighborhoods.

It’s a pleasant mix of gangsters, strip clubs, show bars, and training facilities for world-class boxers.

On this two-hour tour, guests will experience a side of the city that’s definitely not for the faint of heart.

Led by their guide, participants will learn about the competing gangs that vie for control of the area, colorful criminals who’ve stalked the streets of the red-light district in the past and visit a few of the city’s most unique clubs.

Tours begin and end at a central Hamburg location.

11. HafenCity 3-Hour Food Tour and Elbphilharmonie Visit

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Even by value-packed combo tour standards, this 3-hour HafenCity food and Elbphilharmonie option is quite a gem.

The tour combines elements of food, history, culture, and the city’s robust and bustling economy into one streamlined package.

Things kick-off with a brief intro and food tasting in HafenCity.

Guests will also visit a warehouse complex that’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ride on the country’s longest escalator, and take in panoramic views of the sprawling city and harbor below.

At the Elbphilharmonie, you and your group will learn about the renowned music venue before continuing on to the tour’s culinary finale.

12. Ticket to the Panoptikum Waxworks

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Guided tours are great options for travelers looking to make the most of their time, but some attractions don’t warrant the extra cost of a live guide.

The Panoptikum Waxworks is the oldest facility of its kind in the country. It features more than 100 amazingly lifelike figures of celebrities, politicians, scoundrels, royalty, and historically significant figures from all over the world.

Each exhibit is accompanied by an explanation of just who it is that you’re seeing. As such, there’s not much use in having a guide along for the ride.

Audio guides are available in multiple languages, as are local professional ones if you’re interested.

13. 1 ½-Hour Chocoversum Tour

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German chocolatiers have been churning out some of the world’s most sought after confections for countless generations.

This short tour of the Chocoversum Museum is not only fun and unique, but engaging and educational as well, making it a great fit for those of most ages.

It’s an interactive experience, which means that guests will see and learn about the chocolate-making process from beginning to end, and they’ll have the opportunity to get involved if they so desire.

Admission and multiple samples are included, and each guest gets their own chocolate bar to take with them when the tour is over.

14. Guided AIDA Ship Tour with Lunch

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For many international travelers, the thought of being crammed into a tiny cabin on a crowded cruise ship for days on end isn’t too appealing.

But for those who’d still like to get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the magnificent vessels, this guide AIDA ship tour would be a great way to spend three hours.

AIDA’s cruise ships are known for the abundant amenities and fun activities designed with younger travelers in mind.

Guests will see parts of the ship that are typically off-limits, and get insider’s insights into how everything works.

Tours include a buffet-style lunch and non-alcoholic drinks.

15. St. Pauli Nighttime Tour

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Like beer and shots?

Prefer to rub elbows with bimbos, sailors, pimps, and criminals rather than boring tourists?

If so, read on, because this whirlwind nighttime tour of Hamburg’s St. Pauli area has your name on it.

Along with their guide, guests will follow in the footsteps of prominent visitors – like the Beatles – who decided it to slum it for an evening in the city’s most sinful quarter.

Interesting tales of debauchery and tomfoolery abound; you’ll hear them in all their splendor while imbibing and people-watching in one of the city’s standout attractions.

The post 15 Best Hamburg Tours appeared first on The Crazy Tourist.

There are many tours available in Nuremberg, catering to a variety of tastes. Whether you want to discover the history, sample the cuisine or check out surrounding villages, there will be a tour for you.

These are the 15 best tours you can enjoy in Nuremberg.

1. 2-Hour Old Town Walking Tour

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Nuremberg has a rich and fascinating history, and this tour helps you experience that while in the Old Town. Your guide will show you where kaisers were once crowned, the beautiful medieval architecture and the bustling year-round markets. This tour is an excellent introduction to Nuremberg and a real treat for history buffs. This two-hour trip is the perfect length for Nuremberg, which is quite a compact city and easy to get around thanks to huge pedestrianization efforts.

2. Private Tour with a Local Guide

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For something a little more personalized, this tour allows you to organize your own itinerary with the help of an expert local. You will, of course, be taken to all the historical attractions; however, you can also arrange for some more local experiences and off-the-beaten-path sights. You can opt for a tour from two to six hours in length, depending on how much you want to cover. This is a walking tour and commences outside your accommodation, making it the perfect way to learn about your area in the city and how to get around to the other important attractions.

3. Gingerbread Baking Class

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Gingerbread is a highly popular German treat that can trace its roots to the Franconian Region where Nuremberg is located. This class allows you to make your own to take home as a unique gift for friends and family – or to enjoy by yourself. In this class, you will learn about the history of gingerbread, the best recipe for getting soft and flavourful gingerbread, and how to source the best ingredients. Gingerbread is a favorite snack across the world at Christmas, making this a great activity if visiting over the festive season. It is, however, available year round and you are provided with the recipe to take home.

4. Private 2-Hour Tour with Brewery Visit

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This is another great private tour that not only takes you around the main sights of the historic center but also allows you to visit a working Bavarian brewery and sample some of the finest beer in the region. In the first hour of the tour, you will explore central Nuremberg, including the castle, market square, and Albert Dürer’s house. You will then continue to two breweries – Barfüsser and Altstadthof – where you can learn how German beer is produced and try some samples. There are two meeting points in the Old Town, allowing you to choose the most convenient location for your itinerary.

5. 6-Hour Culinary Experience

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This bumper tour combines all the food experiences you could have in Nuremberg for a half-day culinary experience. You will begin with a tour of the Old Town focussed around trying typical Nuremberg snacks and tasting Bavarian beer. For lunch, you will learn how to prepare your own bratwurst with the help of a professional chef. Afterward, you will be taken to a gingerbread baking class to learn how the sweet and spicy treat is made and try it yourself. Recipes are provided for you to take home after the experience. This is the ultimate tour for foodies.

6. Nuremberg Old Town and Nazi Rally Grounds Tour

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This four-hour tour lets you see the many different sides of Nuremberg history. In the Old Town, you will learn about the history of the Holy Roman Empire and medieval Germany, through the monuments and architecture built during the time. Afterward, a complimentary bus ride to the Nazi Rally Grounds is included. Here, you will learn about the Third Reich and the impact of WWII on Nuremberg – as well as the Nuremberg Trials, where Nazi’s were tried after the war. This is a somber and informative tour – great for anyone interested in German history.

7. 1.5 Hour Medieval Tour

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This short tour focuses on the medieval history of the city and is perfect if you are only in Nuremberg for a short stay. You will be shown around the castle as well as the winding alleys of the Old Town. The guide will dive into the history of the city and teach you about the life of Albrecht Dürer – one of Nuremberg’s most famous residents. The tour also teaches you about the impact of Italian migration to the area, with a walk through Sebalder and Lorenzer Altstadt. This is a walking tour, ideal for exploring the compact center at a leisurely pace.

8. 1.5 Hour Culinary Walking Tour

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This is another great tour for foodies visiting Nuremberg and focuses on the local produce and beer. You will sample food from markets and regular food outlets across the Old Town – including bratwurst and ox. You will also be shown the beautiful attractions in the center of Nuremberg, including the St Sebaldus Church and medieval houses. All food tastings are included in the price, and the guide is a local food expert. This is perfect for getting a quick sample of local cuisine before continuing with the rest of your trip.

9. Old Town and Christmas Market 1.5 Hour Tour

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Nuremberg is a popular destination for Germans and international visitors alike during the Christmas period. The city transforms into a winter wonderland, with bustling Christmas markets and twinkling decorations. The tour begins with a short introduction to the old town and its medieval history. You will learn about Albrecht Dürer and the city’s former place as the heart of German civilization. From there, you will be taken to the world famous Christmas market to soak up the atmosphere and sample some local glühwein.

10. 2-Hour Sausages with a Twist Cooking Class

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Bratwurst are famous German sausages that can trace their roots to Bavaria. With this cooking class, you will explore three different recipes of bratwurst, allowing you to sample the many flavors available. You will learn how to make bratwurst itself before taking a look at salads, pies, and sauces that can be made out of the sausage. After cooking, you will sample your own food and discuss the history of the sausage with the chef. Recipes are provided for you to take home, as well as complimentary wine and coffee during your lunch.

11. Nuremberg WW2 and Beer Combined Tour

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This tour combines a wander around the Nazi Rally Grounds with visits to three micro-breweries across the region. Transport is included, allowing you to get easily from the city center to the rally grounds and breweries. You will learn about Nuremberg’s dark past during the Second World War, and its use as the location of the trials where Nazis were tried for war crimes after the war. After this somber experience, you will be able to relax with tours of local breweries, including samples of modern Bavarian beer. This is a great way to combine two popular Nuremberg attractions in a single trip.

12. Franconian Village Private Beer Tour

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This private tour takes you out of the city and into the quaint villages and stunning scenery of rural Franken. The region is known as a hub for breweries and Bavarian culture, and this private tour lets you gain a more intimate experience of the area. You will be able to visit a few of the 73 breweries in the region, which can be tailored to your preferred itinerary. This tour is customizable, though additional costs may be incurred for extra experiences.

13. Nuremberg Day Trip from Munich

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Munich is an important international hub in Germany and the main point of arrival for many visitors to Bavaria. If you want to fit Nuremberg into your itinerary but are struggling for time, this trip allows you to visit the city from Munich as part of a day trip. This ten-hour experience takes you to all of the main historical sights in Nuremberg – from the medieval old town to the Nazi Rally Grounds on the outskirts. Transport is by train, helping to cut down your journey times and give you more free time to explore the city during the tour.

14. Heidelberg and Nuremberg Tour from Frankfurt

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Frankfurt is another large international hub in Germany, located in the neighboring state of Hesse. This full day tour takes you to both Heidelberg and Nuremberg from the city, with transport by luxury coach included. Heidelberg is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Germany and makes an excellent stopover on your way to Nuremberg. You will be given entry to Heidelberg Castle to learn about the town’s history. In Nuremberg, you will also gain access to the Albrecht Dürer house and be given a tour of the medieval Old Town.

15. Taste Nuremberg Food Tour

Source: viator.com

This bumper food tour is the ultimate experience for foodies interested in tasting the variety of Bavarian cuisine. You will get to sample traditional bratwurst and gingerbread – as well as a variety of lesser known dishes that make up Bavaria’s diverse culinary scene. This three-hour walking tour also includes some of the sights of the old town and a sample of a red beer. You will visit seven different food outlets across the city center.

The post 15 Best Nuremberg Tours appeared first on The Crazy Tourist.

It’s dramatic and whimsical design has been a motivating factor for composers, artists and even movie producers since it was built.

Along with nearby Linderhof Palace, the two sites are among the most popular and frequently visited in the region.

Both attractions are near the town of Füssen in southwest Bavaria, and were the haunts of the eccentric King Ludwig II, who spent much of his time there as a child.

1. Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Salzburg

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Attracted to its surreal and fairytale-like architecture, travelers from around the world flock to Neuschwanstein Castle.

This tour includes transportation to and from your hotel in Salzburg, travel via mini-van to the castle, and even castle entrance tickets that will allow you and your spoiled travel mates to skip ahead of the crowds if it happens to be a busy day.

Your English-speaking guide will lead you through the castle grounds and impress you with his or her knowledge of the amazing local history.

The tour lasts about 10 hours, and doesn’t include food or drink, so plan accordingly.

2. Day-Trip from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle & Linderhof Palace

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If you’re in the mood for a magnificent day-trip to the castles at Neuschwanstein and Linderhof, then this tour is a great fit.

At 10 or 11 hours it’ll be a long day, but the sights and history in which you’ll be immersed will make the time positively fly by.

Depending on the time, you may also take a side excursion to the quaint and picturesque town of Oberammergau, which in many ways will be like a trip back in time.

At the castles, audio guides are available in multiple languages to enhance your experience, and you’ll have approximately 4 hours inside.

3. Full-Day Private Tour of Neuschwanstein

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This nearly all-inclusive tour of Neuschwanstein Castle doesn’t include lunch or tips, but you’ll get an intimate guided experience that’ll give you an amazing insight into the castle, its history, and the heritage of the surrounding country.

The castle entry ticket is included, and it’ll enable tour guests to skip any lines, which means you’ll have more valuable time inside the castle.

You’ll also visit the scenic Bavarian town of Oberammergau, and also a local abbey that dates back many centuries.

Round-trip transportation from your local hotel is included, so make sure to let the tour operators know where you’ll be staying in advance.

4. Neuschwanstein Castle Bus and Bike Tour from Munich

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This unique tour of majestic Neuschwanstein Castle and the surrounding country side will get you up close and personal to the castle, and it’ll also give you the freedom and flexibility to include activities like biking and even swimming.

The tour lasts about 10 hours, and since each tour is tailored to the interests of the guests, you’ll spend all your time doing what you want which will increase the tour’s value immeasurably.

The cycling portion of the tour will lead you through a few of Bavaria’s most alluring towns and villages like Hohenschwangau near the Austrian border.

Bring some cash because food and drinks aren’t included.

5. Full-Day Guided Castle Tour from Füssen

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King Ludwig II was a guy who liked his castles large, impressive and fanciful, and since he was the king he usually got what he wanted.

According to legend, Linderhof Palace and Neuschwanstein Castle were among his favorites, and they’re both rich with lore and interesting historic tales about the quirky kings and royalty who lived there over the ages.

Castle entrance fees and door-to-door transportation are included, and your expert guide will lead you on a fascinating tour of the castle and palace ground’s Hall of Mirrors and Venus Grotto, all while keep you enthralled with interesting facts and anecdotes.

6. Value Tour from Frankfurt

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For those visitors staying in Frankfurt, this tour of Neuschwanstein Castle and the surrounding country will give you and your travel companions a wonderfully complete and scenic overview of Bavaria’s interesting history.

The castle was one of the most majestic built by Bavaria’s King Ludwig II, and was in-part the inspiration behind the Disney classic Sleeping Beauty.

Round-trip transportation and castle entrance fees are included, and your skip-the-line-ticket will give you VIP status and the entrance.

It’s also possible to combine this tour with another if you’d like to see other area castles and attractions on the same outing.

7. Private Full-Day Castle Tour from Munich

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The drive from Munich through the Bavarian mountains to Füssen will be one you won’t likely forget.

At the castle you’ll skip ahead of the hordes of poor souls who didn’t purchase VIP tickets, and once inside your guide will take you on an enlightening walking tour of the otherworldly castle that was built by King Ludwig II, a man who rarely spared an expense.

Picturesque Lake Alpsee in Hohenschwangau is also on the itinerary, as is nearby Linderhof Palace, which was built to mimic the famed French palace at Versailles.

Door-to-door transportation and castle entrance fees are included in the tour.

8. Intimate Group Castle Tour from Innsbruck

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If you happen to visit Neuschwanstein Castle on a particularly busy day the lines can be excruciating, but because this 9-hour tour from Innsbruck includes a skip-the-line ticket it won’t matter

Leave the planning up to your experienced guide as he leads you through Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles, and regales you with tales of old about their history and the lives of the eccentric royals who spent much of their time there.

The drives to and from Innsbruck will be among the most scenic you’ll see, and your guide will point out historically significant areas along the way.

Everything is included except food, drinks and gratuities.

9. Overnight Royal Castles Excursion

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If you’re staying in Munich and would love to see some of Bavaria’s most visited castles, but would rather not cram it into a single-day tour, then this overnight tour would be a great fit.

First you’ll visit Linderhof Palace and make a quick side-jaunt to the quaint town of Oberammergau before heading to Neuschwanstein Castle, which was a favorite retreat of Bavaria’s Ludwig II.

All transportation, accommodation and site entrance fees are included, as is breakfast on the morning of the tour’s second day.

This tour’s slightly slower pace is a great fit for those who don’t want to feel rushed and hassled.

10. Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace Winter Palace Tour by Coach

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Due to their proximity to Munich, a fair number of castle tours originate there, and in 9 or 10 hours you’ll be able to tour both sites and experience a bit of local culture as well.

Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace are the most iconic in the scenic region of Bavaria that’s nestled amongst the impressive Alps along the German and Austrian border.

Lunch and castle entrance fees aren’t included, but transportation to and from Munich via luxury coach is.

Side tours of a few local towns will be included depending on time, and you’ll have time to relax, eat lunch or have a cup of coffee before heading back to town.

11. Royal Castles Tour from Frankfurt

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Though at 14 hours this tour is a bit on the long side, it’s a great way to pack in as much natural and historic splendor as is possible, making it an efficient use of valuable vacation time.

Linderhof Palace and Neuschwanstein Castle are near the town of Füssen, and are among the most popular and visited historic sites in all of Germany.

Due to their scenic Bavarian location, rich history, and majestic architecture, they’re icons of German culture that should really be seen if you’re anywhere in the area.

All transportation and entrance fees are included, and after a wonderful day of learning and exploring you’ll be taken back to your Frankfort hotel via luxury coach.

12. Private Group Tour from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace

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The majestic Bavarian Alps are one of Europe’s natural wonders, and considering that they’re home to some of the most scenic and historic castles anywhere on the continent, it makes visiting a must, even if your itinerary is already pretty full.

Neuschwanstein and Linderhoff are among the best examples of 19th-century architecture that were built in the Roman-Revival style.

The private tour includes VIP skip-the-line tickets, so you and your pampered partners won’t waste valuable time standing in line.

Tour size is limited, giving guests a more intimate feel with their guide and surroundings, and door-to-door transportation is included, so book well in advance if possible.

13. Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Tour from Munich

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If you’re traveling with little ones familiar with Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, then they’ll be in seventh heaven when they see the majesty of Neuschwanstein Castle and nearby Linderhof Palace.

Both sites are included in this tour, as are skip-the-line-tickets that can possibly save you hours of valuable time if you happen to go on a particularly busy day.

There’ll be plenty of great photo-ops in and around the sites, and will include beautiful lakes and a scenic gorge too.

You’ll wonder at the wealth required to build such immense and fanciful castles and palaces, and you’ll get plenty of insight into the area’s rich history too.

14. Neuschwanstein Castle Full-Day Tour from Munich

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From Munich, this full-day excursion to Neuschwanstein Castle will convey you via bus or train through some of the most majestic scenery in the Bavarian Alps.

Once inside the castle you’ll marvel at the quirkiness and posh lifestyle of Bavaria’s Ludwig II, who was considered a bit mad, and who spent much of his time at this unique and majestic castle in the mountains.

All transportation and castle entry fees are included, though food and drinks are not.

If time permits in the afternoon, the tour may include a side excursion to a quaint nearby town in which you may be able to grab a quick bite or a cup of coffee.

15. 3-Day Tour of Bavaria from Frankfurt

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Often referred to as the Jewel of the Middle-Ages, Germany’s Bavaria is chockfull of natural beauty and fascinating history, and with visits to romantic villages nestled into the picturesque Alps, this 3-day tour may be as close to a time machine as you’ll ever get.

Iconic towns like Dinkelsbuehl are on the itinerary, as is the famed Black Forest, a mysterious and enchanting place that is home to many of the nation’s most historic and legendary tales.

Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace are the tour’s highlights, and accommodations and transfer to and from your hotel are included in the package.

The post 15 Best Neuschwanstein Castle Tours appeared first on The Crazy Tourist.

The camp is located just a few kilometers from Munich in the German state of Bavaria, and due to its proximity, most tours of Dachau begin in Munich, so if you’d like to see the camp and spend more than a few days in the area, that’s probably where you’ll stay.

Dachau was liberated by the Allied Forces in April 1945, and according to documents there were more than 30,000 deaths that had taken place in the camp over the years.

Below is a list of 12 of the best tours of Dachau.

1. Munich and Nazi History Combo Day-Tour

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This Munich – Dachau combo tour kicks off at the famous Marienplatz central square in downtown Munich.

From there, tour guests, along with their guide, will utilize the public transportation system to get to Dachau, where they’ll get a thorough historic narration as they visit every corner of the camp that was the macabre home to hundreds of thousands of Jews during its 12 year existence.

You’ll have time to strike out on your own too and take extra time at specific areas or exhibits that you find particularly poignant or interesting.

Upon return to Marienplatz at 3:00 PM you and your companions will set off on a walking tour through Munich, where you’ll visit historically significant areas.

2. Dachau Full-Day Tour in English

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Though Dachau is just one of many similar camps that were spread over Europe during World War II, it’s one of the most well-known, and was the first of its kind when it opened in early 1933.

This tour includes the services of a local, official guide who’ll be able to answer your questions and add a lot of value to this already amazing site.

You’ll learn why the camp was opened, what the official plans were for those who were forced to live and work here, and what life was like for the soldiers and guards that were stationed here as well.

You’ll get access to the amazing first-hand stories of people who lived and died here, and some from those who were lucky enough to make it out with their lives as well.

3. Private Tour of Dachau Concentration Camp

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Curt’s tours are considered some of the most enlightening and heart-wrenching of all the tours that are available at Dachau.

Though the site itself is a real eye-opener, for those interested in knowing everything there is to know, the service of a professional guide is invaluable.

The tour includes all the areas inside the camp, including admittance and orientation, living, eating, and working areas, and of course the facilities built specifically to extinguish the most amount of lives in as an efficient and inexpensive manner as possible.

Your tour guide Curt is an American, who is licensed as a guide and has been giving tours of the site to visitors for more than 10 years.

4. Dachau Memorial Site and Shooting Range Tour

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This Munich-based tour of the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial site also includes a visit to the nearby SS shooting range.

The tour, which lasts approximately 6 ½ hours, includes entry into the museum and a short documentary film that’s a great introduction for first-time visitors.

Visitors will hear the horrific stories of the sadistic experiments that were carried out here, and after seeing all the area’s highlights, guests will have a little free time to process all the things they’ve just seen.

It’s really a once in a life time opportunity, and this tour gives guests plenty of time to take it all in.

Everything is included except food, drink, and gratuities.

5. Dachau Concentration Camp Tour by Train

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This 5-hour tour of the Holocaust Memorial Site at Dachau begins in Munich and includes transportation to and from the city to the memorial site.

The tour includes stops at all the important areas of the camp like the prisoner and guard barracks, as well as the medical facilities and the extermination chambers.

Though not all of the site’s structures are original, they’ve been restored to return them to near-original shape, so that guests can get a true feeling of how it must have felt to be an unwilling occupant here.

Many visitors are surprised to learn that in addition to Jews, Poles, homosexuals, and clergy members were also sent here.

6. Dachau Small Group Tour from Munich via Train

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For those who’ve got the time to dedicate a full-day to visiting this unique historical site, this tour from Munich would be a great choice.

Your guide will not only explain the sights you’re seeing at the memorial, but you’ll also learn about the conditions that existed in Germany that led to the rise of Adolf Hitler and The Third Reich.

It’s a fascinating tale and is really world history, as opposed to just German history.

The global war that ensued as a direct result killed millions and changed the world as we know it.

You’ll have time for a bit of self-guided exploration as well.

7. Walking Tour of Dachau from Munich via Train

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Taking the train from Munich is a great way to see the outskirts of the city before entering the concentration camp.

For much of the Nazi’s rise to power, Munich was a city that was central to the aims of The Third Reich, and as such is one of the most historically-relevant cities of the Second World War.

Visitors will get up close and personal with the camp’s barracks, transportation system, cells, and where the inmates were taken for extermination.

The gas chambers are probably the most lurid of all the camp’s areas, and it’s almost unfathomable to put yourself in the shoes of an inmate marching to their certain death.

This tour requires a fair amount of walking and lasts about 5 hours.

Transportation via train to and from the site are included in the tour’s cost.

8. Dachau Concentration Camp Private Tour from Munich

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For many visitors to Dachau, a half-day tour is the right amount of time to see all the camp has to offer without overdoing it.

Not surprisingly, Dachau can be an emotionally overwhelming place, so before booking a tour carefully consider how much time you’d like to spend onsite.

Guests will walk through the camp’s eerie gate which claims that, ‘work will set you free.’

Obviously, freedom wasn’t an option for the majority of the inmates sent here, though some lucky souls did make it out alive.

This tour hits all the camps most important areas and give guests a well-rounded overview of the camp’s history in a relatively short amount of time.

9. Frankfurt to Munich City, Dachau Concentration Camp Day Trip

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This full-day tour begins in Frankfurt and includes stops at Munich and Dachau as well.

All portions of the tour are guided, and the tour’s first stop is the Dachau Memorial, and includes the barracks, work areas, and gas chambers to name a few highlights.

Following the tour of Dachau, you’ll proceed to historic Munich for another guided tour.

Sights to be seen in Munich include the Old Town Hall, Marienplatz, the Cathedral of our Blessed Lady, and a few of the beer halls made famous as meeting places for Nazi organizers and sympathizers leading up to them taking control of the German government.

Though this tour makes for a long day, it’s perhaps the most well-rounded and value packed of all Dachau tours.

10. Private Round Trip to Dachau Camp from Munich Hotels

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If you’d prefer to have someone else worry about the tedious details when traveling, this hassle-free tour of Dachau is a great choice.

Transportation to and from your Munich hotel is included, and once at the camp site you’ll have ample time to give yourself a self-guided tour.

The grounds and museum are laid out well to facilitate guests in seeing all the site has to offer in an efficient way.

Once you’ve had your fill of this unique spot, you’ll meet your driver who’ll zip you and your travel companions back to your Munich hotel.

It’s just a short drive, but it will give you a little time to reflect on the magnitude of what you’ve just seen.

11. Munich World War II Sites: Dachau and Third Reich Walking Tour

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This walking tour of Dachau and other sites related to The Third Reich will give guests plenty of access to camp grounds while stretching their legs and getting plenty of fresh air as well.

Guests will enjoy a guided tour of the camp that’ll hit all its most important areas and includes plenty of history leading up to the war as well.

The second portion of the tour includes a walk to some of Munich’s most historic sites, and you’ll learn about their significance and the parts they played in the historical saga that played out in Germany in the ‘30s and ‘40s.

This tour includes transportation from Munich to the site and back but doesn’t include hotel pickup and drop-off.

12. Munich to Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial, Private Tour

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For World War II history buffs, there may be no better place to visit than the concentration camp grounds at Dachau.

It’s been turned into a permanent memorial to remember those who walked through its gates, in the hope that education will prevent such a catastrophe from ever happening again.

On this private guided-tour, guests will get a poignant overview of the camp’s layout, and how it was used in the wholesale extermination of Jews, and anybody else who attempted to stand up to the Nazi State.

Multiple start times are available, and hotel pickup and drop-off is included if they’re requested at the time of booking.

The post 12 Best Dachau Tours appeared first on The Crazy Tourist.

Cosmopolitan cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg complement the beautiful countryside of the Black Forest and the forests and mountains of Bavaria. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to Germany without sampling one of the most famous exports – beer.

A trip to Germany is something you won’t regret; this country will enchant and delight you. To help you decide where you want to go to make the most of your Germany trip, we’ve selected 15 of the best tours you can do in this Western European powerhouse.

So, have a read with your favorite flight and hotel websites at the ready in another window and start planning your trip.

1. Berlin: 2-Hour Sightseeing Tour in classic VW Bus

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Along with the Beetle, the VW Camper has to be one of the most recognizable symbols in Germany, so what better way is there to take a sightseeing tour around the capital city of Berlin?

Your friendly bilingual guide will tell you about the sites as you pass them, including the Berlin Cathedral, the Reichstag, and the Brandenburg Gate. You’ll be seeing a huge number of sites, so in case you miss any, there’s a photo booklet on the tour to help you catch up.

Don’t miss this traditional and fun way of seeing the German capital.

2. Day Trip to Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Castles from Munich

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Enjoy luxury bus travel to two of Germany’s most breath-taking castles – Neuschwanstein and Linderhof – on this 10 ½ hour tour from the second city, Munich.

Spend four hours at Neuschwanstein castle in the foothills of the Alps, said to have been built in honor of Richard Wagner and also to have inspired Walt Disney’s famous pink Disneyland castle.

In the afternoon, you’ll stop at Hohenschwangau castle, the home of Ludwig II of Bavaria, who commissioned the castles. Before heading back to Munich, you’ll have some free time and the opportunity for some shopping in the town of Oberammergau.

3. Munich: An Evening of Bavarian Beer and Food Culture

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Every year, Germany holds a festival for a whole month (Oktoberfest) to celebrate its most popular export – beer. Therefore, it would be a crime to leave Munich without sampling the amber nectar. Luckily, this tour allows you to do just that, with some tasty food thrown in too.

Your friendly, English-speaking guide will give you an exclusive tour of the Munich Oktoberfest museum before moving on to a traditional beer hall, where a reserved table will await you.

Here, you’ll sample more beer, as well as dumpling, white sausage, and other typical Bavarian foods. End the night feeling full and with a warm glow.

4. 2-Hour Segway Tour of Düsseldorf, or VIP Segway Tour

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Sometimes there’s just too much in a city to cover by walking, so why not try a quicker way of getting about: the allegedly impossible to fall off Segway?

This two-hour tour of the fascinating city of Düsseldorf will see you board one of these magnificent machines and being led through the Old Town. You will pass churches and theatres, and cruise along the Rhine River, with your friendly tour guide keeping you informed about all the important sites you’ll take in.

You’ll be given a safety talk before the tour, and there’s the option of renting a helmet at no extra cost in the unlikely event that you don’t manage to stay on the Segway.

5. Heidelberg 6-Hour Tour from Frankfurt

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Standing on the banks of the river Neckar, Heidelberg is considered as one of the most beautiful cities; you won’t want to miss this opportunity to visit on a six-hour tour from Frankfurt.

Not only does your tour include free time to explore this enchanting city, but entrance fees to the architectural marvel of Heidelberg castle, which has Gothic and Renaissance influences, to name a few. You’ll also be able to enter the world’s second largest wine barrel.

No need to worry about lunch; you’ll be provided with a packed lunch which you can enjoy at any point of your trip.

6. Bremen: Murder Mystery with Dinner

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Your evening will begin in an unusual manner, with a visit to a crime scene. Don’t worry though, it’s all staged by professional actors and part of a thrilling murder mystery evening in the historic city of Bremen.

After a visit to the ramparts and the market square, you’ll head to Canova restaurant, where the fun really begins. You’ll have four courses of typical German fare to work out who you think the murderer is. If you haven’t managed to, it’ll be revealed by dessert.

The city has a dark history, and true crime buffs will be happy to know there’s also a night-time crime walking tour of Bremen.

7. Cologne: 3-Hour Guided Bike Tour

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This three-hour trip will see you enjoy a guided cycling tour of the city of Cologne, passing through the old town and riding alongside Germany’s second longest river, the Rhine.

Learn about the city’s colorful history – dating back from Roman times all the way to the modern day – from your friendly local guide. See Cologne’s famous cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop and a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as enjoying some of the city’s favorite green spaces.

You’ll be provided with safety gear for the ride, and even a rain poncho so you don’t get wet.

8. Stuttgart: Culinary Excursion through Bad Cannstatt

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This two-and-a-half-hour culinary tour will introduce you to the oldest part of Stuttgart: Bad Cannstatt.

You’ll be led through the district by a friendly guide, who will explain the sights in English or German, before stopping to try some traditional regional cuisine. As part of the tour, you’ll taste the braided bread known as Hefezopf and a traditional German pasta soup called Maultaschen.

This tour is a perfect opportunity to learn about the history and cuisine of a charming and enchanting German city.

9. Potsdam: City and Castles Tour

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Potsdam is less than an hour from the center of Berlin. This city and castles tour is a great day trip if you’re looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of the capital.

The tour includes both a walking tour and a bus tour of this beautiful city. You’ll see the Dutch Quarter, the “Forbidden City,” and the Cecilienhof castle. There’s even a part of Potsdam called Little Siberia, a small enclave of Russian houses.

You’ll have the afternoon to spend however you wish, and to really make the most of your time in this lovely little town.

10. 1.5-Hour Dresden City Center and Loschwitz Bridge Boat Tour

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Enjoy the Baroque capital of the Lower Saxony region, full of art museums and classic architecture, as well as a tour of the Loschwitz bridge from the water.

On this 1 ½ hour tour, you’ll sail along the River Elbe, where you’ll be able to appreciate the magnificence of the Elbe Palaces, and duck under the Elbe bridges, while an audio commentary regales you with tales of their history.

You’ll enjoy food and drinks on board this relaxing river cruise.

11. Dachau Memorial Site Half-Day Tour from Munich

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The Second World War was one of the darkest periods in Germany’s history. Although concentration camps are a long way from a fun day out, they are important educational sites that serve as a memorial to those who died in the atrocities of the war.

This tour comes with transportation from Munich and a professional and knowledgeable guide, who will inform you about the concentration camp in a sensitive way.

It’s an opportunity to reflect and pay your respects whilst learning about events that hopefully will never be repeated.

12. Berlin Street Art and Graffiti Tour and Workshop

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Don’t miss this exciting tour of Berlin’s famous street art, led by a local artist. This 4 ½ hour tour will take you past some of the city’s most important and meaningful street art, including the East Side gallery, where many famous artworks are located.

However, the tour will also take you into the backstreets to show you much less well-known but equally stunning works. Your guide will tell you all about the city’s street art history, which dates back to 1970.

After your tour, you’ll head to an abandoned factory where a local workshop is hidden. Here, you’ll make your own artwork for a truly unique and memorable souvenir.

13. FC Bayern München Football and Allianz Arena Tour

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This four-hour tour takes you to one of international football’s most innovative and modern stadiums, the Allianz Arena. The Allianz is better known as the home of Germany’s most successful football club, FC Bayern München.

Your day includes transfers from Munich’s Hauptbahnhof, before embarking on your four-hour guided tour through the stadium. You will be aided by a knowledgeable, football-mad guide, who will tell you all about the players and championships that have a place in the club’s folklore.

After your tour ends, pick up some souvenirs from the Bayern gift shop before you’re taken back to the Hauptbahnhof.

14. Nuremberg: 2-Hour Tour through the Historical Old Town

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Embrace this opportunity to visit one of the largest German towns during the Middle Ages – Nuremberg. Pick up and drop off at your accommodation is available on request, so take full advantage before this fascinating two-hour walking tour.

Your friendly and knowledgeable guide will be able to inform you about the city’s historic past in either English or German – from the Holy Roman Empire to the invention of the world’s first pencils and Germany’s first railway line.

This is a great way to experience Bavaria’s second largest city. Your guide might even be able to give you some local tips on the best places to eat and drink once your tour is over.

15. Sex and Crime in St. Pauli – tour for ages 18+

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Not a tour to do if you’re traveling with the family, this X-rated tour will help you to learn all about Hamburg’s red-light district and its dark and seedy history. You’ll visit the world famous Zur Ritze bar, and the boxing club in the basement where the likes of Mike Tyson and the Klitschko’s practiced their trade.

There’s also a trip to a role-reversal strip club, where only men are permitted to dance. Learn about a Jack the Ripper likeness, the district of St. Pauli’s organized crime past, and end the show with a tour.

Of course, there’s a chance to try a local beer too.

The post 15 Best Germany Tours appeared first on The Crazy Tourist.

A great way to navigate this vibrant and multicultural metropolis is by taking a guided tour. Whether your interests lie in history, culture, or nightlife, there is a great variety of options available across Berlin.

These are the fifteen best tours you can take in Berlin.

1. Berlin Red Metropolis Walking Tour

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This is a great tour for those interested in the history of Berlin during the Cold War. You will be taken to important monuments and sights in the area of former East Berlin.

The knowledgeable tour guide will take you through the history of the area from the final battle of the Second World War right through to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

You will be able to see the communist style architecture that remains in the city and learn about the lasting impact the divide has had on life in Berlin. The tour finishes at the largest anti-fascist monument in the world.

2. Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag Dome Foreign Language Tour

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This is a short tour that takes you to two of the most enduring symbols of Berlin – the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag.

You will get the chance to head straight to the Reichstag Dome where you can enjoy sweeping views over the city of Berlin. A licensed tour guide is provided for you to learn about the history of the Reichstag and get to the heart of German politics.

This tour is provided in a variety of languages, however will only run if at least six people attend the tour. If you are visiting as a smaller group, your best chances are English, French, or Spanish tours.

3. Sachsenhausen Memorial Walking Tour

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As the site of one of the worst atrocities in human history, the Sachsenhausen Memorial is a humbling experience located in a former concentration camp.

This tour gives you the chance to learn about the holocaust and gain an insight into the daily lives of the people who suffered most under the Nazi regime.

At six-hours long, you will be given plenty of information and opportunities to understand the events that led up to the holocaust and how it ended.

This tour is fully guided, and includes a short train ride through the forests of Northern Berlin.

4. Berlin Free Walking Tour with Booking Fee

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Free walking tours are a great way to get your bearings in a new city. This 2.5-hour tour will take you to all of the most popular sights in the city including the Brandenburg Gate, TV Tower, and River Spree.

Despite being quite a short tour, your knowledgeable guide will give you plenty of information about the basics of German history and the vast culture of Berlin.

Though this is a free walking tour, guests are encouraged to tip their guide at the end of the tour based on what price they think is suitable.

A small booking fee is required to book online, however this does guarantee you a place on the tour which has limited guest numbers.

5. 1-Hour City Tour by Boat with Guaranteed Seating

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For a more relaxed tour, you can opt to take a boat down the River Spree from Friedrichstraße to Nikolaiviertel.

You will get to see some of Berlin’s most famous attractions, including the Reichstag and Berlin Cathedral. At only an hour long, this is a great option to learn more about the city whilst also taking a short break from the city’s hustle and bustle.

A live guide is provided in German, and speakers of other languages (including English) will be provided with an audio guide.

6. Berlin Tempelhof Airport: The Legend of Templehof

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Tempelhof is an abandoned airport located in Central Berlin with important historical significance. Built during the Nazi era, the outside of the building is an interesting example of WWII architecture.

It was also an important airport during the Berlin Airlifts and throughout the Cold War. This tour will take you inside the airport where you can view the abandoned passenger areas, as well as the former quarters of the American military.

After your tour you are free to enjoy the large public park which has been designed around the former runway.

7. 2-Hour Sightseeing Tour in Classic VW Bus

Source: getyourguide.com

See Berlin in style with this tour in a classic bus designed by legendary German motor company, Volkswagen.

In two hours, your chauffeur will guide you around over 40 of Berlin’s landmarks and attractions, with an accompanying photo book providing you with further information. Due to the size of the bus, tour groups are limited to seven, allowing for a more intimate and personal experience.

The bus will also take you to some of the lesser known sights across the city, giving you a wide variety of spots to add to your itinerary in the city.

8. Anti-Pub Crawl: Alternative Berlin Tour

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Berlin is world renowned for its alternative nightlife scene, and this tour is a great opportunity to experience some of the lesser known spots.

You will be taken to underground bars and clubs across the city, and group sizes are limited for a more personal experience. Free entry is provided into all of the bars and clubs visited on the tour, as well as at least one free shot at each location.

The local tour guide will also talk to you about the many subcultures that call Berlin home, and ensure you get between each location safely.

9. Hop-on and Hop-off Bus Ticket with Boat Option

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If you are only in Berlin for a short time, hop-on and hop-off buses are a great way to get between all of the major attractions in a short period.

This ticket also includes the option for a boat cruise down the River Spree. Audio guides are provided on both the bus and the boat, providing important historical and cultural information in a variety of major languages.

There are two ticket options, allowing you to use the service as many times as you like in either a 24 or 48-hour period. Your time begins from your first hop-on. There are 18 stops along the route.

10. Hitler Documentation in the Story Bunker

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The story bunker is a unique and comprehensive museum to the Second World War that focuses on the rise and fall of Adolf Hitler.

This museum gives you a sombre look into the causes and impact of Nazism in Germany, and allows you to learn more about the fascist regime.

A scale replica of the Führerbunker – where Hitler hid and ultimately killed himself during the end of the war – is also available to visit whilst on site. An audio guide is available in both German and English.

11. Third Reich Half-Day Walking Tour

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This is another great tour for learning about Berlin’s dark past as the capital of the Third Reich. You will be taken to the few remaining examples of the Nazi era – from architectural sights to former government headquarters.

The local guide is very knowledgeable about German wartime history, and you will get to learn about the authoritarian government agencies and how fascism came to be the dominant force in German politics during the 1930s.

The tour finishes above the bunker where Hitler hid and committed suicide during the final days of the war.

12. Berlin Olympic Stadium Self-Guided Tour with Free Audio Guide

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The Berlin Olympic Stadium is an important historical landmark in Berlin as the centre of one of the most controversial Olympic Games in history.

Since its construction for the 1936 Olympics, the stadium has hosted the World Cup, UEFA Championship Final, and Women’s World Cup, marking its lasting importance to German sports.

A multilingual audio guide is provided, helping you better understand the history and modern significance of the stadium. There is also a short documentary film at the beginning of the tour.

13. Berlin Street Art and Graffiti Tour and Workshop

Source: getyourguide.com

As a hub for alternative culture, Berlin is home to some of the world’s most famous street artists.

This tour takes you through some of the most well-known examples of graffiti in the city and gives you the opportunity to try it out for yourself.

Your insider guide will tell you about the unwritten code of ethics that all Berlin street artists follow and explain how the city became such a popular destination for graffitists.

You will also be able to take your own piece of art home with you from the workshop.

14. Alternative Berlin Experience

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This tour not only includes the chance to see graffiti, but also talks about other aspects of alternative culture across Berlin.

It focuses on the areas of Neukölln, Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain, where you can experience the multicultural atmosphere of the city. There are plenty of excellent photo opportunities, and the expert guide will talk you through the alternative history of Berlin.

The tour finishes at a Jamaican community area close to the East Side Gallery. You will need to purchase a public transport ticket before participating in the tour, however your guide can help you with this.

15. 3-Hour Beer Tasting Tour

Source: getyourguide.com

Germany is well-known for high quality beer, and there’s nowhere better to experience it than the capital.

This three-hour tour allows you to sample four different beers from across the city. You will be taken to some of the best breweries and beer houses that are off the main tourist routes.

Your local guide will talk to you about the history of brewing in Germany, and the tour finishes with a visit to a typical biergarten. A traditional snack is also included.

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