The Cold War in Berlin

AM - Discover Berlin walking tour & Checkpoint Charlie

In the morning you will meet up with an arranged tour guide as they take you on a 2 hour walking tour of the East Side of Berlin as you learn about its Soviet past amongst tales of resilience and perseverance in a city once divided. At the conclusion of the tour, arrive at the famous Checkpoint Charlie, an emblematic boarder crossing between East and West. Surrounded by an outdoor exhibition echoing stories of the checkpoint's past, engage in discussions, contemplating the stark contrasts between the two sides of the city during the Cold War.

PM - DDR Museum

In the afternoon make your way across to the DDR Museum. Nestled along the banks of the Spree River, this living museum offers a vivid portrayal of daily life in the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Stepping into its interactive exhibits, be transported back in time, gaining first-hand insight into the everyday realities, culture, and societal norms that shaped the lives of East Germans. The DDR Museum serves as a poignant testament to the resilience, creativity, and the poignant struggles faced by individuals in a divided city, adding yet another layer to our comprehension of Cold War history in Berlin.

To finish off the day have some free time to walk around Potsdamer Platz, a once military transport hub now commercial centre, before heading to the nearby Hard Rock Café for dinner.

AM - Hohenschonhausen Stasi Prison

Situated in the north-eastern part of the city, this former secret prison embodies the chilling realities of the GDR's oppressive regime. Led by guides your visit unveils the grim corridors and austere interrogation rooms, bearing witness to the harrowing tales of political dissent and human resilience within these walls. Engage with first-hand accounts and poignant narratives, and delve into the psychological and physical hardships endured by those imprisoned here during the Cold War as the stories serve as poignant reminder of the systematic repression and surveillance tactics used by the Stasi, East Germanys Secret Police.

PM - River Cruise and Topography of Terror

Start your afternoon at a more relaxing pace with a cruise along the Spree River. Take in the city's architecture as you glide past iconic landmarks, absorbing its history.

Following on from your cruise, arrive at the Topography of Terror, a museum and former headquarters of the Gestapo and SS. Set against the backdrop of the Berlin Wall remnants, this outdoor and indoor exhibition presents a comprehensive narrative of Nazi terror, the atrocities of World War II, and the continuities into the Cold War era. Through compelling exhibits and meticulously curated documents, photographs, and personal accounts, the museum elucidates the mechanisms of repression and control employed by the Nazi regime and their lingering impact on post-war Berlin

AM - Return to the UK

Arrive in plenty of time at Berlin Airport for your return trip back to the UK