Berlin, the German capital, is our first stop. Plenty of beer, but even richer in history, and we explore both! Dresden isn't far away and we get some exercise hiking to the Bastei inside the national park and some 200 meters above the Elbe RIver. On to Franconia with 3 nights in Bamberg sleeping inside a working brewery. Bamberg boats a tremendous selection of beer styles and we plan a visit to the Anna Fest in nearby Forchheim. This outdoor fest takes place in the cool shade of the chestnut trees on a small hill which boast an incredible amount of beer cellars carved into the hillside. Our last stop is in the Bavarian capital, Munich, the loveliest of cities. Again, history combines with beer for an unforgetable experience.

Land at Berlin’s new airport and take the S-Bahn into the city. Our hotel, Alexander Plaza, is in the heart of the old East Berlin, Alexanderplatz. The next morning a local guide shows us the German Bundestag, the site of Hitler’s bunker, the Jewish memorial and we end up at the Brandenburg gate. n the afternoon, opt for a tour of the Olympic Stadium, the Allied Museum, or catch the train down to Potsdam, site of Ceclienhof and Schloss Sansoucci.

Our last day is a free day to do your own thing:

·        Boat Tour on the Spree River

·        OympiaStadion Tour

·        Visit the Berliner Cathedral

·        Visit a Museum on Museum Island[i]

·        Drive a Trabant

·        German History Museum

·        The Story of Berlin

·        Alexander Platz TV Tower

·        Berlin from Below

·        History & making of chocolate

·        German Technical Museum

Catching the train from Berlin’s modern Hauptbahnhof, we arrive in Dresden in 2 hours. Our hotel, Hotel Bilderberg Bellevue , is directly on the Elbe and we will meet you guide to learn about the fascinating history of the capital of Saxony. The city center was obliterated from the fire-bombing of Dresden 2 ½ months before the end of WWII, but now much of its magnificent architecture has been restored to its former glory.

On our second day, we explore the Bastei Bridge inside the Saxon Nation Park. The sandstone formations in the adjoining national park are unforgettable and you’ll have a chance to hike up to the Bastei for amazing views of the Elbe River and the National Park. It’s a 45-minute walk up with lots of stairs to conquer, but the view is worth it and there is a beer at the top!

1. Back on the train, we head on to Franconia, to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg. After getting into our rooms at Fässla, we’ll have a quick one at the magic window before traipsing over to Schlenkerla for the Bamberg Onion and lots of Rauchbier.

2. We’ll take a tour of the old town and visit the cathedral, consecrated in 1012, plus the old and new residences and the rose garden with the panoramic view of Bamberg. In the evening, we will either head to Anna Fest, or climb the hill to Bamberg’s bier cellars, the Spezi Keller and the Wilde Rose.

3. Start of the morning slowly, or sign up for a tour of the Weyermann Malt factory. Here’s your chance to see the market leader in specialty malt production. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Anna Fest and enjoy some of the  20 beer cellars and 15 different Franconian breweries. Live music abounds and you’re sure to enjoy this unusual festival!

1. We catch the ICE on to Munich and get checked in at Hotel Augustin before venturing into the old town: Founded in 1158, Munich has a rich history from the “First Reich, Second Reich” and was, of course, the birthplace of the infamous “Third Reich.” Our walk through Munich’s old town covers all these periods – medieval architecture, historical anecdotes and insights into the culture. The history and distinct culture of Munich will come alive! Dinner at Augustiner Keller

2. Kloster Andechs. Known to the locals as “the Holy Mountain” it’s a great place to soak up the Bavarian atmosphere and its famous Doppelbock beer. Paired with a Schweinehaxe, you’re sure to be filled up. If the weather is good, we’ll either take the boat from Tutzing to Starnberg, or we’ll just head back in to Munich.

3. Müncheners look forward to their traditional second breakfast of Weisswurst on Sunday morning. Already by 9:30, we will sit down inside the Schneider Brauhaus for this Bavarian specialty. The locals are here to enjoy their Weisswurst with some live traditional music and Alex is scheduled to play for the crowd today! Music ends at 13:00 and we’ll explore some of the history of Munich in the afternoon before heading to Hirschgarten for dinner.