Historical Tour in Germany

Oktoberfest might be the first thing that comes to mind when you fly into Munich, but this city has so much more to offer. Upon arrival, you will be whisked from the airport to the city center, where your group’s fun-filled week will begin in earnest. Warm smiles and a traditional Bavarian lunch highlighting the region’s unique cuisine await you.

After lunch, your group will have the opportunity to explore the city. A tour guide will take you to the heart of Munich, Marienplatz, where you will learn about the history of the Bavarian capital. Bavaria is quite different than the rest of Germany, as you’ll find out on the rest of your adventure. 

While in Marienplatz, you’ll see the most famous glockenspiel in the world, the Rathaus-Glockenspiel. Three times a day, model figures will come out of the glockenspiel to reenact a story from the 16th century, and it’s an incredible spectacle to behold. Once the rooster chirps, you’ll have some time to mill about the plaza or check out the Hofbrauhaus before heading back to your hotel.

In the morning, your group will head to Nymphenburg Palace on the outskirts of Munich. The palace was the summer retreat for the House of Wittelsbach, the dynasty that ruled Bavaria from the 12th century until the end of the World War I. It is a massive complex that will leave your mouth agape with all it has to offer, and your group will get to enjoy its beautiful park for lunch. 

There are thousands of refugees in Germany, and you’ll spend the afternoon working with them in conjunction with LOK Arrival. This organization focuses on refugees between the ages of 3 and 27, and LOK provides them with recreational activities. Kick around a soccer ball with a 12-year-old from Syria or cook with a young adult that is a relatively new arrival to Munich. These programs are vital because while you’re having fun, you are also helping these people in need develop their English skills.

Cities in what was once East Germany are still feeling the effects of the Cold War, and your group will spend today in one of those cities. You will take the train from Munich to Leipzig in the morning and then head over to meet with One World Association Leipzig. This group helps coordinate development programs in the area, and you will see firsthand some of the major differences between this area and the more affluent parts of Germany.

Does the name Leipzig ring a bell? If you’re a history buff, it might sound familiar. This town is where Napoleon was defeated for the first time in 1813, and you’ll learn about that battle at the Monument to the Battle of the Nations. This structure is nearly 30 stories tall and dominates the Leipzig skyline.

It’s time to head to Germany’s capital where you’ll have more experiences of a lifetime. Berlin is sure to fill you with remarkable wonder during your time here. As soon as you’re done dropping off your bags at the hotel, you’ll venture out and see the city with the help of a local guide.

Museum Island is one of the treats of the city. Several world-class museums are here, and you will spend time at the Pergamonmuseum and the Neues Museum. These museums are filled with thousands of wonders from the ancient world, and you’ll get the chance to marvel at them up close.

Afterward, you’ll head to Alexanderplatz where you’ll get an incredible view of the city. There is a 365-meter TV tower in the plaza that gives you a panorama of Berlin so you’ll be able to admire the city’s beauty.

One of the ways that anyone can help out environmentally is by planting a local garden. In Berlin, you’ll find one of the biggest local gardens in the country at Freilandlabor Britz. There are always helping hands needed here, and this is the longest running field laboratory in Berlin. Britz offers several opportunities for your group to help. You can take a hands-on approach and help seed or maintain plants, or if you’re more technically-minded, you can assist with mapping and observation. During your time here, you’ll receive plenty of instruction, education, and tips on environmentally-conscious changes you can make in your everyday life.

Even though there’s so much to do in Berlin, it would be a shame not to see one more city during your time in Germany. Your group will take an early morning train to Hamburg to have one more unforgettable experience.

Hamburg is the place where the Beatles became the Beatles, so the music scene here is pretty lively. The Elbphilharmonie Hamburg is a unique piece of architecture, and even if you don’t like orchestras, it’s worth seeing. There are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Hamburg, numerous art museums, and sublime works of modern and Gothic architecture. Today is your day, and there’s so much to do in this city, this is a perfect time to break off into groups and create your own adventure.

Parting is such sweet sorrow, and it’s time to head home. You’ll leave Germany in a different city than you arrived in, but you’ve had a lot of experiences along the way. Your group has seen quite a bit of Germany in a short amount of time, and you’ve made an impact with your contributions. Wave goodbye for now, but as there is so much more of this country to visit, you need a second trip!