Fairy Tale Culture Tour of Germany | Germanic Experiences

Itinerary : Echos of Memory
A Trip to the Concentration Camps of World War 2
9 days - 8 nights

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In the annals of human history, there are chapters of unspeakable horror, reminding us of the depths to which humanity can descend. The dark legacy of World War II bears witness to one of the most chilling atrocities ever perpetrated: the Holocaust. As we embark on this moving journey through the heartlands of Germany and Austria, we do so not simply as travelers, but as witnesses of history. With reverence and solemnity, we pay tribute to the millions who perished in the relentless rule of the Nazi regime, their voices echoing through the corridors of time, compelling us to remember, reflect and ensure that the echoes of their suffering are never silenced. Our path takes us through landscapes scarred by the shadows of the past, where barbed wire once coiled around the hopes and dreams of countless souls. Every step we take, every site we visit, is imbued with deep meaning, serving as a sacred testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable cruelty.

On this journey of remembrance, we are confronted not only with the horrors of history, but also with the enduring power of compassion, courage and solidarity. As we witness the stark realities of the concentration camps that dot the landscape, we are reminded of our collective responsibility to confront hatred and intolerance wherever they lurk, to remain guardians of justice, equality and human dignity. As we embark on this pilgrimage of remembrance, let us carry with us not only the weight of history, but also the light of hope; a hope that, by remembering the past, we can forge a future guided by empathy, understanding and a firm commitment to ensuring that the atrocities of the past are never repeated. Together, let us honor the memory of those who perished in darkness, illuminating their legacy with the enduring flame of memory, so that their stories live on in our hearts and minds, inspiring generations yet to come.
DAY 1 (Friday) FRANKFURT Arrival
Upon arrival in Frankfurt, reception through our company and transfer to your hotel in the center of Frankfurt. Rest of the day free for private activities. Take some time to acclimatize to the modernity of the city and its historical significance. Our suggestion is to visit the Jewish Museum in Frankfurt to gain insight into the region's rich Jewish heritage. Explore the historic Altstadt district, the old town that offers glimpses of medieval architecture and contemporary culture. Night at the Mercure City Center 4**** Hotel
DAY 2 (Saturday) FRANKFURT - HANNOVER Bergen-Belsen, a Testimony of Human Tragedy
Breakfast at the hotel. Early in the morning, head to the train station to board the train to Hanover. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and registration. In the afternoon, guided tour to Bergen-Belsen. In 1935, the Wehrmacht began work on what would become the largest training area in all of Germany. After the invasion of Poland, the camp was used to hold prisoners of war, and after passing over to the SS in 1943, it was converted into a concentration camp. Although it did not have gas chambers, it is estimated that more than 50,000 people died in the camp, including Margot and Anne Frank, as well as Czech author Josef Čapek. After being liberated in April 1945, Allied troops buried the dead and burned the camp. Today, Bergen-Belsen stands as a solemn memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, with preserved remains from the camp serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of suffering and resistance. Visitors to Bergen-Belsen can explore the memorial grounds, which include mass graves, memorial plaques, and the poignant Anne Frank Memorial, which honors the memory of the young diarist who perished in the camp. In the shadow of the watchtowers and barbed wire fences of the countryside, we are reminded of the enduring imperative to confront hatred, intolerance and indifference wherever they arise. Because by remembering the victims of Bergen-Belsen, we honor their memory and reaffirm our commitment to building a world guided by compassion, justice and human dignity. Return to Hanover. You can spend the night visiting the old town, a picturesque collection of historic buildings, cobblestone streets and charming squares, offering a glimpse into the city's rich cultural heritage. Accommodation in the chosen hotel. (B)
DAY 3 (Sunday) HANNOVER – BERLIN Berlin, center of the Nazi regime and the Holocaust
Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a scenic train journey from Hanover to Berlin, immersing yourself in Germany's picturesque landscapes en route to the vibrant capital. Upon arrival in Berlin, transfer to the hotel and time to rest. In the afternoon, delve into the city's rich history with a guided tour that focuses on the Third Reich and the Holocaust, exploring significant sites that bear witness to this tumultuous era. Visit iconic sites like the Topography of Terror Museum, where the remains of the Gestapo headquarters remain as a haunting reminder of Nazi terror and oppression. Pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, a solemn and contemplative space that commemorates the millions who perished. Conclude your day with a moment of quiet contemplation at the Jewish Museum Berlin, whose striking architecture and thought-provoking exhibits offer a moving tribute to the enduring legacy of Jewish culture and identity. As the day draws to a close, carry the profound lessons of history with you as you wander the streets of Berlin, a city that bears witness to both the depths of human depravity and the triumph of the human spirit. Overnight in Berlin. (B)
DAY 4 (Monday) BERLIN Centuries of history
Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning departure to the city of Potsdam, the capital of the State of Brandenburg, (24 km, 15 miles) south of central Berlin. Potsdam has several claims to national and international notability. In Germany, it had the status that Windsor has in Britain because it was the residence of Prussian kings and German kaisers, until 1918. Considered one of the most beautiful areas just outside Berlin, no visit to the city would be complete without experiencing this unique gem. Royal palaces dot the peaceful landscape of a city whose prominent role in modern history would be difficult to overstate. For it was in this benign environment that the three great Allied leaders met to agree on the post-war division of Europe as a whole, and of Germany in particular. The places you will visit with us include the Sanssouci Palace with its charming landscaped gardens, the Neues Palais from where the last German Kaiser abdicated at the end of the First World War, and Cecilienhof, which was the site of the aforementioned Potsdam Conference. If time permits, we will also take a walk through the recently renovated Altstadt (historic center), as well as the Glienicke Bridge, witness to many of the famous spy exchanges of the Cold War. As with the Berlin City Tour, you will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel and the duration is usually 4 to 5 hours. The tour price excludes entrance fees to the many palaces, if desired. In the afternoon, we will head to Sachsenhausen. Not a pleasant excursion, but certainly educational. A sober vision of the totalitarian mentality. Located about 40 km north of Berlin, Sachsenhausen was one of the first camps established by the Nazis. Initially started in a former brewery, it moved to its current location in 1936 and was the preferred camp for political prisoners due to its proximity to Berlin. Of the 200,000 people imprisoned there, at least 50,000 succumbed to disease, hunger, exhaustion, or were simply executed. The prisoners were exploited as slave workers in various industries. After the visit, return to Berlin and free time for private activities. Overnight at the chosen hotel. (B)
DAY 5 (Tuesday) BERLIN - KRAKOW (Poland)
Breakfast at the hotel. Early departure to the airport for your flight to Krakow in Poland. Upon arrival, reception and transfer through our representative to your hotel. In the afternoon in Krakow, immerse yourself in the historic charm of the Old Town, strolling through the cobbled streets of Rynek Glówny, the largest medieval square in Europe, where you can marvel at the stunning architecture of St. Mary's Basilica and the Cloth Market . Don't miss a visit to Wawel Castle, perched on a limestone hill overlooking the city, to explore its royal chambers and picturesque gardens, and take a moment of reflection at the nearby Oskar Schindler's Factory, which tells the story of the Krakow war. Finally, enjoy traditional Polish cuisine at one of the many charming restaurants that line the streets, savoring pierogi, kielbasa and other local delicacies. Overnight in Krakow. (B)
DAY 6 (Wednesday) KRAKOW
Breakfast at the hotel. Embarking on a tour of Auschwitz from Krakow is a solemn and deeply meaningful journey, offering the opportunity to pay tribute to the millions who perished during the Holocaust and to bear witness to one of the darkest chapters in human history. Early in the morning, depart Krakow for the approximately 1.5-hour drive to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, located in the town of Oświęcim. Upon arrival, a guided tour begins led by the museum's expert staff, who provide valuable information about the history and importance of the place. The tour begins at Auschwitz I, the main camp, where you walk through the infamous gate bearing the chilling inscription "Arbeit Macht Frei" (Work Makes You Free).
Explore the barracks, watchtowers and exhibitions, which document the atrocities committed by the Nazis, including photographs, personal belongings and moving testimonies from survivors. Contemplate the harsh reality of the gas chambers and crematoriums, where countless lives were mercilessly extinguished. Next, proceed to Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the largest of the Auschwitz camps and the site of mass exterminations. Here, the magnitude of the Holocaust becomes even more apparent as you walk along the railroad tracks that once carried victims to their final destination. Stand before the ruins of the gas chambers and crematoriums, witnessing the incomprehensible cruelty inflicted on innocent men, women and children. Throughout your visit, take moments of silent reflection to honor the memory of the victims and reaffirm your commitment to ensuring that such atrocities are never forgotten or repeated. Consider leaving a token of remembrance at one of the memorial sites as a gesture of solidarity and respect. As the day draws to a close, you return to Krakow with a heart heavy with the weight of history but also with a renewed sense of determination to fight hate, intolerance and injustice in all their forms. Find comfort in the knowledge that by bearing witness to the past, you honor the legacy of those who perished and contribute to the preservation of their memory for future generations. You spend the night in Krakow. (D)
DAY 7 (Thursday) KRAKOW – MUNICH
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer at the indicated time to the airport for your flight to Munich in Germany. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Today's program includes a tour of the city of Munich, the capital of the state of Bavaria, the third largest city in Germany, behind Berlin and Hamburg. Its native name, München, is derived from the Old High German Munichen, meaning "place of the monks." The name of the city comes from the monks of the Benedictine order who founded the city; hence, the monk represented on the city's coat of arms. Walk through the historic city center, including Karlstor Gate, Munich Cathedral (Frauenkirche), Odeon Square and Marienplatz (Marien Square) where the city hall is located. After the city tour, the rest of the day will be free for private activities. In the evening, we suggest an authentic Bavarian experience with dinner at the legendary Hofbräuhaus in Munich. We will spend the night at the 3*** hotel. )
DAY 8 (Friday) MUNICH - DACHAU – MUNICH
Breakfast at the hotel. Take a moving journey to Dachau, a testimony of remembrance and reflection on the atrocities of the Holocaust. After a short drive of approximately 20 kilometers northwest of the city center. As you approach Dachau, the landscape transitions from urban to pastoral, offering a tranquil backdrop for contemplation. Arrival at the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, the first Nazi concentration camp established in Germany. Opened in 1933 mainly for political prisoners, Dachau was converted into a concentration camp as the war progressed, where some 41,000 prisoners were killed. Those who survived were subjected to a living nightmare in this "school of violence" for their SS operators. The permanent exhibition, opened in 2003, follows the "path of the prisoners" from their arrival to death or liberation by Allied troops. The stories and drawings made by the prisoners, along with their biographies, offer a disturbing vision of existence at Dachau. The open-air exhibition at the SS shooting range, while commemorating the victims, also offers detailed information about the historical context of the crimes committed there. The "plantation" can also be visited, this was the herb garden where prisoners were brutally forced to work growing and tending - with horrible irony - medicinal plants and herbs. A very powerful memorial is that of the "death marches", sculpted by Hubertus von Pilgrim, commemorating all those who died when the camp was evacuated as the Allied liberation approached. As you conclude your trip to Dachau and return to Munich, take with you the lessons of history and the imperative of remembrance. Reflect on the enduring importance of bearing witness to the past and reaffirm your commitment to ensuring victims' voices are never silenced. (B)
DAY 9 (Saturday) MUNICH
Breakfast at the hotel. If you want to explore the region further, consider extending your stay to visit nearby cities like Nuremberg, where you can visit the National Socialist Documentation Center, or the Eagle's Nest near Berchtesgaden, a mountaintop retreat commissioned by Adolf Hitler. and used by the Nazi Party for diplomatic receptions.
This immersive journey, “Echoes of Remembrance,” serves as a solemn tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, reminding us of the enduring imperative to confront hatred and intolerance with compassion and solidarity. Punctual transfer to the airport for your flight home. End of our services. (B)