Beacons of Central Europe: Prague, Nuremberg, Berlin Tour

The old world is alive and well in this European capital with weekly outdoor markets, narrow alleys, and architecture that can make you feel like you are time traveling every time you look up at the towers and spires that have stood for centuries. You will start your day with a scenic tour of Prague that will include visits to noteworthy sites, such as the National Museum and the main castle. Afterward, a local guide will give you a chance to stretch your legs during a walking tour that will help you find your pace in this stunning city.

After enjoying a fortifying breakfast, you will embark on a trip beyond the limits of the capital to a side of the country that is seldom seen by the hasty tourist. Your choice of destinations will include the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov in Southern Bohemia, the grim halls of a World War II concentration camp, a traditional crystal making factory, and the lush lands of Carlsbad in Western Bohemia. With an assortment of exceptional choices that each offer something unique, there will be no wrong way to plan your day.

Today, you will turn your back on the placid banks of the Vltava River and make your way out of the Czech Republic. Your destination for today was once the long-time home of the Holy Roman Emperor between 1000 and 1500. Today, the storybook look and feel of Nuremberg make it a top destination for visitors of the German region of Bavaria. After getting settled in your new accommodation, a guided walking tour will ensure your orientation to this resplendent ambassador of Bavarian culture.

With the morning light extending across the open squares and lush parks of the city, dawn is an outstanding time to set out to watch this historic city start its day. There is something magical in the march of light across an open plaza, from the first gabled rooftops and the glowing facades to the empty cafes. Here, you can find your first coffee. After a leisurely morning, you will enjoy a guided visit to Bamberg, one of Germany's most iconic medieval towns. Here, you can see the sights and sample the renowned smoked beer.

The meandering Tauber River winds its way across the lush Bavarian landscape as it has for centuries. Perched on its banks is the storybook town of Rothenberg, a medieval relic and your destination today for the day. The distinct architecture and specialty pastries called snowballs will charm your eyes and mouth as you explore this romantic town and imagine how life must have been like 500 years ago.

Today, you will depart the rolling hills and epic views of the alps in Bavaria for the industrial and vibrant German capital of Berlin. Equally as charming as Nuremberg, Berlin is home to an urban charm that dominates the city with hip coffee shops, modern parks, and a thriving underground music culture. After breakfast from your hotel in Nurenberg, you will board a train and enjoy the scenic journey to Berlin, where you will have a chance to settle in to your conveniently located accommodation before a driving tour of the city.

One of Berlin's biggest attractions is not actually in Berlin itself but just beyond the city limits in the suburb of Potsdam. The Sanssouci Palace has dazzled visitors for decades with its immaculate gardens, pristine halls, and regal atmosphere. Today, you will immerse yourself in this royal environment during a trip from Berlin. The expansive nature of the estate ensures plenty of opportunities for you to be blown away by the opulence before you make your way back to your comfortable accommodation in Berlin. Back in the city, you will have the remainder of the day to enjoy at your leisure.

No city in Europe was left untouched by World War II. As the capital of Germany, Berlin saw its fair share of destruction as the allies drew closer during the waning months of the war. Today, it is this grim chapter in the city's history that you will explore during a visit to the nearby concentration camp of Sachsenhausen as well as the immense fortifications that sheltered the city from the many bombing raids. By the time you return to your hotel, you will have a whole new appreciation for WWII and its legacy.

One final breakfast at the hands of your doting hotel staff will ensure a fortifying start to your day. From the steepled scenery of Prague to the storybook landscape of Bavaria and the urban thrills of Berlin, this tour of the Czech Republic and Germany will have shown you a side of Europe that remains unseen by those who never leave the beaches of the Mediterranean. Comfort and active explorations have been your companions in each destination. As you make your way to the airport for your departing flight, you will be impressed that so much beauty and history are contained here.