Castles, gardens and lakes: Potsdam is a city of dreams. With one hundred and fifty buildings spread over 1,200 acres, it was constructed by and for the Prussian kings and used for over 300 years. Potsdam was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1990, after German reunification. Filled with incredible history, from Royalty to Cold War negotiations, the capital of Brandenburg is as compelling as it is majestic in its beauty.
Your day begins at your hotel entrance, where you will be met by an expert English-speaking guide and a private chauffeur and drive the short distance out to the magnificent UNESCO world heritage city of Potsdam. The drive first takes you to the infamous Glienicke Bridge. Known as the “Bridge of Spies,” it was a crucial site during the Cold War where East and West exchanged captured spies, symbolizing the tense political divides of the era.
When you arrive in Potsdam, you will first enjoy a visit to the Neues Palace and a guided tour of its grounds. The last palace built in the Prussian Baroque style, this complex boasts over 200 extravagant rooms and is surrounded by extensive gardens. During your visit you will walk in the footsteps of none other than Frederick the Great and experience first hand Potsdam’s royal past.
You’ll drive past the Brandenburg Gate of Potsdam, built in the 18th century to celebrate Prussia’s victories. This gate is older than its Berlin counterpart and showcases different architectural styles on each side.
Your guide will show you around the quaint 18th Century Dutch Quarter, with its beautiful red brick neighborhoods and vibrant cafe culture. Boasting cobblestone streets and majestic views, you will have a bit of free time to soak up the atmosphere and have lunch (cost of lunch is not included in the tour).
After lunch, it’s time to tour the Rococo splendor of the Sanssouci Palace and its sprawling gardens. Commissioned by Frederick the Great, an avid patron of the arts and Enlightenment, it was designed to be his summer palace – a place of relaxation and leisure away from the stress of courtly life. Admire the pomp and luxury of a true palace and enjoy strolling the beautiful gardens – also UNESCO listed.
This private full day tour offers a luxurious day away from Berlin and an immersive exploration of Germany’s royal and Cold War history – with fascinating anecdotes of the Imperial families and Soviet era espionage, surrounded by the resplendent palaces and gardens of royal Potsdam.
