8 hours
E-voucher
Multiple
Overview
Potsdam was a city of kings – a German Versaille where the Hohenzollern monarchy of Prussia constructed lavish palaces in which they could spend their summers. It was also the setting for the Potsdam Conference, where geopolitical giants Josef Stalin, Harry Truman and Winston Churchill met in the summer of 1945 to seal the post-war fate of Germany and Europe.
This 8-hour tour takes you to Potsdam to experience the pomp and grandeur of Prussia and explore the origins of the Cold War in both the historical city centre and the UNESCO-listed palace gardens. Your professional, local guide will provide an in-depth commentary throughout.
As part of the tour, you will be able to explore the interior of Potsdam Palaces. Please be aware that palace entry costs and train tickets are not covered as part of the tour. Please note that your guide will not guide you inside the palaces. You will be supplied with an audio guide for the duration of your visit to each palace.
Operated by
Vexperio | Essence of Berlin | www.vexperio.com | www.essenceofberlin.com
Ratings & Reviews
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2 traveller ratings
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Simply Brilliant 10/10
dawnmaried74, Dec 2024
Our guide, Walid, was simply brilliant. Of all of the tours we’ve done, this was by far the best one ever. He took us everywhere and showed us so much more than we ever expected. We highly recommend this tour if you’re looking for a fun, educational tour
A long walk through history
sharonaN7791IX, Nov 2024
This was such a fun day. We met our tour guide, Tobi at our hotel. From there we boarded a train to the beautiful city of Potsdam. We started our walking tour at the Bridge of Spies and then walked into a breathtaking park, that circles a beautiful lake. We walked to Cecilienhof which is the home where Truman, Churchill and Stalin decided the fate of post-war Germany. From there we walked into Potsdam, a charming town that is a quaint mix of past and present. You can definitely see the Dutch inspired architecture throughout much of the downtown area. Potsdam is the home of Sanssouci Gardens, the expansive grounds of the former Prussian monarchy. Each new monarch built their own summer home there, so there are palaces galore. This area is huge. Our walking tour of this area took hours and we did not actually go inside any of the palaces. Fortunately, it was a beautiful day, so we thoroughly enjoyed our day. It was exhausting, and we probably walked for at least six hours, but there was so much to see that we didn't want to cut it short. We took the long train ride back to Berlin and Tobi saw us back to our hotel. It was an amazing day, and I am so glad we did it.
Itinerary
Sanssouci Palace
Climb through the tiered vineyard up to Frederick the Great's iconic summer palace. Visit the grave of Prussia's most famous monarch, and learn how he became a legend. Go inside the palace and marvel at the stunning decor of the 13 rooms.
45 minutesSchloss Cecilienhof
See where Truman, Churchill and Stalin sat for plenary sessions when they met to shape the fate of post-war Germany and Europe at the Potsdam Conference.
Please note that Cecilienhof Palace is closed for restoration work from November 1, 2024, until approximately mid-fall 2027. Interior visits will not be possible during this time.
45 minutesGlienicke Bridge
Cross the 'Bridge of Spies', from West Berlin into East Germany, where the US and USSR swapped captured agents during the Cold War.
10 minutesMarmorpalais
Gaze out over the Heiligen See (the 'Holy Lake') and take in beautiful views of Frederick William II's Marble Palace.
5 minutesPotsdam Friedenskirche
Explore the private church of the Prussian monarchy, and descend into the crypts to visit the graves of Frederick William IV and his wife Elizabeth, queen of Prussia and former princess of Bavaria.
15 minutesSee where Frederick the Great housed his private art collection, a building the lead architect said would rival the splendor of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
10 minutesBrandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor)
Walk beneath the towering arch of Potsdam's Brandenburg Gate – built to celebrate the Prussian triumphs in the three Silesian Wars, and predating Berlin's Brandenburg Gate by roughly 20 years.
10 minutesDutch Quarter
Wander through the close-set streets of picturesque, red-brick houses in the Dutch Quarter and learn how Dutch craftsmen were drawn to Potsdam in the early 18th century to contribute to the expansion of the then garrison town.
10 minutesNauen Gate
Pass beneath another of Potsdam former city gates, built to designs created by Frederick the Great and the first example of British Gothic Revivalist architecture appearing in Germany.
5 minutes
Experience
Inclusions
- Professional, local guide
Exclusions
- Gratuities
- Food and drink
- Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)
- Entrance fees
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Guide Languages
English
Portuguese
Spanish
German
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.