About this experience
From the capital Berlin, we will head to the countryside residence of the Hohenzollerns, the intimate, light, and unhurried city of parks and gardens. Potsdam will unfold before you like a book with illustrations on the history of Prussia, and my stories will help you not to confuse the numerous Friedrichs and Wilhelms. You will stroll through the Charlottenhof, Sanssouci, and New Garden parks, visit the Sanssouci and Cecilienhof palaces (if desired), and walk through the two-story historical center.
What to expect
Potsdam's past and present
First mentions of the city, medieval times, pages of Prussian history, and of course, the heavy trials of the 20th century - you will trace Potsdam's path. In the historical center, you will learn about the tragic destruction of the city by the English aviation and admire the beautifully restored Potsdam. The 18th-century streets will enchant you with rows of houses with mansard roofs and numerous cafes (we will also not miss the insider cafe with the best cheesecakes in the region). You will see that Potsdam is like a puzzle: German quarters, Dutch architecture, and the Russian village of Alexandrowka coexist here, the houses and the Orthodox church of which were built according to projects by outstanding Russian architects.
Potsdam Palaces: authentic and intimate
In the 18th century, Potsdam became the residence of the Prussian kings for almost two hundred years, whose palaces have survived to this day. Although the term 'palace' is relative: please do not compare the Potsdam palaces with the brilliant St. Petersburg baroque, there were never big money here, nor a desire to dazzle. But the character of their patrons and architects, people far from the last in European architecture, can be clearly read in the intimate Potsdam buildings. We will not arrive at the central station of Potsdam from Berlin, so the impression of the city will not be blurred by GDR panel buildings. Our acquaintance with the Potsdam palaces will start with Charlottenhof, the Roman Baths, and the Chinese Teahouse. Of course, Sanssouci Palace is on the program - a real 'mausoleum' of Frederick the Great, a personality extraordinary and controversial. As well as the Friedenskirche in an early Italian style, the Belvedere on Pfingstberg Hill, and the last Hohenzollern building - Cecilienhof Palace, where the Potsdam Conference of 1945 took place.
Organizational details
- The tour starts in Berlin. We will travel to Potsdam together by commuter train.
- Additional expenses: commuter train tickets and entrance tickets to the palaces - optional (Sanssouci - €12 + guide ticket; Cecilienhof - €8 + guide ticket)
