Berlin-The Third Reich The Cold War.
Battlefield and History Tours
Prices from £299*
Battlefield & History Tours specializes in offering a comprehensive array of tours focused on battlefields, historical events, and educational journeys across the globe, with a particular emphasis on Europe and spanning various eras including World War I, World War II, revolutionary periods, and epochs of empire among others. Boasting over three decades of expertise in organizing tours for school groups, our success is attributed to the unwavering commitment and proficiency of our team, which includes staff, advisors, guides, and historical experts.
Our team comprises individuals who are not only passionate about history and travel but are also dedicated to providing exceptional service and planning. We prioritize meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a high level of quality in all aspects of our tours. Our approach is centered on offering comprehensive support, demonstrating genuine care for the welfare and enjoyment of your students, and ensuring a rewarding and enriching experience.
With our extensive experience, we guarantee that each tour undertaken with Battlefield & History Tours is thoroughly planned to anticipate every possible scenario and seize every opportunity for learning and exploration, making each journey an unforgettable experience.
Destinations in Europe
Berlin
New Jewish Synagogue
The centre is in Oranienburger Strasse, which was at the heart of Berlin’s main Jewish Quarter before the war. The synagogue was built in mock Moorish style in 1866. There are two exhibitions, one on the history & restoration of the synagogue and the other on the Jewish life and culture that were once found in the surrounding area.
Topography of Terror
The exhibition consists of notice-boards with photographs with English texts giving the sites of the most important Gestapo & SS buildings. This exhibition shows how massive a machine the Nazi organisation became. The cellars of the Gestapo HQ were under ground. Individual audio guides are available.
Sachsenhausen Memorial & Museum
Built in 1936 shortly after Heinrich Himmler’s appointment as head of the SS. More than 200,000 people were imprisoned here between 1936 and 1945, tens of thousands died of starvation, disease, forced labour or mistreatment. The camp was liberated by the Red Army in 1945. However the camp was used for similar purposes by the Soviets for another five years as ‘Soviet Special Camp No. 7’. Nazi functionaries and political undesirables were imprisoned. The Sachsenhausen National Memorial was inaugurated on 22nd April 1961.
Wannsee Conference villa is where the fate of European Jewry was decided. The exhibition shows the entire process of the Holocaust from segregation and persecution to the deportation and eventual murder of Jews from Germany and the occupied countries. There is an English language translation of the exhibits available from the ticket desk. The area around the Wannsee Villa is very beautiful and it is situated on a lake.
Wall Memorial and Wall Documentation Centre shows the history associated with the Berlin Wall.
The Fernsehturm (TV Tower) is close to Alexanderplatz. The tower was constructed between 1965 and 1969 by the GDR – German Democratic Republic, as a symbol of Communist power and of Berlin. It is the tallest structure in Germany and second tallest in the European Union standing 368 meters tall (including antenna). It is open until Midnight.
The Reichstag is an internationally recognisable symbol of democracy and the current home of the German parliament. It is not only an architectural wonder and a historical testimony, it plays an important role where political decisions are made and it offers an amazing panoramic view of Berlin. It is open until midnight (last admission time 22:00). Admission is free but advance registration is required. Requests can only be submitted together with a complete list of participants (naming all members of your group). Without an accurate and complete list of participants, the Visitors’ Service cannot process your request. Be prepared to queue.
The East Side Gallery is a section of the Inner Berlin Wall running along the banks of the River Spree which is the longest continuous section of wall in existence as well as being the longest open-air gallery in the world. It is 1316 metres long and has more than a hundred paintings commenting on the political changes in 1989/1990. Most popular works are Dmitri Vrubel’s Fraternal Kiss and Birgit Kinders’s Trabant breaking through the wall.
Panoramapunkt in Potsdamer Platz has the fastest elevator in Europe, in just 20 seconds you will be up on the 24th floor. It offers breath taking spectacular 360 degree views of the city’s most famous historic sites and landmarks.
Berliner Gruselkabinett built in 1943 is the only WW2 air shelter open in Berlin. A chamber of Horrors on the upper floor, gruesome medical scenes from past centuries on the ground floor and the air-raid shelter in the basement. It was originally meant to connect to an underground supply rail but it did not see much action as the war ended a few years later.
The Holland Quarter in Potsdam. There are over one hundred gabled red-brick houses built by Dutch builders for immigrants from Holland invited to work in Potsdam by King Friedrich Wilhelm I. This is a very attractive quarter of Potsdam and there are many restaurants and cafes for a lunch stop.
Olympic Stadium The Olympic Stadium was constructed from 1935–36 to plans by the architect Werner March as the central building of the Reich sports field for the 1936 Olympic Games. Stadium tours or visit the observation tower.
Allierten-Museum (closed Mondays) in Zehlendorf. This is located in the former US Army ‘Outpost’ movie theatre and tells the role of the Western Allies (USA, Britain & France) in the post-war period (especially the Berlin Airlift) and the life of the Allied troops in Berlin.
Berlin-Hohenschonhausen Memorial Foundation is close to Landsberger Allee (entrance free for school groups). Guided tours can be arranged if booked in advance. Since 1945 this has been the central place of detention for political prisoners in the Soviet Occupation Zone & the GDR. Former political prisoners explain the history and show visitors around.
Stasi Museum is located in House 1 on the former grounds of the headquarters of the GDR Ministry for State Security (MfS). The building was erected in 1960-61 as the offices of Erich Mielke, who served as Minister for State Security from 1957 until the end of the GDR. English guides are available and the visit lasts approx. one and a half hours.
Self guided walking tour starting at Berliner Dom, book burning site, Unter den Linden, Fuhrerbunker, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Jewish/Holocaust memorial, Detlev-Rohwedder-Haus (Former Air Ministry building), Topography of terror / Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie.
What they will learn
Subjects available: History, Cultural, Expedition, Citizenship, Classics, Farming, Conservation, Performing Arts, Archaeology, Law Politics
Berlin presided over the rise of National Socialism and the subjugation of much of Europe under the leadership of Adolf Hitler. The two main topics covered are ‘The Third Reich’ – Hitler was in power for 12 years from 1933. And ‘The Cold War’ – where in 1945 after the Allied victory over Nazi Germany, marked the beginning of the division resulting in the infamous Berlin Wall being constructed in 1961.
Berlin is a key destination to visit for students studying the Second World War, History, Politics, Art and Language.
A-Level
Challenges for Europe and the wider world, 1901+
GCSE
Inter-war years: 1918-1939
Developments in British warfare
Life in wartime Britain
Germany: democracy and dictatorship
Holocaust
The Third Reich
The cold War
Key Stage 3
The changing nature of warfare
Developments in British warfare
Life in wartime Britain
Challenges of German nationalism
Germany: democracy and dictatorship
Germany and West Germany
Primary
British history beyond 1066
What's included
Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Arrival in Berlin
- Depart from UK Airport to Berlin-Schoenefeld.
- Upon arrival, transfer by coach to your hotel for check-in. Depending on your time of arrival, afternoon excursions may be organized.
- Enjoy a relaxed walk to the Reichstag, which is open until midnight (last entry time).
Day 2: Explorations in History
- Morning departure by coach to the Wannsee Conference Villa for a visit.
- In the afternoon, explore the Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum with guided tours, lasting approximately two to three hours.
- Conclude the day with a leisurely walk to Potsdamer Platz.
Day 3: Guided Tour of Berlin
- Meet your coach outside the hostel for a guided tour, starting with Centrum Judaicum.
- Visit the Topography of Terror for an insightful experience.
- Continue with an afternoon guided sightseeing tour of Berlin, featuring the Olympic Stadium.
Day 4: Potsdam and Departure
- Visit Cecilienhof, the site of the Potsdam Conference held from 17 July to 2 August 1945.
- After leaving Cecilienhof, explore the Holland Quarter in Potsdam.
- Depart from Berlin-Schoenefeld to UK Airport.
Inclusions:
- Round-trip ferry/Eurotunnel crossing between the UK and France.
- Return flights with British Airways or EasyJet.
- Accommodations in hotels and hostels, available with bed & breakfast, half board, or full board options.
- Pre-arranged restaurant bookings.
- Entry to museums, cemeteries, theme parks, and historical sites.
- Guidance provided by experienced UK or local guides.
- Executive coach transfers according to the itinerary.
- Support from a dedicated tour manager throughout the planning stages of your tour.
- Access to 24-hour emergency assistance.
Transport
Included in the Package: - Round-trip ferry/Eurotunnel crossings between the UK and France. - Return flights between the UK and Berlin, serviced by British Airways or Easyjet. - Round-trip coach transfers from the school to the airport. - Executive coach transfers in Berlin, as outlined in the itinerary. - The support of a dedicated tour manager to assist with tour planning. - 24-hour emergency assistance, available on call.
Accommodation
Accommodations for students will consist of twin or multi-bedded rooms, while staff will be provided with the option of twin or single occupancy rooms; please note that a supplementary fee may be applicable. Each room features an en-suite bathroom for added convenience. On-site dining options include breakfast and dinner, with the availability of packed lunches upon request. Location: Berlin – Accommodation will be provided at The Loft or a similar establishment.
Teacher checklist
Risk Assessments, Free Places, LOtC, ABTA, School Travel Forum, Adventure Mark, ATOL, Adventure Activity Associates, WYSE, RYA Centre, IATA, ETOA, Expedition Providers Association, ASDAN Centre
*
Guide prices are per person, subject to availability and may vary by departure date, groups size and itinerary. Group usually start at a minimum of 10 with no maximum group size. For primary & middle schools we work on a 1:10 free place for a teacher. Please ask for details.
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