Potsdam, City of Kings: Private Tour with a Vehicle

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 6-hour tour with a car takes you to Potsdam to experience the pomp and grandeur of Prussia and explore the origins of the Cold War. With your own private vehicle, you have the opportunity to explore much more of the UNESCO-listed palace gardens than would be possible by just walking. Your professional, local guide will provide an in-depth commentary throughout and lead you to the heart of German royalty, over the 'Bridge of Spies', and much more. Please note that his tour does not include inside visits to Potsdam palaces. For palace interiors, we recommend our 8-hour private tour with dedicated time for visits.

Itinerary

1. Palais de Sanssouci

   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. Palace admission will need to be booked prior to your visit – we're happy to help you organize your booking.

   · 20 min· Admission not included

2. Schloss Cecilienhof

   Stand where Truman, Churchill and Stalin stood, when they met to shape the fate of post-war Germany and Europe at the Potsdam Conference.

   · 15 min· Admission not included

3. Glienicke 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 min

4. Neues Palais

   Stare up in awe at the imposing New Palace, largest of the residences on the Potsdam grounds, and witness where Kaiser Wilhelm II signed the declaration that sent the Germans to war in 1914.

   · 15 min· Admission not included

5. Orangerie im Park Sanssouci

   Drive past Frederick William IV's grandiose architectural folly – primarily used, then and now, to store exotic plants for the duration of Berlin's bitter winters.

   · Non-stop passage

6. Marmorpalais

   Gaze out over the Heiligen See (the 'Holy Lake') from the veranda of Frederick William II's Marble Palace, and see where Frederick William III learned of Prussia's liberation from Napoleonic occupation at the neighboring Orangerie.

   · 10 min· Admission not included

7. Potsdam 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.

   · 10 min

8. Brandenburg 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 min

9. Dutch 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 min

10. Old Market Square

    Drive past Potsdam's 'Alte Markt' and see the Nicholas Church, the Old Town Hall, and the former Potsdam City Palace – now the Brandenburg State Parliament building.

    · Non-stop passage

11. Nauener Tor

    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 min

12. Alexandrowka

    Drive around the thirteen charming wooden houses of the 'Russian Village', originally the home of the home of the Russian singers of the First Prussian Regiment of the Guards.

    · Non-stop passage

Pickup

Pickup included.

How to use your ticket

Please note that this tour does not include inside visits to Potsdam palaces. If you wish to visit any palace interiors, we recommend our 8-hour private tour, which includes dedicated time for palace visits. You can find more details and book here: https://www.viator.com/tours/Berlin/Potsdam-City-of-Kings-Private-Tour-with-a-Vehicle-Palace-Entries-Included/d488-63772P39 Thank you for your understanding!

What to know before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Travelers

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

Reviews

Product code: 63772P36

Activity offered by Vexperio via Viator.