Germany
German Icons: Berlin, Dresden and Munich
Program No. 16877RJ
Dive deep into German culture as you explore three iconic cities, discovering politics in Berlin, architecture in Dresden and weisswurst, beer and the surrounding countryside of Munich.
Participant Reviews
Based on 17 Reviews
SHOWING
Interesting, I was thinking you had a more specific review process listing sections of the travel. I really appreciated the tour guides, Beatrix and Marisa. They went above and beyond, especially for the woman who has mobility issues, and the trip requirements were over her ability. All the lectures were amazing. The tour guides also great, especially the 2 museum tours. I really like the walking tours the first day in each city. This really helps me both learn and orientate myself. Invaluable. Accommodations, were good. I lost my roommate right away as she decided she wanted to pay for a private room. SO wonderful for me. the rooms were not set up for 2 twin beds. Food was a variety and mostly good. The last meal as I am sure you heard was awful. Not good at all. ALTHOUGH I did appreciate it being in a quiet environment and not a noisy restaurant.
One general suggestion for your company, as we as a country are very split in 2, would be to develop a general set of guidelines to start the tour. My OAT did that last year and it worked. Something along the line of , we respect all your values and opinions, as a rule when we are together as a large group, we would appreciate keeping your political views out of the tour time. You may decide for yourself when and how to discuss these area when you are in your private conversations.
We lost one person early in the tour, who felt out numbered and wanted to "learn about Berlin and Germany, and escape the constant political talk at home". while I did not agree with his politics, I agreed with this statement.
Based on the 450$ you gave us all, I know you got reviews on the weird and uncomfortable time we had a Dachau.
I have enjoyed every RS tour I have had the privilege to take. This one included. Thank you.
— Review left November 5, 2025
Excellent way to learn about Germany, both the history and culture. It was also a lot of fun!
— Review left September 23, 2025
The German Icons: Berlin, Dresden and Munich trip was all I hoped and so much more. This is my third RS trip, and I've loved them all, but THIS was AMAZING.
— Review left July 1, 2025
I have to admit I came to Road Scholar with no real opinion but was afraid I'd be "lectured" at to much. That was not the case and everything was excellently presented and organized. I just wish it was a bit longer on either end.
— Review left May 28, 2025
Very good trip.
Hadn't been to Germany since 1973. Lots of changes. Tour managers were professional, welcoming and helpful.
— Review left February 12, 2025
Overall, my trip to Germany was a perfect blend of history, culture, and adventure. Berlin stood out with its dynamic atmosphere and rich history. The hospitality was warm, and the people I met were welcoming, making every interaction memorable. I can confidently say it was one of the most enriching travel experiences I've ever had.
— Review left November 1, 2024
This trip was a fascinating view of eastern Germany and it's very distinct character different from western Germany. The tour guides Karin and Sigrid did a great job leading us through various cities and multiple train trips. While Berlin is a must see for cultural and historic reasons I actually found Dresden to be the most interesting. The art and artifacts at the Zwinger Palace were stunning. Of course the Green Vault is also a must see. And then there is Munich with the food, beer, art and culture. Had a great time. I also enjoyed the fact that we had a small group .
— Review left July 12, 2024
Berlin is a REALLY COOL place to visit! I had no idea! I could have stayed there a week longer and still not have scratched the surface.
— Review left June 18, 2024
An absolutely fabulous trip. The group was so enthusiastic and enjoying the same things. The leader was more than you could imagine, helping all of us and enjoying the trip himself. All of the additional speakers were "the best".
— Review left May 15, 2024
This tour was fantastic! We could not have had better tour guides than Andrea Janssen and Gabi Elfgen, who were patient, professional and caring, with great attention to detail. The three hotels were very comfortable and with great breakfast buffets, though the hotel in Munich is in a rough neighborhood. We enjoyed each of the lectures and walking tours. The bus tour in Berlin, led by Burkhard Heyl was outstanding. We very much enjoyed the walking tours, led by expert guides - of the Reichstag, of Dresden, and of Munich. None of them shrank from discussing awful aspects of German history, Nazism, WWII, and the Iron Curtain. Since this was our first visit to Germany, we learned a great deal about the history, art and culture. The choice of three cities in different regions was great.
We have a suggestion for the future. Before the trip began, Andrea and Gabi asked participants via email if we had any questions. Kate and I replied, asking if it would be possible to arrange a visit to Dachau while we were in Munich. They said it would be and had some ideas, even refining these ideas while we were on the first legs of the trip. But other travelers didn't know about our plans. When they did hear about it, a number expressed interest. Some only heard about it on the morning of the day we would go. So, altogether 7 out of the 24 people on the tour visited Dachau during several hours of free time on one day. We think that if more had known what we were planning, even more would have wanted to come along. Road Scholar should make a Dachau trip as a definite option, so travelers can make decisions up front. Many Americans, whether with Jewish background or not, would be interested.
All in all, we would strongly recommend this tour to everyone we know who might be interested in visiting Germany. Thank you!
— Review left June 25, 2023
Fabulous trip to Berlin, Dresden and Munich. Developed better informed perspective of the EU. Wishing I could live in Berlin, a sane and beautiful city. Great guides were caring and accommodating, often going above and beyond their duties to provide us with a safe and satisfying fun travel and learning experience.
— Review left June 21, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed the German Icons (Berlin, Dresden and Munich). Our guides Ulrike and Helmut were awesome. Enjoyed the speakers, subject matter experts, sights, sounds and tastes of Germany. The beer was awesome too!
— Review left May 10, 2023
Our third Road Scholar trip and another winner. RS has the right mix of activities, education and FUN, can't be beat.
— Review left June 19, 2022
This program exceeded my high expectations. If you want to immerse yourself in these glorious cities, this is an experience for you! Beauty, history, food and friends galore.
— Review left October 17, 2019
Easy and accessible
— Review left October 7, 2019
If you wear hearing aids and have a significant hearing loss, this trip might not be right for you. Assistive listening device didn't have enough volume for me.
— Review left July 1, 2019
The German Icons trip was a good introduction to the country through three major cities. The historical information provided was outstanding.
I've never liked German food, and this trip didn't change my mind.
The group leaders and other people on the trip were interesting and congenial.
— Review left May 20, 2019