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The Bode Museum and the TV Tower are illuminated against a purple night sky in Berlin, Germany.
Germany

Berlin: Two Pasts, One Present

Program No. 16952RJ
Participant Reviews
4.85
Based on 15 Reviews
SHOWING
John – Class of 2007 | Hastings on Hudson, NY
Good choice for anyone who grew up in the post WW2 era and wants to close any knowledge gaps.
— Review left October 1, 2024
Sharon – Class of 2004 | Stony Plain, Canada
This was a great program. It was very informative and provide insights into the subject that I had not considered. The organization was definitely up to Road Scholar standards.
— Review left September 15, 2024
Kenneth – Class of 2024 | Ithaca, NY
This program was very carefully thought out. Everything, from the hotel location, to selection of 'expert guides', and modes of transport to guided visit locations, all added to the richness of my experience.
— Review left June 16, 2024
Charmaine | Princeton, NJ
If you want to see and experience the history of 20th and 21st century Berlin, then this is the tour for you.
— Review left June 10, 2024
Eileen – Class of 2012 | Washington Crossing, PA
I absolutely loved this full and rewarding experience. I could have happily spent a few additional days learning even more about this fascinating city. Our excellent guide and speakers did such a superb job of stimulating my curiosity about what they shared that I plan to do further research on my own. Highly recommended.
— Review left October 23, 2023
Stephanie – Class of 2023 | Twentynine Palms, CA
The Berlin program is designed for a niche group of travelers: those who want to "geek out" about German history and culture. Due to the truth of this history, some content is heavy and not appealing to most travelers. However, it was perfect for me and my fellow geeks. Well done, Road Scholar!
— Review left September 17, 2023
Sarah – Class of 2018 | Chester Springs, PA
One of the most interesting, informative & moving trips ever! Hugely exceeded expectations.
— Review left June 9, 2023
Susan – Class of 2015 | New York, NY
If you enjoy learning history of the period from the 1930s to the 1990s in Germany, the rise of Nazism, WWII, The Berlin Wall, the German Democratic Republic and and all the linkages to current events in the world, this deeper dive into Berlin will give you a look at both the past and the present. Our group of 15 had excellent learning experiences not only with expert educators, but also with people who lived that history either as a prisoner of the Stasi or regular folks living in East Germany during the time of the Berlin Wall. Our days were packed with information, walking tours, visits to important and iconic sites/memorials/buildings, museum tours, and neighborhood walks. If you like a combination of exercise and learning, past and present, this exploration of Berlin will very much satisfy your needs. Berlin is a vibrant city with much to share in the way of culture, art, history and music. We loved it and recommend it, but bring your walking shoes!
— Review left June 2, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Kent – Class of 2002 | Algonquin, IL
Berlin: Two Pasts, One Present provides an excellent overview of the city. Barbara is an outstanding guide, really exceptional. Also all of the "local" guides and speakers were superb. The title is cleaver and accurate. One no longer can tell what part of Berlin you are in based on the surroundings. The old "East Berlin" is rebuilt and we saw it. There was a really good variety of activities built into the program. The only suggestion I would have is to perhaps extend it to 10 days
— Review left May 31, 2023
Martha – Class of 2014 | Tucson, AZ
I added this second tour to the "Best of Germany" so was able to have additional time in Berlin at the end. Although some parts of the tours were similar, I highly recommend an additional week in Berlin to enjoy the city.
— Review left September 19, 2022
Sharon – Class of 2003 | Springfield, VA
Road Scholar is a shadow of its former self. Poor and tardy service, almost impossible to make speedy contact. After 13 trips, this is my last.
— Review left September 18, 2022
This participant did not give a star rating.
Joseph – Class of 2016 | Alexandria, VA
A superb tour of Berlin (and Potsdam). Our guides were excellent, knowledgeable and caring, the lectures informative and the itinerary well planned. We were there for the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Berlin Wall, and so that made the occasion even more special. One can get a great overview of the major events of 20th century Europe in Berlin. It is a program well worth taking.
— Review left December 2, 2019
Colleen – Class of 2014 | Hudson, WI
Berlin: Two Pasts, One Present is an outstanding program. Lectures and outings were meaningful and interesting. Very educational program.
— Review left October 13, 2019
Eric – Class of 2016 | New York, NY
Berlin Past and Present is an excellent program. The local guides were terrific. They presented interesting material and explained in detail the history of Germany especially before and after WW2 and its impact on Jews affected by the Nazis.
— Review left May 26, 2019
Ann – Class of 2018 | Menlo Park, CA
This is a very informative trip. I loved seeing the places where so much history took place and learning how Berlin and Germany are remembering and compensating for their NAZI and GDR past.
— Review left January 17, 2019