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A group of travelers smiling for a photo in front of the historic Holstentor city gate in Lübeck, Germany.
Germany

Hanseatic Cities: Highlights of Hamburg, Lübeck and Bremen

Program No. 23867RJ
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Program
At a Glance
Duration
8 days
Program Begins
Hamburg
Program Concludes
Hamburg
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
13 ( 6B, 3L, 4D )
Activity Level
From
3,699
From the rise of the Hanseatic League in the Middle Ages to the great waves of emigration in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Northern Germany has long been shaped by trade, migration, and global connections. With Hamburg — the historic “Gateway to the World” — as your home base, explore these themes through expert-led lectures, walking explorations, and a harbor cruise that reveal the city’s maritime past. Journey to the former Hanseatic cities of Bremen and Lübeck, delve into centuries of trade and urban life, and engage directly with the history of German emigration at the German Emigration Center in Bremerhaven. Along the way, balance structured learning with time to explore on your own, enjoy regional cuisine, experience world-class art and music, and reflect at powerful memorial sites that illuminate Germany’s complex history.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Learn about Hamburg’s important role in emigration as the “gateway to the world” and research your own family’s journey at the German Emigration Center in Bremerhaven.
  • Explore the medieval old town of Lübeck, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the charming cobblestone alleys of Bremen, the inspiration for a Brothers Grimm fairy tale.
  • Explore the vibrant port of Hamburg on a scenic harbor cruise, passing by the city's historic warehouses, modern architecture, and bustling docks, all set against the backdrop of the majestic Elbe River.
General Notes
Program includes independent time to explore the city and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials. Give us a call to combine this learning adventure with “Berlin: Two Pasts, One Present” (#16952) for even more learning in Germany! We'll even transfer you for free between Berlin and Hamburg.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 4 miles per day at a moderate pace of 2 mph over paved and cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces. Standing up to 2 hours per day. Program will require approximately 24 miles of walking over 9 days. Participants should be prepared to navigate uneven stairs with and without handrails and be comfortable getting on and off trains, trams and buses. Due to the use of public transportation during this program and some sites only being accessible by stairs, escalators and/or cobblestones, wheelchairs and scooters cannot be accommodated on this program. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
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Call 800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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