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Germany

Hanseatic Cities: Highlights of Hamburg, Lübeck and Bremen

Program No. 23867RJ
Learn about the history of German emigration as you explore the Hanseatic Cities of Northern Germany and trace your own family history with insight from local experts and genealogists.

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At a Glance

In 14th-century Northern Germany, bands of merchants rallied together to establish the Hanseatic League – a collection of towns that traded resources along the coast. In the 19th century, millions of Germans passed through on their way to a new life in America, and Northern Germany is still a hotspot for immigration today. With Hamburg, the “gateway to the world,” as your home base, explore the history of German emigration through expert-led lectures and field trips to the Hanseatic Cities of Lübeck and Bremen. With plenty of time to explore on your own, visit medieval towns and memorials, sample regional cuisine and trace your own family’s history with exclusive access to the emigration database at the BallinStadt Museum.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking 2-3 miles per day, sometimes on uneven surfaces and cobblestone streets. Standing up to 2 hours at field trip sites and museums. Must be able to use public transportation and climb stairs in historic buildings.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Learn about Hamburg’s important role in emigration as the “gateway to the world” and research your own family’s journey at the BallinStadt Museum.
  • 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.
  • Learn about gravestone masonry at the oldest Portuguese-Sefardic Jewish cemetery in Northern Europe.

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.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can 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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