In her book Blood and Iron, Katja Hoyer tells the story of the German Empire from its violent beginnings to its calamitous defeat in the First World War. During this exclusive four-day tour, you'll immerse yourself in the history as Katja joins you, offering expert insights along the way.
You'll be based in a Central Berlin hotel, a prime location for seeing iconic sights, such as the Victory Column, commemorating Prussian victory; and Bismarck Memorial, dedicated to the 'Iron Chancellor', Prince Otto von Bismarck.
You'll also spend a full day in Berlin, visiting the Neue Synagoge, which was inaugurated during the time of Bismarck - and where Jewish Berlin during the German Empire will be the base of discussion. Other points of interest include Unter den Linden, which runs from east to west, towards the Brandenburg Gate - which in its current state, was built under orders of Prussian King Frederick William II. Not only a symbol of Germany's tumultuous history, it also signifies unity and peace.
A highlight of the tour is a day in Potsdam, once home to the Prussian Royal Family, but now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is culturally rich, with its palaces and parks - and you'll visit the Sanssouci Palace, once the summer home of former Prussian King, Frederick the Great. You'll also visit the New Palace and Cecilienhof Palace, which both bear historical significance during the German Empire - the latter for its links to the Potsdam Conference.
There will also be time to board a vessel dating from 1886 as you see 'Old Berlin' from the river, visit the dome of the Reichstag Building and sip cocktails at the iconic five-star Hotel Adlon. This promises to be a truly unique and insightful trip.
Katja Hoyer is a German-British historian and the author of the international bestseller Beyond the Wall: East Germany 1949-1990. A Visiting Research Fellow at King's College London and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, she is also a regular media commentator on current affairs in Germany. She was born in East Germany and now lives in the UK.
Please note, flights are not included in the advertised price.
Upon arrival in Berlin, transfer to the hotel and meet your tour manager and German Historian, Katja Hoyer. This afternoon, visit the Deutschland-museum - an interactive museum charting the whole of German history and offering a great contextual start to the tour. Then visit the Victory Column and Bismarck Memorial. Situated closely together, they offer a superb chance to discuss the wars of unification and the lynchpin between Prussia and Germany. End your first day with an early evening boat trip of 'old Berlin' aboard a vessel dating from 1886.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Today, you will study historic Potsdam including visits to Sanssouci, Neues Palais, Cecilienhof and, time permitting, Pfaueninsel. Katja will accompany you for the duration of the tour, and bring the history of each location alive. Later, return to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day and evening at leisure.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Today, you will visit the Berliner Dom, and the New Synagogue to discuss Jewish Berlin in the German Empire. After free time for lunch, take a relaxed stroll along Unter den Linden to the Brandenburg Gate. You will also visit the dome of the Reichstag Building and finish the day with a cocktail at the famous Hotel Adlon.
After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Charlottenburg Palace and the Spandau Citadel with its 'toppled statues', before transferring to the airport.
For general information, click here.
To view TS Tours’ supplier’s terms and conditions click here.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £225. Deposit 30%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Please call to arrange flights. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd. Calls are made at local rates. All tours featured are operated by the partner specified, a company wholly independent of Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd. Please refer to the Data Protection Notice in today's Personal Column or telegraph.co.uk/privacypolicy.