Potsdam, City of Kings: Private Tour with a Vehicle

Berlin , Germany

Potsdam, City of Kings: Private Tour with a Vehicle

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Potsdam was a city of kings – a German Versaille where the Hohenzollern monarchy of Prussia constructed lavish palaces in which they could spend their summers. It was also the setting for the Potsdam Conference, where geopolitical giants Josef Stalin, Harry Truman and Winston Churchill met in the summer of 1945 to seal the post-war fate of Germany and Europe.

This 6-hour tour with a car takes you to Potsdam to experience the pomp and grandeur of Prussia and explore the origins of the Cold War. With your own private vehicle, you have the opportunity to explore much more of the UNESCO-listed palace gardens than would be possible by just walking. Your professional, local guide will provide an in-depth commentary throughout and lead you to the heart of German royalty, over the 'Bridge of Spies', and much more. Please note that his tour does not include inside visits to Potsdam palaces. For palace interiors, we recommend our 8-hour private tour with dedicated time for visits.

Available options

Potsdam, City of Kings: Private Tour with a Vehicle

Pickup included

What's included

Private vehicle with professional driver

Professional, local guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Climb through the tiered vineyard up to Frederick the Great's iconic summer palace. Visit the grave of Prussia's most famous monarch, and learn how he became a legend. Palace admission will need to be booked prior to your visit – we're happy to help you organize your booking.

Stop 2

Stand where Truman, Churchill and Stalin stood, when they met to shape the fate of post-war Germany and Europe at the Potsdam Conference.

Cross the 'Bridge of Spies', from West Berlin into East Germany, where the US and USSR swapped captured agents during the Cold War.

Stop 4

Stare up in awe at the imposing New Palace, largest of the residences on the Potsdam grounds, and witness where Kaiser Wilhelm II signed the declaration that sent the Germans to war in 1914.

Drive past Frederick William IV's grandiose architectural folly – primarily used, then and now, to store exotic plants for the duration of Berlin's bitter winters.

Stop 6

Gaze out over the Heiligen See (the 'Holy Lake') from the veranda of Frederick William II's Marble Palace, and see where Frederick William III learned of Prussia's liberation from Napoleonic occupation at the neighboring Orangerie.

Explore the private church of the Prussian monarchy, and descend into the crypts to visit the graves of Frederick William IV and his wife Elizabeth, queen of Prussia and former princess of Bavaria.

Walk beneath the towering arch of Potsdam's Brandenburg Gate – built to celebrate the Prussian triumphs in the three Silesian Wars, and predating Berlin's Brandenburg Gate by roughly 20 years.

Wander through the close-set streets of picturesque, red-brick houses in the Dutch Quarter and learn how Dutch craftsmen were drawn to Potsdam in the early 18th century to contribute to the expansion of the then garrison town.

Drive past Potsdam's 'Alte Markt' and see the Nicholas Church, the Old Town Hall, and the former Potsdam City Palace – now the Brandenburg State Parliament building.

Pass beneath another of Potsdam former city gates, built to designs created by Frederick the Great and the first example of British Gothic Revivalist architecture appearing in Germany.

Drive around the thirteen charming wooden houses of the 'Russian Village', originally the home of the home of the Russian singers of the First Prussian Regiment of the Guards.

What's not included

Gratuities

Food and drink

Entrance fees (none required for the tour)

Available languages

Guide guide

DE PT EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

Please note that this tour does not include inside visits to Potsdam palaces. If you wish to visit any palace interiors, we recommend our 8-hour private tour, which includes dedicated time for palace visits. You can find more details and book here:

https://www.viator.com/tours/Berlin/Potsdam-City-of-Kings-Private-Tour-with-a-Vehicle-Palace-Entries-Included/d488-63772P39

Thank you for your understanding!

About Berlin

Berlin, Germany's capital and largest city, is a vibrant metropolis known for its rich history, diverse culture, and dynamic nightlife. The city's eclectic mix of modern and historic architecture, world-class museums, and thriving arts scene make it a must-visit destination in Europe.

Top Attractions

Brandenburg Gate

A neoclassical monument and one of Berlin's most iconic landmarks, the Brandenburg Gate was built in the 18th century and has been a symbol of the city's history and reunification.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Berlin Wall Memorial and East Side Gallery

The Berlin Wall Memorial and the East Side Gallery are important historical sites that commemorate the division of Berlin during the Cold War and the fall of the Wall in 1989.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Museum Island

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Museum Island is home to five world-renowned museums, including the Pergamon Museum, the Neues Museum, and the Alte Nationalgalerie.

Museum Half-day to full day €19 (Museum Island Day Ticket) or individual museum tickets

Reichstag Building

The Reichstag Building is the seat of the German Bundestag (parliament) and a symbol of German democracy. The glass dome on top offers panoramic views of the city.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (but advance registration is required)

Potsdamer Platz

Potsdamer Platz is a major public square and traffic intersection in the heart of Berlin. It is known for its modern architecture, shopping, and entertainment options.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free to explore, costs vary for shopping and dining

Must-Try Local Dishes

Currywurst

A popular Berlin street food, currywurst is a sliced sausage served with a curry ketchup sauce and often topped with curry powder.

Snack Contains pork, vegetarian and vegan options available

Boulette

A German-style meatball, usually served with potato salad or mashed potatoes and a creamy sauce.

Main Course Contains beef or pork, vegetarian and vegan options available

Döner Kebab

A Turkish dish popularized in Berlin, consisting of seasoned meat (usually lamb, beef, or chicken) cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in flatbread with vegetables and sauces.

Main Course Contains meat, vegetarian and vegan options available

Berliner Pfannkuchen

A jelly-filled doughnut, similar to a Berlin-style donut, often eaten during Carnival season.

Dessert Contains wheat, dairy, and egg, vegan options available

Popular Activities

Cycling Hiking Boat tours Rock climbing Spa and wellness Picnicking in parks Café hopping Boat tours on the Spree River

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest time of the year with long daylight hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. The city is lively with tourists and locals enjoying the summer weather.

20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) 68°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: German
Widely spoken: English, French, Turkish, Arabic, Russian
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Berlin is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, and agree on the fare before starting your journey.
• Keep your passport and valuables in a safe place, and carry a copy of your passport and important documents.

Getting there

By air

Berlin Brandenburg Airport • 18 km (11 miles) from city center

By train

Berlin Hauptbahnhof

By bus

Berlin Central Bus Station (ZOB)

Getting around

Public transport

The U-Bahn is a fast and efficient way to get around Berlin, with 10 lines serving 173 stations. It operates from early morning to late at night.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Mitte Kreuzberg Prenzlauer Berg Friedrichshain Charlottenburg

Day trips

Potsdam

35 km (22 miles) from Berlin • Half-day to full day

Potsdam is a charming city near Berlin, known for its stunning palaces, parks, and lakes. It was the former residence of Prussian kings and German emperors and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Spreewald

100 km (62 miles) from Berlin • Full day

Spreewald is a picturesque region of forests, lakes, and canals, known for its traditional wooden houses, pickles, and gondola rides. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial

35 km (22 miles) from Berlin • Half-day

The Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial is a somber and important historical site, dedicated to the victims of the Nazi regime. The memorial includes the preserved camp buildings, a museum, and a memorial cemetery.

Festivals

Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) • February Berlin Carnival of Cultures (Karneval der Kulturen) • Late May to early June Berlin Festival • September

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in German, as it's appreciated by locals and can enhance your travel experience.
Consider purchasing a Berlin WelcomeCard for unlimited public transportation and discounts at attractions.
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions.
Visit Berlin's many parks and green spaces, which offer a peaceful and relaxing escape from the bustling city.
Be open to trying new foods and culinary experiences, as Berlin's diverse food scene offers something for everyone.