Berlin

Berlin Joins the 2027 WWII Memorial Tour of Europe

For 2027, the Image Tours World War II Memorial Tour of Europe has a significant new beginning. The 16-day tour starts with a two-night stay in Berlin, adding another important location to an itinerary centered on the people, places and events that shaped World War II in Europe. The revised tour then continues by high-speed train to Nuremberg before traveling through Germany, Austria, France, Luxembourg and Belgium. Normandy and Paris remain among the final stops of the tour.

So why Berlin?

Berlin provides an important setting for understanding Germany before, during and after World War II. On the first full day of sightseeing, a local tour introduces travelers to landmarks including the Reichstag Building, Brandenburg Gate and the site of Checkpoint Charlie. The damaged tower of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church also stands as a visible reminder of the destruction the city experienced during the war. The afternoon is left open for individual exploration.

Travelers interested in continuing their study of the period may choose to visit one of Berlin's museums or memorial sites devoted to World War II and Nazi Germany, including the Topography of Terror, Berlin Story Bunker or German Resistance Memorial Centre. That combination of guided sightseeing and independent time allows travelers to gain an overview of the city while deciding which subjects they would like to explore more deeply.

From Berlin to Nuremberg by High-Speed Train

On Day 4, the group transfers to Berlin's train station and boards a high-speed train for the journey to Nuremberg. The scheduled train journey takes approximately 2¾ hours and replaces what would otherwise be a much longer motor coach travel day. After arriving in Nuremberg and checking into the hotel, travelers are introduced to the city before continuing their historical exploration the following day. Nuremberg played two very different roles in the history of Nazi Germany. It was the setting for enormous Nazi Party propaganda rallies before the war and, following Germany's defeat, became the location of the Nuremberg Trials. During the tour, travelers have an opportunity to see the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, Congress Hall and Palace of Justice, as well as visit the Documentation Center. Beginning in Berlin and then traveling to Nuremberg places two historically significant German cities near the beginning of the journey.

The WWII Story Continues Across Europe

Berlin is new for 2027, but it becomes part of a much larger historical journey. After Nuremberg, the tour continues to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial before visiting Munich and spending two nights in an Alpine Village. From there, the itinerary moves west through places connected with both World Wars.

Stops and visits include:

The journey concludes with time in Paris. Rather than studying World War II from one location, travelers follow the story across several countries and see many of the places where events unfolded.

Why Was Amsterdam Removed?

Adding a two-night stay in Berlin required a change elsewhere in the itinerary. For 2027, the previous two-night stay in the Netherlands has been removed, and the escorted tour now concludes in Paris rather than continuing to Holland. We believe including Berlin creates a more meaningful WWII-focused itinerary while keeping the tour at 16 days. For travelers whose plans included Amsterdam, however, visiting the Netherlands is still possible.

Can I Visit Amsterdam After the Tour?

Yes. Travelers who would like to add Amsterdam can consider arranging an independent post-tour extension after Paris. Direct trains operate between Paris Gare du Nord and Amsterdam Central, making Amsterdam relatively easy to add after the escorted portion of the tour. Image Tours suggests considering a centrally located Amsterdam hotel so that the city's major sights, restaurants and transportation are convenient during an independent stay.

Travelers interested in visiting the Anne Frank House should plan especially carefully. Tickets must be purchased online six weeks in advance, with tickets becoming available on Tuesdays for specific time slots. Because they sell out quickly, purchasing as soon as they become available is strongly recommended. Current ticket-release procedures and availability should always be confirmed directly with the Anne Frank House before your trip. Rail schedules, hotel availability and attraction policies can change, so travelers planning an independent extension should verify current information before making reservations.

Who Might Appreciate the New Berlin Itinerary?

The World War II Memorial Tour has always been designed for travelers who want more than a general sightseeing tour of Europe. It visits battlefields, cemeteries, museums, memorials and locations connected with military and political history. The addition of Berlin broadens that perspective. Travelers now begin in a city where they can see important sites connected with Nazi Germany, wartime Berlin and the divided city that followed before continuing to Nuremberg and then following the journey west across Europe. For someone interested in understanding the places behind the history, not simply reading about them, the revised 2027 itinerary offers another important piece of the story.

Explore the 2027 World War II Memorial Tour of Europe

The 16-Day World War II Memorial Tour of Europe combines historical sites with the convenience of an escorted vacation, including a Tour Manager, motor coach transportation, accommodations and planned sightseeing throughout the journey.

If Berlin, Nuremberg, Bastogne, Normandy and the other locations on this itinerary are places you have wanted to experience, review the complete 2027 itinerary to see whether this tour fits your interests and preferred style of travel.

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