Berlin to Potsdam and Wittenberg: Private day trip

Although the Prussian and German aristocrats have long gone, Potsdam’s rich history is still proudly displayed throughout the green city. The heart of the city is still its Old Market Square, dominated by the 19th century St. Nicholas' Church at one end, and 18th century City Hall at the other. The nearby Dutch Quarter is unique in Central Europe, with about 150 red-brick houses built the traditional Dutch style. The city’s crown jewel is the extensive Sanssouci Park and Palace, built by Frederick the Great. Often referred to as “Dreamland”, this Rococo masterpiece was styled after Versailles, complete with a sculpture garden, fountains, and a beautiful terraced vineyard. The park itself has lots to discover and explore — beautiful gazebos, temples, churches, a large windmill, and even some “Roman ruins” can be explored.

Founded around 1180, Wittenberg was an important trade center for hundreds of years. After Wittenberg University was established in 1502, the city began to attract free-thinkers such as Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchthon. In 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the castle door, an event that gave birth to the German Reformation. Today, as its name suggests, the city is all about Martin Luther. The so-called ‘Luther House’, a 16th century monastery where Martin Luther and his family lived, is now UNESCO-listed and houses the world’s largest museum on Reformation history, exhibiting everything from Luther's Living Room, to a Lutheran Bible from 1534. The Renaissance-style home of Luther’s friend and collaborator Philipp Melanchthon gives an intimate look into the life of the famous theologian. Both men are entombed in the beautiful 15th century Castle Church, while pilgrims flock to the 16th century St. Mary’s town church to see where Luther preached.