At the centre of German culture and history, join an eye-opening tour of Weimar in the company of historians Clive Harris and Katja Hoyer. Over four days, learn about the stories of the men and women who lived through the new republic and Hitler's regime in the city where its greatest achievements sit alongside the forces that tore it apart.
Enjoy the company and expert insights of Katja, whose research uncovers the lives of ordinary citizens alongside famous names, and over the coming days, see these themes brought to life. Experience walking tours around the city, immersing yourself in Weimar's streets, squares and iconic landmarks. Explore the city's pivotal role in German history: from the hopeful birth of democracy in 1919 to the moral collapse of the Nazi years.
You'll uncover the worlds of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller, the revolutionary turmoil of the Weimar Republic, the radical ideas of the Bauhaus, and the darker legacy of Nazism - all culminating in a visit to Buchenwald concentration camp.
Stay at the iconic and historic five-star Hotel Elephant Weimar - a cultural hub for centuries. The hotel formerly hosted famous figures including Goethe, Schiller, Franz Liszt, Richard Wagner, Thomas Mann. Later, it was rebuilt to Adolf Hitler's wishes, complete with an exclusive Führer suite.
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.
FLIGHT TIMES -
OUTBOUND 1 October: LHR - Berlin 10.10 - 13.05
INBOUND 4 October: Berlin - LHR 16.55 - 17.45
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT - £225
Please note this information is indicative and subject to change.
Fly from London Heathrow to Berlin. Upon arrival, transfer to Weimar. During your transfer, Katja will give an introductory talk to the tour and to Weimar's central role in German history. You'll then visit Goethe House, a museum dedicated to German poet and playwright Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
Enjoy a welcome drink at The White Swan (Zum weißen Schwan), the tavern most closely associated with Goethe, and where many of the deputies drank in 1919, when they founded the republic.
Check in to the iconic five-star Hotel Elephant Weimar for your three-night stay and enjoy dinner and the evening at your leisure.
After breakfast this morning, you'll embark on a walking tour, led by Katja Hoyer who will give a number of talks at various points of interest.
You'll see the Weimar Palace, where Katja will talk about World War I and the German Revolution of 1918, and the Herder Church. Walk down the Geleitstrasse, where Katja will talk about the social history of the post World War I years.
Explore the bustling Old Town and at Theatre Square, Katja will talk about the foundation of the Weimar Republic in Theaterplatz, back in 1919. While at Theaterplatz, you'll visit the House of the Weimar Republic, a museum and memorial dedicated to Germany's first democracy over the years spanning 1918-1933.
Later, transfer by coach to the Bauhaus Museum, before passing the Nietzsche Archive, the last residence of philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche and the place where the Nazis tried to appropriate his ideas.
Enjoy dinner and the evening at your leisure.
After breakfast this morning, you'll embark on a walking tour, led by Katja Hoyer. Points of interest will include the Market Square, the historic central hub where the 1926 Nazi rally took place; Ducal Mews, known as the Marstall, where the Gestapo installed a torture basement in the 1930s; the Stumbling Stone memorials, commemorating Nazi victims at their last known residence; and tthe Gau Forum, the only Nazi regional HQ ever built.
Later, transfer by coach to Buchenwald concentration camp - one of the largest concentration camps on German soil. You'll also stop at Weimar train station along the way to talk about one victim of the Holocaust who lived there and the behaviour of Weimarers.
Enjoy dinner and the evening at your leisure.
After breakfast this morning, you can either join Katja Hoyer for an optional walking tour through Weimar's historical cemetery which contains the tomb of Goethe, Schiller and the Grand Dukes as well as the graves of several of the people whose lives she explores in her book. Or you can enjoy time at leisure, for instance by visiting any of the following by yourself: Anna Amalia library, Park an der Ilm, Schiller House and Museum, Liszt House, Museum New Weimar or Goethe's garden house.
Later, transfer back to Berlin airport for your return flight to London Heathrow. En route, Katja will give a talk about the bombing of Weimar at the end of the war, American and Soviet occupation and Weimar in East Germany up to the present day.
One of Germany’s oldest and most historic hotels, dating back to 1696, the Hotel Elephant Weimar was originally a tavern and inn. The original building was demolished in 1937–1938 and replaced with a modern hotel, including a suite used by Adolf Hitler. After WWII and the GDR era, the hotel reopened and was fully renovated in 2018. Today, it is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, blending historic charm with modern luxury, and remains a symbol of Weimar’s rich cultural and literary heritage.
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* 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. Price excludes flights - please call to add these on. Single supplement £225. Deposit: 30%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. 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. Copy of Katja's book is subject to availability and one per booking. 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.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room and return flights from London Heathrow, 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. 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. Copy of Katja's book is subject to availability and one per booking. 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.