Best Of Hamburg

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a leisurely drive through Germany's second-largest city with stops for photos at enlightening landmarks. Charlemagne founded Hamburg on the Elbe River in 810 A.D. and there are plenty of historical sites even though much of the city was destroyed in the fire of 1842 and by Allied bombing during World War II. Fortunately, Hamburg was beautifully rebuilt in both instances as you will discover while viewing the opulent 647-room town hall, the Speicherstadt - a UNESCO World Heritage site that is the world's largest complex of warehouses - and contemporary icons such as the Elbphilharmonie concert hall. Other highlights include Lake Alster, the Reeperbahn district where the Beatles played long before becoming famous and St. Michaels, an enormous Baroque church with distinctive features such as Germany's largest clock tower. As a contrast, you will also see a modest 17th-century almshouse for the widows of shopkeepers. Free time for lunch rounds out the experience.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a panoramic drive through Hamburg with stops for photos and exploration.
• See the Speicherstadt, a UNESCO World Heritage site red-brick warehouse complex.
• View the modern Elbphilharmonie concert hall, which sits atop a brick warehouse.
• Stop at historical St. Michaels church and see the Reeperbahn nightclub district.
• Gain insight into how Hamburg was rebuilt following World War II.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.