1. Embracing History at the Acropolis

Upon arriving in Athens, your first destination must be the legendary Acropolis, the crown jewel of ancient Greek architecture. As you ascend the sacred rock, you’ll encounter the Parthenon, a marvel of classical beauty that has withstood the test of time. Standing on this ancient citadel, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramas of the city, a reminder of Athens’ grandeur. While the Acropolis is a popular tourist spot, it’s advisable to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the tranquility of this historical marvel.

As you explore the Acropolis further, you’ll encounter other notable structures like the Erechtheion, with its distinctive Caryatids, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Each monument bears a unique tale from antiquity, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich history of ancient Greece.

2. Roaming Through the Ancient Agora

Step back in time as you stroll through the Ancient Agora, once the heart of Athens’ political and social life. Here, you can marvel at the remarkably preserved Temple of Hephaestus, a Doric marvel that dates back to 449 BC. The Agora offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of ancient Greeks, and you’ll find yourself enchanted by the tales of philosophers and politicians who once walked these same paths.

As you meander through the Agora, keep an eye out for the Stoa of Attalos, a reconstructed building that now houses the Agora Museum. The museum’s exhibits provide context to the historical significance of the Agora and its role in ancient Athenian life.

3. Exploring the National Archaeological Museum

For history enthusiasts, a visit to Athens’ National Archaeological Museum is a must. Housing an extensive collection of ancient artifacts, sculptures, and pottery, this museum provides an immersive experience of the past. You’ll discover an incredible array of treasures, including the iconic Mask of Agamemnon and the breathtaking Antikythera Mechanism.

Allow yourself ample time to explore the museum’s galleries, as each artifact unveils a unique narrative. From intricately sculpted statues of ancient deities to delicate pottery depicting scenes of daily life, the museum is a treasure trove of Greek history and artistry.

4. Getting Lost in Plaka’s Charm

Amidst the city’s ancient allure, Plaka offers a charming contrast with its narrow cobbled streets and neoclassical houses. This picturesque neighborhood is a hub of vibrant cafes, traditional tavernas, and boutique shops. Here, you can indulge in authentic Greek delicacies while immersing yourself in the locals’ warm hospitality.

As you stroll through Plaka, you’ll come across charming artisanal shops offering handmade crafts and souvenirs, providing an excellent opportunity to take a piece of Athens’ charm back home with you. Be sure to taste traditional Greek dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and baklava at the local tavernas, where the flavors are as rich as the history surrounding you.

5. Admiring the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square

A short walk from Plaka, Syntagma Square is home to the Hellenic Parliament, where the famous Evzones guard performs an impressive ceremonial changing of the guard. Clad in traditional Greek costumes, the Evzones’ synchronized movements are a sight to behold, embodying the nation’s reverence for its history and traditions.

The changing of the guard takes place every hour, but the grandest ceremony occurs on Sundays at 11 AM. Make sure to arrive early to secure a good vantage point and witness this captivating display of precision and discipline.

6. Exploring the Panathenaic Stadium

Sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike will delight in a visit to the Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro. This marvel is not only the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 but also a reconstruction of an ancient Greek stadium used for the Panathenaic Games.

Stepping onto the hallowed grounds of the stadium, you’ll feel a sense of reverence for the athletes who competed here centuries ago. Capture the moment with a photograph at the marble podium and take in the immensity of this historical landmark that played a significant role in the revival of the Olympic Games.

7. Soaking in Sunsets at Cape Sounion

Venturing a short distance from Athens, Cape Sounion is an excellent escape to witness some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the world. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, the Temple of Poseidon majestically graces the landscape, adding an ethereal touch to the setting sun.

Arrive at Cape Sounion in the late afternoon to explore the ancient ruins of the Temple of Poseidon before finding a comfortable spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon. The changing colors of the sky and the mesmerizing view of the sea create an ambiance that words can hardly describe, making this an unforgettable experience.

Bonus Tip: Free Walking Tours

While exploring Athens independently is rewarding, consider joining a free walking tour to enhance your experience further. These tours, led by knowledgeable local guides, provide fascinating insights into the city’s history, culture, and hidden gems.

Wander through quaint alleyways, learn intriguing anecdotes about ancient legends, and discover local spots that might be overlooked otherwise. Free walking tours usually last a few hours, making them an ideal way to familiarize yourself with the city’s layout while gaining valuable insights from enthusiastic guides.

Not only do these tours offer a budget-friendly option, but they also present an opportunity to meet fellow travelers from around the world, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared exploration. Keep an eye out for these tours near popular tourist areas, and get ready to unlock the secrets of Athens through the eyes of passionate locals.

Although SANDEMANs NEW Europe doesn’t yet operate in Athens, you can book your Free Walking Tours with any of the following providers. Simply remember to book directly with Tour Operators as much as you can.

athens-free-tour.com

athensfreewalkingtour.com 

newathensfreetour.com 

The post Exploring the Ancient Capital: A First-Time Traveler’s Guide to Athens first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

It’s a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that brings together beer-lovers from all corners of the world and families out to enjoy the food, fun and festivities of one of the greatest fairs on earth. However, it would also be considered a fool’s errand to try and do Oktoberfest ‘on the cheap’. That said, we at SANDEMANs can help you cut prices without cutting corners. How, you ask? Read on!

1. Think outside the tent

Everyone knows that Oktoberfest’s pure, golden elixir is the true calling of the festival. But as a Volksfest (a ‘people’s festival’), there’s so much more to see and do! Volksfest are travelling funfairs with carnival attractions, shows, stands and more! So if you can feel your pockets empty whilst sipping on that amber brew, you might want to consider spending at least one day enjoying everything outside the tents! You’ll have to see a traditional folk music show at Zur Schönheitskönigin or ascend the thrilling Jules Verne Tower! A few euros spent on entering the charmingly traditional Oide Wiesn fairground will save you from the temptation of buying another round, and you can soak up history instead.

2. …and outside the fairground

Prices within the fairgrounds for anything and everything are inflated. The median price of beer, not counting the customary €1-2 tip? €11.70. You can’t escape splurging at least once, but it starts to add up after a few visits. So, if you want to save a bit of cash whilst still soaking up some of the famous festival atmosphere, take Oktoberfest with you wherever you go – visit Munich’s local restaurants to chow on traditional grub for a fraction of the fairground price. Need a tipple before/afterwards? Half a litre of beer at a mini-markt can set you back less than a euro. The point is: Wiesn is wherever you make it (and where the law allows…).

3. Book early with SANDEMANs

Planning for Oktoberfest usually starts… a year before Oktoberfest. Tables in the biggest tents may be reserved as early as January, and the total booking allowance can be gone by February! Some walk-ins are allowed, but our Munich Oktoberfest Experience guarantees a table at the iconic Löwenbrau tent. There’s plenty of sumptuous food and beer to get you started too, and with a walking tour of the grounds guided by one of our charismatic local experts, you won’t want for anything at this party.

Until July 31st, you can benefit from a special €85 early bird price for our Munich Oktoberfest Experience! After that, it will still only cost €115, but don’t wait too long as this experience sells out early!

4. Hitchhike without the hitches

Trusting ride-sharing services like blablacar or Fahrgemeinschaft (within Germany) can be a super thrifty – if you’re willing to take a risk. With only a handful of people maximum to a car, and the potential to negotiate a ride directly to your digs in Munich, a ride-share can beat low-cost coaches and even the train for price and comfort. The catch? You’ll need to wait closer to the time to book. Drivers regularly post journeys only a few weeks (or even days) before they intend to make them. So if you can’t find a journey, you’ll need to shell out for more conventional means to get there. If you do manage to get a lift, though, you could end up with a few new friends, and a satisfyingly weighty wallet on arrival.

5. Have a little help from (our) friends… 

So, we’re sorted for an amazing, hassle-free introduction to Oktoberfest, but what about accommodation? Hotels, hostels and apartments are never cheap this time of year, but we can recommend three great options to suit all tastes:

👉 Aside from having some of the comfiest dorms you’ll find in anywhere in Europe, Jaeger’s Hostel serves a fill-your-boots breakfast buffet, which will go a long way in helping you save on the eye-watering food bills at the Wiesn (Oktoberfest) ground. The venue’s chic bar and heavenly en-suite showers are just icing on the cake. You’ll need to book quickly to snap up the last few places here!

👉 The Euro Youth Hotel has a range of budget accommodation, from private rooms to delightful dorms under the magical €100 mark. Plus, the famously lively Euro Bar runs four hours of happy hour every evening, and the reviews speak for themselves – it’s indisputably one of Munich’s best venues all year round.

👉 For a real festival experience, nothing beats Stoke Travel’s offering. Cosy camping with breakfast and dinner included for just €65/night isn’t even the best part: Stoketoberfest – the campsite’s all-day party with live entertainment that runs into the early hours – is made all the sweeter with the open bar offering unlimited beer and sangria for just €10/day. If you book with the code “SANDEMANS”, you’re drinking here for free. Who needs Oktoberfest?

6. Party up and roll out

As we said, our friends at Jaeger’s and Euro Youth Hotel are comfortably within walking distance of both the Wiesn and the city centre. If you decide to stay a little further afield or at the Stoke campground, you’ll do well to use Munich’s public transport. Pro tip: our local guides recommend making a party of 5 and splitting a 3-day group ticket. Unlimited trips within the city for less than €6 per person for 3 days? A single traveller would have to pay €16.80. That bargain is weltklasse, plus, we all know that public transport is greener than hailing a cab.

7. Dress to impress

You don’t have to wear trachten – the wonderful traditional Bavarian dress that includes mens’ Lederhosen and womens’ Dirndlen – but doing so is half the fun! Quality goatskin/deerskin trachten are used by locals to attend events all across Germany for a long while, and these will set you back several hundred euros. Don’t waste a few dozen quid on an imitation party outfit, either – it’s almost disrespectful! Our guides recommend either buying your tracht secondhand online, in one of Munich’s department stores, or renting (though this option can get costly after a few days…).

Stoke Travel also sell authentic trachten for men and women on site or during booking! They think of everything, don’t they.

8. Enjoy Munich another time?

You can’t umm and ahh about Oktoberfest. If you’ve not decided, late planning won’t save you stress or money. If your main motivation is to see Munich, and Oktoberfest is just a happy by-product, consider going at another time. The city will be cheaper, the crowds will be less, and you can still get your beer and bratwurst fix at the Hofbräuhaus (or one of the city’s numerous other festivals!). We even run our own beer tasting tour four days a week, and we’d love to see you there!

The post 8 Ways To Plan Oktoberfest Without Breaking The Bank! first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

1. Amsterdam – Hannie Schaft

Also known as “the girl with the red hair”, Hannie Schaft is well-known in the Netherlands but perhaps not so well-known in other countries. She was strongly opposed to the occupying Nazi’s anti-Jewish actions, and worked to sabotage and even assassinate strategic Nazi targets. After being arrested delivering communist newspapers, she was imprisoned, interrogated, and tragically, executed by the Nazis just three weeks before the end of the war. Apart from being a brave and impactful resistance fighter, her final words showed just how tough she was – when one of the Nazi soldiers sent to execute her merely wounded her, she apparently said “I shoot better than you do”, before she was finally killed by his colleague.

2. Copenhagen – Lili Elbe

One of the world’s first recipients of gender reassignment surgery, Lili Elbe was born Elnar Magnus Andreas Wegener in 1882. Gender reassignment surgery was still highly experimental in 1930, when she underwent the first of four surgeries, and in 1931, her body rejected a transplanted uterus and she died from infection. As her surgeries took place in Germany, many of the medical records relating to her story were burnt during the Nazi book burnings, however the best-selling book (and now film) The Danish Girl offers a fictionalized account of her life.

3. Dublin – Constance Markievicz

Constance Markievicz was born into a wealthy family in London, but bravely took part in the 1916 Easter Rising on the side of the Irish republicans. While many of the male republicans she fought alongside were sentenced to death, she was given a lesser sentence for being a female, and eventually went on to become the first woman elected to the UK House of Commons (although she didn’t take her seat), and later, the first woman in the world to hold a cabinet position. When she died aged 59 from appendicitis, she had given away the last of her wealth, and was in a public hospital ward among the poor, where she wanted to be.

4. Edinburgh – The Edinburgh Seven

We’ll give you more bang for your buck on this one, with not just one but seven kick-ass women. The Edinburgh Seven were the first group of females to be enrolled in a British university in 1869, and although they studied medicine, they were prevented from graduating and qualifying as doctors. While their campaign to be allowed to graduate attracted a large number of supporters (including Charles Darwin), they never did gain permission, with the argument given that they shouldn’t have been admitted in the first place (despite the fact that they all passed the entrance exams; four even passed with honors). These women weren’t quitters though, and eventually, five of the seven gained their MDs abroad.

5. Hamburg – Domenica Niehoff

Domenica Niehoff had a rough start in life – her mother fled her husband with young Domenica in arm before getting arrested for petty crimes, which meant Domenica was sent to an orphanage. When she was 17, she met her husband (a brothel owner), but she was widowed at age 27 when her husband committed suicide. She became a prostitute herself, eventually known as “the Queen of the Reeperbahn”, but rather than hide in the shadows, she campaigned for the legalization of prostitution, and founded a project to support young prostitutes and drug addicts. When she died in 2009, she was given a place in Hamburgs Garden of Women, the first prostitute to be buried in an area that has been reserved for distinguished women.

6. Lisbon – Carolina Beatriz Ângelo

Not only did Carolina Beatriz Ângelo defy the odds by becoming a doctor at the turn of the 20th Century, but she really cemented her place on our kick-ass women list by finding a loophole in the law that allowed her to become the first woman to vote in Portugal in 1911. As well as being a leader in feminist and suffragette circles, she noticed that the law around elections was ambiguously written, not specifically saying men had the right to vote, but rather, heads-of-households over the age of 21 did, and as she was a widow, she was the head of her household. While she did manage to get her vote in in 1911, sadly after she exploited that loophole, the Portuguese law was changed to specify that voters must be male – a ruling not overturned until 1976. Find out more about Carolina Beatriz Ângelo on the Lisbon International Women’s Day Tour.

7. Madrid – Clara Campoamor

Clara Campoamor was born in Madrid into a working class family, and started out as a seamstress at age 13, before earning a number of government jobs, and eventually getting into law school. As if that wasn’t impressive enough in the early 1900s, in 1931 she was elected into a government position, at a time when women weren’t even allowed to vote. She worked to make changes to the constitution, which included fighting against discrimination based on gender, the right to divorce, and for children born within and outside the marriage to have equal rights. When the Spanish Civil War broke out she was forced to flee the country, and was barred from returning under Franco, and she died in exile, in Switzerland, in 1972. Find out more about Clara Campoamor on the Madrid International Women’s Day Tour.

The post 7 Kick-Ass Women to Know About This International Women’s Day first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

1. Family-friendly environment and fairground rides

If you’re showing up with a group of pals and expecting a bar-like atmosphere, you might be a bit taken aback to see so many children underfoot. In fact, Oktoberfest is a very family-friendly event, and you may even see some school trips there. Sure, you’re unlikely to see a seven-year-old chugging a one-liter Stein (unless they have VERY irresponsible parents), but the kids will definitely enjoy the abundance of food and the Ferris wheel, roller coaster, carousel and giant slide.

2. Appropriate length of dirndls

Some commercial images of beer maids have oversold the sultry dirndl, however, traditionally the dress falls below the knee. We’re not in the business of clothing-shaming, so if you want to wear a shorter one we won’t judge you! However, we can’t promise that everyone else at Oktoberfest will be so accepting. There are some uncharitable names for dirndls that don’t reach past the knee, which it wouldn’t be polite to repeat here…

3. How the beer-maids get paid (and how much to tip them!)

The beer-maids make on average 10% of the sales, which might explain why you see them going out of their way to carry so many beers at once. While some of the beer-maids will work 80 hour weeks over the festival, and will aim to earn between €5,000 – €10,000 in this time, you should definitely tip them. Not only because it’s grueling work, but also because they will remember when it comes time to order the next round.

4. The closing ceremony

The Oktoberfest closing ceremony is truly something to behold. Traditional gun salutes and tents filled with sparklers might not sound like a particularly safe combination with people who’ve been drinking all day, but it’s actually a pretty spectacular, and for some, emotional moment.

5. Tying your apron to convey your relationship status

If you’ve ever been to a traffic light party, this is kind of like a subtler version of that. Ladies, tying your bow on the left side suggests you are single and ready to mingle. Tying on the right side sends a clear message that you’re off the market. Tying the bow in the back can mean the wearer is a waitress, or a widow (so try to assess that correctly before asking sad-looking women to get you a beer). And tying in the front? While the obvious assumption here might be “have a boyfriend but looking to upgrade”, in fact, it is actually a sign that, ahhh, your keg has not yet been tapped, if you catch our drift.

6. Engraved pegs, or Wiesn Glupperl:

Although trying to say Wiesn Glupperl sounds a little like you sneezed and then immediately started choking, they are in fact little wooden clothes pegs that you get your name etched on, and then wear. Slightly cooler than the “Hello, my name is…” sticker, although many people will get fake names or dirty words etched on instead.

7. Pork knuckle – the best pork you’ll ever eat, including bacon

This one is not designed for the vegetarians. Pork knuckle, or Schweinshaxn, is often served with fried potatoes and Sauerkraut, and although originated as a poor man’s meat, has been perfected over time to become a Bavarian favorite. Some people can be put off by this enormous slab of pig’s leg, but your taste buds will definitely overrule any presentation hesitation. Just think of it as a cultural experience.

8. Dancing on the tables, and downing your Stein

Dancing on your bench is not only permitted – it’s encouraged. However, dancing on the table will get you thrown out faster than you can say “but I only just bought this €10 beer”. Similarly, you might find people getting up on the bench to down their Stein. While the alluring draw of a tent full of people cheering you on sounds like something Snapchat video dreams are made of, beware that if you don’t down it in one go, or you take too long, those appreciative cheers will quickly turn into people throwing their food at you.

9. What your accommodation will smell like by the end

Your room will smell like yeast. There is no way around it. The faster you accept this and move on, the better it will be for you and any roommates you might have.

10. Your likelihood of getting in a tent

And therein lies the million Euro question. How to get into a tent. The tents fill up quickly, and any that accept formal reservations often start taking them in May. While you can stand and wait for someone to get up and leave (and then have your elbows at the ready to fight off the other people wanting to take their place), if you already know which tent you want to end the day in, you’ll want to get jostling for a position in it pretty early on. Luckily though, we made those phone calls in May, and have a table inside the Löwenbräu tent, so if you want a guaranteed Oktoberfest experience (complete with 2.5L of beer and half a chicken), make a reservation for our Oktoberfest Experience. Like the tents though, it will fill up fast, so don’t wait too long.

Prost!

The post Oktoberfest for First-Timers: 10 Things You’ll Wish Someone Had Told You first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

Every day we offer tours to Nazi concentration camp memorial sites like Sachsenhausen just outside of Berlin, as well as Dachau outside Munich and Terezín outside Prague. The guides who lead these tours feel privileged to do so, as they are dedicated to the sites, meticulous about conveying their history, and passionate about encouraging remembrance of the people who lost their lives there.

Below is a list of questions we often get asked by people who are about to visit, or are thinking of visiting, sites like these. We’ve noticed some people feel uncomfortable asking these questions, so if you’re one of those people, we hope this will be helpful to you.

It’s true that sometimes, the memorial sites themselves issue reminders about conduct (in the past year, Sachsenhausen Memorial has issued reminders that it’s not appropriate to have picnics at the site, make anti-Semitic jokes, or play Pokémon Go…). Most of the time, we hope it’s down to a lack of understanding, rather than any kind of malicious intent. The following points are specifically for the Sachsenhausen Memorial, but are a good guideline for visiting these memorial sites in general.

1. Are photos appropriate?

This depends on the memorial site, but generally, there will be signs around telling you whether you can or not. At Sachsenhausen Memorial, photography is permitted, but not inside the museums. However, we always recommend that you think about what you’re taking photos of and how you compose your shots.

While many people feel uncomfortable taking photos at all, it’s a completely personal decision that’s entirely up to you. However, as many survivors (and families of those who didn’t survive) have told us that they were always concerned that the world would move on, forgetting about them and their experiences, perhaps taking photos is not as strange as it seems.

2. What about eating / drinking / smoking?

Again this depends on the site, but at Sachsenhausen Memorial, you can eat and smoke outside the information center, but not once you get into the memorial site. Showing up with alcohol is clearly a no-go.

 3. What should I wear?

We’ve seen a few poor souls who wore some of their trusty sloganed t-shirts, which took on unfortunate connotations when standing in a former concentration camp… If you don’t want to be the guy awkwardly standing with your arms folded all day, have a quick think before you put on that old favorite in the morning. Otherwise, the majority of the Sachsenhausen Memorial tour is outdoors, so dress in weather-appropriate clothes, bringing jackets, umbrellas, hats, sunscreen, plenty of water etcetera.

 4. Do you know of any ghosts or spirits?

Every guide has been asked this question at least once, and we know the memorial foundations get asked it too. We also know that not everyone is asking this insensitively; if you’re interested in paranormal activity, as many people are, we understand why you’d ask, however, on our tours we do not include stories of paranormal activity at the memorial site.

5. Which concentration camp was the “worst”?

Again, we know not all people are asking this insensitively, and we think we know what they mean; in which camps were conditions the harshest? How many people died in each camp? These are fair questions, and you should feel free to ask us them. Every now and then though, this can come across as a competition – “I visited X camp, which is way worse than Y camp, so there’s no point in me going to Y camp”. We think it’s really important to remember that all of these camps were atrocities against humanity, and that all of the victims deserve to be remembered appropriately, so while we definitely encourage you to ask us as many questions as you have about Sachsenhausen and other camps, it is best to avoid thinking about any kind of ranking.

 6. Which groups of people will you talk about?

Sometimes we are asked to focus on only one specific group of prisoners. If there is a group of people you want to hear more about, please feel free to walk with the guide between stops and ask them questions. The guide will be happy to give you further info, and also suggest specific sites at the memorial you might want to privately visit after the tour, as well as books you can purchase in the information center. Alternatively, we can also arrange a private tour for you, with this specific focus on the group you’re interested in. Please note though that on our publicly scheduled tour, we do endeavor to acknowledge the memory of all of the victims of Sachsenhausen.

 7. Can I make a donation to the memorial site?

Yes! Please feel free to! When you join our tour to Sachsenhausen Memorial, we contribute a part of your ticket price to the site, but if you’d like to make an additional donation, you can in the information center at the site itself. Donations go to projects such as maintenance of the memorial, restoring sites and exhibits, research, staff costs, training events and many more worthwhile causes.

8. Will there be a lot of other people there?

Various Nazi concentration camp memorials are experiencing high volumes of visitors. We think this is ultimately a great thing – the more people who are interested in learning about these sites and remembering those who suffered in them, the better.

However, this makes it even more important that visitors to the site – and the guides who accompany them – are quiet, solemn and respectful. If you’re taking your children, please keep them close by at all times, and if you see a group of people behaving loudly or disrespectfully, feel free to ask your guide to speak to them.

 9. Can I stand on the foundations of buildings that have been destroyed?

The answer here is a pretty firm no. At Sachsenhausen Memorial, weather damage, combined with varying degrees of care (or lack thereof) from changing governments, have resulted in some of these sites becoming fragile and requiring preservation. Sometimes people want to walk across these foundations to lay small memorials – candles, flowers etcetera.  While appreciating the sentiment here, the Sachsenhausen Memorial team do ask that, to preserve the site for future generations, you don’t not step on the foundations.

 10. Can I visit these memorial sites myself?

Absolutely you can. Many people choose to go to the site by themselves because they don’t speak a language the tours are regularly offered in, can’t go at the times the tours are offered, or because a guided tour doesn’t fit within their travel budget. However, as the Sachsenhausen Memorial site is quite large, with a lot of information in the museums and a lot of information on the audio guide, it’s unlikely you’ll get through everything in one visit without some help.

If you choose to go by yourself, our advice is to start by asking the receptionists at the information center which sites you should prioritize visiting, in case you run out of time. Many people choose to join a tour because it’s an easier way to get a succinct yet thorough overview of the site in a few hours (and because it’s easier to ask questions to a real-life guide rather than an audio guide).

Getting to the memorial can also be a little bit tricky if you don’t know the way, so even if you don’t want to go on the tour, feel free to meet us at our starting point by the Brandenburg Gate, 11am every day, and we will very happily take you with us to show you the way. With regards to the memorial site itself, whether you choose to go with a guide, or go by yourself, either option is completely fine – the important thing is that you see the site, remember the victims, and leave the hipflask, picnic basket and Pokémon Go at home.

The post Visiting Sachsenhausen: 10 Things to Know Before Visiting a Concentration Camp Memorial Site first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

1. ​The City of David may have Inspired “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark”

Legend has it that Montague Parker, a young British captain from a noble family, came to the Land of Israel in 1909 in search of King Solomon’s treasures in Jerusalem, and his subsequent excavations would become one of the strangest digs in the history of Jerusalem’s archaeology.

Parker decided to search for Solomon’s treasures after reading research by Henrik Valter Juvelius, a Finnish researcher who decoded ancient Jewish texts describing the location of the Ark of the Covenant and King Solomon’s Temple treasures. Parker worked with the Ottoman authorities, bribing them in order to allow this sensitive dig to take place, but eventually, word got out about this excavation and people became unhappy.

In 1911 Parker began to dig under the Temple Mount itself, simultaneously during the Jewish Passover, the Greek Orthodox Easter, and the Muslim Nabi Musa celebration. Consequently, a riot broke out and Parker was forced to flee for his life. In his journal, Parker wrote that, because of the quick escape, he had accidentally left behind his beloved pipe, excavation buckets, and other items, which you can still see today in the City of David.

2. Warren’s Shaft

Discovered in the 1860s by Charles Warren, one of the earliest European archaeologists of the Biblical Holy Land (and famous for being London’s police chief during the Jack the Ripper murders), this underground tunnel system has become known as “Warren’s Shaft”. The tunnels are made up of four parts: the stepped tunnel, the horizontal curved tunnel, the 14-meter vertical shaft, and the feeding tunnel. Though its intended function isn’t clear, it is obvious that it granted access to the water supply from the heavily-protected Gihon Spring.

3. Drainage Tunnel

The drainage tunnel in the City of David is the ancient sewer running from the Temple Mount. Today it follows the path that pilgrims took thousands of years ago to visit the Temple. During the Roman Revolt, rebels used this drainage tunnel to hide and maneuver around the city.

The City of David Tour is one of our most eagerly anticipated tours. Those who join us and brave this three-hour excursion can expect to be rewarded with some of the richest and holiest historical sites in the world!

The post 3 Things You’ll Only Learn on Our City of David Tour first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

1. It’s not called the Versailles of Germany for nothing

Potsdam (which is the capital city of the German state of Brandenburg) is home to 14 castles and three historic parks and the entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castles are all in excellent condition, and – unlike Berlin – most are the original rather than rebuilds, as much of Potsdam was spared the extensive bombing of WWII.

2. There is an entire park and castle called ‘No Worries’

Perhaps the jewel in the Potsdam crown is the park and palace of Sans Souci (which means without care aka no worries aka akuna matata). Built for the famous Prussian ruler, Friedrich the Great, in 1747, the park boasts a Chinese tea house, an orangerie, and grape vines that are still used for wine-making – in addition to several beautiful palaces. The centre-piece, Friedrich’s Sans Souci summer residence, was the home of the famous French philosopher, Voltaire, for several years.

3. It is where they make a lot of films you have probably seen

In one of Potsdam’s 3 historic parks is the Babelsberg Film Studios – the oldest large-scale film studio in the world (established in 1912). This is where Marlene Dietrich made her name, Fritz Lang created “Metropolis” and Quentin Tarantino sat in the director’s chair. The Bourne series was filmed here, as was The Hunger Games, Valkyrie and the Grand Budapest Hotel.

4. Where else do Russia, the Netherlands, Norway, France and Britain all meet (apart from the UN)?

Within the boundaries of Potsdam are Alexandrovkna, a tiny, Russian colony, built in the 19th century for Russian soldiers from the Napoleonic wars; the 18th century Dutch quarter now filled with boutiques and fine restaurants; a Viking-styled Royal Boat House constructed by Kaiser Wilhelm II; the very French park Sans Souci; and the Schloss Cecilienhof, an English Tudor-style mansion built during the First World War.

5. Its where the future of Germany (and the world) was decided

On 17 July 1945 the Big Three (Harry S. Truman, Joseph Stalin and Winston Churchill) met in Potsdam’s Cecilienhof Palace to decide the fate of a defeated Germany following the Second World War. The Potsdam Conference would shape the geography and politics of Germany and Europe, be instrumental in the progress of the Cold War and shape the line of the Berlin Wall. The conference would also determine the fate of many in Vietnam and Japan following the war. A truly world-shaping event.

This could have been a top 8 or 10, with sights including the Museum Barberini (newly opened world class impressionist art gallery), the Glienicke Brücke (the location made famous in Tom Hanks’s Bridge of Spies), and the Neuer Garten (or New Garden, the 18th century historic park now a favourite hangout for German nudists), not making the top 5.

What’s the best way to see most of these places? (Particularly the site of the Potsdam Conference, the Sans Souci palace and the Neuer Garten). Take a day trip from Berlin with the SANDEMANs Potsdam Tour! Check the website for days and times.

The post 5 Reasons Why You Need to See Potsdam first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

Perhaps the most obvious reason, but the most important one too! With the cost of transport, lodging, food, attractions, and souvenirs (and we know these are essential), travelling can be an expensive activity. With a FREE Walking Tour, you can explore the city at a price that suits you, whilst your guide can provide you with all sorts of tips and hints on how to keep costs down throughout your stay.

2. Unbeatable performances

Our tips-only structure means that guides work extra hard to impress guests, providing them with an unforgettable experience. Moreover, SANDEMANs’ famous style of ‘infotainment’ ensures that guests will be on the receiving end of a charismatic and engaging tour, with a unique perspective of a city’s culture and history. In other words, we connect great guides with smart travellers.

3. Inside info from local guides

See the city through the eyes of a local. The talented guides we work with can provide you with information on everything from the city’s history to its best restaurants and attractions. The Free Tour not only helps you orientate yourself in a new city, but allows you to enjoy an authentic experience that can’t be found anywhere else!

4. Meet other travellers

With 4000 people taking our tours across 13 countries every day, guests from all over the world can meet and explore a city together. A FREE Walking Tour is the best way to meet like-minded travellers and forge friendships that will serve to enrich your stay in the city.

5. It’s eco-friendly

Don’t just save money, save the environment! With growing concerns surrounding climate change; eco-friendly travel is the way forward! Forget about buses and boats and learn every intricate detail about a city on foot. Additionally, our meeting points are always accessible and central, making it easy for guests to find it on foot as well.

Bonus: A SANDEMANs’ FREE Walking Tour is the original

Whilst the Free Tour concept is now a regular staple of the travel industry, we are firmly at the forefront, having pioneered the concept in 2003. Our tips-based model was created to suit the savvy modern traveller, both allowing them to keep costs down and ensuring that they receive a stellar performance from guides

The post 5 Reasons You Should Discover a City with a Free Tour first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.