Guided bike and boat tour: Berlin and the green lake district

During breakfast, your ship slowly leaves the center of Berlin and follows the Spree River out of the capital. Passing urban riverside landscapes, you gradually leave the metropolis and enter the quieter natural areas surrounding Berlin. After the ship docks and the bicycles are adjusted, your first bike tour begins, taking you along waterways and through expansive parklands to Oranienburg. The afternoon is dedicated to German history: We visit the Sachsenhausen Memorial, a place of remembrance and reflection. The former concentration camp, later a Soviet internment camp, still serves as a powerful reminder of one of the darkest chapters of the 20th century.

While you enjoy breakfast on board, the Clair de Soleil sets course south. Soon, today's bike tour begins, allowing you to experience the beauty of Brandenburg and the region's characteristic interplay of lakes, canals, and forests. Along the way, you'll make a brief stop at the House of the Wannsee Conference – a historical site that now serves as a memorial and educational center commemorating the Nazi era. In the afternoon, you'll finally reach Potsdam with its magnificent parks, palaces, and historic waterways.

Today is dedicated to Potsdam – a city brimming with magnificent parks, expansive gardens, and impressive palaces. For centuries, Potsdam was the preferred summer residence of Prussian kings and German rulers, and even today, the splendor of bygone eras is palpable on every corner. A guided bicycle tour will reveal the city's most beautiful sights. A particular highlight is a visit to Sanssouci Palace – the famous summer residence of Frederick the Great, which captivates with its elegant lightness and expansive terraced gardens. The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure, and dinner is on your own. Take the opportunity to explore Potsdam's culinary scene – perhaps with a visit to one of the traditional potato restaurants for which the region is renowned. 

Your cycling tour through the wooded landscapes around Potsdam begins in the morning. Along the way, you'll make a short stop at Albert Einstein's summer house – idyllically situated amidst nature. The route then continues along the lakes before you cross to the other side of the water on a small ferry. Around midday, you'll reach the charming island town of Werder. This historic town, once a fishing village and later characterized by fruit and wine cultivation, invites you to a relaxing break in its unique waterfront location. In the afternoon, your ship awaits you in Ketzin on the Havel River, ready to take you onward to Brandenburg an der Havel. In the evening, you'll discover Brandenburg an der Havel on a guided walking tour and learn more about its eventful history.

The water-rich landscape of Brandenburg, with its numerous lakes, canals, and tranquil riverside paths, shapes today's leg of the journey and once again impressively showcases the unique character of this region. After a picnic lunch along the way, you'll return to the ship in Ketzin on the Havel River. As your ship sets course for Berlin, you can enjoy the passing scenery one last time from the water. In the afternoon, you'll reach Berlin-Spandau, often called "Little Venice" due to its many waterways and bridges. This historic district, with its winding cobblestone streets and old half-timbered houses, invites you to a leisurely stroll and provides a charming end to the day. 

The last full day of your trip is dedicated entirely to the German capital. If you wish, you can explore Berlin at your own pace – thanks to the excellent S-Bahn (suburban train) connections, many sights are easily accessible. Alternatively, your tour guide will accompany you on a final bike tour to some of Berlin's most famous landmarks. The route takes you to Checkpoint Charlie, along the former Berlin Wall, and through the Brandenburg Gate. The government district, including the Federal Chancellery, is also on the itinerary. Here, history blends seamlessly with modern city life. In the evening, you'll bring your week-long holiday in Berlin and Brandenburg to a close with a relaxed Captain's Dinner aboard the Clair de Soleil.

Your journey ends after breakfast – with many new impressions and beautiful memories in your luggage.