An exciting and in-depth account of life in the GDR - from secret files, Stasi surveillance, State propaganda, daily work and life onto the collapse of the Stalinistic regime and fate of its key figures.
Insider Tours helped compile the History Channel documentary on the Berlin Wall as seen by millions
"It is our duty to retain proof of this madness to guard against any possibility of its return."
The Senator for Urban Development concerned that the Wall had been almost completely erased from the face of Berlin.
This tour follows the often ghost like trail of the Death-strip and Wall, retracing some of the more intriguing fortifications of its border from Guard Towers to tank traps.
It is designed to serve as a reminder of the Cold War which kept the world in terror for forty years and came to an end not that long ago.
Starting at the infamous Checkpoint Charlie, where the Cold War powers formerly faced off just yards apart, we describe the routines and duties of Border Guards, the Soviet and Allied forces, Stasi and CIA.
Get an extraordinary insight into: what it meant to live in the eastern bloc's most Stalinistic State – the former GDR; successful and failed escapes where Border Command sooner followed the orders of 'shoot to kill' than allow the heinous crime of 'flight from the Republic'; how MI6 and the CIA tunneled under the Wall and Soviet Zone and tapped into the Red Army's secret communications; the methods used by the Stasi to guarantee control of east Germany's population, from 'radiation tags' to "Day X" preparations.
Find out who were and what happened to the GDR's leadership – the key figures and where they are today.
For a proper historical perspective we look at the plight of former east Germans in present society: from former Stasi agents and every day citizenry through to the remarkable scenario of Germany's, not only first female, but "ossie" (the nick-name for east Germans) Chancellor - what do they miss about the GDR, are things better? From shopping to daily work, before, after and what the future holds.
Features include the monumental Soviet Embassy, "Ghost Stations", former Guard Towers, hidden areas of the Death Strip and espionage points of the CIA and KGB, Stasi surveillance techniques and equipment, locations of both succesful and failed escape attempts, a complete reassembled area of inner and outer fortifications of the state border and more.
"intriguing" - Lonely Planet
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"If you want to know more about Hitler's bunker with an informative approach, this is the right choice!"
Heng, China, 13th Mar '13"An amazing walking tour of Cold War Berlin...an unforgettable experience that won't be forgotten..."
Betsy, New York City, 2nd Mar '13"It was my second visit to Berlin and I had time for one walking tour. I was torn between the Famous Walk and Berlin Today..."
Paula Simpson, Birmingham, 27th Apr '13"Within a few minutes all of us completely forgot all about temperature thanks to his dedicated way of telling the histories of ancient and today's Berlin history...
Poul Schultz, Denmark 27th Mar '13"Super. It was one of these occasions when 4 hrs felt like 30 mins. The guide was very, very good and I can highly recommend both the tour company and the guide. Well spent time and money..."
Christer Jerstrom, Sweden, 15th Apr '13"Hugely informative tour and our guide Mike went beyond the call of duty in making sure everyone enjoyed the experience. 10 out of 10."
Simon Lloyd, April '13"Really enjoyed this walk, first time in Berlin... very informative and entertaining..."
Roisin Timmins, 29th Mar '13"Jessica was fantastic! Full of Energy and very knowledgable with a great sense of Humor..."
Levine Goodman Migdal, 6th Mar '13"Tarek was the perfect guide. He was incedibly knowledgable but, more importantly, it was obvious he had a real passion for Berlin - its past, present and future..."
Nicky Higgs, 12th Apr '13"After going on the Famous Tour on our first morning and being hugely impressed we decided to take another walk the next day which focussed on the different districts of Berlin and modern-day issues..."
Sue Surridge, 10th Apr '13