does anyone have the address (e or reg. mail) for a private guide (english speaking) in berlin?? we have only one full day to see the major sites and thought that a custom tour would be the best use of our time

Berlin is a wonderful city, but it is also very big and with a guide you might see much more but only skim the top. I would suggest limiting my sightseeing to the central area starting at the Alexanderplatz and strolling westward stopping to explore the Museum Island with a definte visit to the Pergammon Museum. Then continue along the Unter den Linden towards the Brandenberg Gate - perhaps stopping at the Arsenal and the Guard House (now a monument to the victims of Nazi terror -it contains the "Pieta" by Kathe Kollwitz). Just before the gate turn south on Friedrichstrasse and walk a few blocks to the Gendarmenmarkt- a very impressive open sguare where you might have lunch. Then back through the Brandenberg Gate where there is a small tourist office which can answer some of your questions and give you some other hints. Just past the gate is the Reichstag - take the trip to the glass dome. Beyond the Reichstag on your left will be the Tiergarten and toward your right will be the new goverment quarter. Yes, I know I didn't answer your specific question and you might not see all you want to see, but I hope this little walking tour will whet your appetite to return to this remarkable city. A browser search for Berlin tourism will bring up many more ideas and travel agents who will provide private tours. Have a wonderful time.

We had a wonderful private guide in Berlin. We have sent a number of friends to him and they all thought he was excellent. We used him on a Sunday morning when there was less traffic so we could see more. Our tour focused on Jewish history of Berlin. If he is not available, he can refer you to another good guide. His name is Ronnie Golz. Email him at:

[email protected]

thanks DMG that is exactly what i wanted...i will contact him..

i have contacted mr golz... he sent back a very comprehensive answer....his concentration is on all things jewish, which is very popular at the moment, but it is not what we wanted, although one cannot see berlin without understanding the horrors of that era...i should add that he is very expensive...for a full day it would have been over 500 euros for 4 people....

are there any other suggestions??

what about Berlin Walks? They do a few, all explained on their website. I presume a private guide will be more expensive so I guess you have to choose between something tailored and expensive or 'for the masses' and cheaper. They do a general Berlin tour. www.berlinwalks.com

Berlin Walks is suppose to be very good and certainly a more reasonable way of seeing things. We are going to London this fall and plan to use London Walks.

i have contacted berlin walks and they will respond to me after their vacation (???-during summer rush??)

any other suggestions??

Yes, that's one of the charming aspects of Europe - they are not slaves to money and vacation is sacred here. Berlin gets very cold during the winter so I imagine they like to make the most of their summer!! I would suggest you contact your hotel and see if they can arrange something for you.

ttt