ESCURSIONI A TERRA

Mingle with the locals while sampling traditional German specialties at a family farm and while enjoying more treats at a bakery in the city. The Lühs family has owned the farm since the 18th century, and they continue to grow fruits such as apples, plums and pears. You will gain an understanding of how the fruit is harvested and the challenges of running a small private farm in modern times. Feel free to ask questions while enjoying homemade fruit schnapps and cake in the farm’s café. On the return to Hamburg, you will walk among the locals in the pedestrian tunnel that was built under the Elbe River in 1911 (time permitting). Be sure to notice the decorative tiles depicting sea life. You will also mingle with the residents and get an authentic look at daily life in Hamburg by riding public transportation (time permitting) to pick up the next local snack, a "Franzbrötchen", Hamburg's famous cinnamon roll. Take your Franzbrötchen to go to enjoy it whilst enjoying the views over the Alster lake with its shores covered with white villas. Afterwards, your coach and escort will bring you back to your ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Interact with a local fruit farmer.
• Sample traditional products made on the farm and fresh baked goods.
• Mingle with Hamburg residents while walking through a tunnel under the Elbe River.
• Get a genuine look at daily life by riding the public transportation in Hamburg.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Enjoy an enlightening drive through Hamburg and, as a contrast, a sobering visit to the notorious Neuengamme Concentration Camp. During World War II, more than 100,000 people endured horrific conditions at the camp while being forced to work in its brickworks. Your guided inside visit will focus on the exterior exhibition, where most buildings do not exist anymore and the House of Remembrance, where the names of the prisoners that died are written on white fabric banners. During your time for individual exploration of the memorial, you can visit the interior exhibition in a former barack. It will be a moving experience and a revealing look into the Nazi indset. Although much of Hamburg was destroyed in the war, it was beautifully rebuilt, as you will discover by passing landmarks such as, the modern HafenCity District, the opulent 647-room town hall and the Gothic-style warehouse district Speicherstadt. You will also see, the enormous Baroque church St. Michaelis and the Reeperbahn entertainment district, where the Beatles played long before they became famous.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Guided visit to the Neuengamme Concentration Camp memorial, including the exterior exhibition and House of Remembrance.
• Scenic drive through rebuilt Hamburg, featuring HafenCity, the town hall, and Speicherstadt.
• Views of notable landmarks such as St. Michaelis Church and the Reeperbahn entertainment district, linked to the Beatles’ early career.

Delve into the extraordinary maritime history of Kiel by visiting its namesake canal and a memorial dedicated to those who died in the World Wars. The canal opened in 1895 and is now the world’s busiest artificial waterway. It connects the North Sea to the Baltic Sea, where you will pause for photos of the Holtenau Locks at the northeastern terminus. It will be fascinating to see how the locks operate and how the canal has been altered over the past century to accommodate more ships. At the Laboe Naval Memorial, you will learn about Germany’s maritime involvement in both World Wars. The shape of the curved brick-clad structure is meant to be inspirational while the naval museum next to it is informational. Don’t miss the plaque that memorializes the U.S. sailors that served in submarines. The submarine U 995, lying next to the Museum can also be visited. Guest suffering from claustrophobia and guests with knee or back injuries should consider their medical Fitness