MADE IN GERMANY

Tales of Three Cities: Dresden, Weimar and Berlin

Berlin Wall - Dresden, Weimar and Berlin Learning Vacation

DATES
June 11 – 23 (12 nights)

READINGS
Faust, pt. 1, by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
"The Use and Abuse of History" by Friedrich Nietzsche
Crabwalk by Günter Grass
The Wall Jumper by Peter Schneider

Description/Itinerary
Over the last two hundred and fifty years, Germany has been the incubator of many of the most sublime achievements of Western art, music, literature, and science. It was also the center of one of the most brutal political regimes in history, bringing down destruction not only on other nations, but on itself as well. Contemporary Germany, now a leader of the European Union, is still coming to terms with its place in modern history, with how it can move forward and still acknowledge its sometimes troubling past.

Dresden, Weimar, and half of Berlin, once part of the Soviet Bloc, are again part of a reunified Germany and each city has a unique story to tell about a different aspect of the triumphs and failures of German history and culture underlying today's vibrant, flourishing country.

Destroyed by Allied forces in the firestorms of 1945, reconstructed Dresden now has the distinction of being one of the "greenest" cities in Europe. Weimar may be small but for a century it was the spiritual centre of Germany, home to the great poets Goethe and Schiller and the original Bauhaus. World War II left Berlin sandwiched between East and West, a literal and metaphoric wall dividing the city. Berlin is now once more the capital of a reunified Germany and one of Europe's great cities, brimming with creativity and optimism.

In each of these three cities, we will reflect on the past while enjoying the pleasures of today in beautiful urban landscapes, beer gardens, museums, and concert halls.

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QUOTE
Two souls, alas! reside within my breast, and each withdraws from and repels its brother.
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Leader
Donald Whitfield is Director of Higher Education Programs at the Great Books Foundation in Chicago. He is an experienced discussion leader and has offered many seminars at Classical Pursuits in Toronto over the last ten years. He has a deep knowledge of German literature, music and art and is looking forward to exploring first-hand a region and culture that has figured so prominently in some of the most significant moments of Western history.

Fees
€3395 per person
Single supplement: €575

Fee includes readings, accommodation, two meals a day, discussions, walking tours, talks, excursions, and admissions.

This trip has been priced in Euro. Once you’ve made a reservation, we will invoice you in CAN$ at the prevailing exchange rate.