Germany by bike. Cycle and discover history.

By: Fabíola Musarra

Do you enjoy cycling? How about exploring the German cities of Berlin, Potsdam, and Dresden by bike? Berlin, Germany's largest city, captivates not only with its attractions but also with its fascinating history. Exploring it by bike is undoubtedly a unique experience, especially at this time of year when the weather is pleasant and its alluring landscapes are even more beautiful.

The metropolis is practically flat, which makes cycling easy. Not to mention that the bike paths on its main streets lead to the city's main tourist attractions. If you're interested, here's a tip: Butterfield & Robinson offers a bike tour for Brazilians. Departing from June 15th to 20th, it starts in vibrant Berlin, continues to Potsdam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and ends in Dresden.

In Berlin – The Brandenburg Gate is the starting point of the trip. Rebuilt at the end of the 18th century as a neoclassical triumphal arch, the gate provided access to the city centuries ago, when Berlin was still quite small and surrounded by a wall. Today, it is its most famous landmark.

The capital's most important landmark is located in Pariser Platz, in the central Mitte district. From this square, you will cycle to Checkpoint Charlie, a former military checkpoint on the border between East and West Berlin. During the Cold War, when the city was divided by a wall, the checkpoint was used only by members of the Allied Forces and diplomats.

Currently, it is one of the most visited places by tourists. After all, who doesn't want to take a picture next to the sign there that says "You are leaving the American sector"?

From the gas station, you and your bike will continue to Potsdamer Platz, an important traffic intersection in the center of Berlin, located about one kilometer south of the Brandenburg Gate.. With its modern buildings, the square was the target of many bombings during the Second World War. Rebuilt, it is now a vibrant leisure center, with cinemas, restaurants and bars.

Located just a few blocks from the Holocaust Memorial, try to visit this historic site. Opened in 2005, it consists of dark gray concrete blocks of varying heights, arranged in parallel rows. Underground, there is a room called "Information Center," where an exhibition depicts the persecution and extermination of Jews.

Your next destination is the Reichstag, the seat of the German Federal Parliament. With its monumental dimensions, the building has a rich history: it was from one of its windows that, in 1918, the politician Philipp Scheidemann proclaimed the Republic in Germany. In 1933, a fire inside served as a pretext for the Nazis to begin the persecution of their opponents.

Continuing along Unter den Linden, you will now reach Museum Island. Along the way, notice that along this avenue, which stretches from Pariser Platz to the Schlossbrücke bridge, you'll find several attractions, such as the Berlin State Opera, Humboldt University, and the Kronprinzenpalais and Prinzessinnenpalais, respectively the palaces of the Crown Prince and the Princess.

Also on this avenue is the Neue Wache, a neoclassical building that houses the Central Memorial of the Federal Republic of Germany for Victims of War and Tyranny, and the Zeughaus building, which houses the German Historical Museum.

After crossing the Schlossbrücke Bridge, you'll find yourself on Museum Island. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this majestic complex includes Berlin Cathedral, located opposite Lustgarten Square, as well as five museums: the Old Museum, the New Museum, the Pergamon Museum, the Old National Gallery, and the Bode Museum.

In the afternoon, you'll be leaving Berlin. So, find a way to escape the group and explore other popular spots in the city, such as Gendarmenmarkt, a central square where the Concert Hall and the French and German cathedrals are located. Many shops and restaurants are scattered around it, where you can have lunch and do some shopping.

Take a stroll to the Berlin Wall. A must-see, it still fascinates people even now, more than 25 years after its fall. In some parts of the city, it's possible to see sections of the former structure, such as at the East Side Gallery (between Ostbahnhof and the Oberbaumbrücke Bridge), where paintings by artists from around the world depict political events related to the wall. 

Potsdam – After lunch, you'll cycle towards Grunewald, a maze of dark green forest, lakes, and parks, on your way to Potsdam, where you'll spend the next two days. Rich in history and culture, the city was the Prussian residence three centuries ago, and one of the most sumptuous in Europe.

The Prussian kings, especially Frederick William I and his son Frederick II, erected numerous buildings in and around the city, transforming it into a Baroque dream. Their successors complemented the landscape with monuments of classicism.

The entire Potsdam area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. Initially comprising the Sanssouci Gardens, Neuer Garten, Babelsberg, Glienicke, and Pfaueninsel Island with its castles, it was expanded in 1992 with the incorporation of Sacrow Castle and Park and Heilandskirche Church.

In 1999, the list gained 14 more monuments, including Lindstedt Castle and Park, the Alexandrowka Russian Colony, the belvedere on Pfingstberg hill, the Kaiserbahnhof Station, and the observatory in Babelsberger Park. Today, the World Heritage site encompasses approximately 500 hectares of parks and includes 150 buildings from the period between 1730 and 1916.

During your stay in Potsdam, you will visit some of them, such as the palace and gardens of Sanssouci Palace, the former residence of Frederick II, a refuge where the king could deepen his knowledge of philosophy and the arts without the pressures of the monarchy.

After the palace, you and your bike continue along the flat paths of the majestic park and its pavilions. Lunch is at Fazenda Meierei, in the Neuer Garten park, where delicious beers are produced.

The journey continues through the forest to the hotel, with time to relax before cycling towards the center of Potsdam. Since time is short, try to explore the area as much as possible. Begin your walk at Alter Markt. There, in the former Kutschstall stables, you'll now find the House of the History of Brandenburg and Prussia. The neighboring square, Luisenplatz, connects the baroque Brandenburger Straße to the boulevard leading to the entrance of Sanssouci Park.

In the center of the Marktplatz stands a 16-meter-high obelisk with portraits of great Potsdam architects. Behind this square lies the Neuer Markt, the new market square. Built in the 17th and 18th centuries, it is one of the best-preserved Baroque squares in Europe.

Potsdam's old town is also home to three beautiful ancient gates: the Brandenburg Gate, the Jägertor, and the Nauener Tor. It is through the latter that you reach the Holländisches Viertel, the charming Dutch quarter, with its elaborate inner courtyards, cafes, bars, and art galleries.

If your schedule allows, embark on one of the old steamboats of the Weiße Flotte (White Route). They offer various excursions, from cruising the city's waterways to one that leads to the Glienicker Brücke, the bridge that connects Potsdam to Berlin and over which spies and secret agents exchanged information between the western and eastern sides until the 1980s.

Also, don't miss Babelsberg, one of the oldest film metropolises in Europe – more than three thousand films for cinema and television were produced there. Between March and October, the city opens its doors to tourists.

In the morning, you head towards the western edge of the Spree Forest. The ever-changing landscape will alternate along the way until it reveals a field dotted with woods and small silvery rivers, a perfect spot for a picnic.

When it's time to return to Potsdam, you have two options: cycle the longer route through the Spreewald reserve, or take the shorter route straight to your hotel, with free time to enjoy the spa or stroll through the streets of Potsdam. Remember that they hold countless treasures.

Saxony – The time has come to say goodbye to bucolic Potsdam. The journey southwest leads to the Elbe Valley in Saxony, a traditional wine-producing region. It even has a tourist route highlighting its beautiful vineyards.

The two-wheeled route follows a flat cycle path that stretches along the banks of the Elbe River, with a stop in Meissen, where Albrechtsburg Castle reigns supreme.

Believe me, this Gothic-style building is worth a visit. Besides the panoramic view it offers of the Elbe River, it's considered the first castle built in the country and houses museums and collections, such as the porcelain collection.

The birthplace of Saxony, this city boasts beautiful architecture and is full of charm, such as the Gothic cathedral of Meissen, with its uneven towers: the western ones were only completed between 1904 and 1908, while the eastern tower dates from the 14th and 15th centuries. 

As you stroll through the city, also take note of the set of porcelain bells in the tower of the Gothic Frauenkirche church, whose sound has enchanted everyone since 1929. Meanwhile, the Nikolaikirche church houses the largest porcelain figures ever produced in Meissen.

It's no coincidence that you'll hear a lot about these delicate pieces around here – the city is home to the factory that is internationally famous for producing Meissen porcelain.

Dresden – The capital of Saxony, Dresden is the next stop. On a flat cycle path, you'll pedal through the heart of this graceful German city, now rebuilt from wartime.

Most of its monuments were erected in the 17th and 18th centuries by Prince Augustus the Strong, such as the Zwinger Palace and the churches of Frauenkirche and Hofkirche. During the Second World War, many of them were damaged – some were rebuilt, others disappeared forever.

Since German reunification, Dresden has been intensely rebuilt, restored, and transformed. Vibrant with life, it is home to the Semper Opera House, numerous art galleries and museums – the Green Vault Museum and the historic Deutsches Hygiene Museum are just a few examples.

At night, the bustling bars of the Neustadt district in the new city are invaded by dozens of university students. Meanwhile, the old city center hosts film, dance, and music festivals, attracting people of different nationalities.

Despite still being under reconstruction, Dresden lives up to its title of "Florence of the Elbe," thanks to the great array of artistic and natural beauty it boasts. Its flower-filled parks are an invitation for walks, while the cycle paths along the Elbe River also serve as a stage for running and skateboarding.

Still in Dresden, you and your bike will depart from the city center, following the path to the Elbe River. If you prefer, you can go through Saxon Switzerland, the Sächsische Schweiz, an extensive nature reserve that stretches to the Czech border.

As company, you will have fascinating landscapes dotted with picturesque sandstone rock formations, cliffs and caves, and deep ravines. The tour follows the coast, where a ferry crossing takes place. On the return to Dresden, the adventure is crowned with a farewell dinner.

After six days, the dream comes to an end. If you don't have to check out of the hotel, take the opportunity to explore more of bustling Dresden. Auf Wiedersehen!

On average, you will travel 40 km per day. The itinerary includes accommodation with breakfast, eight meals accompanied by wine, guides, support van, tours and entrance fees, hybrid or racing bicycle with curved handlebars, detailed maps, route suggestions and transportation from the beginning to the end of the trip. It costs US$ 5.795 per person in a double room and can be purchased at Mixtur Viagens e Turismo, tel. (11) 3246-2999.

Air France and KLM have promotional fares.

Air France and KLM have some great news: Wild Online Wednesday and Promo 3D, respectively, are two promotions that go live every Wednesday in March, offering special fares to select European destinations. These deals change weekly and are available for purchase for three days.

Cherry Blossom Festival in the United States

Considered the largest spring celebration in the United States, the National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off the season of events and festivals in the region encompassing Washington, D.C., and the states of Maryland and Virginia.

The festival takes place in Washington until April 12th. Its program includes various activities, most of them free, such as street parades, fireworks, and outdoor exercises, as well as promotions at hotels, restaurants, and attractions throughout the city.

The big news is the Anacostia River Festival, taking place on April 12th at Anacostia Park. The event blends art activities with health, environmental awareness, recreation, and sports such as canoeing, kayaking, and cycling. For the full program, visit: www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

Honeymoon in the Bahamas with a discount

This is for couples planning a vacation or honeymoon in the Bahamas: Breezes Bahamas is offering a 30% discount on reservations made through its website until March 27th. The promotion is valid for stays booked until September 30th, with a minimum stay of two nights.

The all-inclusive resort features a tennis court, beach volleyball, climbing wall, kayaking and windsurfing, as well as four restaurants. On Saturdays, guests are treated to dinner on the beach. Information: www.breezes.com

Dream wedding in French Polynesia

 “Tahiti and Bora Bora” and “Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora” are CVC's two new itineraries for couples who dream of getting married or renewing their vows in French Polynesia, a paradise in the middle of the Indian Ocean.   

Lasting nine days, the first package includes six nights with half-board in Bora Bora and one night and a day pass in Papeete, the capital of Tahiti Island, arrival and departure transfers, and the internal ticket (Papeete to Bora Bora).

The second option offers one day's stay and a day pass in Papeete, three nights with half-board in Moorea, and three nights with half-board in Bora Bora, arrival and departure transfers, and the internal ticket (Papeete, Moorea, and Bora Bora).

French Polynesia is also famous for Polynesian weddings, a typical ceremony with traditional costumes and the exchange of flower tiaras between the bride and groom. While weddings on the island have no legal standing, many local hotels make them possible. This service can also be arranged through CVC, which also offers a wedding registry, allowing friends and family to contribute to the couple's travel expenses. Information: www.cvc.com.br

To brighten up Easter for the kids

Planning a family trip during Holy Week? The Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte might be a good option. Between March 29th and April 5th, they have a special program for children, including a fun outdoor Easter egg hunt with the Turma do Jornaleco, the hotel's children's mascots.

For adults, the resort offers a spa with therapy rooms, relaxation areas, a gym, a swimming pool, diving and fishing, as well as yoga and dance classes. With 12 kilometers of white sand beaches and 30 hectares of gardens, it boasts eight swimming pools, a soccer field, tennis and beach volleyball courts, an amphitheater, and four restaurants.

During Holy Week, daily rates for a minimum four-night package start at R$ 1.300 and include accommodation in a double room, breakfast, and dinner with non-alcoholic beverages. Information: www.tivolihotels.com/pt/hoteis/bahia/tivoli-ecoresort-praia-do-forte/o-hotel.aspx

Holiday weekend on the water

If you want to enjoy the last days of summer and have fun with the kids, Castelo Park Aquático is a great option. Located in Cesário Lange, 140 km from the city of São Paulo, you can easily visit and return on the same day. If you prefer to spend the Easter holiday weekend there, you can stay at the park's hotel.

With a permanent team of monitors, a food court, restaurant, snack bar, changing rooms, lockers, first aid station, and free parking, the resort's highlight is its fun water attractions.

The Half Pipe is one of them. At 12 meters high, it's similar to a skateboard ramp, where the descent in pairs is done on an inflatable tube. Other attractions include the Lazy River, the Shark Lake, and the pools with waterfalls, waves, and bubbles, whose waters provide relaxing massages.

For adrenaline junkies, there are several water slides: from a 6-meter-high spiral slide to a radical 21-meter-high, 60-meter-long slide, plus two others. water slides, oaThe blue one is 6 meters high, and the red one is 9 meters high. For babies and young children, the park offers two pools that are 60 cm deep. Information: www.casteloparkaquatico.com.br 

Azul Viagens opens store in São Paulo.

Since the 9th, residents of São Paulo have been able to discover tourist destinations in Brazil and abroad offered by Azul Viagens at the first store opened by the operator in the city. Note: it's located in the Tietê Shopping Mall.

Gol allows pets to board.

Dogs and cats can now travel in the passenger cabin on domestic flights. To do so, they must meet certain requirements, such as the animal being at least four months old and being transported in a suitable carrier.

At check-in, the owner must present proof of rabies vaccination, administered more than 30 days and less than one year prior to the departure date, and the animal's health certificate. The latter must be valid for ten days and presented at boarding no later than 72 hours after its issuance.

More details at the link: www.voegol.com.br/pt-br/viaje-sem-duvidas/viaje/passageiros-especiais/Paginas/animais-de-estimacao.aspx

New members of Hotels & Sports

The Maravilha and Vila Itaqui inns are the newest members of the e-group Hotels & Sports, which promotes charming inns and hotels in Brazil and also operates in the ecotourism and nautical sports sectors.

Pousada Maravilha is located in Baía do Sueste, in Fernando de Noronha (PE). With five bungalows for couples and three luxury apartments for families, it features an infinity pool, spacious balconies, a spa, and a restaurant.

Pousada Vila Itaqui, located on Itaqui Beach (Piauí state), is close to the Parnaíba Delta, an archipelago formed by more than 70 islands, dunes, and lagoons. It offers a kitesurfing school, swimming pools, relaxation areas, a restaurant, and a bar. Its bungalows with balconies facing the sea have air conditioning and a minibar. Information: www.egroup.net.br

(*) Correspondence for this section: https://fabiolamusarra.wordpress.com