Marvel at the sights of Dresden, a baroque pearl on the River Elbe, famous for the beauty of its historic center, world-renowned museums, and for its dark history. Learn how it was changed forever by the monumental events that reached their terrible climax in February 1945. Investigate how Germany became enthralled by the charismatic but catastrophic leadership of Adolf Hitler. Your guide will describe the gripping but perplexing chain of events from a human perspective. Along the way, see sites such as Brühl's Terrace, once nicknamed “The Balcony of Europe” for its long views of the River Elbe. Go to Schloßplatz which is dominated by the imposing Cathedral and Procession of Princes. See some of the city's most important landmarks in Theaterplatz, including the Zwinger Palace and Semper Opera House. Continue to the large market square of Altmarkt, and admire the baroque reconstructions of Neumarkt, before going to see the “stone bell” dome of the Frauenkirche, a symbol of the post-war reconciliation. During the walk, the focus will be on the Third Reich, the rise and fall of Hitler, and the fate of the people of Dresden specifically and also Germany as a whole.