For 40 years East Germany slept under a mantle of secrecy. Then, in November, 1989, the stunning word spread throughout the world: "The Wall" had been torn down. In October, 1990, the reunification became official, and the doors to East Germany opened. While miracles have happened, all is not yet complete: cranes dot the skyline of every town and village, and traffic snarls are a problem near larger towns. In this itinerary we have hand-picked eastern Germany's most historical towns and cities (Eisenach, Erfurt, Weimar, Meissen, Dresden, Potsdam, and Berlin) and added intriguing palaces and mighty castles for good measure, along with the opportunity to take a punting trip through the quiet canals of the Spreewald, enjoying "pickle stops" and a historic Sorb village.