The timeframe of the medieval age in Europe is dated from around 500 AD to the end of the 15th century. The Early Middle Ages (circa 500–1000 AD) covers the transition from the decline of the Western Roman Empire to the rise of various Germanic kingdoms and the Carolingian dynasty. The High Middle Ages (circa 1000–1300 AD) marked a period of economic growth, population expansion, and the rise of urban centers. The Late Middle Ages (circa 1300–1500 AD) encompasses events such as the Black Death, the Hundred Years' War between England and France, the Great Schism in the Catholic Church, as well as social and economic changes. It often concludes with the onset of the Renaissance.
The medieval history of Germany and Austria is rich and complex, marked by political, social, and cultural developments that influenced the course of European history. During this period of time, as in other parts of medieval Europe, the two nations experienced a feudal system characterized by a hierarchical social structure. Land was often granted by the monarch to nobles (lords) in exchange for military service. This system of land tenure influenced the political and social organization. Both countries boast numerous examples of medieval architecture, including cathedrals, castles, and town halls. Notable examples include the Cologne Cathedral, Wartburg Castle, and the medieval Old Towns of cities like Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Additionally, the city of Vienna has medieval roots and became the capital of the Holy Roman Empire under the Habsburgs, one of the most powerful and influential European dynasties that ruled Austria in the late medieval period, while the Wittelsbach family became the ruling dynasty of Bavaria. As for Munich, like other medieval cities, it has architectural gems that reflect its history. The Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus), the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) and the Frauenkirche (Cathredral of Our Dear Lady) are notable examples of medieval and Gothic architecture. This and more will enhance your journey through medieval cities and towns. Come and live your medieval adventure with GERMANIC EXPERIENCE.
DAY 1 FRANKFURT
Upon your arrival at Frankfurt airport, reception by our company and transfer to your hotel in downtown Frankfurt. Rest of the day at leisure for private activities. Visit the Römer Platz, the main square and walk from there to the Main River. Cross the bridge to the other side for a fine view of the Mainhattan skyline, with interesting skyscrapers. Overnight.
DAY 2 FRANKFURT
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will have a day pass for the regional train to visit the Rhine Valley on your own. We will follow you virtually of course and help you on this awesome journey. Your first destination will be Rüdesheim am Rhein known for winemaking, especially of Riesling wines. In the center, Drosselgasse is a lane lined with shops, taverns and restaurants. Nearby, Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet is a museum of automated musical instruments. Medieval Brömserburg Castle is home to the Rheingau Wine Museum, exhibiting wine paraphernalia from ancient times to the present. If you are looking for a special souvenir, there you have plenty of them, specially the cuckoos clockwork. Continue along the Rhine River until you reach Koblenz. And note that, as you have a day ticket, you can stop in every town along the route for a short visit and then continue to the next point. Koblenz is a medieval city situated at the converge of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, famous for its Deutsches Ecke or German Corner. Take a walk from the train station to this place and you will get an impressive feeling of the Middle Ages. After this visit, you can return by train to Frankfurt to your hotel. Overnight. (B)
DAY 3 FRANKFURT – WURZBURG – ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER
After breakfast, departure on a private vehicle to explore the southern region of Germany. Your first stop will be Würzburg. This scenic university city located on the Main River in Bavaria is rich with churches, cathedrals and other historical buildings built in Baroque, Rococo and Gothic style where the huge Residential Palace takes pride of place. Over 85% of the town was damaged or destroyed in World War II and Wurzburg became a symbol of German recovery when, over the next 20 years, the historical buildings were painstakingly and lovingly restored. Today, all traces of destruction have long gone. Downtown Wurzburg is a spectacularly pretty part of the city to spend a little time checking out some of the churches, museums and historical buildings that contain great art. Your target today is Rothenburg ob der Taube, the most medieval city on this journey. Seeing Rothenburg ob der Tauber's forty-two gates and towers etched against the unspoiled countryside from a distance, you'd swear you were looking at the Fifteenth Century through field glasses. Inside, the town's almost completely intact walls and carefully-preserved half-timbered houses truly do bring visitors back in time. The Town Hall Tower beckons with its fine views of the town and the idyllic surrounding countryside. Check-in at the hotel and relax a bit because you will need energy to walk around those intact town walls, a temptation to fully surrender to. Overnight. (B)
DAY 4 ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER – DINKELSBUHL – HARBURG - AUGSBURG
Breakfast at the Hotel. Another amazing medieval day awaits you. Departure on a private vehicle to visit Dinkelsbuhl, a city founded in the 8th century as a royal residence of the Carolingian kings, in the 14th century, Dinkelsbuhl was fortified and made a Free Imperial City. In 1632, the town avoided destruction by surrendering to the Swedish. Today, Dinkelsbuhl is one of only 3 German towns with intact city walls, providing visitors a rare opportunity to walk medieval battlements. The Old Town is an explosion of colorful history, with half-timbered houses and vibrantly-painted gabled houses lining the cobbled streets. Towering above them all is the 15th century St. George’s church. After admiring its 6 magnificent altars, visitors can scale the tower for fantastic views of the town and countryside. Continue to Harburg Castle built in the 11th or 12th century and one of the oldest surviving castles in Germany. In 1295, it became the property of the Count of Oettingen, and has remained in the family ever since. Working around its medieval core, additions were made over the centuries, resulting in a large complex with a mix of architectural styles. You can walk the castle complex, admiring the medieval architecture of the guard towers, defensive wall, and sentry walk, or join a guided tour (not included) to see the richly decorated interiors, or delve into the dungeon. Finally, continue to Augsburg, one of Germany's most historically significant cities. Check-in and accommodation. (B)
DAY 5 AUGSBURG - MUNICH
Breakfast at the hotel. Augsburg has a Mozart heritage and as you stroll through its ancient streets, it doesn't take much imagination to gain a sense of this beautiful city's importance in the days when the Fugger mercantile and banking dynasty was at its peak. Its magnificent fountains, grand old guild houses, exquisite churches and the Town Hall combine to form a cityscape of rare intensity. After visiting the city, checkout and time to take your train to Munich, the capital of the state of Bavaria, 3rd largest city in Germany, behind Berlin and Hamburg. Its native name, München, is derived from the Old High German Munichen, meaning "by the monks‘place". The city's name derives from the monks of the Benedictine order who founded the city; hence, the monk depicted on the city's coat of arms. Once in the city, walk to your hotel which lies across the street. Later on, walk through the historic city center, including Karlstor Gate, the Cathedral of Munich (Frauenkirche), the Odeon Square and Marienplatz (Marien Square) where the city hall is located. In the evening, we suggest to visit the Hofbräuhaus, one of the world´s most famous beer halls with its roots in the 16th century. Enjoy a delicious bavarian dish with a tasty beer. Overnight. (B)
DAY 6 MUNICH
After breakfast, leave the hotel on a guided tour to visit the most visited monument in Germany, the Neuschwannstein Palace. Departing from Munich, you’ll first visit Linderhof Castle, a French rococo-style castle inspired by Versailles itself and surrounded by immaculately manicured gardens. A quick shopping and photo stop in the charming village Oberammergau will recharge your batteries for the second half of your day. You’ll arrive at idyllic Neuschwanstein Castle around 1:00 p.m, where you’re free to enjoy approximately 4 hours to explore the castle. Wander through the scenic German countryside on your way to the legendary extravagance of the German castles Neuschwanstein and Linderhof. Known for their elaborate construction and world-famous architecture, these two extraordinary structures were dreamed up by Germany’s own Ludwig II, also known as the Swan King. You’ll soon find out why many believe Neuschwanstein inspired Disney’s storybook castles -get ready to feel like you’re living a real-life fairy tale. Hidden in the seclusion of the mountains, German King Ludwig II built two of his dream castles: Neuschwanstein and Linderhof. Both testify to the vision of Bavaria’s fairytale King. Return to Munich. Overnight. (B)
DAY 7 MUNICH - SALZBURG
After breakfast, depart to Salzburg, a picture book Austria that no visitor should miss. The imposing castle fortress and the stunning alpine scenery of the mountains that lie beyond contrast with the Old Town and Mozart’s birthplace and soak up the grandeur of the churches and monumental squares. The city also rewards those who are prepared to look slightly further afield. Meander the narrow side streets accompanied by the classical music that seems to waft from each window and stop by one of the city’s café’s to sample the mouthwatering cake and coffee. Let Salzburg work its charm on you to leave you with an unforgettable memory as you absorb its incredible skyline, the ever-present music and its thousand-year-old history. Overnight. (B)
DAY 8 SALZBURG - HALLSTATT - VIENNA
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning discover the picturesque world-famous town between Lake Hallstatt and the steep slopes of the Dachstein Massif. This small town is considered one of the most beautiful lake side villages in the world. Not only does it captivate with its fabulous idyllic & fairytale-like atmosphere, Hallstatt also has a rich history that dates back to the Neolithic Age. The drive through picturesque towns such as Fuschl, St. Gilgen and Strobl takes around 1.5 hours. During our 2.5 hours stay in Hallstatt you can explore the town at your own leisure. The trip back to Salzburg takes us through Gosau, Russbach and Abtenau. In 1997 Hallstatt and its surrounding area the Salzkammergut was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO and in 2012 Hallstatt again went through the media after it became known that a hair exact replica of the town of Hallstatt exists in southern China!! Back to Salzburg. After checkout, take the train to Vienna. Upon arrival, a vehicle will be waiting for you to take you to your centrally located hotel. Time at leisure. Something you may not miss is the ecueatrian show and dressage at the Spanish Riding School or a visit to the Opera House. If interested, we can book optionally your ticktes. Overnight in Vienna . (B)
DAY 9 VIENNA
Breakfast. Today you will visit the imperial city of Vienna, capital of Austria. You will take a walk through Vienna’s Imperial history. Starting from the world famous Vienna State Opera and strolling through the streets and squares where Empress Sisi and Emperor Francis Joseph as well as Empress Maria Theresa went for a walk you will discover the history and myths of this city. Once you arrive to the Imperial Palace Hofburg, which is home to the Spanish Riding School, you will visit the Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum dedicated to the life and death of Empress Elisabeth I. Afterwards you will pass by St. Michael´s and St. Peter´s church until you finally reach St. Stephen’s cathedral (exterior visit), where the tour ends. After a short break, you will continue visiting the Schönbrunn Palace, the imperial family’s summer residence, also known as the palace of empress Sisi. During our interior visit we are going to see the splendid rooms and salons. A walk through the magnificent gardens will give you an idea of the imposing dimensions of this palace. Back to your hotel and free time for private activities. (B)
DAY 10 VIENNA - AIRPORT
Breakfast at the Hotel. Before leaving to the airport for your flight back home, we will have time to see the city again, go shopping or just relax at the hotel. After check-in at the airport, end of our services. (B)
(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
Click here to download
the itinerary
PRICE PER PERSON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY EUR
Surcharge Single Room EUR
Car rental for 4 days :
from EUR .- for 2-4 persons
DEPARTURES 2024
tbd.
