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A Magical Journey through the Villages and Small Towns of Germany

with castles, wine and history.

 

17 days of traveling through some of our favourite places in Germany. Our journey will take us through the small towns, villages and countryside in the German States of Anhalt, Niedersachsenn-Lower Saxony, Hessen, Rheinland-Pfatz, Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Thüringen and Saxony. My great grandmother Eva Louisa Cecelia Schmallenberger came from Schmallenberg Germany in the North Rhine-Westphalia State. It was not until I was grown and traveling the World that I realized how many traditions and customs she brought to the McDonald family, so I am especially pleased to be offering this tour of her homeland! We will try some of the local dishes that will include: Brot and Brötchen(bread and small crusty rolls) as bread is such a main staple of the German diet. Käsespätzle which is similar to macaroni and cheese but with much more flavour. Currywurst which is a plate of chopped up sausages, chips and a spicy ketchup sauce. Kartoffelpuffer and Bratkartoffeln which are fried potato dishes often served at breakfast. Schnitzel. Eintopf, a one-pot stew that may include a wide variety of ingredients that typically include broth, vegetables, potatoes, and meat. Sauerbraten, a German pot roast. And Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, also known as a Black Forest Gateaux.

This tour includes 16 nights of castle, luxury hotel, small family hotel, guesthouse and boutique accommodation. We try to showcase as many different types of accommodation as possible on each tour. It also includes all dinners, lunches and breakfasts as listed in the itineray, all activities, sightseeing and entrance fees as listed in itinerary, all taxes, fees and service charges. Guided minibus travel with luggage handling.

 

$9995 per person. No longer available.

$1495 Single Supplement.

$1000 deposit to book your spot.

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Day 1 - April 1st - We will meet at our Berlin Airport accommodation this morning and after a brief orientation we start our journey west. Our first stop will be Burg Bei Magdaburg, known as the “City of Towers.” There are more medieval spires, turrets, gables and lookout points here than nearly any other place in Germany. With its picturesque old town, medieval castle ruins, and beautiful countryside makes it a very charming and picturesque visit. One of the most notable attractions is the Burg Castle, a well-preserved medieval castle that dates back to the 12th century. You can explore the castle grounds, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Another popular attraction is the Stadtmauer, a medieval city wall that encircles the old town. We will stop for Lunch and then visit Quedlinburg, the first capitol  of Germany with over 1200 years of history. It would be hard to find a more charming town than Quedlinburg! The narrow, cobblestone streets are lined with over 1300 half-timbered houses. Fortunately, the town survived the war undamaged, so the entire town was named a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town is built around a large square (Markt) and perches on two hills with the river Bode running through the middle. On one hill is a castle and abbey complex called the Burgberg, and on the other hill is the Muenzenberg. The town square is lined with great examples of medieval and Renaissance buildings. Then we get settled into our accommodation just a short ways away before our Welcoming Dinner. Dinner and Overnight Goslar. (B,L,D)

 

Day 2 - April 2nd - This morning we make our way to Hamelin, a beautifully restored historical town with magnificent timber-framed and sandstone buildings, many of which date back to the Renaissance period. Osterstrasse and the Pferdemarkt square form the Tokenistic Centre. Between these two points, tiny, winding alleyways are dotted with cafés and inns, cosy beer gardens and pretty little shops. You can follow the rat trail: The cobbles in Hamelin are painted with these little animals, who point the way to the main attractions in the town. This is, of course, associated with the legend of the Pied Piper. As the story goes, a rat catcher was called to the town in 1294 but was subsequently cheated of his fee. In revenge, he lured the children from the town by playing beguiling melodies on his flute – and they were never seen again. We then make our way to Hildesheim for lunch and a wee wander. There are numerous churches, two of them with UNESCO World Heritage status, beautiful half-timbered houses, a 1000-year-old rosebush and many quiet, green corners to relax. Everywhere there are small, lovingly run restaurants and cafés where you can experience idyll and pleasure in equal measure. Then back to Goslar where the the evening is yours to enjoy and find some dinner on your own. Goslar is the 1,000-year-old town nestled in glorious natural surroundings on the slopes of the Harz  mountains. The Old Town of Goslar was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its 1,500 exceptionally well-preserved half-timbered houses from different eras, located in the centre of the Old Town within the earlier town wall. The history of the town, which gained its wealth from mining and became the seat of the German Emperor, can be experienced at every turn, just by wandering through the narrow cobbled lanes. Overnight Goslar. (B,L)

 

Day 3 - April 3rd - This morning we visit Wolfenbüttel, a historical town filled with half-timbered houses. It is one of the best preserved historical towns in the northern half of Germany. As the first planned Renaissance town, Wolfenbüttel became the residence of the Royal House of Hanover for more than three centuries. Left largely unscathed by the wars throughout history and preserved by the locals with love and understanding, Wolfenbüttel’s Old Town still harks back to the times of holding court with its over 600 half-timbered houses. It is also where the world-famous Jägermeister herb liqueur was invented. Our next stop is the town of Wernigerode, with its historic town centre and lavishly restored and colourful half-timbered houses it is nestled on the northern edge of the Harz Mountains. The epithet "Colourful Town of the Harz Mountains" was coined by the German writer Hermann Löns at the end of the 19th century. The town hall on the market square, the crooked house, the smallest house and the oldest house are just some of these features that make up Wernigerode's rich half-timbered idyll. Also worth seeing are the remains of the town fortifications, the Krummel'sche House, the front of which is completely covered with a carved wooden façade, and of course Wernigerode Castle, which towers majestically over the town and provides visitors with interesting information about the 800-year history of the counts and princes of Wernigerode in living rooms, some of which were originally furnished by the German aristocracy. Dinner and Overnight Goslar. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - April 4th - This morning we journey south to eventually wind up in Staufenberg, but we will explore Hannoversch Münden first. Nestled between three forests and three rivers in the middle of one of the oldest nature parks in Germany lies the half-timbered, three-river city of Hann. Münden. Here these two rivers unite to form the Weser and mark the beginning of the Weserbergland. As a trading town on three rivers almost completely surrounded by water, water played an important role in the life of the city in the past, but also to this day. Our next stop is Melsungen, a romantic old town where over 400 lovingly restored half-timbered houses form a harmonious ensemble. The symbolic figure of Melsung welcomes you warmly, shows you the sights and takes you on a journey back in time to the Middle Ages. At that time there were many woodcutters in Melsungen who went into the forest in the morning with their axes called “beards”. On the way they sharpened their axes in the soft sandstone of the Fulda Bridge, which is therefore now called the Bartenwetzer Bridge. A stroll around town takes you past the pretty half-timbered town hall , where the symbolic figure of the Bartenwetzer appears on one of the towers every day at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. We make one last stop for the day at Marburg, with a history stretching back over 800 years. The University is the oldest protestant university in the world, founded in 1527. It boasts in its alumni Emil von Behring, the first ever winner of the Nobel Prize for Medicine. Brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, who collected many of their fairytales from around the region, also studied here, making the city a popular stop on the German Fairy Tale Road. A fairy tale trail through the city will lead you through its cobbled streets to all sorts of historical sights and quirky works of art. We then get checked into our accommodation in Staufenburg before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Staufenberg. (B,L,D)

 

Day 5 - April 5th - Today we stay mainly within the district of Siegen-Wittgenstein in Nordrhein-Westfalen. Our first stop of the day is Bad Laasphe with its clear streams, rivers, luscious meadows, lowland mountains and gentle hills, it has no end of beautiful scenery to offer. Look forward to a wonderful view over the picturesque half-timbered old town with its 13th century church and Schloss Wittgenstein Palace. We will take a relaxing stroll through the old town and visit all the shops. We then make our way to the capitol of the district, Seigen which is one of the smaller university towns of Germany. You can find some lunch here on your own and then explore the majestic Lower Castle and surrounding half-timbered houses provide an idyllic backdrop that draw the gazes of visitors as they wander along the Schlossplatz. The Upper Castle provides a wonderful view of the entire city from the expansive park grounds. The castle features the collections of the Siegerland Museum and the Rubens Hall. Siegen is the birthplace of the world-famous Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. Consequently, Siegen is often nicknamed the “Rubens City”. Nine original paintings by Rubens are on display in the Rubens Hall. The final stop of the day is in Freudenberg, known above all for its unique, almost closed half-timbered ensemble. In the old town centre, which is also called “Alter Flecken”, more than 80 black-and-white half-timbered houses are still lined up close together and thus form an impressive backdrop. After the city burned down for the second time in the 17th century and the citizens rebuilt their houses, they were all built gable to the streets. The resulting characteristic appearance is now a perfect postcard motif. Dinner and Overnight Staufenberg.  (B,D)

Day 6 - April 6th - This morning we are off to the old town of Limburg situated on the banks of the Lahn River is one of the best preserved historic sites in the region. The town is home to a plethora of half-timbered houses built in the 17th and 18th centuries, but some of the buildings date back to the 13th century. The oldest free-standing house in Germany can be found in Limburg. This Gothic timbered house was built in 1289 and remains largely well-preserved. Its quiet narrow alleys and stunning timber-framed houses make Limburg a pleasure to explore on foot. Many of the town’s historic buildings have been converted into cute little cafes, traditional German pubs and quirky gift shops. While strolling through the medieval centre you are likely to come across the Werner-Senger-Haus, a 13th century building which houses one of the oldest restaurants in Germany. ​Our next stop is Cochem,  sitting in a picturesque position in the Moselle River valley in western Germany, close to the borders with Luxembourg and France. This small town of around 5,000 inhabitants has been an important Rhineland wine trading centre since the days that the Romans introduced the vines to the area. The town's most distinctive feature is its castle perched high above the river, with remnants dating back to the 11th century. Underneath lies the old walled city with its narrow cobblestone lanes lined by half-timbered houses with painted decorative fronts. We then make our way to Trier where you will have the rest of the afternoon to explore this lovely town. Trier was founded in 16 BC during the reign of Roman Emperor Augustus and is Germany's oldest city. It is an important site for ancient art treasures and monuments, such as the Porta Nigra, the best-preserved city gate from the ancient world. Dinner and Overnight Trier. (B,D)

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Day 7 - April 7th -This morning our first visit is Piesport, a small town on a sharp bend in the Mosel river, in the wine district of the same name. Its perilously steep northern bank, with its pure southerly aspect, is the origin of some of Germany's finest Riesling wines.The town's flagship vineyard is Goldtröpfchen (whose name means 'Droplets of Gold'). It is one of two Erste Lage ("premier cru") sites here. The second, Schubertslay, is a tiny parcel within the first. Dramatic view and equally breathtaking wines, Piesport (often seen as "Piesporter" on a label) is one of Germany's great wine towns. We will explore the town first and as we are in one of Germany's great wine towns, we must do some wine tasting! This afternoon we visit Eltz Castle or Burg Eltz is easily one of the most famous Rhineland-Palatinate quintessential romantic fairytale castle, with parts dating as far back as the 9th century. Originally a a Ganerbenburg castle (meaning it was jointly owned by multiple families), today it is still owned by one of these original three families, the Counts of Eltz-Kempenich. They continue to live in part of the castle, while the other two-thirds are open to the public. While there was once a village surrounding Burg Eltz, today it seems to just appear in the middle of the forest. There are eight towers rising 35 metres above the ground while the interior provides visitors the sight of suits of armour, weapons, artefacts and furnishings that have been there for eight centuries. We then make our way to our castle home for the next 3 nights to get settled in before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Schönburg Castle at Oberwesel. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - April 8th - This morning you will wake up in our dream castle with a spectacular view over the River Rhine. The Upper Middle Rhine Valley extends 65 kilometers in length from Bingen to Koblenz and has more castles than any other river in the world. Its landscape and riverfront villages have inspired fairy tails, music, poetry, and paintings for centuries. There could not be a more magical place to wake up! After breakfast we will explore a few of these town including Bacharach. a lovely town is hidden away along the Rhine. Once you walk through one of the Stone archways that lead into town, you are immediately transported back in time. It is absolutely enchanting! So many of the towns and villages along the Rhine River here are written about, but we had never heard of Bacharach even though it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a medieval village of cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses, most of which were built before the sixteenth century. The name Bacharach came from Bacchus, the god of wine which is fitting, as the town sits in the valley of hills lined with Riesling and served as a major wine trading and shipping station in the Middle Ages. We will also visit Rüdesheim am Rhein, famous for its Riesling wines and Drosselgasse, one of its picturesque streets that dates back to the middle ages. Drosselgasse is cobbled, narrow, and flanked on both sides with stores, shops, and taverns sporting fancy signs, all of which contribute to its medieval charm. In the evening we will enjoy a 5 Course Gourmet Candlelight Dinner including corresponding wines in the castle restaurant within medieval walls full of atmosphere. Dinner and Overnight Schönburg Castle at Oberwesel. (B,L,D)

Day 9 - April 9th - As we are half way through the tour, the day will be entirely at your leisure after you will wake up in our dream castle with a spectacular view over the River Rhine. The Upper Middle Rhine Valley extends 65 kilometers in length from Bingen to Koblenz and has more castles than any other river in the world. Its landscape and riverfront villages have inspired fairy tails, music, poetry, and paintings for centuries. There could not be a more magical place to wake up! The day is yours to enjoy at your leisure in this amazing castle that is lovingly decorated and waiting to be explored. The fireplace room, the prison tower and the library will help you get into a relaxing mood. You can enjoy the beautiful view of the Rhine valley from the terraces or spend some wonderful hours in the cozy castle courtyard. A special treat for our use is the exclusive access to the enchanted castle garden. The garden is full of wonderful views and mysterious places. As the castle sits in the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley all around there are vineyards, hiking paths through forests and meadows with beautiful. You will have a picnic lunch to have whenever you are hungry and in the afternoon a wine grower from Oberwesel will pick us up at the castle to take us on a 2 hour sightseeing tour through the town of Oberwesel and the surrounding vineyards with an introduction to the viticulture on the Middle Rhine and a welcome Riesling Sparkling Wine. We will visit the vineyard and wine-cellar and then have a tasting of four typical Riesling wines before we return to Schönburg Castle. This evening we will enjoy the Schönburg 4 Course Candlelight Dinner with corresponding wines. Dinner and Overnight Schönburg Castle at Oberwesel. (B,D) Dinner and Overnight Schönburg Castle at Oberwesel. (B,L,D)

Day 10 - April 10th - This morning as we leave Oberwesel behind we visit the town of Bingen, also situated at the the Romantic Rhine, the gateway to the Unesco World Heritage of the ‘Upper Middle-Rhine Valley’ and in the middle of four winegrowing regions.The town on the river presents itself with an attractive infrastructure, where the legacy of 2000 years of history can be vividly experienced. Come and enjoy the atmosphere, the various festivals, discover the message of Saint Hildegard at the places where she lived and worked and spend some time in a magical setting. While in Bingen we will enjoy delicious Bingen wine during a Romantic Vineyard Tour in a covered wagon. We will be comfortably coached through the beautiful Bingen landscape and experience great views of the vast, green vineyards of the Rhine city. We will taste two first-class wines from Bingen at the "Table of Encounter". A delicious pretzel with homemade cream cheese awaits you during the idyllic ride. Afterwards, you can enjoy fantastic views from the vantage point "Scharlachkopf", accompanied by two more fine wines. Back at the winery, we will be served a hearty vintner's platter with sausage, cheese and fresh bread.Our final stop before reaching our accommodation is Speyer, another one of Germany’s oldest cities, first established by the Romans on the banks of the Rhine River. Speyer means spires in English, which is fitting as it’s a city with quite a number of buildings featuring impressive spires rising into the sky. One of the most recognisable is the tower of Speyer’s Memorial Church, an impressive neo-Gothic construct that reaches a height of 100 metres. The Imperial Cathedral is also one of the most renowned buildings in the city, constructed of red sandstone and dating back to the year 1030. It’s the largest Romanesque building in the whole of Germany and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside the crypt are the tombs of four emperors, three empresses, and four German kings. Dinner and Overnight Baden Baden. (B,L,D)

Day 11 - April 11th - This morning we start our journey to Rothenburg ob der Tauber with a first stop in Ludwigsburg, Germany’s Baroque gem! With a magnificent palace and gardens, a grand market square and tempting arcades, this small, friendly city has history and culture galore. We will take a tour of Ludwigsburg Palace before stopping for lunch. First-time visitors are amazed by the sheer size with 452 rooms in 18 buildings. This is one of Europe’s largest original Baroque complexes. The lavish architecture, with arches and columns, frescoes and chandeliers, reflects the power and wealth of the dukes and kings, for whom this was home. On our guided tour we will travel back through 300 years. In banqueting halls and state apartments, stories bring the past to life. Imagine the rich and famous sweeping down the imposing staircases. Admire the art in the Baroque Gallery (Barockgalerie) and tour the private apartments to see how the royal family lived. The opulence of the antiques and portraits, gilding and silk damask contrasts with the servant’s quarters, at the bottom of hidden staircases. This afternoon we stop in Esslingen, an attractive town full of half-timbered buildings in the commuter region around Stuttgart. It is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Germany and boasts 1200 years of history and over 800historical monuments.  It is also known as Esslingen am Neckar, adding the river Neckar to the name so as to avoid confusion with another Esslingen further north in Germany. The timber-framed houses and other historic buildings in the medieval town, the city wall and towers and the vineyards around the city are all interesting reasons to explore in Esslingen, so we will do this on a guided walking tour. Dinner and Overnight Rothernberg ob der Tauber. (B,L,D)

Day 12 - April 12th - This morning you will have free in Rothenberg. There are very few places elsewhere in the world with such a wealth of original buildings dating from the Middle Ages as there are here. You will feel as if you have gone back in time as you amble through the Old Town with its secluded squares and tucked-away corners with towers, fountains, gates and wine taverns. You will love the Largest Christmas Shop in Europe, but he main highlight of Rothenberg, is walking around its streets and admiring its stunning architecture. The main streets are Klostergasse, Herrngasse and Schmiedgasse (which turns into Spitalgasse). These three roads radiate out from the towns beautiful Market Square, making it very easy to traverse the whole town. Many people’s favorite part of town is Plönlein and you will instantly recognize it from the multiple picture you will have seen. The town walls, however, are the real highlight as you walk up any one of the several staircases that will immediately transport you back in time to the town’s imperial heyday. The wall covers almost two miles around town, providing many great views. Along the way, you also pass through many of the original guard houses. In the evening you may want to join the Night Watchman Tour, a free that will take you on a walk back in time. The meeting point is at the market square in front of the town hall at 8:00pm and lasts about an hour. See you all in the morning. Overnight Rothenberg ob der Tauber. (B)

Day 13 - April 13th - This morning we start our day off with a journey to Bad Wimpfen, at the confluence of the Neckar and Jagst rivers, is one of the most stunning towns of the Neckar Valley. The Romans built a fortress and a bridge here, on the riverbank site of an ancient Celtic settlement, and if you climb the 167 steps to the Blue Tower’s viewing platform, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of this medieval town. In the 1st century AD the Staufen emperor Barbarossa chose this town as the site of his largest Pfalz (residence). The ruins of this palace still overshadow the town and are well worth a stroll. Upon a stroll around town you will think you stepped into a fairy tale, with towers and spires popping up against the skyline of this ancient town on Germany’s historic castle route. We then make our way to Würzburg, a 1300 year old city steeped in history and culture sitting on the banks of the Main River in northern Bavaria. You can find some lunch here on your own and then explore this Baroque city offering southern German flair and Franconian hospitality. Architectural masterpieces from various eras shape the cityscape. Even from afar, the two imposing towers of St. Kilian Cathedral – the fourth largest Romanesque church in Germany – point the way to the city. Würzburg's famous landmarks are the Würzburg Residence with its Court Gardens and Residence Square (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Marienberg Fortress and the 180-metre-long Old Main Bridge, which is lined with impressive statues of saints. Gracefully straddling the banks of the Main River amid idyllic vineyards, the location alone is reason enough to visit Würzburg. Dinner and Overnight Rothenberg ob der Tauber. (B,D)

Day 14 - April 14th - Although Nuremberg is not a small town or village, the cenre of this city feels very much like one. The historical center of Nuremberg, Old Town Altstadt) is easily differentiated from other parts of the city. Divided in two by the Pegnitz River, the district represents a complex architectural ensemble with a maze of historical lanes packed with half-timber houses, linked by centuries-old bridges, such as Maxbrücke, and set against the picturesque backdrops of large churches like St. Sebaldus' and St. Lawrence's, as well as medieval sites like the Heilig-Geist-Spital found along the banks. The city is best explored on foot and with a local guide, so we will have a Guided Walking Tour. Then we are off to Bamberg with crooked half timber houses, picturesque canals, and an elegant palace, Bamberg is an underrated gem in northern Bavaria. Dubbed the “city of seven hills,” Bamberg brims with authentic charm, medieval architecture, and fairytale feel that dates from the 11th to the 19th centuries. Bamberg Christmas Market will take place on Maximiliansplatz, a large square in the heart of Bamberg old town. It’s a lively, pedestrian-only area that features traditional Christmas stalls selling toys, decorations, gifts and Christmas food likBamberg's well-preserved old town comprises three historical districts – the episcopal town, the island town and the market gardener's town. All three are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site and provide a fascinating example of how central European towns were built up around the basic layouts established in the early Middle Ages. Bamberg was given special status as far back as 1007, when Henry II was building the town into a centre of episcopal and sovereign power, making it the centre of the newly founded diocese and turning it into a second Rome.Overnight near Coberg. (B,L,D)

Day 15 - April 15th - This morning we make our way just north of Dresden to Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle, Germany’s first castle complex oldest castle. The Castle was a trendsetter in its time of construction. Its overwhelming architectural solutions in the late-Gothic style have always been marveled at by contemporaries. In 929, King Henry I had a wooden fortress built on a rock towering above the Elbe. This made Meissen the center of the march of the same name bordering on the territories to the east that were still under Slavic control and the guided tour will expose all of its history and secrets! We then stop at the Meissen Pottery Factory for a tour. We will take a peek behind the scenes at Europe’s oldest porcelain manufactory, experiencing their unique craftsmanship as it happens and speak to the people who bring such extraordinary works of art to finely crafted life. We will have lunch here before we make our way to Pirna. Between Dresden and Saxon Switzerland, the Elbe Valley is particularly picturesque with green hills complementing light sandstone. The small town of Pirna lies in the middle of this enchanting scenery and the Painters‘ Way, one of Germany’s most beautiful hiking trails, leads right through it. Its market square was made world-famous by the Venetian painter Bernardo Bellotto, better known as Canaletto, who captured it on canvas in 1853. All around the market square, Pirna’s historic town centre is full of pretty houses with courtyards to be discovered and architectural details such as oriels and gables to be admired. Take your time to explore shops, cafés, and restaurants, and don’t miss highlights such as the town hall, the Canaletto House, and St. Mary’s Church, which is full of architectural treasures. Dinner on your own in Dresden tonight. Overnight near Dresden. (B,L)

Day 15 - April 15th - This morning we make our way to Grimma by way of Hartha. Affectionately known as the "Pearl of the Mulde River Valley", is one of the most beautiful places in Germany, located right in the heart of the Free State of Saxony. This little paradise is nestled in gentle hills with the breathtaking scenery of the Mulde River Valley. Goethe and Schiller publisher Georg Joachim Göschen wrote in the 18th century, "one of the most beautiful places in the world". Modern day visitors will understand what he was talking about when strolling through Grimma’s charming old town, which is full of architectural highlights, such as the town hall with its striking Renaissance gable, the double-towered Church of Our Lady or medieval residential towers.The enchanting river valley scenery around Grimma has much to offer, too, including the ruins of Nimbschen Monastery, where Martin Luther's wife Katharina von Bora lived as a nun, or Großbothen where the life and work of Nobel Prize winner for chemistry, Friedrich Wilhelm Ostwald, can be explored in the surroundings of a beautiful park. We will stop for lunch and then make our way to Freiberg. Legend has it that, 850 years ago, a shiny lump of ore at the roadside paved the way for Freiberg to becoming a “Silberstadt” (silver town). Today, the town which is part of the UNESCO-listed Ore Mountains mining region, still displays the sparkle and shine of its former wealth, with more than 550 listed buildings in the late medieval town centre bearing witness to the "silver age".These include the Freiberg Mining Academy, founded in 1765 and the oldest of its kind in the world, and St. Mary's Cathedral with its world-famous Silbermann organ and the noted Goldene Pforte (Golden Portal). There’s also the magnificent Freudenstein Castle housing the treasures of "terra mineralia", Germany's largest mineral exhibition with over 3500 minerals, gemstones and meteorites. And if you want to delve even deeper into Freiberg’s mining tradition, venture 150 metres underground and visit Freiberg's traditional silver mine. Dinner and Overnight near Dresden. (B,L,D)

 

Day 16 - April 16th - We are coming to the very end of our Germany Adventure as we make our way back toward Berlin International with a stop at Radebuel. Next we stop at Torgau to visit Hartenfels Castle, the only preserved castle of the early Renaissance in Germany.  You can feel the splendour of this era as soon as you enter the magnificent castle courtyard. The Grosser Wendelstein – a spiral staircase that leads upwards without supporting columns – is a masterpiece created by the architect Konrad Krebs. Hartenfels was the most modern residential palace in Saxony for several years. It became a venue for glamorous festivals, legislative bodies and weddings, and Elector Johann Frederick made it an important place for the cultivation of music. When the Electors of Saxony relocated to Dresden, the castle in Torgau began to serve completely different purposes and was used to house soldiers. Hartenfels Castle now shines in its former splendour after extensive restoration work was completed a few years ago. Its history is conveyed in a variety of ways through sightseeing opportunities, sophisticated exhibitions and special tours. The areas of the castle in which exhibitions are not hosted are used as offices by the District Administration of North Saxony, the owner of the building.We will have a Tour of the Castle before lunch and then a visit to Carl Loebner in Torgau. Carl Loebner is the World's oldest toy store established in 1865! We will make a few more scenic stops along our way to Berlin. Dinner and Overnight near Berlin International. (B,L,D)

Day 17 -  April 17th - This morning we make our way to Frankfurt International Airport for the journey home.

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