Romantic Germany - Tales and Legends
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October 05-13, 2019
Double Occupancy: $4390 per person
Single Occupancy: $4790 per person
Airfare is not included.

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Daily Itinerary

HeidelbergSeptember 5: Romantic Heidelberg

Arriving in romantic Heidelberg, our journey starts with a befitting opening act in Germany’s most charming town. Tracing its roots to the 5th century, Heidelberg is home to Germany’s oldest university, established in 1386. Our trip leader, Prof. Karin Baumgartner, will introduce us to the city and the era of Romanticism. We will hear about intellectuals and scholars influencing the world from this very ancient place. Heidelberg’s history and delightful architecture is the perfect starting point into the tales and legends of the Romantic Road in Germany.

Hotel: Heidelberger Hof

Meals: D


September 6: Of Frankenstein and dark Romanticism

Heidelberg Castle has seen its share of warfare. A morning visit at the castle will set the tone for the day. Our luxury tour bus will take us to Frankenstein Castle, one of many fortifications in this region. We will hear what role this place played in the inspiration for Mary Shelley’s Gothic novel Frankenstein. Possible side excursions to the blockfield “Felsenmeer” or a wine tasting will lighten the mood. Our final destination today: Brothers Grimm’s birthplace, Hanau.

Hotel: Zum Riesen

Meals: B, L, D


September 7: The life and works of Brothers Grimm

Statue of Brothers GrimmBirthplace to all three Brothers Grimm, Hanau is a city rich in history and stories. We will learn about the times in which the Grimms grew up and part of our time-travel will be at Castle Philippsruhe and its regional history museum. We will literally follow the path of life of the Grimms down the Brother-Grimm-Street in picturesque Steinau an der Strasse. It was here where the famous brothers spent their childhood. At the house of the Brothers Grimm we will take a look at precious manuscripts penned by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm and we will discover their collected stories in the original light, some far from the versions we know today.

In addition to stories and legends, Romanticism also gave birth to the naturopathic medicine movement. A wellness program during the late 1800s would have included hydrotherapy, phytotherapy, exercise, (good) nutrition, and a balanced mind. If you agree, then you will enjoy our stay at the thermal spa hotel in Bad Orb!

Hotel: Spa Hotel Bad Orb

Meals: B, D


September 8: The stories of dark forests

German ForestHiking, biking, swimming in the Spessart Forest. These dark and mysterious wooded mountains between Bavaria and Hesse are home to many of the stories collected by the Brothers Grimm. We would like to immerse ourselves in a world tourists generally do not get to see. In the afternoon, we will visit another stark place of more modern history, the Border Museum Schifflersgrund. We will visit the original fortifications between East and West Germany, learning how the infamous inner-German wall kept Germany divided for 41 years.

Hotel: Fachwerkhotel Eisenbart

Meals: B, L


September 9: Of Fairytale Towns and Fairytale Sources

Unlike many historic towns in Germany, Hannover Muenden escaped destruction in WWII. Over 700 half-timbered houses give us a spectacular view of what Germany looked like when the Grimm brothers collected their stories. A visit to Grimmwelt in Kassel will deepen our understanding. This day enhances our knowledge of German history far beyond fairytales. We end the day by listening to one of the Grimms’ prolific sources for their collection, Dorothea Viehmann. At a spectacular dinner, the day will ring out with stories and merriment.

Hotel: MountainPark Hotel

Meals: B, D


September 10: Of Aristocrats and Scholars

UNESCO World Heritage site Castle Wilhelmshoehe was Emperor Wilhelm II’s most favorite summer residence, and you will quickly find out why. It was here, 100 years ago, where Wilhelm II finally came to realize that The Great War was lost, with Europe and Germany in ruins. A guided tour of the estate gives insight into imperial garden design and you will admire the monumental water works in this park. A visit to Marburg University sheds light not only on the Grimms’ scholastic live, but the university system of Germany as a whole.

Hotel: Altstadthotel Koblenz

Meals: B, L


September 11: Castles and Wine

Marburg CastleEquipped with a trove of historical knowledge, you are ready to storm one more castle, Fortress Ehrenbreitstein. This World Heritage site will teach us about the far reaches of the Prussian Kings after Napoleon’s defeat. Towering above the confluence of Mosel and Rhein and the city center of Koblenz, Ehrenbreitstein is an impressive symbol of the emerging Germany. This day is yours to explore, to join one of our side-trips up the Mosel River, into the vineyards, or simply enjoy the old town of Koblenz. This evening’s Happy Hour once more brings the group together.

Hotel: Altstadthotel Koblenz

Meals: B


September 12: Cruising down the Rhein

Hop on the boat! We are embarking on a cruise up the river Rhein. Over six hours of stunning views of vineyards and castles, it is time to hear about a few more legends of the region. Just like British tourists at the height of Romanticism, we will indulge in travel as if it were the late 1800s. After hearing about the Lorelei, a siren who unwittingly distracted shipmen with her beauty and song, causing them to crash on the rocks, we’ll get to Rüdesheim, where we will visit the famous Drosselgasse, a quaint, narrow alley only 472 feet (144 meters) long, but alive with wineries, markets and historic features. Our final destination will be Frankfurt city, where the group will enjoy a Farewell Dinner in one of the most famous German cities.

Hotel: Hotel Victoria Frankfurt

Meals: B, D


German VillageSeptember 13: Auf Wiedersehen!

Enriched with memories and stories, you will have received a unique, enchanting, and unforgettable view into the Germany’s soul. The food eaten, the people met, the knowledge gained, all will leave you with a deep appreciation of the heart of Germany. You will have lots to brag about to friends and family at home, we promise!

Auf Wiedersehen means “See you again!” We sure will!

Meals: B