Germany Vacation Package:
Journey to the Middle Ages

Throughout its history this town in the German State Saxony-Anhalt on the River Elbe has been subjected to devastation and destruction and enjoyed frequent periods of prosperity, and this is still very much reflected in the current townscape. Architectural monuments dating from all the historical periods such as the imperial cathedral and Monastery of Our Lady hark back to the former glory and wealth of this former centre of imperial power.

Braunschweig, the town of Henry the Lion, is the region's cultural and commercial centre. The numerous local attractions are divided into five areas known as islands of tradition, each of which has its own unique character. St. Blasius' cathedral and the old Gothic town hall with its lion statue, are all well worth a visit. In the 12th century the Castle Square was rebuilt and extended by Duke Henry the Lion. Ones can still find evidence today of the medieval layout. The square is bordered by Dankwarderode castle, former residence of Henry the Lion, as well as the cathedral, the neo-classical Vieweg house and half-timbered buildings.

Quedlinburg, an important royal and imperial town in the Middle Ages, is one of Germany's foremost UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Situated on the Romanesque Route next to the Harz Mountains, it is a fine example of a beautifully preserved medieval town. Its historic layout boasts a wealth of art nouveau architecture and over 1,300 timber-framed houses from a period spanning eight centuries. One of the oldest of these buildings, which dates back to around 1340, houses the medieval architecture museum.

Thick walls with 80 towers enclose the historical old quarter of Nuremberg — the capital of the region Franconia in northern Bavaria. Wealth of attractions in the old quarter brings history vividly to life — chief amongst them the medieval Imperial Castle with its museum. Impressive works of art in the Gothic churches of Nuremberg's old town bear testament to the city's heyday. Visitors can admire traditional handicrafts in the historic craft center.

The history of Bamberg's fascinating townscape goes back more than a thousand years. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built on seven hills and is often compared with Rome. On one of the hills stands the imperial cathedral with its four towers, the heart of the town and the region's most important architectural monument. Other local attractions include the old town hall in the middle of the river Regnitz, the Old Fisherman Houses and the New Palace with its rose garden.

Regensburg — Germany's best-preserved medieval town and UNESCO World Heritage Site — became the first capital of Bavaria and was named an imperial city by the Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. Walking around the narrow, winding lanes of the old quarter visitors can see St. Peter's cathedral, the old town hall, the courtyards and private chapels of the medieval patrician houses, the Palace and the Romanesque and Gothic buildings. The ancient Stone Bridge is an architectural masterpiece from the Middle Ages.