Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

There simply is no way to tour Europe & not be awestruck by its natural beauty, epic history & dazzling artistic & culinary diversity. Once you have ticked off the great Museums, panoramic vistas & energetic nightlife, what's left? A chance to indulge in a culinary adventure to beat all others, that's what!

And prepare for a roller-coaster ride of feasts, treats & temptations in Germany which has always marched to a different drummer - Lederhosen, Oktoberfest, polka dancing, Bavarian pretzels, sauerkraut & drinking beer like no others. Experience Deutschland's soul-stirring scenery, spirit-lifting culture, big-city beauties, romantic Palaces & half-timbered towns. It is Europe at its most exotic.

Frankfurt is one of the biggest financial hubs in Europe, so you may wonder, ‘Why visit Frankfurt as a tourist?’. But it is also home to the most impressive skyline in Germany as well as world-renowned Museums & Galleries, historical Cathedrals & stunning views.

Willkommen to Deutschland. Arrive in Frankfurt am Main with over 20 Museums & various historical monuments scattered around towns,

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Frankfurt International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel. 

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Glinting with glass, steel & concrete skyscrapers, Frankfurt-on-the-Main (pronounced ‘mine’) is unlike any other German city. A bustling Metropolis & Germany’s commercial heart on the shores of the Main River, founded in the Roman era, it is home to major Banks including the headquarters of the European Central Bank in the gleaming colossal 338 metres Europe Tower, the 259 metres Commerzbank Tower & one of the world’s largest Stock Exchanges. It also famously hosts some of the world's most important Trade Fairs, attracting thousands of business travellers.

The city on the shores of the Main River also boasts a fabulous cultural life. With its towering, futuristic skyline & beautifully preserved historic quarter, it is certainly one of Germany's most heterogeneous cities, not to mention one of its most populous with over 5.5 million inhabitants.

The birthplace of the man considered by many German's the greatest ever writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Frankfurt is still an artistic & cultural beacon for Germans & many others.

Yet at its heart, Frankfurt is an unexpectedly traditional & charming city, with half-timbered buildings huddled in its quaint medieval Altstadt (old town, reconstructed after the War, is the site of Romerberg, a Square that hosts an annual Christmas Market), cosy apple-wine Taverns serving hearty regional food, village-like neighbourhoods filled with outdoor Cafes, Boutiques & street art and beautiful parks, gardens & riverside paths. Its nightlife & entertainment scenes are bolstered by a spirited student population.

Most people associate Frankfurt with Brokers, Banks, Stocks & Shares - & they wouldn't be wrong, but there is much more to the city than just big business. Frankfurt does, after all, have an unrivalled Museum scene. Its collection of Galleries & Museums, 2^nd in Germany only to Berlin’s, is considered one of the world's finest, with contents which reflect this high standing.

Goethe’s former home is now the Goethe House Museum. You can retrace the footsteps of the city’s most famous son for a glimpse of 18^th century Frankfurt. For example, at his House or in the slightly less poetic setting of the Gerbermuhle, a quaint Beer Garden on the banks of the river Main, where the great poet indulged in an occasional glass of cider in his day.

The Museum embankment on the southern bank of the Main is a wonder to behold, in particular the magnificent Stadel Institute of Art with the Municipal Gallery. Situated in the heart of Frankfurt's Museum mile, this is of one Germany's pre-eminent Art Galleries & features masterpieces spanning nine centuries of European art. The underground extension houses a Collection of works from 1945 onwards, including such famous names as Joseph Beuys & Gerhard Richter.

To the east of the Gallery, you will find the Film Museum & the Architecture Museum, which in itself is an innovative & unconventional example of building design. And just a stone's throw from there stands the Museum of Applied Art (MAK). A thousand years of arts & crafts are represented in this striking building designed by American architect Richard Meier.

There are also a number of smaller Galleries around the Cathedral, some of which are less mainstream but feature exceptional displays of art nonetheless. You can even admire art in the Metro System. The Grenzland (borderland) project at the Dom / Romer Station, for example, showcases works that blur the lines between art, architecture & design.

It might be more serious, but the financial district is well worth a visit too, for a true taste of Frankfurt. The towering Banks & office blocks form Europe's most impressive skyline & Frankfurt's ultimate landmark. But rest assured, the art found in this part of the city is also of international standing. Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank & DZ Bank own art collections any Museum would be proud of, and these are opened to the public at certain times. Skyscrapers as Art Galleries ? Only in Frankfurt.

Morning, proceed to the Pick-up Point to board the Hop On, Hop Off Bus tour. With 16 Stops around the whole city, the Tour gives you the perfect overview of Frankfurt.

Climb aboard to the upper deck of one of the comfortable open-top double decker buses for a panoramic tour through the fantastic city. Just sit back & enjoy the 1 hour drive from the comfort of your bus (with audio-guides explaining about the places you pass by).  Although the loop takes just about an hour, feel free to hop-off & get back on at any of the Stops as your Ticket is valid for the whole day. With buses departing every 20 - 30 minutes all day long, you will have the freedom to experience self-guided sightseeing of Frankfurt on your schedule without worrying about bus availability!

The drive will take you around some famous landmarks like Paul Church, Frankfurt Trade Fair Centre, the Financial District with its Skyscrapers, the Romerberg Square. And, you can catch the wonderful city views from the Hauptwache.

Saint Paul’s Cathedral, located in the very heart of Frankfurt, was built between 1787 & 1833. After having been entirely destroyed in World War II, the historic edifice was rebuilt in the post-war years & inaugurated in 1948. Given that the building had hosted Meetings of the National Assembly during which the first democratic Constitution of Germany had been drawn up, Saint Paul’s Cathedral has been up to now considered, an important Memorial & a symbol of democracy in Germany. It has been used more for Exhibitions rather than as a place of worship. The building regularly accommodates official events of national or local level in the Meeting Room on the upper floor. For some years, the Cathedral hosted the Award Ceremonies for “Friedenspreis des deutschen Buchhandels” & “Goethepreis der Stadt Frankfurt”.

The Frankfurt Trade Fair Centre in city centre, includes Exhibition Pavilions encompassing almost 370,000 square metres indoor & additional outdoor spaces extending to 96,000 square metres. The Centre, built in 1907, regularly hosts important events - Congresses, Meetings & annually International Automobile Show, the COMIC CON & Frankfurt Book Fair as well as numerous Concerts. Each of the Pavilions boasts a characteristic & unique architecture, culmination of the work of enthusiastic & passionate, internationally renowned Architects & Designers who have enriched the Project with their different stylistic approaches.

Bankenviertel is the name of the central business district in Frankfurt, an area in the city centre where many Banks, Insurance Companies, Law Firms & other financial institutions are located. Because real estate is now also being rented by financial sector Companies in adjacent areas, the Financial District is constantly expanding. The density of building mass is the highest here of all places in Germany. The first Skyscrapers were built during the German economic miracle (the “Wirtschaftswunder”) but most emerged primarily in the 1980s & ‘90s.

The history of Frankfurt as a financial center goes back to the Middle Ages & has been shaped by political events to this day. In its present, prominent form, the Banking Quarter developed only after the events of the World War II. Before the war, the Capital Berlin was the leading financial center located in Berlin-Mitte (East Berlin) & the headquarters of most important Credit institutions were concentrated here.

After the division, the major Banks in Berlin were placed under forced administration or smashed. In the Soviet occupation zone, the Banks were nationalised & business activities were discontinued; in the Western occupation zones, successor companies were founded between 1945 - 1948 whose activities were initially limited to the respective occupation zone.

The Economic Council of the United Economic Area of the Bizone took its seat in the building of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in 1947. The Bank Deutscher was founded on 1 March 1948 & it virtually became the successor to Hitler’s Reichsbank which had its headquarters in the same building. In 1957, the Reichsbank became the Deutsche Bundesbank.

The Financial District was the city’s first high-rise cluster after the destruction of the historical cityscape in the World War II, as many tall buildings close to each other emerged here. Major German Banks are headquartered here, including Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, DZ Bank & Landesbank Hessen-Thuringen. There are also numerous representative offices of foreign Banks like Goldman Sachs & Morgan Stanley.

You can’t go to Frankfurt without visiting the Romerberg, the city’s iconic old central Square, home to a host of delights, from picturesque mediaeval buildings to historic markets. This has been the backdrop for famous faces like John F. Kennedy, who addressed an adoring crowd here during his ground-breaking visit to Germany in 1963, just the day before giving his famous speech in Berlin.

The original medieval complex has been extended considerably since it was sold to the City Council in 1405, with several buildings, courtyards & an ornate balcony added throughout the years.

At the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town), ornately gabled half-timbered buildings, reconstructed after World War II, give an idea of how beautiful the city’s medieval core once was. Only one half-timbered house - Haus Wertheym - in the Altstadt made it through the bombings unscathed. It has been serving hearty home-style cuisine since 1479 & continues to do so today.

Standing in the Square, you will be forgiven for feeling like you are on a picture postcard-perfect film set - of days gone by. Despite extensive damage from bombardment during the World War II, the Romerberg’s unique architecture has been painstakingly restored - a unique tribute to the past that feels worlds away from the city’s more modern buildings.

It is home to the photogenic Romer, which has been in use as the City Hall since the 15^th century. The 3 stepped gable facades of the Romer are what make the Square so instantly recognizable. In the time of the Holy Roman Empire, it was the site of celebrations during the Election & Coronation of Emperors. Today, it houses the office of Frankfurt’s Mayor & serves as the Registry Office. The barrel-vaulted Kaisersaal is accessed from Limpurgergasse via a courtyard & carved red-sandstone spiral Staircase.

In the Square's centre, in front of the Romer, is the Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen (Fountain of Justice). Dating back to 1543, it features a bronze Statue of Justitia, the Roman Goddess of Justice, armed with her sword & scales. According to legend, wine flowed from the fountain at the 16^th century Coronation of Emperor Matthias, causing a commotion worthy of immediate repairs.

Trade Fairs & Markets have been held in the Romerberg since the Middle Ages, attracting visiting Merchants from all over Europe. The tradition continues to this day with Frankfurt’s spectacular Christmas Market in December, one of the oldest & largest in Germany. It is a fairy-tale experience - & a great excuse to sample local delicacies like hot apple wine & Bethmannchen marzipan cookies by the 30 metres high Christmas tree.

After your Hop Off, Hop On sightseeing, to be finished when you feel like, return to the hotel or continue exploring the interesting spots you just discovered.

You can explore Goethe House, Riverbank Museums, or spend your evening exploring the Sachsenhausen Pub District where the international flavour encompasses Irish Bars, funky Latin Clubs, Discos & traditional Bier Kellers, where the Germans' love of beer can be fully appreciated.

Shoppers will be in their element in Frankfurt, with the wallet-stretching delights of the famous commercial street Zeil, with its upmarket Department Stores & Boutiques offering a marked contrast with the nearby Fressegasse, whose Food Stores will draw you in with their delicious smells & where you can linger among the gift shops, Delicatessens & Cafes. For a taste of the local speciality, head to a riverside Cafe & order a Frankfurter Hackensteak.

Balance of the day free to explore the city & enjoy the Christmas Market.

Proceed (on your own) to the beautiful Christmas Market in Romerberg on Paulsplatz Square & at the Pier by the Main River.  More than 200 Stalls await you.

The Frankfurt Christmas Market is an annual outdoor Market. The Market opens in late November & continues until just before Christmas during Advent. Due to its number of visitors & size, the Frankfurt Market is one of the most important in Germany.

This Market is indeed no ordinary event. Its history has been traced back to 1393, when 1^st reference thereof was made in official documentation. The Market was traditionally accompanied by the performance of ecclesiastical Mystery Plays, which were also held on the Romerberg.

The original Play was presumably based on a historical encounter that occurred in 941, when King Otto the Great & his brother Heinrich reconciled after a long period of estrangement. Heinrich had dropped to his knees before his brother outside of the Chapel after Christmas Mass. This moving scene was put to canvas by the Artist, Alfred Rethel. Today, the Painting resides in Frankfurt's Historical Museum.

One of the highlights of the Market's history dates back to 1498. Christmas of that year saw the Landgrave, Wilhelm of Hesse, marry the daughter of the electoral Prince of Palatinate. Chronicles speak of a magnificent entourage of horses & riders, over a thousand strong, which accompanied the electoral Prince to the Wedding Ceremony in Frankfurt am Main.

The Market of that time still lacked the most significant symbol of the present-day - the Christmas Tree. Only at the beginning of the 19^th century did the evergreen Fir Tree become a decorative element of the Market. At first, Christmas trees were sold by privileged Sachsenhausen Merchants within the confines of the Romerhalle. Over time, the point of sale was relocated to the area in front of Town Hall, where the Market's representative Tree now stands.

Back in the day, the Frankfurt Christmas Market was purely a local affair. Outsiders were not particularly welcome & thus, the Market took on a genuine Frankfurt quality. Local Artisans proffered only the finest handicrafts, toys, sweets & other Christmas presents. For many years, the most popular toys on sale were wooden waggons & soft toys. Later, these were joined by the wooden hobbyhorse & rocking horse. In the late 19^th century, it was common practice for Frankfurt parents to buy toys at the Christmas Market & nowhere else.

By the mid-20^th century, an unusual & otherwise unfamiliar custom had found its way into Frankfurt's Christmas traditions, that of the "Giant Santa Clauses". In order to make these upto 2 metres tall gingerbread figures, Private School pupils raised money & then presented the gigantic, sugar-coated biscuit to their Teacher, after which it was devoured by all with much enthusiasm.

"Brenten", "Bethmaennchen" & "Quetschemaennchen" - miniature candy figures - are 3 typical biscuits that look back upon a long Frankfurt culinary tradition. In former times, large quantities were produced in the bourgeois homes of the city centre.

The 19^th century Suitor customarily sent a packet of this popular confectionery to the object of his desires. If she kept this Present, the Admirer could hope to continue his advances. If she did not, it served as a notice for the Suitor to abandon his efforts. Ahh, how the times have changed!

One of the greatest fans of Frankfurt Christmas confectionery was the renowned Frankfurt-born Author & Poet, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. During his tenure as Privy Councillor in the faraway city of Weimar, he would regularly receive Christmas parcels from his mother containing his favourite Frankfurt treats.

No one truly knows how the marzipan-filled "Bethmaennchen" got their name. One version finds Napoleon Bonaparte in Frankfurt, residing at the house of the famous Banker, Bethmann, where he supposedly uttered the words: "Kindly give me another of those delicious little Bethmaennchen". Whether he had any during his exiles on Elba & St Helena is still unclear.

Elaborate & creative Stand decorations, the backdrops of Romerberg & Paulsplatz, the huge Christmas Tree & more than 200 Stalls make this one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets.

Come back to the hotel (on your own).

Overnight.  B

Early morning, proceed (on your own) to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof to board a train for Wurzburg . *Transfer not included.  Optional. Supplement, if required.

Arrive at Wurzburg Station & proceed (on your own) to the hotel. *Transfer not included. Optional. Supplement, if required

For Germans, the south begins at Wurzburg, a lovely city known for its lavish baroque & rococo architecture, in Bavaria region, at the northern end of the Romantic Road.

The city of Wurzburg was the Capital of the Grand Duchy of Wurzburg under Ferdinand III until 1814. It was then part of the territories in Franconia that were granted to the Kingdom of Bavaria by the Congress of Vienna in compensation for the loss of Tyrol & that part of Palatinate that was east of the Rhine to Baden.

This University City & former royal seat gracefully straddling the banks of the Main River amid idyllic Vineyards, offers a vibrant atmosphere & an endearing charm, reason enough to visit.

On the night of March 16, 1945, Wurzburg was leveled by a bombing raid. A plan to leave the city in ruin as a testimony to the horrors of war was scrapped & nearly every major structure has been restored and the modern city blends in harmoniously with medieval remains & reconstructions. Wurzburg is not picture book pretty, the way Rothenburg & some other towns on the Romantic Road are, but that doesn’t deviate from its appeal as there is plenty to see in a day.

Offering southern German flair & Franconian hospitality, unlike the quainter towns that line the Romantic Road to the south, Wurzburg is a cosmopolitan place, a University town with 50,000 students guarantees a lively scene, plenty of hip nightlife & life pulsates through its narrow cobbled lanes & bright Squares, lending it a German version of joie de vivre.

Wurzburg is a pleasant harmony of History, Art, Architecture, Culture & delicate Wines. The City’s appreciation of the good life becomes clear as soon as you notice the town is swathed in Vineyards that climb the surrounding hillsides above its gabled rooftops.

Bavaria may be a region famous for its Beer, but Wurzburg is the Capital of Frankisches Weinland (Franconian Wine Region) but Wine Merchants here sell the famous mineral-rich dry white & red Wines, especially from the Silvaner grape, in distinctive Bocksbeutels (the green, narrow-necked wine bottles with flattened round shapes) designed so Monks could hide them under their robes, it is home to numerous Wine Bars, Cellars & Wineries and also home to the oldest Pizzeria in Germany. Wurzburger Hofbrau Brewery also produces a well-known Pilsner Beer.  

It is easy to cover Wurzburg on foot or by Tram (Streetcar) or Bus (we suggest purchasing a Full Day Visitor Card good for 24 hours, at any Station, that allows unlimited travel on all public transport).

Architectural masterpieces from various eras shape the cityscape. Particularly the 18^th century UNESCO World Heritage listed Residenz, a Palace, with ornate rooms, the world’s largest fresco, a masterpiece by Venetian Artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo depicting allegories of the 4 then-known Continents (Europe, Africa, America & Asia) & an elaborate zigzagging Treppenhaus (Staircase).

One of Germany's most important & finest baroque buildings, the vast structure was commissioned in 1720 by Prince-Bishop Johann Philipp Franz von Schonborn, who was unhappy with his old-fashioned digs up in Marienberg Fortress & took almost 60 years to complete. Built by 18^th century Architect Balthasar Neumann, today the 360 rooms are home to government Institutions, University faculties & A Museum, but the grandest 40 have been restored for visitors to admire.

The State Gallery, a branch Gallery of the Bavarian State Painting Collections, is located in rooms 23 to 29. Works on display focus on the great centuries of Venetian painting.

Besides the Grand Staircase, feast your eyes on the ice-white stucco-adorned Weisser Saal (White Hall) before entering the Kaisersaal (Imperial Hall), canopied by yet another impressive Tiepolo fresco. Other stunners include the gilded stucco Spiegelkabinett (Mirror Hall), covered with a unique mirror-like glass painted with figural, floral & animal motifs.

In the South Wing, the Hofkirche (Court Church) is another architecturally stunning Neumann & Tiepolo co-production. Its elaborate furnishing, marble columns, gold leaf & profusion of Angels, in Frescos & Paintings, match the Residenz in splendour & proportions.

Entered via frilly wrought-iron gates, the Hofgarten (Court Garden) designed to include the Baroque-era ramparts, is a smooth blend of French & English-style landscaping teeming with numerous whimsical rococo sculptures of children, mostly by royal Sculptor Peter Wagner. Concerts, Festivals & special Events take place here during the warmer months.

The Complex also houses Collections of Antiques, Paintings & Drawings in the Martin von Wagner Museum (no relation to Peter) & handily, a Winery in the atmospheric Cellar, the Staatlicher Hofkeller Wurzburg, that is open for ‘guided’ tours with Tasting (some of the Palace areas are only accessible with a ‘guided’ tour).

Another famous landmark is the highly unusual Cathedral Dom St Kilian. Even from afar, the 2 imposing Towers of St. Kilian Cathedral - 4^th largest Romanesque Church in Germany - point the way to the city.

The Cathedral has been altered many times over the centuries. The elaborate stucco work of the chancel contrasts starkly with the bare whitewash of the austere Romanesque nave that is capped with a ceiling that wouldn't look out of place in a 1960s Bus Station. The whole mishmash creates quite an impression & is possibly the oddest Cathedral interior in all of Germany. The Schonbornkapelle by Balthasar Neumann returns a little baroque order to things.

Another interesting monument here is Marienberg Fortress, a prominent Castle that dominates the skyline.  

Built on a hill overlooking the city, its construction was initiated around late 12^th century, by the local Prince-Bishops who governed here until 1719. Over the centuries, it was expanded & modified several times, including significant additions in the Renaissance & Baroque styles.

In addition to its historical & cultural significance, Marienberg Fortress also played a role in World War II. The Castle was heavily damaged during Allied bombing raids in 1945, but it was rebuilt in the years following the war. Dramatically illuminated at night, the structure was only penetrated once, by Swedish troops during the ‘Thirty Years' War, in 1631. Today, it stands as a symbol of Wurzburg’s resilience & enduring cultural heritage.

Today, the Fortress is a popular tourist attraction & serves as one of the city's fascinating Museum. Inside, the Furstenbaumuseum (closed November to mid-March) sheds light on its former Residents' opulent lifestyle. Visitors can tour the various Rooms & Exhibits, which include displays the Bishops of Wurzburg and the Art & Culture of the region.

The other Section, Mainfrankisches Museum presents displays on city history & houses the largest Collection of works by the famous late-Gothic master Woodcarver & Sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider & other famous local Artists. It also houses a scale model of the WWII bombing which starkly depicts the extent of the damage to the city following the night of 16 March 1945, when 1000 tons of explosives were dropped on the city & 5,000 citizens lost their lives in just 20 minutes.

The Fortress is a pleasant 25 minutes walk uphill through the Vineyards. Viewing it & reading the potted history of events before you climb up to the Castle overlooking the city, gives you an appreciation of Wurzburg’s astonishing recovery. Enjoy panoramic City & Vineyard views from the ramparts.

In a born-again historic Granary building with its modern architectural elements, located directly on the old Harbor, right on the Main River, there is an absorbing Museum im Kulturspeicher that offers an exciting ambience for the Art from the 19^th - 21^st centuries. Top-class works of art from Romanticism, Biedermeier, Impressionism & Expressionism are complemented by contemporary Art exhibits from 23 European countries. The Collection includes “Peter C. Ruppert - Concrete Art in Europe after 1945” & works by other Artists such as Max Bill, Gunter Fruhtrunk & Victor Vasarely, as well as fascinating Installations & Digital Art.

Another iconic land mark is the 16^th century Alte Mainbrucke (Old Main Bridge), a historic Bridge that spans the Main River.

Designed by the Italian architect Antonio Petrini, it replaced an earlier Wooden Bridge that had been destroyed by flooding. It is a combination of Gothic & Renaissance styles and features a series of Arches & Towers that make it an impressive sight.

The Bridge has played an important role in the history of Wurzburg. It was an important transport link between the city & the surrounding region, used for military purposes. During World War II, the Bridge was heavily damaged, but it was rebuilt & restored to its original appearance in the post-war period.

One of the most distinctive features of the Bridge is the row of Statues added in 18^th century, that line its sides. These Statues depict various Saints & historical figures, including Saint Kilian, the Patron Saint of the City & Julius Echter von Mespelbrunn, the Prince-Bishop who was instrumental in the construction of the Bridge.

Today, the Alte Mainbrucke is a popular attraction for visitors & offers stunning views of the city & surrounding countryside. The Bridge is also home to a number of Restaurants & Cafes where visitors can enjoy local cuisine & drinks while taking in the views.

In the middle of Altstadt (Old town City Center), the Dome of Neumunster Church rises in the immediate vicinity of St. Kilian's Cathedral.

This symmetrical Church has a decisive influence on the Wurzburg cityscape. Romanesque at its core, it was given a thorough baroque restyle by the Zimmermann brothers & is typical of their work. It stands on the site where 3 ill-fated Irish Missionaries - itinerant Preachers Kilian, Kolonat & Totnan, tried to convert Duke Gosbert to Christianity in 686 met their maker.

Here, the believers in the Diocese of Wurzburg commemorate their first ‘messengers of faith’ at the current location of the Church. The interior has busts of the 3 Martyrs on the high Altar & to this day, they are particularly venerated here & in the neighboring Cathedral as “Franconian Apostles” & are the diocesan Pastors of the Wurzburg Diocese.

Neumunster Church is primarily a place of worship. Although, they allow ‘guided’ tours, visitors are requested to preserve the special atmosphere of the place & stay quiet.

Many more Options but you do not have the time today.

And now, we come to the raison d’etre for your visit to Wurzburg.

One of the most beautiful, Wurzburg Christmas Market, offers visitors a unique opportunity to soak up the festive atmosphere in one of Germany's most historically significant cities.

For guests arriving from afar, the Market's central location ensures easy access via public transportation. Excellent connections to Bus & Train services make the Market accessible to everyone.

Wurzburg Christmas Market, an annual celebration heralding the festive Advent season, is an event that brings together History, Culture & the joy of Christmas.

It traces its origins back to the early 1800s, setting up shop at the Old Town's Marktplatz. The organization of the Christmas Market falls under the purview of the Wurzburg City Council, which is responsible not only for its coordination but also for ensuring safety, cleanliness & an engaging cultural program.

One of the main reasons for the distinctiveness & appeal of the Market is its breathtaking setting, nestled amidst the historical backdrop of the Falkenhaus (used to be a dormitory for Priests) which features a gabled, stucco Rococo-style façade & the Gothic Marienkapelle (Marian Chapel or the Church of St. Mary) whose architectural beauty lends an almost magical atmosphere to the scene. These remarkable buildings amplify the Market's historical ambiance & enhance its aesthetic appeal.

It is a gorgeous backdrop to the festive scenes on the streets of Wurzburg as the nearly 100 wooden Stalls spread across entire Marketplace, entice visitors with a wide array of products including wooden Toys, Jewelry, Teas & Spices, traditional Christmas decorations, scented Candles, Pottery, to decorative Glasswork to artisan-made Embroideries & Knitwear (hand-knit socks & gloves).

Visitors can meander through rows of festively adorned Booths, all aglow in the gentle light of Christmas illuminations. A characteristic feature of the Market is its blend of traditional Bavarian goods & international specialties, reflecting the cultural diversity of the region.

To top it off, around 40 Artisans display a fine selection of local arts & crafts in the festively decorated courtyard of Rathaus (Town Hall) on all Saturdays & Sundays in Advent. The focus here is on handcrafted items that are hard to find elsewhere. Experience traditional German craftsmanship in action, including Glass- blowing, Wood Carving & Engraving. The handmade items are available for purchase.

In conclusion, it is clear that the Wurzburg Christmas Market is much more than just a shopping experience - it is an annual tradition that celebrates the city's cultural heritage, fosters a sense of community & provides a warm, festive atmosphere that delights people of all ages. It serves as a festive haven, inviting visitors to leave behind the stresses of everyday life & immerse themselves in the joyous mood of the Christmas season.

Stroll through Stalls, sampling delicious Cookies & roasted Almonds while sipping the traditional “Gluehwein” (hot spiced red wine).

Finally, it is time to proceed back to the Hauptbahnhof (on your own) to catch your Train to Frankfurt.

Arrive in Frankfurt & reach your hotel (on your own).

Overnight.  B

Alas, like all good things, your short glimpse of this enchanting city comes to an end & it is time to say au revoir.

Check-out of the hotel by 11:00 am (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the use of the hotel facilities & leave the luggage at the Bell Desk if you have the time to walk out). 

Germany is full of wonderful culture that just wants to be discovered. There is something for everyone in this ancient country’s most diverse selection of towns & cities and its top Museums & other cultural institutions.

Frankfurt is a pretty modern city, home to businesses, skyscrapers & Europe's 3^rd largest Airport - all of which are state of the art. This may be why Frankfurt has a certain fondness for a wide array of Museums & the city is always a little ahead of its time but likes to keep records of it too.

With so much culture to explore & cuisine to taste in Frankfurt & beyond, spending 4 days here is bound to be a fantastic glimpse / experience but certainly not enough do justice to the city or the country.

So, you see, you have much more to discover if you come to enchanting Germany ‘again’ & we will of course, look forward to be able to facilitate that.

 “Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller” - Ibn Battuta

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Frankfurt International Airport, for your onward journey.  B

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