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German Gothic - Masterpieces of Medieval Architecture
9
days
from
A$7,420
Book today with a deposit from
A$1,113
30th June 2027 - 8th July 2027
Tour highlights
- Trace the evolution of German Gothic from its earliest experiments to the masterpieces of the late Middle Ages.
- Explore one of Europe’s richest concentrations of medieval architecture in beautifully preserved historic towns.
- Superb sculpture, stained glass and carved furnishings, much of it still in the churches for which it was created.
- Led by medieval art historian and architectural specialist Dr Ulrike Ziegler.
Germany preserves one of Europe’s greatest concentrations of medieval architecture, much of it little altered and still housing the sculpture, stained glass and furnishings created for it. Yet beyond Germany’s most celebrated cathedrals and churches, this remarkable artistic inheritance remains comparatively little known.
Although Gothic architecture reached the German-speaking lands later than France, it flourished there with remarkable originality, producing some of the most inventive and technically accomplished buildings of the later Middle Ages. Following the development of Gothic architecture across Germany, the tour traces this architectural tradition from the pioneering hall churches of the 13th century to the soaring monuments of the late Middle Ages, revealing a style of exceptional invention, technical ambition and artistic richness.
The churches themselves are only part of the story. Medieval sculpture, stained glass, carved choir stalls and altarpieces survive here in extraordinary abundance, often in their original settings. Together with some of Germany’s most beautiful historic towns and landscapes, they make this a rewarding exploration of one of Europe’s most remarkable artistic traditions.
Itinerary
Fly at c.11.00am from London Heathrow to Frankfurt (British Airways). Drive north through forested uplands to Marburg, a charming university town of half-timbered streets and steep lanes. The Elisabethkirche marks a decisive moment in the development of German Gothic: one of the earliest and finest hall churches, it established a form that would shape church architecture across the German-speaking lands. Its magnificent shrine of St Elisabeth is among Germany’s masterpieces of medieval goldsmiths’ work. Continue to Erfurt for the first of three nights.
Erfurt is among Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. The cathedral combines a soaring High Gothic choir with a Late Gothic hall-church nave, while the neighbouring Severikirche demonstrates the hall church at its most accomplished. During an afternoon walk visit the Krämerbrücke, still lined with medieval houses, together with the Barfüsserkirche, renowned for its stained glass, and the Predigerkirche, one of Germany’s finest mendicant churches.
Morning excursion to Naumburg. The cathedral is celebrated above all for the extraordinary donor figures by the Naumburg Master (c.1250), among the greatest achievements of medieval sculpture and perfectly integrated into the architecture they were created to adorn. Return to Erfurt for free time over lunch before visiting the Angermuseum, whose collections provide a rewarding complement to the churches, from medieval sculpture and painting to Erich Heckel’s remarkable expressionist murals.
Built across seven hills and threaded by waterways, Bamberg is one of Europe’s most enchanting historic towns. Its cathedral is renowned for its Early Gothic sculpture, including the enigmatic Bamberg Rider, one of the defining images of medieval Europe. Continue south to Nuremberg, where the churches of St Lorenz and St Sebald contain an exceptional concentration of late medieval painting, sculpture and furnishings, including masterpieces by Veit Stoss. Continue to Regensburg for two nights.
Regensburg offers one of Germany’s richest ensembles of Gothic architecture. The cathedral, begun around 1270 and completed in the early 16th century, possesses the country’s finest collection of medieval stained glass. Its tranquil cloister preserves an outstanding series of Gothic tomb monuments, while the Franciscan and Dominican churches rank among the most important mendicant foundations in southern Germany.
Drive through the picturesque Altmühl valley to Eichstätt, whose cathedral preserves an important Gothic west choir together with stained glass designed by Hans Holbein the Elder. Continue to Ulm for the first of three nights.
Ulm Minster provides the culmination of the architectural story traced throughout the tour. Its immense scale, magnificent stained glass, richly carved choir stalls by Jörg Syrlin the Elder and the world’s tallest Gothic church spire together represent one of the supreme achievements of late medieval architecture. The municipal museum complements the churches with an excellent collection of medieval painting and sculpture.
The Church of the Holy Cross at Schwäbisch Gmünd, the first major commission of the Parler family, became one of the most influential buildings of the Late Gothic period in Central Europe. Continue to nearby Nördlingen, an exceptionally well-preserved imperial town still enclosed by its complete medieval walls. The parish church houses an important altarpiece by Niklaus Gerhaert von Leyden, one of the greatest sculptors of the 15th century.
Visit the former Benedictine abbey of Blaubeuren, whose exquisite late Gothic high altar and choir stalls by the Ulm workshops provide a fitting conclusion to the tour’s exploration of medieval craftsmanship. Continue to Munich Airport. Fly from Munich, arriving Heathrow at c.5.45pm.
Expert speaker
Dr Ulrike Ziegler
Specialist in mediaeval art and architecture. She studied art history and archaeology at the University of Regensburg and King’s College Aberdeen. Her PhD focused on art exhibitions and the cultural politics of post-war Germany. She has taught at university and now lectures for various cultural institutions as well as organising and leading many study days and trips in Germany and Austria.
More tours led by Dr Ulrike Ziegler
Practicalities
Price, per person. Two sharing: A$7,840 or A$7,420 without flights. Single occupancy: A$8,810 or A$8,390 without flights.
Air travel (economy class) with British Airways; travel by private coach throughout; hotel accommodation as described below; breakfasts and 6 dinners with wine; all admissions and donations to churches; all tip for waiters, drivers and guides; airport and state taxes; the services of the lecturer.
NYX Hotel, Erfurt: modern hotel in the historic town centre. Hotel Goliath, Regensburg: an elegant 5-star hotel located in the historic center of Regensburg, only a few steps from the Cathedral. Hotel Goldenes Rad, Ulm: a historic 4-star hotel located in the heart of Ulm.
Single rooms are doubles for sole use throughout.
There is a fair amount of walking within towns (most German city centres being pedestrian zones). There is a lot of driving on this tour, with the average distance by coach per day of 116 miles. But the coach is comfortable, and most roads are well built and maintained.
Between 10 and 22 participants.
Before booking, please refer to Smartraveller to ensure you are happy with the travel advice for the destination(s) you are visiting. As a British company we follow the advice of the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.
Dates & prices
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2027
Date
Speaker
Price
Date:
30th June - 8th July 2027
Speaker:
Dr Ulrike Ziegler
Price:
from A$7,420
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