Fairytale Castles

Day 2                             Würzburg, Coburg, Bayreuth

The former episcopal’s palace Würzburg is among the oldest buildings and most beautiful of Germany. During a guided walking tour, you will pass many of the sights that make up the city’s history: the Falkenhaus with its rococo facade, the Gothic Chapel of St. Mary, the Market Square, the historic Town Hall, Neumünster church and the Alte Mainbrücke (Old Bridge across the river Main) with a marvellous view of the Fortress Marienberg. You will get to know the Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace was designed by Balthasar Neumann and built from 1720 through 1744. It is considered one of the most important palaces in Europe. The architect drew his inspiration from all over Europe. The ceiling frescoes above the grand staircase and in the impressive Imperial Hall by the Venetian artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo are world famous. In the afternoon, you travel to Coburg for a visit of the Veste, the fortress where Martin Luther took refuge and lived during the Peace of Augsburg. The tour includes a visit and an explanation of the Ducal Palace (“Fürstenbau”) with guests’ living room, Luther Chapel und private living rooms of Duke Carl Eduard von Sachsen-Coburg und Gotha, the Old German Art Collection (late medieval paintings and sculptures, including the “Gandersheimer Evangeliar”), the Hunting Room, the Banqueting Hall (“Große Hofstube”) (Court Weapons) and Luther’s Rooms. Drive to Bayreuth for the overnight stay.