Iphofen - Wurzburg - Wurzburg Residence - Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Route: Nuremberg - Iphofen - Wurzburg - Wurzburg Residence - Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Nuremberg
Duration: 10 h
Our first stop will be at the city Iphofen which is known for its rare complete medieval town wall and other historic buildings as well as for being a location of wine production. Iphofen was first mentioned as a property of the Diocese of Würzburg when it was established in 741. Among the 25 churches gifted to the bishop by Karlmann was the royal baptismal church Johannis baptistae at Iphofen. In addition, Würzburg received the tithes from the local royal estate. In 1293, Iphofen was awarded the status of town. During the 14th and 15th century, Würzburg was able to purchase the rights of other nobles who held a strong position in Iphofen, notably Hohenlohe and the Counts of Castell. The old town is characterized by the medieval/early modern town wall that completely surrounds it. The wall (14th/15th century) features seven towers and four gate houses: Rödelseer Tor  (the symbol of Iphofen, 15th century), Mainbernheimer Tor (16th century), Einersheimer Tor and the Pesttor, walled off since 1596. Also you will see Catholic parish church St. Vitus, Spitalkirche St. Johannes der Täufer , Heiligen Blut, Michaelskapelle, the Baroque town hall on the market square  with many half-timbered houses and the Marienbrunnen (fountain with a Baroque statue of Mary). Next we will visit to Wurzburg which is the old city on the banks of the Main River has an exciting atmosphere of baroque flair, great architecture, and a rich cultural tradition. During our visit you will see the Falkenhaus with its elaborate Rococo facade, the late Gothic Chapel of St Mary, Market Square, the historic City Hall with the Grafeneckart tower and the model of the destroyed city of Würzburg after World War II, Neumüster church, the Lusamgärtchen , Alte Mainbrücke (Old Bridge) with fantastic view of the vineyards, and the Baroque pilgrimage church "Käppele". The view from the Fortress Marienberg down to the city and the towers of the Kilians Cathedral, the New Minster, and Mary‘s Chapel is breathtaking by anybody‘s standards.There we also visit to The Residenz Castle which has been dedicated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The Castle is considered to be one of the main works of Southern German baroque-era architecture and it is one of the most beautiful castles in all of Europe. The former residence of the Würzburg prince-bishops is one of the most important baroque palaces in Europe. It was begun for Prince-Bishop Johann Philipp Franz von Schönborn by the then young and unknown architect Balthasar Neumann (1687-1753); the shell of the palace was built from 1720 to 1744 and the interior completed in 1780. By the time the massive building was finished, the gifted architect had also served the brother and second successor of Johann Philipp, Friedrich Carl von Schönborn. Also in the old town, will enjoy cozy restaurants, traditional wine taverns and regional Franconian cuisine. Next we will visit to Rothenburg ob der Tauber which is full of surprises: Protected by a ring of intact fortifications you will find many cozy corners and picturesque, narrow streets. But the true magic of the city can only be experienced on a stroll through town and after a glass of Franconian wine in one of the old, established wine taverns. Visit to Old Town of Rothenburg  is like stepping 400 years into the past.  This time capsule of a village is packed with colorful half-timber homes, old-world sights, cobblestone lanes, and is surrounded by a Medieval city wall.  The pure beauty of Old Town is Rothenburg’s main attraction.  ​The former imperial town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the perfect place to experience medieval and renaissance life in Germany as it was actually lived. Narrow towers and imposing ramparts; winding alleyways and picturesque oriels; half-timbered houses lovingly decorated with window boxes and hanging baskets; colorful gardens made for rest and relaxation; large churches that invite meditation and prayer – these are just some of the things that attract visitors from all over the world to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. During our visit you will see Rothenburg Town Hall (Rathaus),  the Market Square,  the Councillors' Tavern and St.George's Fountain, Medieval Crime Museum, the Master-Builder's House, Marienapotheke, The Plönlein, The Town Wall, Church of St. James and more. After we return to Nuremberg.
Price: per person