Included Residenz Palace Excursion . Arrive this morning, and after breakfast disembark for your half-day excursion to Würzburg and a tour of its impressive baroque Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s largest and most ornate palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This former residence of the Würzburg prince- bishop was designed by architect Balthasar Neumann and built over a 70-year period, beginning in 1720. Both the massive reception staircase and overhead ceiling are considered masterpieces of design, made even more impressive by the Venetian artist Giambattista Tiepolo’s stunning “Four Continents” ceiling fresco. You will see several of the building’s ornate rooms, each representing a different style and highlighted by the Mirror Cabinet, painstakingly reconstructed after falling victim to massive bombing during World War II.
Afternoon at Leisure or Optional Excursion to Rothenburg . Enjoy the balance of your day at leisure exploring Würzburg on your own. This Bavarian city holds a wealth of sights; explore and see some of the countless churches built in a range of architectural styles, or visit the municipal art museum that exhibits fantastic regional paintings and sculptures from 22 different European countries.
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Rothenberg
Alternatively, you can extend your morning with an optional excursion to Rothenburg. In this case, you will begin your day with a visit to that city and enjoy Würzburg and the Residenz Palace in the afternoon. Enjoy a scenic motorcoach ride along the “Romantic Road” through Franconia, passing idyllic towns and peaceful landscapes on your way to Rothenburg. After a walking tour admiring the medieval town’s charming half- timbered houses and some free time, you will have a traditional German lunch in a local restaurant. Afterward, you will travel to Würzburg to continue your day of sightseeing in Franconia.(cost of the optional tour is 64 euros, which includes motorcoach transportation, a traditional lunch and a guide). Enjoy dinner aboard and cruise through the night.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner