DAYS
7
TOUR CODE
PCCG-27
COST
£3595
DAYS
7
TOUR CODE
PCCG-27
COST
£3595
Explore an excellent collection of palaces, castles and picturesque gardens in the regions of Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia, with expert guidance from Tom Abbott – an art and architectural historian associated with the Foundation of Prussian Palaces and Gardens.
Overview
With aesthetics ranging from the Baroque to the Rococo, the regions of Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia present an opulent array of royal estates that immerse travellers in the rich histories of German nobility. On our tour we will explore these magnificent interiors alongside abundant gardens and grounds, carefully cultivated to showcase a variety of beautiful planting schemes, emulating the enchanting lands of Germanic fairytales.
We will begin our tour in Weimar, traversing the city's enchanting, historical streets and visiting the City Palace of Weimar and Goethe’s romantic Gartenhaus. Elsewhere, travellers will be beguiled by the ornate Rococo schemes at the Anna Amalia Library, a stunning three-story research hub that contains an array of material from the 9th century. At the Whittumspalais, the former residence of Duchess Anna Amalia, we will enjoy expertly preserved interiors, including The Green Salon and The Ballroom, all providing detailed insights into the tastes of the German aristocracy of the 18th century.
The hilltop positioning of Wartburg Castle, nestled amongst the dense Thuringian forest, offers panoramic views to match its imposing façade. The castle possesses an eventful history, traceable through its architecture and stories of its past: Martin Luther famously took refuge here while translating the New Testament into German, and the Great Hall remains vastly unchanged with its magnificent Romanesque mosaics. The permanent collection contains both artistic and historical gems including displays of medieval artefacts and a rare cabinet engraved by Albrecht Dürer.
Another site that has retained many of its original features is Friedenstein Castle in Gotha, showcasing some of Germany’s best-preserved examples of early Baroque architecture. Meanwhile Kochberg Castle, the former country estate of the Von Stein family, is famed for its significance in the life of Johan Wolfgang Von Goethe, who courted Charlotte von Stein and frequented the castle between 1775 and 1788. Rooms here are decorated with original furniture and artworks; outside, a small rivulet flows through the grounds, guiding us towards rugged tower ruins.
We will indulge in further aesthetic highlights with a visit to Mosigkau Palace and Gardens, where a grand collection of oil paintings covers the walls as if curated by a 17th century art connoisseur. Nicknamed ‘Little Sanssouci’, the estate is brimming with charm and pastel elegance.
The Garden Realm of Dessau-Wörlitz is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers us a wonderful environment to experience historical grounds and architectural design. Informed by English landscape garden principles, its flowing transitions lead visitors past idyllic lakes and woodlands, a Neo-Gothic structure, a small synagogue and replicas of Roman temples. Various arched bridges attest to the 18th century quest for modernity, as well as the integration of arable land that was initially intended for educational purposes.
We are delighted to include a visit to the esteemed Sanssouci Palace and Gardens in Potsdam on our final day. Its aesthetics champion the meaning of its name, which translates to "without worry”, by harmonising beautifully balanced interiors – the marble hall constructed using Carrara and Silesian stone adorned with an opulent gold domed ceiling is a shining example. Tranquility continues in its gardens, where greenery cascades down a series of terraced platforms toward vast Baroque-style grounds, further decorated by a series of statues, sculptures and unique pavilions.
Tour Director
Tom Abbott
Tom Abbott has been a resident of Berlin for over thirty years and he has extensive experience directing cultural and art tours in Europe.
This tour will be led by Tom Abbott, BA, MA, an independent art and architectural historian associated with the Foundation of Prussian Palaces and Gardens. A resident of Berlin for over thirty years, he is a proficient lecturer and tour leader, with extensive experience directing cultural and art tours in Europe. His expertise concerning art and architecture ranges from the medieval to the current, and is highlighted in his knowledge and fascination with the Baroque and Rococo, the Romantic Movement, garden history and the musical heritage of Germany, as well as all aspects of European modern and contemporary art, architecture and history.
- ACE customer on a previous tour to Germany led by Tom Abbott
Our Accommodation
Our first four nights will be spent in the Dorint Hotel Am Goethepark in Weimar, followed by two nights in the Landhaus Wörlitzer Hof in Wörlitz. Whilst some facilities are of a more basic standard, they offer comfortable stays within excellent proximity of our visits.
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart London Heathrow 1115 on British Airways, arriving Berlin Brandenburg Airport 1410. Transfer to Dorint Hotel Am Goethepark Weimar for four nights’ stay.
Day 2
Visits to City Palace of Weimar (Castle Chapel and Poets Room) and Goethe Gartenhaus (summer house of the famous polymath), followed by Anna Amalia Library (ornate Rococo design) and The Wittumspalais (beautiful Baroque palace that formerly served as the residence for Duchess Anna Amalia).
Day 3
Morning visit to Wartburg Castle (where Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German; grand Romanesque mosaics and rare engraved cabinet by Albrecht Dürer). Afternoon: Friedenstein Castle (early Baroque palace and former residence of the Dukes of Saxe-Gotha, with on-site museum). Free evening.
Day 4
Visit to Molsdorf Palace (16th century palace with Baroque interiors and butterfly garden) and Heidecksburg Castle (Baroque interiors – subject to confirmation). Afternoon: Kochberg Castle (moated Renaissance-style castle built around 1600, associated with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe).
Day 5
Morning visit to Mosigkau Palace and Gardens (Rococo palace with a grand collection of oil paintings displayed in the style of a 17th century art collector). Continue to Dessau for Luisium Palace (built by Leopold III, Duke of Anhalt-Dessau, for his wife Louise in the 18th century) and Georgium Palace and Park (Neoclassical structure built for Leopold III’s younger brother Johann Georg von Anhalt-Dessau). Transfer to Landhaus Wörlitzer Hof, Wörlitz for two nights’ stay.
Day 6
Wörlitz Palace and Grounds (UNESCO World Heritage site designed according to English Landscape Garden principles, Neo-Gothic structure, small synagogue and replicas of Roman temples) with short gondola trip on the lake. Afternoon visit to Oranienbaum Palace (17th century Dutch Baroque architecture, UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Day 7
Morning visit to Sanssouci Palace and Gardens (famous palace with extensive Baroque and Rococo interiors, terraced gardens and numerous classical pavilions). Depart Berlin 1655, arriving Heathrow 1745.
Please note that the itinerary represents a guide to what we hope to offer, and due to their special nature, some elements may be subject to change or confirmation nearer the time. We cannot guarantee the availability of all artworks or interiors listed, and visits may be subject to change due to last minute renovations.
Frequently Asked Questions
To read our full list of frequently asked questions please visit our general FAQs here.
What is the maximum group size of this tour?
What is the deposit cost for this tour?
What tour staff will be on this tour?
Am I fit enough to travel on this tour?
Fitness Requirements
The majority of ACE Cultural Tours are active in nature. To make the most of our time in a destination and provide excellent value for money, they are busy – there are often several visits included each day. As such, our tours require a certain minimum level of physical and mental fitness, mobility and stamina.
Many visits will involve navigating several steps, uneven ground, steep ascents and descents, and could involve embarking and disembarking aircraft, coaches, trains and cruise vessels. Plenty of walking, punctuated by lengthy periods of standing, is the norm. Some tours may involve long coach journeys.
It is essential that all customers are sufficiently fit and able enough to fully participate. Furthermore, every tour comprises a group of guests. We cannot allow the entire group to be negatively impacted by one participant, either holding up the pace we reasonably need to maintain or disproportionately requiring the attention and support of the tour staff.
We carefully consider the intensity, fitness and other requirements of each itinerary and describe them on the tour pages of our brochures and website. Please study these descriptions closely. When you call to book, we will reiterate those requirements and ask you to confirm that all group members are indeed fit enough and otherwise able to meet the criteria. It is your responsibility to answer fully and honestly. If it transpires that you are not able to keep pace with the tour and/or it reasonably appears you are negatively impacting (or are reasonably likely to negatively impact) the enjoyment of the rest of the group (including their ability to complete all scheduled visits), we may ask you to sit out certain days/visits, take a taxi at your own expense (if available in the location), or even, if we consider there is no other reasonable alternative, ask you to leave the tour and make your own way home.
Please note that this tour requires a very good level of fitness and stamina, as it involves a significant amount of walking and standing. Due to the historical nature of sites, participants will have to navigate cobbled floors, dimly lit interiors and staircases as there are few lifts. In palace gardens, there are often grassy paths to follow and inclines to traverse, for instance the pathway to Wartburg Castle is on a long incline, however a shuttle bus can be taken. The transfer from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Weimar (Day 1) will be approximately 4 hours which includes two comfort stops. Participants should meet ACE’s fitness criteria as outlined in our Booking Terms & Conditions.
As a minimum, participants should be able to successfully complete the following self- assessment tests:
- Walk for one hour at a reasonable pace and without needing to take a break to rest
- Climb at least two flights of stairs at a reasonable pace
- Stand unaided for at least 30 minutes
- Stand up and sit down ten times in one minute
- Carry or otherwise move your own luggage
Please ensure you have read and understand our full fitness requirements as described in our terms and conditions.
UK Government Travel Advice
For additional travel information from the UK government please consult the following pages.
Flight Information
For customers who wish to make their own travel arrangements, ACE is pleased to be able to offer a flight reduction of £220.
Cost Details
Princely Courts of Central Germany
August 16 - 22, 2027
Included: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, six breakfasts, two light lunches, five dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities & all taxes.
Not Included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £365.
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