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Unconventional Germany: a different tour
Superb outdoors journeys, full immersive medieval "time travel", breathtaking attractions, multi-cultural diversity. This and much more offers a tour of Germany. While most of the people is always visiting the usual, well known, though beautiful cities, we want to describe different destinations, not as famous as Berlin or Munich, but no less beautiful and interesting. Lubeck, Dresden, Koblenz and Nuremberg: small cities steeped in history with stunning medieval architecture. Let's start the tour.
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Lubeck
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The most important city of the ancient Hanseatic League and nowadays one of the most romantic city in Germany. The "Holstentor" with its 15th century red brick Gothic structure, is the symbol of Lubeck. But also the Old Town worths a visit: both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Head to the Burgtor, another ancient gate: it is less famous but yet amazing. And don't miss the Rathaus (Town Hall): unanimously agreed to be among the most beautiful and largest town halls in Germany. Still, the 12the century brick Gothic Cathedral, also listed in the UNESCO and the 13th century St. Mary’s Church.
The city also hosts several unique museums, the most interesting are the Buddenbrook House and the Günter Grass-House.
If you're willing to lay downa at the sun, just head to Timmendorfer Strand, 20km far way from the city center: 7km of soft sand. Lubeck is also famous for the marzipan: its 212 year old Café Niederegger serves plenty of 100% pure marzipan based dishes which really need to be tried.
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Dresden
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Also known as the "Florence on the Elbe". City full of history and culture, the capital of the Land of Saxony is a magical city that will leave you a sweet memory printed in your memory.
Baroque monuments, a wide choice of international concerts, operas and festivals, a superb landascape of the Elbe Valley. Nothing is missing here!
The Semperoper, the Dresden Opera House, is on of the Europe's most elegant opera houses. Made in 1878 by architect Gottfried Semper, the Semperoper acoustics is famous the world over. Visit the Zwinger Palace, immense and refined baroque castle which now hosts a museum which displays paintings, Meissner porcelain and historical scientific tools. Make a fantastic walk admiring the baroque buildings of the city starting from The Brühlsche Terrasse: is a terrace overlooking the Elbe and is called the Balcony of Europe thanks to its position that allows a panoramic view along the Elbe river. Also need to be mentioned the Frauenkirche, The Grand Garden, The Green Vault, The Fürstenzug - Procession of Princes.
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Koblenz
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Few people know it and even fewer visit it, although Koblenz is one of the oldest cities in Germany, founded by the Romans in the 9th century BC.
Koblenz, the former residence of the Electors of Trier, is situated at the intersection of the Moselle and Rhine rivers. The city straddles the two banks of each river and for centuries has been an important defensive and economic center. Go to the Deutsches Eck (The German Corner), a long strip of land between the rivers Rhine and Moselle: a magnificent view of the rivers and the Rhine valley together with the impressive city Monument to Emperor William I, a spectacular 37 meter tall equestrian statue of the old king. Don't miss the Koblenz Cable Car it lifts you across the Rhine and up to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. On the crossing you’ll have a bird’s eye perspective of the Upper Middle Rhine’s World Heritage landscape and the mighty river itself. We suggest to make it on the car 17 which has a glass floor! Others POI are the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, the Landesmuseum Koblenz, the Schloss Stolzenfels and the Electoral Palace.
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Nuremberg
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Located in the heart of Bavaria, in the northern region that takes the name of Franconia, Nuremberg is crossed by the Pegnitz river which divides the cities into two perfectly equal areas, and is surrounded by imposing walls that date back to the 14th century and that contribute to giving it, still today, its intact charm of a medieval city. Go to the Kaiserburg, the Imperial Castle that dominates the entire Bavarian city from a hill. Climb the 113 steps of the Sinwell Tower and you will not regret it. The Hauptmarkt, in the old city center, is a nice square famous for the Christkindlesmarkt, the best-known Christmas market in Germany. Then head to the Handwerkerhof, a medieval quarter, where you can browse among the artisan workshops of the time, buy souvenirs, traditional costumes, handmade toys, glass and leather items, but also taste the local specialties, including the legendary Nuremberg sausages.
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