Baroque & Rococo - In Southern Germany
9
days
from
£3,820
6th August 2025
- Some of the most uplifting and spectacular buildings in Europe.
- Glorious countryside, unspoilt towns, charming villages, all well maintained.
- Led by Tom Abbott, a specialist in architectural history from the Baroque to the 20th century
Baroque and Rococo reached a triumphant fulfilment in the churches and palaces of southern Germany, and the styles are manifested in the region. It is astonishing that these marvels are not better known, but the artistic heritage of Germany continues to be sadly undervalued. Moreover, many of the choicest items on this tour are not easily accessible, being situated deep in the countryside.
Around the turn of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries there was something of an economic miracle in the German lands, accompanied by a frenetic upsurge in building activity. This followed nearly a whole century which was blighted by wars and economic collapse. At the end of it the Catholic Church emerged revitalised, wealthier than ever and triumphant in its defeat of Protestantism. In the temporal sphere, the creed of absolutism, which imposed few constraints on the power of the prince or local lord, was at its height.
The Baroque style was the perfect expression both for the Church Triumphant and for the temporal ruler who, taking his cue from Louis XIV at Versailles, wished to overawe his subjects and impress on all visitors the might and magnificence of his person.
The Rococo, which arrived in Germany in the 1730s, was delicate and light-hearted by comparison with the imposing magnificence of High Baroque, but produced some of the most exquisite interiors in the history of art.
Itinerary
Fly at c. 8.30am (British Airways) from London Heathrow to Stuttgart. Visit the double-towered church of Zwiefalten by J.M. Fischer followed by a visit to the magnificent Baroque basilica of Weingarten Abbey, ‘the St Peter’s of Germany’. First of two nights in Weingarten
Begin with a visit to the oval church at Steinhausen, built and decorated by the Zimmermann brothers then on to the glorious library hall at Bad Schussenried convent with abundant imagery. Finally, to Birnau, among vineyards above Lake Constance and one of the most delectable of Rococo churches. Overnight Weingarten.
A pinnacle of Baroque and Rococo emotional power is achieved at J.M. Fischer’s church and abbey at Ottobeuren. The pilgrimage church of Wies in the foothills of the Alps, created by the Zimmermann brothers, is of astounding beauty. First of three nights in Munich.
On the outskirts of Munich, the palace, pavilions and gardens of Nymphenburg, summer residence of the Electors of Bavaria; the Amalienburg pavilion is the apogee of secular Rococo interiors. Continue to the magnificent Schaezlerpalais in Augsburg. Its sumptuous gilded, mirrored, ballroom, built between 1765–70, has survived in its original condition. Overnight Munich.
Visit the Italian-built Theatinerkirche, one of the first Baroque churches north of the Alps. The little church of St John Nepomuk, created by the Asam brothers for their own use. The Residenz, palace of the Electors of Bavaria, with sumptuous Rococo interiors and recently restored theatre by the architect Cuvilliés. Free afternoon. Overnight Munich.
Two abbey churches by the Asam brothers: Rohr, with the altar of The Assumption, highpoint of Baroque sculpture, and Weltenburg, with controlled lighting and rich decoration suggestive of transcendental theatricality. Take a short cruise along the Danube. Visit Schloss Pommersfelden, a splendid country house with one of the grandest of Baroque staircases. First of three nights in Bamberg.
One of the loveliest and least spoilt of German towns, Bamberg has fine streetscape, riverside walks and picturesque upper town around the Romanesque cathedral. The Diocesan Museum has outstanding mediaeval textiles, the Baroque former town hall built on a bridge houses a porcelain collection. Free afternoon. Overnight Bamberg.
An enchanting version of Rococo decoration developed in Bayreuth in the town palace and at the Hermitage, a complex of gardens, palaces and pavilions and the wonderful Baroque opera house (by Giuseppe Bibbiena). Visit the pilgrimage church of Vierzehnheiligen (Balthasar Neumann), perhaps the greatest of Rococo churches. Overnight Bamberg.
Visit the Residenz in Würzburg, the Archbishop’s palace, the finest Baroque palace in Germany, designed by Balthasar Neumann with frescoes by G.B. Tiepolo. Fly from Frankfurt, arriving Heathrow c. 6.30pm
Expert speaker
Mr Tom Abbott
Specialist in architectural history from the Baroque to the 20th century with a wide knowledge of the performing arts. He graduated in Psychology and Art History from Carleton College, Minnesota and studied at the Louvre School of Art History in Paris. Since 1987 he has lived in Berlin and has organised and led many academic tours in Germany. Tom has a particular interest in the German and American architectural and artistic modern including the Bauhaus and Expressionism.
Practicalities
Air travel on scheduled British Airways flights (Airbus A320); travel by private coach; accommodation as described below; breakfasts, 1 light lunch and 6 dinners with wine; all admissions; all taxes; all tips for waiters, drivers; the services of the lecturer.
Hotel Altdorfer Hof, Weingarten: a quiet 4-star hotel with a good restaurant. Hotel Torbräu, Munich: a well-located 4-star, traditional in style and decor. Hotel Villa Geyerswörth, Bamberg: 4-star hotel, elegant and quiet. Single rooms throughout are doubles for sole use.
There is a fair amount of walking on this tour. It would not be suitable for anyone with difficulties with everyday walking and stairclimbing. The average distance covered by coach per day is 86 miles.
Between 10 and 22 participants.
Before booking, please refer to the FCDO website to ensure you are happy with the travel advice for the destination(s) you are visiting.
Dates & prices
2025
Date
Speaker
Price
2
Date:
6th - 14th August 2025
Speaker:
Mr Tom Abbott
Price:
£3,820 ex flights
£4,080 inc flights
(Based on two sharing)Testimonials
“The itinerary was an excellent mix of gorgeous music, innovative interpretations, informative lectures, insights into Maltese culture and history, and time for independent exploration.
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“A really good combination of art, history, archaeology and music – perfect! Thanks to everyone for a memorable week.
”
“I have thoroughly enjoyed all the MRT tours I have been on. It is the attention to detail – nothing is left to chance. There is always an alternative if something proves to not be possible. Everyone is so helpful and obliging. I always feel so relaxed on a MRT holiday. The quality of the hotels, meals and visits but especially the music or opera. It is just fabulous.
”
