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| Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany |
Heidelberg is one of Germany’s popular tourist destinations as it is a romantic and historic centre which is home to a unique thousand year old cultural landscape, one of the main features of the city. Located on the banks of the beautiful Neckar River in the Federal State of Baden-Wurttemberg in south-western Germany, Heidelberg is home to an estimated 140,000 residents and is part of the densely populated area known as the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region. The city lies on the edge of the Rhineland plains in a steep valley of the Odenwald, approximately 20 kilometres from Mannheim, where the Neckar River flows into the River Rhine.
Heidelberg is known worldwide by scholars as home to the famous and historic 14th century Heidelberg University, officially known as Ruprect Karl University, which is one of Europe’s oldest educational institutions and still contains one of the oldest public libraries in Germany. This University played a major role in the area of humanism and reformation during the 15th and 16th centuries when conflict arose between Lutheranism and Calvinism. Heidelberg also became world renowned in 1907 when it was recognised as an important centre due to the discovery of Europe’s earliest evidence of human life!! Called ‘Heidelberg Man’, this 1,000,000 year old jaw bone became an important part in the jigsaw of evidence in the evolution of mankind.
For the visitor the ‘Old Town’ or Altstadt, is the place to see. It is dominated by the ruins of the 15th century Heidelberg Castle which stand 80 metres above the banks of the River Neckar on which the old town can be found. The city was first documented in 1196 with this early settlement stretching along the southern bank of the river. Today the Altstadt can easily be enjoyed on foot and includes such sights as the Carl Theodor Bridge, or the old stone bridge which crosses the River Neckar with its medieval Bridge Gate which is the main northern entrance to the city. The area of the Bridge Gate also includes the Bridge Monkey which historically has always been part of the bridge and can be traced back as far as the 15th century. Just to the south of the bridge can be found the Marktplatz which contains the Church of the Holy Spirit, the origins of which date back to the 13th century, and includes an ornate tower and inside, galleries, that until 1623 contained Europe’s largest collection of handwritten books!! Here you will also find the Baroque styled 18th century Town Hall and opposite the tower of the church you will find the House of Knight St George, a very ornate gabled 16th century merchant’s house. Located to the east of Marktplatz is Karl’s Square which is a very spacious and open area home to the Grand Ducal Palace, now the Academy of Sciences, the Boisseree Palace, now part of the University’s German Literature Department, Sebastian Munster Fountain and the stately Mittermaier House. Karl’s Square offers unhindered views of the imposing ruins of Heidelberg Castle which stand tall and proud on the steep wooded hill known as the King’s Chair. Beyond Karl’s Square the old town stretches to the east as far as Karl’s Gate, which was built in the 18th century to express the town’s gratitude to Prince Elector Karl Theodor for promoting trade and commerce. Other places of interest in Heilelberg include the 16th century Marstall, a heavily fortified armoury, the Stadhalle, an imposing 20th century building which probably is the most important public building in the old Town, the Zum Riesen, a magnificent Baroque palace which was built in the 18th century and today is used as part of the University, and the Palais Morass which today houses the Kurpfalzisches Museum and displays the city’s art collections.
This delightful and charming university city, has a colourful atmosphere, made perhaps more vibrant by the mass of attending students, which makes this busy centre a must see destination for visitors to southern Germany.
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| Accommodation | Tours |  |
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Heidelberg Marriott Hotel
Heidelberg
 |  Situated on the banks of the Neckar River, the Heidelberg Marriott Hotel offers sensational views and a convenient location. One of Germany's longest shopping streets and the Old Town are within easy reach by public transportation. Whether you visit us for business or leisure, you'll find top-class ... |
NH Heidelberg Hotel
Heidelberg
|  NH Heidelberg is located in the centre of Heidelberg, perfect for getting to know one of Germany's most lovely and romantic cities and the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region. Heidelberg is famous for its science and research activities, history, high-profile companies, and elite universities.
The his... |
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The Grand Alpine Tour
15 days |  Grand is an understatement when you experience the mountainous regions, beautiful rivers and valleys of these five fabulous countries. Enjoy a Rhine River Cruise, a visit to the Bavarian Alpine Resort of Berchtesgaden and scenic drives through the Rhine Valley, Black Forest, Italian Lakes and more! ... |
European Breakaway Starting in Amsterdam
8 days |  This tour is for those who want a quick insight into what Europe has to offer and have limited time. With two night stays in Amsterdam, Lucerne and Paris you will have time for some in-depth sightseeing in these cities. Enjoy a delightful cruise along the canals before dinner aboard a floating res... |
Traditional Europe
18 days |  Explore Europe's most traditional areas, visiting 10 countries in total! This is a great opportunity for first-time Europe travellers as the tour will give you the best insight to what Europe was, is and where it's headed! See London, Amsterdam, Venice, Rome, Pompeii, Nice, Cannes, Paris and more.
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European Whirl
12 days | European Whirl visits 8 countries in 12 days. See the sights of Belgium, Holland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France & the United Kingdom. The famous and beautiful cities of Amsterdam, Innsbruck, Venice, Rome, Florence, Lucerne and Paris with all the hidden wonders in between. You'll drive... |
European Spotlight - Start Amsterdam
11 days |  This tour appeals to the first-time visitors to Europe and gives a good introduction to Holland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and a little bit of France. There are two night stays in Amsterdam, Venice, Lucerne and Paris. Relax on a scenic cruise along the Rhine River, spend time in Heidelberg bef... |
European Spotlight
11 days | This tour appeals to the first-time visitors to Europe and gives a good introduction to Holland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and a little bit of France. There are two night stays in Amsterdam, Venice, Lucerne and Paris. Relax on a scenic cruise along the Rhine River, spend time in Heidelberg bef... |
Highlights of Europe
14 days | The Highlights of Europe tour is a very good one for the travellers who want to see what Europe has to offer. It has four - two night stays - which makes the tour more relaxing. You will also see the major tourist attractions in each country and it will give you a good idea of which places you wou... |
Grand European
21 days |  Experience the handsome jewels of Europe's crown including London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Vienna and Paris. Spend seven nights in glorious Italy where you can really get to know Venice, Pisa, Florence, Rome, Pompeii and more. See the natural wonders of the Rhine Valley and the Isle of Capri too.
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Traditional Grand European
19 days |  This trip perfectly fits its name. It covers all the "must see" cities and sights in Europe, bu also includes a Eurostar train ride from London to Brussels, a canal cruise in Amsterdam, a Rhine cruise, the Black Forest, the Rhine falls, Liechtenstein, Innsbruck, Sound of Music Salzburg, a private bo... |
European Breakaway
8 days |  This tour is for those who want a quick insight into what Europe has to offer and have limited time. With two night stays in Amsterdam, Lucerne and Paris you will have time for some in-depth sightseeing in these cities. Enjoy a delightful cruise along the canals before dinner aboard a floating res... |
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