Art & Architecture of Munich & Bavaria

A SIX NIGHT HOLIDAY | 21 AUGUST 2023

Germany’s third largest city and proud capital of Bavaria, Munich offers sublime baroque architecture, important art collections, and a fascinating history, all set to the backdrop of the distant Alps. Our tour in the company of art historian Patrick Bade, will provide an immersive insight into the history, art and architecture of Munich itself, as well as two longer excursions into the countryside to discover royal summer residences, Benedictine monasteries and Rococo churches. Please note most journeys within the city will be made using public transport, and a good level of fitness is required for this tour.

the itinerary

1

We fly to Munich this morning, where we will be transferred to the 4* Hotel Torbräu, a historic, family-run establishment in a central location.

2

Princely and religious powers have left their imprint on Bavaria’s architectural heritage in equal measure, and we shall begin our first morning at Munich’s grand Residenz – the former home of the Bavarian Wittelsbach monarchs – followed by the 17th century Theatinerkirche, built in gratitude for a royal heir. After an independent lunch we will explore the Stadtmuseum, with its rich collections of art and historical artefacts.

3

Starting at Königsplatz, where we see some of Munich’s imposing 19th century neoclassical architecture, we shall visit the Alte Pinakothek in the morning, one of the world’s finest collections of 14th – 18th century art. After an independent lunch we will visit the Pinakothek der Moderne, one of the world’s largest collections of modern and contemporary art.

4

Escaping the city this morning we travel north to Schleissheim Palace, the elegant former summer residence of the Bavarian monarchs, which has one of the most important baroque gardens in Europe, as well as the historic Freising Cathedral.

DAY

DAY

DAY

DAY

TOUR LEADER

PATRICK BADE

Patrick Bade taught on the University of Glasgow MA programme at Christie’s Education in London where he also gave courses on the history of opera. During his career he has lectured at the Jewish Cultural Centre, the National Gallery, the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Royal Opera House, and the University of Barcelona. Patrick has also participated in programmes on BBC Radio 3, Radio 4 and Classic FM. His first book, Femme Fatale: Images of Evil and Fascinating Women, came out in 1978. Since then he has written monographs and essays on numerous 19th and early 20th century artists and his latest publications include a book on the use of music in World War II: Music Wars, 1937-45, and the essay ‘Neo-Neoclassicism: Classicism between the Wars’.

5

Today is spent exploring some of Munich’s finest museums, starting at the Lenbachhaus, where we see works by local artists, followed by the Bavarian National Museum and its superlative collection of decorative arts. After time for an independent lunch we will discover the fascinating collection of 19th century German paintings at the Schack Gallery.

6

Today we head south from the city to the wonderful Benedictine Monastery of Andechs, which is the burial place of Carl Orff and home to dazzling rococo interiors. We will continue to the UNESCO listed Wieskirche, and Ludwig II of Bavaria’s splendid Linderhof Palace in the afternoon.

7

Our final morning will include a visit to Nymphenburg Palace including its coach and porcelain museums, before we return to Munich airport for the flight home.

DAY

DAY

DAY

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP 21 August £2,698 £498

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: Depart Heathrow 13.10, arrive Munich 16.05 Depart Munich 16.30, arrive Heathrow 17.30 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights • Six nights’ accommodation including breakfast • Three dinners and one lunch • Five nights’ accommodation with breakfast • All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities as described • The services of a Kirker Tour Lecturer