Nestled in Germany’s southwestern part, the Palatine region is filled with charming towns, sunny vineyards, and unspoiled nature—along with a rich history and vibrant cultural traditions. It was also the nexus for a wave of emigration in the 18th and 19th centuries that led many Palatine Germans and other ethnicities to New York State.
As part of its Heritage Tours program, the NYG&B is offering an exclusive guided tour of the Palatine region, September 17–23, 2023. This small group tour includes an experienced guide, hotel accommodations and daily breakfast, transport to attractions, and museum tickets. You’ll also have time to explore on your own.
Aided by onsite experts and anchored in Mainz, Germany, follow in the pathways of the past as we explore and learn through a week of private tours, educational events, and sightseeing. Highlights include Speyer State Archives, a Rhine River cruise, a tour of the Palatine wine region, and much more.
Register online or contact Jen Davis, Vice President, Advancement and Membership, at 212-755-8532 x208 or jdavis@nygbs.org for additional details and questions. The deadline for registration is June 15, 2023. We hope you will join us for this exciting adventure!
Schedule (Subject to change)
Sunday, September 17
- Arrive in Frankfurt anytime.
- Check in to hotel in Mainz.
- Welcome cocktails and introductions.
Monday, September 18
- Morning: Rhine River cruise (Rüdesheim to Boppard).
- Afternoon: Explore the city of Koblenz, birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg, master craftsman and inventor of the moveable printing press.
- Sites include the towering Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and the Deutsches Eck (German Corner), with its majestic Emperor Wilhelm monument and where the Moselle River meets the Rhine.
Tuesday, September 19
- Morning: Explore the idyllic Pfälzische Weinstrasse (the Palatine Wine Route) and sample some of Germany’s very best wines.
- Stops include the palatial Villa Ludwigshöhe, built by the Bavarian King Ludwig I (1846–1852) as his summer residence.
- Afternoon: Visit Rhineland-Pfalzisches Open Air Museum in Sobernheim, an outdoor living history village that spans 500 years of everyday life in the region.
Wednesday, September 20
- Morning: Visit the State Archives in Speyer, the oldest municipal archive of the Palatinate.
- Afternoon: Explore the city of Speyer, including stops at the magnificent 11th century Speyer Cathedral, the largest Romanesque church in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Thursday, September 21
- Morning: Scenic drive along Moselle River, starting in the quaint town of Zell.
- Afternoon: Explore Trier, Germany’s oldest town that spans more than 1,700 years of history.
- Stops include ancient Roman ruins such as the imposing 2nd century AD Porta Nigra, the best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps.
Friday, September 22
- Morning: Visit Rüdesheim, a charming town on the banks of the Rhine, renowned for its world-class Riesling wines.
- Afternoon: Explore Mainz’s picturesque medieval Old Town and immerse yourself in works of art from prehistoric times to the present day at the Mainz State Museum.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner.
Saturday, September 23
- Depart Frankfurt anytime.
Hotel and Pricing
Trip pricing begins at $5,950 per person, based on double occupancy, with a 50% deposit required on registration. The single supplement is $1,400. There are supplemental packages available that include research and a customized itinerary with a NYG&B genealogist during the tour. Note: airfare and airport transportation are not included in this package.