Trier Archaeology & Christmas Markets

Our exploration of Trier starts with the Rheinisches Landesmuseum which contains one of the best collections of ancient artefacts in Germany, including the Trassem gold hoard from 1600 BC and a number of wonderfully preserved artefacts. We continue to the Porta Nigra, whose remarkable preservation is due to its transformation into two superimposed churches. In the afternoon we visit the astounding Aula Constantiniana, also known as Palatina, built by the emperor Constantine as part of a palace complex and which remains the largest extant ancient hall. There is some free time in the afternoon to enjoy the Christmas market.

The scale of the Roman remains in the city can be gauged by the number of baths that have been found. We start with the Viehmarkt Baths, restored in the late antique period and continue to the Barbara Baths, the largest thermal complex north of the Alps, and finally the Imperial Baths whose impressive remains were built in the 4^th century. We end the morning with a visit to the amphitheatre. In the afternoon, we visit the incredible Cathedral, the oldest church in Germany whose 4^th century Roman brickwork is visible in the nave. We end the day with a visit to the Trier Cathedral Treasury Museum included in the UNESCO listing for its important collection of early art work and illuminated manuscripts.

Today we venture to two spectacular castles near Luxembourg, starting with Vianden Castle north of the city. One of the largest castles west of the Rhine, Vianden was built on top of a Roman castellum and a Carolingian castle. It was home of the Counts of Vianden from the 11^th to the 15^th centuries during which time they built a residence whose grandeur vied with the House of Luxembourg. After lunch we travel a short distance to Bourscheid Castle which was also built on the remains of Roman structures. An impressive sight with 11 watch towers, the castle was built over 5 centuries, beginning with the 11^th century, and was restored in the 1970s though much of it remains a romantic ruin.

On our last full day, we venture to Luxembourg to explore the UNESCO listed fortress, which was one of the most important in northern Europe before it was dismantled in 1867. We proceed to the Luxembourg National Museum of History and Art in the Ville Haute section in the centre of Luxembourg. The museum, built to commemorate the history of Luxembourg, contains interesting archaeological remains from Dalheim – ancient Ricciacus – and Titleberg. After lunch the time is yours to explore the Christmas markets or the city in this festive season.

This morning we have a last look around Trier before our tour comes to an end.