The Hanseatic League: once mighty, now (almost) forgotten
The Hanseatic League, a medieval coalition of merchant guilds and towns, wielded immense influence through its extensive trade network spanning Northern Europe. Its members, including prominent ports like Lübeck, Hamburg, Wismar, Stralsund, and Bremen facilitated the exchange of goods ranging from furs and textiles to spices, tea and coffee, enriching economies and cultures.
Beyond commerce, the Hanse provided security and stability in an era of political unrest and piracy. Through legal codes (the Hanse Law) and armed fleets, it safeguarded trade routes and ensured the prosperity of its members. Moreover, the Hanse was a hub for cultural exchange and innovation, fostering advancements in shipbuilding, navigation, and finance.
The Hanse is no longer active today. Its prominence waned over the centuries due to shifts in trade routes, changes in political dynamics, and the rise of nation-states with a more centralized power structure.
However, the legacy of the Hanse lives on in the cultural, economic, and architectural remnants of its former member cities, as well as in the shared history and heritage of Northern European nations. Today, some modern cities, organizations, and businesses still use the term “Hanseatic, Hanse, or Hansa” in their names to honor this historical legacy.
(re)Discover some Hanseatic Pearls!
Embark on this amazing 10-day odyssey through the rich tapestry of culture and nature along the North German coasts! Your journey begins and ends in Hamburg, where the timeless charm of its Hanseatic past awaits exploration. Take a boat tour through one of the World’s largest harbors and follow the footsteps of Hans Albers and the Beatles on the world-famous Reeperbahn. Traverse the cobblestone streets of Lübeck, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and immerse yourself in its medieval splendor. Experience a medieval dinner with your own senses, savoring traditional dishes of that era in a rustic cave-like setting. And in contrast to exploring museums, cathedrals, and cities: feel the incredible tranquility of the Wadden Sea biosphere reserve, a true sanctuary of biodiversity. This tour combines the Wadden Sea & Baltic Coast tours and promises an unforgettable fusion of culture, nature and cuisine along the captivating North German coastline.
October 2 to 11, 2024
Reservations
The price for this 10-day roundtrip starts at $2,260 per person and you have 2 payment options:
- Take advantage of the Early Bird price of $2,060 by June 30, 2024
- Reserve your spot with a deposit of $760 by June 30, 2024 (balance due by August 1, 2024)
Payments
Pay via Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, or check:
- Zelle: stef@accessecotours.com
- Venmo: @Stefanie-Baeker
- Check: make out to Stefanie Baeker/AccessEcoTours and mail to: 12182 Cliffwood Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92840
- PayPal:
What’s included
- Airport shuttle Hamburg
- 9 nights in carefully selected hotels & B&Bs (based on double occupancy)
- Breakfasts
- All entrance fees and admissions
- Hamburg Highlights: harbor boat tour & Speicherstadt, landing bridges
- Lübeck Highlights (Holstentor, Historic walking tour, European Hanse Museum)
- Wismar Historic Museum
- Stralsund Historic walking tour
- Island of Rügen roundtrip
- Bremen Historic walking tour & Medieval Dinner feast
- Horse carriage ride to the island of Neuwerk (at ebb tide)
- German Emigrant Museum
- Klimahaus 8⁰ East (an experiential museum)
- Hamburg Reeperbahn & Beatles walking tour
Not included
- Airfare
- Lunch & dinner (except Medieval Dinner)
- Single room surcharge
- Any special adjustments
Minimum participants: 4
Maximum participants: 8
Larger groups or school classes are welcome – please contact me for special pricing!
Cancellations
Cancellations by August 15, 2024 will be fully refunded. Cancellations after August 15, 2024 will result in a refund minus a $50 admin & recovery fee.
