Private Mainz, Speyer & Worms Tour – Imperial Cathedrals and the ShUM Cities

SchUM-Städte
Kaiserdome
Jüdisches Erbe
Gutenberg
Rhein

RHINELAND-PALATINATE · GERMANY

Explore the three cathedral cities on the Rhine at your own pace with our licensed guide: Speyer Cathedral, the mikveh in Speyer's Jewish Courtyard, the synagogue and the Holy Sands cemetery in Worms, and Mainz Cathedral – completely private. A day full of imperial history and the Jewish heritage of the Middle Ages.

• ⏱ 7 hours
• 👥 Private – your group only
• € 560 for up to 8 people
• 🗣 English · German · Turkish

Why Mainz, Speyer and Worms?

In the Middle Ages, Speyer, Worms and Mainz – in Hebrew Shpira, Warmaisa and Magenza – formed the community alliance known as ShUM, one of the most important centres of Jewish life and learning in Europe. Since 2021 the ShUM sites have been inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage. The three cities are also linked by their great Romanesque imperial cathedrals; Speyer Cathedral is the burial place of Salian emperors and has itself been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. In Worms, Martin Luther stood before the Imperial Diet in 1521, and in Mainz Johannes Gutenberg developed printing with movable type.

Route

• Speyer Cathedral (UNESCO)
  One of the largest Romanesque churches in the world and burial place of Salian emperors. Your guide shows you the crypt and the cathedral's architecture (crypt admission charged).
• Jewish Courtyard Speyer (UNESCO)
  Remains of the medieval synagogue and the impressive mikveh, an underground ritual bath from the 12th century (admission not included).
• Worms Cathedral of St. Peter
  Late Romanesque cathedral that dominates the Worms skyline. Nearby, a memorial recalls Luther's appearance before the Imperial Diet in 1521.
• Synagogue & Rashi House Worms (UNESCO)
  The rebuilt synagogue with its mikveh in the former Jewish quarter. Your guide tells you about the scholar Rashi, who studied in Worms.
• Holy Sands Jewish Cemetery (UNESCO)
  One of the oldest surviving Jewish cemeteries in Europe, with gravestones dating back to the 11th century.
• Mainz Cathedral of St. Martin
  For more than a thousand years, the Romanesque cathedral has been the heart of the episcopal city. The market square and old town surround it.
• Optional: Gutenberg Museum or Judensand Mainz
  To finish, the history of printing or the old Jewish cemetery of Mainz, also part of the ShUM World Heritage (admission not included).

Tour information

Guide languages

English, German, Turkish

Duration

Approx. 7 hours – private, extendable and tailored to you.

Difficulty

Each city involves short to moderate walks on level, partly cobbled paths. The mikvehs in Speyer and Worms can only be reached via steep stairs.

Age group

Suitable for all ages – ideal for families, couples and groups of friends.

Meeting point

Meeting point by arrangement, e.g. in front of Speyer Cathedral, at Mainz main station, or your hotel in one of the three cities.

Included

• Approx. 7-hour private tour with a licensed guide
• Individual route planning
• Headset system for groups of 16 or more

Not included

• Admission fees and donations (museums, palaces, churches)
• Travel between Speyer, Worms and Mainz is not included in the price; a vehicle with driver can be booked on request.
• Travel and transfers
• Meals, drinks and tips
• Personal expenses

What to bring

Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sun or rain protection and a camera or smartphone for souvenir photos.

FAQ

When does the tour start?

Choose any start time between 06:00 and 12:00; the tour lasts about 7 hours.

How do I pay?

30 % deposit at booking (PayPal or credit card), the balance in cash on the day of the tour.

What is the cancellation policy?

No free cancellation: up to 30 days before 30 %, 29–15 days 50 %, 14–7 days 75 %, 6–1 days and no-show 100 %. Changes of date are also subject to a fee.

Can we join with a pushchair or wheelchair?

Yes, we adapt the route to your needs. Please let us know when booking.

© MeinReiseleiter.de – Private licensed guided tours in Germany and Europe – since 1989