Discover two towns in Hesse on a half-day trip that explores the legacy of the Carolingian era and the Rhine-Neckar region. Your first stop is Lorsch, home to a monastery complex that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. Once one of the most important intellectual and cultural centres of the Frankish Empire, it offers an insight into life in the early Middle Ages.

You'll visit the Lauresham Open-Air Laboratory, a 4.1-hectare reconstruction of an early medieval manor. Through experimental archaeology, you'll see how people lived and worked in the 9th century, from agricultural activities to traditional craft techniques.

You'll also see the Lorsch Royal Hall, the town's landmark and the only completely preserved architectural monument from the Carolingian period north of the Alps. Its red and white sandstone façade reflects the original architecture of the 8th and 9th centuries. Nearby, the fragment of the former abbey basilica provides a glimpse into the scale and importance of the monastery complex.

After a lunch break, continue with a scenic drive to Ladenburg, a small town on the banks of the Neckar River. Its historic centre is listed as a historical monument and is known for its well-preserved character. Stroll through narrow streets lined with more than 120 restored half-timbered houses, explore the market square and see remains of the medieval town fortifications, including the Martinstor gate.