Possible Trip to Germany

[hazeleyez3]

Luckily I have found this board before I get too far into planning...

My husband and I are planning a European vacation next year - probably about 10 days, and thinking about a $5000 budget.

We have already agreed to do Italy for our anniversary 2012.

As for 2011...my husband has mentioned he'd like to do Germany and, if possible, a couple days in Switzerland or Austria.

Now, although my husband wants to do Germany he has no idea where he wants to go or what there is to do. We love culture, gorgeous scenery, and (although we are city people) we love to visit quaint little towns.

I have started to do some research (Germany was never an area top on my list so I really don't know much about the country) and it looks like Romantic Road would be nice. If we did this are there any areas that might be of more interest than others? Are there any we should stay overnight at? If so, are there any suggestions? Would we still have a couple days to do Switzerland or Austria?

I know I still have a ton of research to do, but I thought I'd use this as a starting point.

[Eagle]

hazeleyez3,

Welcome to the Boards! I have a few suggestions to begin with.

If this is your first trip to Europe, I'd highly recommend pre-reading the Guidebook Europe Through The Back Door. That will provide you with a lot of information on travelling, including Itinerary planning and especially rail skills.

With only 10-days for travel, you'll need to plan carefully and be very selective with your sightseeing, as you won't have time for much more than a quick look. Is there any possibility of getting more time? Keep in mind that you'll lose the first day in travel times and time zone changes, so you'll normally arrive the day after you depart.

Given your choice of countries, I'd focus on Rothenburg (on the Romantic Road) and Munich, with a short visit to Salzburg. The trip from Frankfurt airport to Rothenburg is very easy by train, usually with changes in Wurzburg and Steinach. If you'd like to get some idea what Rothenburg looks like, have a look at www.youtube.com/watch?v=wht8uECgKmE. Be sure to spend at least one night in Rothenburg so that you can take the Night Watchman's tour.

Many visitors use Munich as a home base and take day trips to Neuschwantstein (near Füssen) and /or Dachau. Both are an easy trip, and www.radiustours.com offers guided day trips if you don't want to make the trips on your own. There is of course LOTS to see in Munich as well.

I'm not sure you'll have time for Switzerland, although it might be possible if you use open jaw flights (ie: inbound Frankfurt, outbound Zurich). One area of Switzerland that's a big favourite here is the Berner Oberland region just outside Interlaken, especially the small village of Gimmelwald (not to be confused with the more touristy and expensive Grindelwald). It's a great place to enjoy small, authentic villages, hike and perhaps take the Cable Cars to the Schilthorn and have a fine hot meal in one of the world's first revolving restaurants (a bit expensive but a great view from the top). It was used in the filming of the James Bond movie "On Her Majesty's Secret Service".

You might have a look at a few Guidebooks on those countries to get some ideas on places you might like to see, or check your local TV listings for travel shows on Europe.

Good luck with your planning!

[hazeleyez3]

Thank you for your suggesetions. I will definately have to check out the "Europe Through the Back Door." Especially since this won't be the last time we travel to Europe.

Taking any more than 10 days might be tough at this point. Many things I have been reading (not just your post) talks about staying in Munich for the most part - maybe doing a night or two in Rothenburg and Fussen so I am making sure I keep that as an option to look at.

I had thought staying a couple nights in a different country might not be feasible - I can always make it another trip we must do.