Romantic Germany

Day 1 Welcome to Frankfurt!

Say "Guten tag" to Germany! Arrive at Frankfurt airport and pick up your rental car, then drive to your accommodation in the city.

Located on the river Main, Frankfurt is a major financial hub that's home to the European Central Bank. Head to Altstadt (Old Town) and stroll through Romerburg square. In December, the square hosts a famous Christmas Market!

Day 2 Frankfurt - Heidelberg - Black Forest

Leave Frankfurt today and drive to the Black Forest, with a stop in Heidelberg along the way. Idyllically located on the shores of the Neckar River, Heidelberg is Germany‘s oldest university town and is one of the most popular destinations in the country.

Visit the famous castle reached by cable car and explore its historic city center. After touring Heidelberg, continue on to the famous Black Forest region, the setting of the Brothers Grimm "Hansel and Gretel" tale. Cap off the day with a slice of black forest cake!

Day 3 Black Forest - Lake Titisee - Landau - Fussen

Say goodbye to the Black Forest as you drive to Fussen. On the way, you may want to see Lake Titisee and the small island of Lindau in Lake Constance, which offers spectacular views of the Alps. Weather permitting, take the Alpine road from Lindau to Oberstaufen and Immenstadt to Fussen. 

Upon arrival in Fussen, check into your accommodation and then see St Mang's Basilica, which holds the oldest fresco in Germany. 

Day 4 Fussen - Neuschwanstein - Oberammergau - Linderhof - Innsbruck

As you make your way to Innsbruck, pay a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, built by Ludwig II, known as the “Mad King." This castle may look familiar: it served as the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle!

You may also want to visit Linderhof Castle, another King Ludwig II castle and the only one where he actually lived for a significant amount of time. You can also visit Oberammergau village, famous for its tradition of mounting Passion Plays and woodcarving. 

The end of the day should bring you to Innsbruck just across the German border in Austria. Located in the gorgeous deep valley of the River Inn, Innsbruck is a historic city with a stunning backdrop of the scenic Karwendel Mountains to the north and Tuxer Mountains to the south. 

Day 5 Innsbruck - Munich

Spend the morning and afternoon exploring Innsbruck! See the opulent interiors of the Imperial Palace, completed in the year 1500 under Emperor Maximilian I. Don't miss the Imperial Gardens with its giant chess board!

Drive approximately 2 hours to your next destination of Munich. As the capital of Bavaria, Munich is famous for its annual Oktoberfest and beer halls, Marienplatz square, and iconic cathedral. 

After settling into your accommodation, head to Viktualienmarkt, a sprawling daily food market in the Old Town. Pick up some tasty treats, then take in the sights of nearby Marienplatz, always buzzing with activity.

Day 6 Munich

Today you have a full free day to enjoy Munich! Consider a visit to Residenz, Munich's number one attraction. Home to Bavaria's Wittelsbach rulers from 1508 until WWI, the former palace turned museum is a gilded royal wonderland.

Also worth a visit is one of three Pinakothek museums, home to fabulous canvases from the Middle Ages to present day. 

End the day at Hofbrauhaus, Munich's oldest beer hall dating back to the 16th century. Take a seat at one of the long wooden tables and enjoy a frosty beer and traditional Bavarian meal!

Day 7 Munich - Nuremberg

After breakfast, drive approximately 2 hours toward Nuremberg in northern Bavaria. For centuries, Nuremberg was the undeclared capital of the Holy Roman Empire and the preferred residence of most German kings.

While severely damaged during WWII, the city has been rebuilt and is considered one of the highlights in Bavaria. Spend the day visiting the city’s historic city center, well-preserved castle, Gothic churches, romantic houses, and peaceful squares. 

Day 8 Nuremberg - Rothenburg

Today, drive approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a lovely medieval town and one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Germany!  Surrounded by thick medieval walls, the city overlooks Tauber River and is notable for its colorful array of half-timbered houses.

For the best view of the town and surrounding countryside, climb the Town Hall tower. And you can't leave Rothenburg without picking up a few souvenirs!

Day 9 Depart Germany

Say "auf Wiedersehen" to Germany! Drive to Frankfurt Airport to return your rental car, then transfer to your departure gate for your flight home.

*Please note the drive is approximately 2.5 hours, so if your return flight leaves in the morning, you will need to drive from Rothenburg to Frankfurt on Day 8, and stay in Frankfurt your last night. If staying in Rothenburg, please allow enough time to return your rental car and arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours prior to departure.