Southern Germany Tour: Rhine River, Bavaria, Black Forest


	On this excellent tour for first-time visitors to Germany you will stay in two medieval castles while experiencing some of the country’s most beautiful regions: the Rhine River, Bavaria and the Black Forest.				14 days USD 2,169.00¹ EUR 1,590.00 Recommended travel period: April – October

1st day: St. Goar

		You arrive at the airport in Frankfurt.

		Rental car pick-up Type: Seat Ibiza or similar Pick-up location: Frankfurt, Airport		Duration of rental: 14 days

		Via Mainz Distance: 100 km Travel time: 1:30 h more ... You will pass Mainz, an ancient Roman city with a magnificent medieval cathedral. The most famous stretch of the Rhine with terraced vineyards, castle ruins and picture-book villages begins at Bingen, where the Rhine enters a deep valley.

Majestic accommodations: A 12th century castle

A castle chamber

Accommodation: A medieval castle overlooking the Rhine
During the 12th century the Dukes of Schöneburg ruled the area from this castle on a hill above the town of Oberwesel and levied duties on Rhine commerce. The castle was burned down in 1689 and lay in ruins for over 200 years until it was bought and restored by an American named Mr. Rhinelander in the early 1900s.

Today the modern, luxury hotel is owned once again by the town of Oberwesel and has been managed by the Hüttl family since 1957. It offers 20 elegant, individually furnished rooms and two suites with four-poster beds and balconies facing the Rhine River. Guests can stroll through the surrounding forests, meadows and vineyards or just relax and enjoy the one-of-a-kind views.

2 nights
Bed & Breakfast

		Middle Rhine Valley more info »

3rd day: Cologne

		Via Bonn Distance: 150 km Travel time: 3:00 h more ... You will follow the Rhine Valley to Koblenz, where the Moselle River flows into the Rhine. Shortly before reaching Cologne you will pass Bonn, the former capital of the Federal Republic of Germany and the birthplace of Beethoven. Important sites include the 11th century cathedral and Beethoven-Haus, which contains the largest Beethoven collection in the world, including the last piano owned by the composer.

A tradition in Cologne since 1863

Accommodation: An award-winning hotel next to Cologne Cathedral
The 5-star hotel has been an institution in Cologne since it was first opened in 1863. In 1910 it made headlines when it began offering ensuite bathrooms with running warm water, a rarity at the time that was considered the epitome of luxury and comfort. This tradition has been proudly maintained over the last century: exactly 100 years after it began offering warm water, the hotel in the heart of Cologne was named the Hotel of the Year by one of the country's leading hotel and restaurant guides. The exceptional service extends from the "pillow card," which enables guests to select just the right pillow for a good night's rest, to the free minibar and valet parking. Two restaurants are available: a gourmet restaurant often referred to as "Cologne's Dining Room" by the locals, and a relaxing Oriental café recently named Germany's foreign cuisine restaurant of the year. The rooms are surprisingly quiet despite the central location just steps from the train station and the Cathedral.

1 night
Bed & Breakfast

		Cologne more info »

4th day: Rothenburg

		Romantic Road Motorways: 390 km Travel time: 4:00 h Scenic route: 410 km Travel time: 4:30 h more ... East of Cologne you will pass through a hilly, forested region known as the Bergisches Land, then proceed southwards along the western edge of a low mountain chain called the Westerwald, a region famous for its pottery. Southwest of Frankfurt the route will take you through the hilly forests of the Spessart region, one of Germany's largest natural parks, before reaching the medieval city of Würzburg. The most famous of the city's many sites is the Old Bridge dating back to 1473. From here you can take the "Romantic Road" (Romantische Straße), an old trade route that connects many of Bavaria's most picturesque villages, or continue on the main motorway.

At the city gates: A tollhouse from the year 1264

Accommodation: Romantik Hotel Markusturm
Originally built in 1264 as a customs house, the hotel occupies one of the best locations in Rothenburg: on main street, next to a medieval city gate and just minutes from the central square. The current hosts, Stephan and Lilo, are the fourth generation of the same family to run the facility, which has been a hotel since 1488. The first thing guests notice is the charming entryway decorated with antiques. The bedrooms come in all shapes and sizes, and no two are alike. They all have one thing in common, however: each was personally decorated by the hostess with exquisite attention to detail. Guests can sample traditional Franconian dishes and home-brewed beer in the rustic restaurant.

2 nights
Bed & Breakfast

		Rothenburg more info »

6th day: Munich

		Via Nuremberg or Romantic Road Distance: 250 km Travel time: 3:00 h Romantic Road: 280 km Travel time: 4:00 h more ... The eastern route will take you past Nuremberg before turning south to Munich. The former "Free City" crowned by the Imperial Castle is worth a visit.Romantic Road: From Rothenburg take the Romantic Road (Romantische Straße) south to Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen, then continue to Munich via Donauwörth and Augsburg. Rothenburg, Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen are the only three towns in Germany with fully intact medieval city walls.

Next to Nymphenburg Palace: 19th century Villa

Accommodation: A B&B at Nymphenburg Palace
The attractive Neo-Renaissance villa was built in 1886 next to the Nymphenburg Palace and park, one of the most famous sites in Munich. The 17th century palace, now open to the public, has played an important role in numerous historic events. The small, family-run hotel next door prides itself on its 23 individually designed bedrooms and friendly service. Bicycles are loaned for free, for example, and tickets for the local public transportation system for the ride downtown can be purchased at the reception desk. In spite of the quiet location, Germany's largest beer garden is just minutes away. The hotel staff will gladly provide restaurant recommendations and assist with the planning of local activities. Indeed, the little inn was recently named a "Best Service Hotel" by the travel website Venere. Free parking is available.

2 nights
Bed & Breakfast

		Munich more info »

8th day: Füssen

		Romantic Road Distance: 160 km Travel time: 2:30 h more ... Much of this journey follows a scenic stretch of road that connects some of the most enchanting villages, churches and landscapes in southern Germany. A few places worth noting along the way are the towns of Hohenfurch, Schongau, Peiting, Rottenbuch and Wildsteig and the Pilgrimage Church of Wies, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Where Ludwig II once tread: A mountain inn

Stunning view from the inn

Accommodation: A remote mountain-top castle
On a lofty summit originally selected by King Ludwig the Mad for the site of another fairy-tale castle after completion of Neuschwanstein sits a hotel which is like no other. Newly arrived guests are first struck by the endless vistas of mountains, green valleys, lakes, and forests at their feet. Then comes the hotel itself, in which every room was individually and imaginatively decorated by the owners themselves, resulting in living quarters that are not mere guest rooms but distinct creations that exude luxury, taste and comfort. Next to the hotel the ruins of Ludwig's final project still stand, within whose tranquil walls the visitor may better sense the lingering spirit of the eccentric ruler than at tourist-plagued Neuschwanstein, clearly visible in the distance. Travellers who brave the narrow road leading up to the castle will be richly rewarded.

2 nights
Bed & Breakfast

		Neuschwanstein more info »

10th day: Lindau

		German Alpine Road Distance: 140 km Travel time: 2:00 h more ... The route leads along the panoramic German Alpine Road, one of the most scenic stretches in Germany. In Lindenberg you may want to stop to sample the famous Lindenberg Cheese.

Bright and friendly: Wellness hotel on Lindau Island

Accommodation: A wellness hotel on Lindau Island
The small hotel with its bright yellow facade sits on an island near the entrance to the harbour and lighthouse, Lindau's most famous landmark. Lake cruises depart right in front of the building. The 4-star hotel has been run by the same family for over 100 years. Special emphasis is place on wellness and relaxation, as evidenced by the elaborate spa area, which includes a swimming pool.

The Swiss restaurant serves regional delicacies made of fresh ingredients harvested from the hotel's own organic farm. While many of the rooms overlook beautiful Lake Constance, the best panoramic views can be enjoyed from the rooftop lounge. Guests can also stroll along the pleasant seaside promenade or cross the land bridge to Lindau.

1 night
Bed & Breakfast

		Lake Constance more info »

11th day: Freiburg

		Lake Constance, Black Forest, Distance: 180 km Travel time: 3:30 h more ... The first part of the route follows the so-called Green Road along the entire length of stunning Lake Constance. Soon after leaving the lake behind you will cross the width of the Black Forest from east to west.

Unique experience: A stay in Germany's oldest inn

Accommodation: Germany's oldest guesthouse
In business since the year 1120, the hotel in the centre of Freiburg credibly claims to be the oldest continually operated guesthouse in Germany. The property has gone through numerous architectural changes through the centuries, starting out as a Romanesque building before being converted to gothic and finally baroque style. In tune with the hotel's long history, the hosts place great emphasis on traditional Black Forest hospitality. Many of the bedrooms are done in rustic country-inn style. Guests can ask to see the historical vaulted cellar. All major sites in the old town are within easy walking distance.

2 nights
Bed & Breakfast

		Freiburg more info »

13th day: Heidelberg

		Via Baden-Baden Distance: 180 km Travel time: 2:30 h more ... From Freiburg the route will head north along the entire west edge of the Black Forest National Park. One of the oldest German spas is located towards the north end of the Black Forest: Baden-Baden. Remnants of Roman baths show that the natural springs of Baden-Baden have been valued by the privileged classes for over 2,000 years.

Heidelberg Castle: View from the hotel

Noble exterior: 18th century residence in Heidelberg

Accommodation: A boutique hotel on the River Neckar
On entering the rooms in this new boutique hotel guests are first struck by the stunning views of Heidelberg from every window. At night the illuminated castle and Old Town spread out before you will almost seem unreal. For more unrestricted panoramic views you can relax on the rooftop lounge, or spend the afternoon or evening even higher up in the hotel's private vineyard - with a well-stocked picnic basket provided by your host.

After admiring the view guests can begin to admire their temporary home away from home: every room and every piece of furniture in it were exclusively designed by a Florentine architect with an eye to balance and harmony. All items of furniture were handmade by local craftsmen. While thoroughly modern, the interior decor was designed to recapture the late 18th century spirit of Romanticism, when Heidelberg was Germany's philosophical and literary centre. The noble simplicity of the 18th century building's white exterior gives the impression of a private residence rather than a hotel. Downtown Heidelberg is just a few minutes' walk away across the famous Old Bridge.

1 night
Bed & Breakfast

		Heidelberg more info »

14th day: Frankfurt

		Rhine-Main Valley Distance: 90 km Travel time: 1:00 h more ... This leg will take you around the edge of the Odenwald forest through the heavily populated Rhine-Main Valley.

		Rental car drop-off Drop-off location: Frankfurt, Airport

		Departure

Rental car: AVIS (Germany)

max excess/deductible: EUR 800.

Cost of this tour

The price is per person based on two persons sharing a double room and includes accommodations (meals included as stated above) and rental car.

USD 2,169.00¹
EUR 1,590.00

Should you want to revise this itinerary, we can change any of the following items: the route, the number of persons travelling, the time schedule, the standard of accommodation and the type of vehicle, according to your wishes.

The tour can begin on any date desired.
Recommended travel period: April – October

Upon booking this tour you will receive:

the names, addresses and telephone numbers

for each accommodation

detailed directions to each accommodation

vouchers

If you have any questions, would like to request changes or book this tour, please call your personal consultant Dr. Jerry Crippen on +49 (0)2268 9098-21 or submit an enquiry via the Internet:

14 days

Recommended
travel period:
April – October

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1) Price per person based on two people sharing a double room, flights not included. Prices may vary by season and due to differences in available services. All tours are sold in euros. Prices indicated in other currencies are for informational purposes only and may vary in accordance with changes in exchange rates.

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