We're visiting next summer with 2 kids and have gone through Rick Steves books to help set up an itinerary for 15 nights, we are driving.
Arrive Munich
Rothenberg
Bacharach
Trier
Metz, France (to visit WWI battlefield site in Verdun)
Strasbourg
Colmar
Murren or Wengen - not decided yet
Stopover town (not decided yet) on way back towards Munich ** any ideas on stop over town?
Fussen
Munich
Does this sound like a good plan? Would you suggest any changes?
Ten cities in 15 days will make your trip a big blur for the children. Distances you're suggesting are a little deceiving--a lot of driving. I'd suggest simplifying your trip somewhat, and staying in three centrally located cities doing day trips. Munich alone is worth a 5 day stay, and you still won't see all there is to see there.
Another suggestion is to fly open jaw into one city and out of another city in the same country--for efficiency. You want to pickup and return a rental car in the same country to avoid high drop off fees.
I agree with David. Look up driving times between each stop and add an hour for each to find your hotel and check in. Then add in time to visit whichever attractions you will visit. I think this will show you that you need to scale back.
I would eliminate Switzerland.
Especially if you have a boy, I would be sure to explore Burg Rheinfels above St. Goar on the Rhine.
Strasbourg & Colmar could be visited on the same day. I'm not sure there is a lot of appeal for the kids.
Consider staying at a farm. Some allow short stays. check out www.bensbauernhof.com for great info on these.
Yes, stay 2 to 3 days at each stop and cut Switzerland.
2 nights Rothenburg
3 nights Bacharach
2 nights Metz (stop at Trier for a few hours on the way to Metz)
3 nights Strasbourg or nearby. There are actually fun kid things to do there.
2 nights Fuessen
3 nights Munich
There it is, 15 sensible nights.
Near Strasbourg there is the beautifully restored castle Haute Koenigsbourg on top of a mountain. On the way up (or down), there is an eagle sanctuary with daily demonstrations, and a monkey zoo. European tourist traps for kids, but a reminder that even Europeans get tired of castles and cathedrals. That would make an entire day.
I'm not sure about German car rental requirements, but France requires a fluorescent safety vest, breakdown reflective triangle, and your own personal breathalyzer kit. Check with rental agencies.
Thanks for responding.... I didn't really consider all the driving, 2.5 hours here, 2.0 hours there... may be a problem. Thanks for pointing this out.
Ok, if you don't mind, I will try to work with your suggested itineraries and (sadly) probably not get to Switzerland.
I loved-loved-loved the Lauterbrunnen valley and have stayed in both Murren and Wengen (we wanted to experience both sides of the valley and the many hikes that start from each side). This was some of the best hiking I have done in my life. It may not fit with your current itinerary but I would highly recommend this destination if you can make it work!
