Hi, my adult son who is very interested in classical music and I are going on a Danube river cruise. Before that, though, we would like to see some German towns and cities. My inclination is toward the charming towns, but I am truly open. I tentatively have the following plan, but could use help with ideas and especially train/bus help. I wasn't planning on renting a car but if it seems much preferred, we could consider it.
Day 1, Saturday: because we arrive so early I thought we could train right to Rothenberg, enjoy the day and spend the night. (alternative is to do this first day in Wurzburg but I thought we might use the time better later?).
Day 2: head off to Bamberg, a city recommended here and one my son really wants to see. I realize we will likely train through Nuremberg here so not sure if we should see Nuremburg on Day 2 and then do Bamberg on Day 3? We will see Regensburg and Passau on the cruise so don't want to add them here.
Day 3: Head to Munich and tour Munich for the day. (We will have a little more time for Munich after the cruise)
Day 4: Take a day trip from Munich to the Zugspitze or Oberammergau or The Chiemsee or even Fussen.
Day 5: We could do another day in lower Germany here (see above or your idea?). Or even go to Salzburg so we have two days there?
Day 6: Go to Salzburg and tour for the day. Mozart-related activities a must! At night, head to Budapest apparently through Vienna.[We have the option for a day trip to Salzburg on the river cruise, but we would have to miss Linz then. I must mention that in case skipping Salzburg makes the trip to Budapest much better].
Day 7: Budapest
Day 8: Budapest
Day 9: Budapest in morning and start river cruise in the afternoon.
.......after the cruise lands in Vilshosen we are heading to Munich and flying out the next afternoon so have a little more time for Munich that day and the following morning.
Thank you for your help.