We are planning a trip to Germany for next May. We are taking the RS Munich, Salzburg Vienna tour. But we arrive in Frankfurt 7 days before the trip starts. We want to spend 2 extra days in Munich before the trip starts. We were hoping to spend the other 5 pre-trip days touring some other German towns. Our plane lands in Frankfurt around noon and we were thinking we could spend our first night in Mainz. We would then go to Wurzbug for the second night and then spend two nights in Nuremburg. I realize that's a little back-tracking at the beginning. We were thinking at least one or two smaller towns at the start of the tour would be nice. We want to use trains and avoid driving if possible. We have already done Neuschwanstien and do not want to repeat. Any thoughts? Is there a small town you would recommend not missing? Is Mainz worth a stop for the first night?
Posted by
Chicago
65 posts
Our plane lands in Frankfurt around noon and we were thinking we could spend our first night in Mainz. We would then go to Wurzbug for the second night...
So you'd arrive in Mainz around 2pm. There's not much time if you're planning Rhine exploration. You might be better off getting to Wurzburg and spending two nights there.
Posted by
Atlanta
5140 posts
So you'd arrive in Mainz around 2pm. There's not much time if you're planning Rhine exploration. You might be better off getting to Wurzburg and spending two nights there.
Agree completely. Eliminates back tracking and there is plenty to do in Wurzburg for that amount of time.
Posted by
8073 posts
Go directly from Frankfurt to Wurzburg then down the Romantic Road to Rothenberg ob der Tauber. From there head to Nurenburg.
Posted by
Chicago
65 posts
Go directly from Frankfurt to Wurzburg then down the Romantic Road to Rothenberg ob der Tauber. From there head to Nurenburg.
I was going to recommend Rothenberg but the OP wanted to avoid driving and the trains to RODT can be a pain. But, yes, with a car would totally recommend as you suggested. The trip down A7 and the country roads are a breeze to navigate from Wurzburg (I just drove it last month). I would even recommend a one night stay there to get the full experience of Rothenberg at night.
If the OP wants to minimize drive time, the OP could pick up the car rental leaving Wurzburg then return upon arrival in Nuremburg. That would be a 2 day car rental max.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thanks! I should’ve mentioned we’ve been to Rothenburg OT (as part of RS Best of Europe 21 days) and we really enjoyed it. But, we’re interested in avoiding repeats this trip. Any other alternative recommendations? We love history, art, music, nature and are as comfortable in a museum as we are in a stadium concert if that helps. Thanks again for input - really appreciate it!
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9142 posts
There are so many charming towns near Frankfurt you could visit easily by train. Firstly, if you are arriving after a long flight, stay the night in Frankfurt, there is so much more to see here than what Rick lists in his book or on his walk. This is a very historic, old city. More travel by train after arrival sounds awful to me. I just want to check in, take a shower, go have a meal and walk around before collapsing in bed.
Near-by towns within an hour? Limburg, Marburg, Büdingen, Seligenstadt, Michelstadt, Idstein, Bad Homburg, Kronberg and of course, Mainz
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Everyone's comments have been really helpful. Thanks to each of you! We are still planning (life keeps interrupting) but wanted to check in and say appreciate you and thanks!
Posted by
169 posts
I cast a vote for Bamberg or Amberg!!