Scenic vs City -

I am trying to choose between Leipzig or Bamberg.....Bamberg or Cochem

Your choices are not clear to me.

Getting to Cochem: You might be able to do part of the Mainz > Koblenz transport by boat, but it's not really feasible to do all of it. Suggest you leave Mainz by train for Bingen, then cruise from Bingen to St Goar or Boppard. Take the train to Cochem after you get off the cruise.

Depending on the time you leave Mainz... there is a day pass (Rheinland-Pfalz ticket) which you can buy in Mainz and which covers all the trains you would need. It also gives you a discount on the cruise fare when you present it at the KD cruise kiosk in Bingen.

I must stay in one area to enjoy and soak in Germany

In my opinion it is not a must-have because Germany is so manifold that by staying in one region you will soak in this region which is also fine but not "Germany" in total.

And I share with #1 that I do not get if it is one or more decision(s) and what are the alternatives (not options) for every decision. And what has the headline has to do with it?

Sorry I'm not clear on what I want to do. As I only have a few days I am trying to decide if visiting Germany are the memorable places to visit. If you have a choice between the towns Leipzip or Bamberg which would you choose? Should I extend my trip a for a couple of days so I can also go to see the Rhine region and Cochem or save that for another time

Could we start with how much time you currently have planned for your Germany visit, as well as time of year?

Leipzig vs Bamberg: I've been in Bamberg on separate occasions, just once in Leipzig. It's all subjective, but I like Bamberg better, partly because of its history/charm/character, partly because of it location near places that lie very close by.

Of course you should extend your stay to the Rhine Valley - or Cochem and the Mosel Valley - or both... if you have the time for it. It's a wonderful area to visit. But right now, there's no way for us to know whether you have enough time for the additonal travel and sightseeing... only you know how much time you have altogether, and how much time you might spend in Bamberg or Leipzig. I can only tell you that travel time from Leipzig to the Rhine/Mosel area (Koblenz?) will take longer than from Bamberg.

If you just want some nice scenery, there is some of that closer to Bamberg.

Just an idea: if you want to have a beautiful German city and landscape scenery plus culture whip cream, have a look at Dresden. The scenery is provided by close Saxon Switzerland. Very nice old towns you will find in an area south of Görlitz (details).

And of course Bamberg and Mid Rhine Valley are both excelent World Heritage destinations. Both are worth to spend separate time.

If you have a choice between the towns Leipzip or Bamberg which would
you choose?

Bamberg is one of my favorite cities in Germany. It is world famous for smoked beer. It is full of medieval buildings.

FWIW. I loved both Bamberg, AND Cochem!
See if Bamberg still offers the Bierschmecker tour--vouchers for a bier in a few of its many breweries, a stoneware mug and backpack!

Check to see if the Hoff will be performing in either place before you decide. That could tip the scales in favor of one or the other.

We stay in Leipzig two weeks at a time. Its a charming city with lots of day trips within 90 minute train rides. We do visit Bamberg also,but we find Leipzig just has so much more to offer. Next year we plan to stay there a month possibly. Apartments are reasonable to rent, lots of restaurants to visit, and lots of sites to see. Good luck on your visit to whichever place you choose!