I am planning a road trip on June 30-July 11 (fly out date from ZRH) in the lower Bavaria, Austrian Tyrol, and Italian Sudtirol region. The dates are not set yet, but this is the most likely date range. We are healthy, but can only do day hiking trips. We also enjoy spas and great food, of course.
My tentative itinerary should cover:
- (Maybe) Germany: Neuschwanstein Castle (trying to figure out how to avoid the crowd)
(Maybe) Germany: Garmisch-Partenkirchen + Eibsee + Höllentalklamm
-(Must-go) Austria: area around Innsbruck (Wolfsklamm, Acquadome spa, Stubai--Grawa Waterfall)
-(Must-go) Italy: Sudtirol region of Italy
(1) What do you think of this itinerary? We are seasoned travelers in Europe. However, our only driving experience outside the US was in Greece (island). So, we don't have any city driving experience.
(2) Will I lose anything for skipping Garmisch-Partenkirchen + Eibsee + Höllentalklamm? I do like mountains, cute Alpine villages, waterfalls, and lakes. I wonder if this German region is necessary, given that I will continue to Austria and Sudtirol.
(3) Where I should start/end my car rental? We cannot drive a manual car. I understand that automatics are expensive and difficult to find. I can start/end in Zurich, or take a train/bus to elsewhere (e.g., Munich) to start my rental.
Rental charges are lowest from Germany. I have National's Emerald Executive membership, but they have very limited rental locations (Zurich--city and Airport and Munich Airport).
Thanks a million!