I am starting to plan a Bavaria/Northern Italy trip with my family (15 and 17 Year old) for June of 2013. It will be our first Europe trip. Right now the plan is to fly into Frankfurt and I would like to travel exclusively on train if possible. For the Bavaria part of the trip, I have put together a few different scenarios that I would like an opinion on. Option 1 Bacharach 3 nights, Rothenburg 1 night, Munich 5 nights (day trip to Salzburg) Option 2 Bacharach 2 nights, Rothenburg 1 night, Munich 4 nights, Salzburg 2 nights Option 3
Bacharach 3 nights, Munich 4 nights, Salzburg 2 nights (day trip to Hallstatt) The must do's on this part of the trip are Munich and Rhine area. I was reading that I should plan on a jetlag day (options 1 and 3). Others suggest no fewer than 2 nights in a location to cut down on check-in to hotel time, etc. (option 3) I have heard great things about both Rothenburg and Salzburg but would doing both leave me rushing around too much? (option 2) Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks.
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
Option 2 looks good to me. I think 2 nights in Bacharach will allow recovery from the jet lag and time to take a Rhine cruise and visit a few towns. If you haven't already looked at the Rick Steves' Germany tour book, pick it up and see what the sites are in the area. Personally, I would reduce Munich to 2 nights and spend the other 2 nights further south in Bavaria. Specifically, if you are travelling by train, stay outside of Fuessen. Take the kids to the Tegelberg luge and see the castles.
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
2 nights on the Rhine; 2 nights in Rothenberg (one day to get there, and one full day to enjoy it) Munich and Salzburg the rest. Not sure how I would divide my time there, I enjoy Munich
Posted by
Greeley, co, usa
2589 posts
Option 2, although I would add a day to Salzburg and reduce 1 from Munich. Outside Salzburg, consider staying in a Fewo. See my trip report at www.bensbauernhof.com/germanyaustriachristmastrip2011.html
for a nice place. Use the train passes such as the Bayern-ticket for most of your travel. See the Torture (Criminal) Museum in Rothenburg and take the Night Watchman tour. In Salzburg, go to the Salt mines and maybe the Ice caves near Werfen.
Posted by
St Petersburg Florida
951 posts
Option 1 but with 2 nights in Bacharach and 2 nights in Rothenburg
Posted by
OP
Little Elm, TX, USA
7 posts
Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like I can keep both Rothenburg and Salzburg in the plans.
Posted by
DTW
343 posts
Poll? I can't comment on Bacharach having never been. Option 2 with 1 more night in Rothenberg and 1 less in Munich. Munich may be better to fly into than Frankfurt and Munich is a great location to do day trips out of. Stay within the walls of Rothenberg at the Hotel Reichs Kuchenmeister it is near the main square. Rothenberg is different once all the day tourists leave. My wife and I have spent anywhere from 5 -9 nights in Bavaria and environs. Congratulations on your first trip and have a great time.