Frankfurt to Lago di Garda: highlights by car in 5 -6 days

Because you're taking it slow, perhaps I can make a few recommendations in my neck of the woods (I live about 40 minutes south of Frankfurt). Look on any map and you'll see a large area of green south of Frankfurt. This is the Odenwald Naturpark, which I would describe as like the Black Forest with more forests and less tourists. It's a great area to drive around and hike. Some of the most scenic towns I've seen in the area are Lindenfels, Michelstadt (like a small Rothenburg) and Erbach. On the other side of the Rhine, if you want spas and wine, check out Bad Dürkheim.

Tom, I so appreciate your further suggestions and I feel compelled to return to this public post to share it with other folks who might be flying into Frankfurt and renting a car. I was bewildered by the many location choices for renting a car in "downtown" Frankfurt, so as to save the 20% surcharge that's tacked on to renting from the airport. Tom pointed out that since our 1st stop was Heidelberg, that it would make more sense to find a public transport to H., take it easy on our 1st day after the long flights from CA, and rent the next day from Heidelberg. Genius idea! I discovered that we could hop on a Lufthansa bus at Terminal 1, where our American Airl. flight was arriving and an hour+ later, we would be dropped at a central location in the middle of the old section of H., a block from our hotel. The following day, we'll pick up a rental car and travel on to Rothenburg au Tauber for a couple of nights' stay. Then on down the Romantic Rd., with a stop for lunch at Dinkelsbuhl and then on to the Austrian border, where we'll spend a few nights and visit the castles, before heading down to Largo di Garda and points beyond.

I would recommend either Heidelberg or Wurzburg as a first stop with the second stop being Rothenburg. From there go straight down the A7 to Fussen and make the requisite Neuschwanstein Castle visit. From there, go through the Fernpass which is a beautifully scenic drive. Halfway through the Fernpass there's a little rest area with amazing views of the valley and lake below. You can stop there for a break or eat at the restaurant. Once through the Fernpass, follow the signs for Innsbruck which takes about a half hour from there. As you approach Innsbruck, look for the signs for the Brenner pass (Brennero in Italian) which becomes the A22 in Italy and is not only a straight shot to the Lake Garda exits (the "Affi" exit is the most popular) but is, for my money, one of the most scenic and beautiful drives in Europe. Be sure to buy the toll sticker before getting on the autobahn in Austria (called a "Verkauf"), you'll see signs for places selling them. A ten day sticker cost just under 8 euro. There's also an 8 Euro charge for the Europabrucke before you hit the Brenner Pass. As for charming inns, we always stay in a little town called Heiterwang, just south of Reutte as you get into Austria, at the Heiterwanghof. They have good rooms, great food (including a great breakfast), and there's just something about the air there, it's intoxicating. If you like fresh trout, there's a cute little in/restaurant there called the Forellen Hof ("Trout House") that serves trout freshly caught from the stream right out back.

Bobbe, As you're planning to drive in Italy, a few things you should be aware of..... One important point to note is that for driving in Italy, each driver must have the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. These are valid for one year, and easily obtained at any AAA office (two Passport-sized photos required, which in some cases are provided by the issuing office). Failure to produce an IDP if requested can result in fines on the spot! Have a look at This Website for more detailed information. You may also want to search other Posts here regarding the Zona Traffico Limitato areas that are becoming increasingly prevalent in many towns in Italy. EACH PASS through one of the automated Cameras will result in a €100+ ticket! A GPS along with a good Map would also be a good idea. Be sure to also give some thought to the question of CDW. If you accept the CDW offered by the rental firm, it will be expensive but will provide "peace of mind". Some "premium" credit cards provide rental vehicle insurance, however I've found this to be somewhat complicated so I just accept that offered by the rental firm. Check the Car Rental section in Europe Through The Back Door for further information. Happy travels!

My usual advice to travelers is not to go too far out of their way just to drive the Romantic Road, as the scenery isn't any better than any other rural secondary road in Bavaria... but your direct line of travel from Rothenburg to Innsbruck mostly follows the course of the Romantic Road, so you may as well take this route.