Help on Itinerary - Italy, Austria, Germany & Belgium

Kent - thank you so much for the information. Wow, I didn't realize that was such a long train trip. I really like your recommendations and will look into a car rental and do more research on Rothenburg. Thanks again for the help!

Hello Michelle. I travelled in all of those countries except Belgium. I suggest be at Salzburg for 2 nights, and Fussen (near King Ludwig's castles) for 2 nights. Being at Baden-Baden for two nights, to relax, in between Fussen and Bruge sounds good. You do not need to rent a car. Ride in trains.
I think you will have an enjoyable trip in Europe.

Michelle:
I believe it is a good idea to stopover in Baden-Baden before you head for Bruge and more heavy sightseeing. May is a wonderful time in the northern Black Forest area.To give you an idea about what to expect go to the english side of www.baden-baden.de.
Don't miss the thermal baths (spa) and the casino(morning guided tour) Both sites are a world apart world an worth a detour.
Enjoy your stay.

Everyone in our family enjoyed the nightwatchman's tour in Rothenburg, the salt mines in Berchtesgaden and the Rheinfels Castle ruins on the Rhine. The roller bahns near Ludwig's castles would also be fun (like a luge on wheels, should be open in May).

There are great gardens in Salzburg and Munich that are worth seeing in May.

The Alte Pinoketech (spelling?) in Munich was also a good museum.

Thank you for the replies. Based on everyone's feedback we are going to take time to see Rothenburg and are going to stay in Munich to side trip to King Ludwig's castles. We are trying to decide between 3 nights in Munich and 2 nights in Salzburg or 2 nights in Munich and 3 nights in Salzburg. In Munich we want to see the city and do the day trip to the castles and in Salzburg take the Sound of Music tour, see the Salt Mines/Eagles Nest and see the city. We are trying to decide which city has more to do and is more fun to go out in the evening. Any additional help would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

Salzburg is a much more pleasant city to stay in than Munich, but Munich probably had more to do at night. I loved the Sound of Music tour and the castles. I am glad you decided to see Rothenburg. It is one of my favorite places in Germany. Be sure to have dinner at the Chinese restaurant Rick recommends (I know this seems strange in Germany but it was FANTASTIC and they gave us little glasses of plum wine because we were Rick readers). I am so jealous!