Koln to Munich (incl. Rhine River Cruise)

Hi Steve,
If you can drive and get around the U.S. and/or Canada, you should have no problems in Germany. In my opinion, it's the best way to get around, especially for the Rhine, Romantic Road and in Bavaria. Very good roads and highways and everything is posted... you just need to know what direction you're heading (not N,S,E,W) but which town or city you're heading towards.

Paul

The major ship line in that area is K-D, www.k-d.de. They have lots of ship tours on the Rhein, but only one starts as far down as Köln. I leaves at 9:30 in the morning, and, with a change in Linz or Remagen you can only get as far up the river as Boppard, far short of Mainz, by 10:00 that night. My best advice is to take the train to St. Goar and the ship from there to Bacharach. IMO that is the most interesting part of the Rhein anyway, with the Loreley and Pfalzgrafenstein to see. If you do that, you will probably have enough time to take the train to get to Rothenburg.

I've traveled a little by car in Germany, but never felt it was worth expense. I've spent 12 weeks traveling by public transportation (train and bus) and everything I have wanted to see was readily accessible.

Thanks guys...Heck I'm actually starting to consider splitting up my trips: 1 regional France trip, 1 regional Germany trip.

I want to see as much as possible, but I also want this to be a relaxing trip and really soak up the culture.

Germany is easy. It's clearly posted and logical. If you're on the autobahn use the left lane for passing only. Pass quickly and get right.

I like to lease a car but that's only an option for longer than 17 days. You will have to price a rental, it depends a lot on how many are in your party. A group of four will save by renting.

The trains work great. Even with a car, I like to get my family on a train for part of the trip. There are numerous good deals for travel on local trains, check into those. Andreas from Frankfurt, who contributes regularly to this website, always knows the latest good deals.

The best part of the river cruise (as Rick points out) is Bacharach to St. Goar. It gives you a good sample without taking an entire day. Upstream takes longer than downstream if you are in a hurry or have extra time.

I think Cologne - Rhine Cruise - Rothenburg is possible in a day, but not best; you really should stop one or two places along the way and see some things. Marksburg Castle in Braubach gives an excellent tour - at a minimum, take the train there, see the castle, then proceed by boat to the attractive village of Bacharach. But there's also Remagen's WW II museum, the lovely town of Boppard, and St. Goar's Rheinfels Castle ruins. Stay overnight in one of the Rhine villages (St. Goar or Bacharach?) if you can manage the time - it's worth it.

ok I've decided I will do both France & Germany now, stick to my plan with Paris-Bruges-Rhine to Munich. Thanks again for the tips...