Southern Germany and Austria travel

I think you have direct flights to Germany from Fort Myers (Airberlin), you ought to check out which airports they fly into. Munich is my favorite airport in Germany, easy and cheap to get to and easy to navigate. Once you're there, the trains will take you where you want to go and if there's no train, there'll be a bus.

There are some great medieval towns in Germany. I certainly don't know them all, but we've been to Erfurt, Quedlinburg, and Monschau. Quedlinburg is especially attractive, and has the added thrill of the magnificent Cathedral treasures stolen by an American G.I. and eventually returned from Texas. The other two are maybe a little touristy, but really pretty. Erfurt has the oldest surviving synagogue in Europe, because it ceased that function long, long before Nazi times, and was completely overlooked. Because of the two countries you mentioned, do investigate Ceský Krumlov in Czech Republic. It, and Perouges, France, are the nicest medieval cities we've been to. Although Dresden is heavily reconstructed, it is a treasure house of a city. You could spend three days there without overdosing. Very rail-accessible. We flew Newark-Berlin-Leipzig without paying Continental very much more for the Lufthansa connecting flight from Berlin. I'm sure it depends on the date and market forces.

Hi Kimberly. I suggest you go to library or buy Rick Steves books. He has one on Germany and another on Vienna / Salzburg / Austria. They will cover exactly what you are asking plus a lot more. Enjoy your trip!

Kimberly, We were there last summer. We had 3 weeks Austria, Switzerland, Germany and Paris. We actually flew into Vienna, because it was cheaper than munich. We spent 2 days in Vienna(one more would have been nice). Took train to Salzburg for 4 nights. We did sound of music tour and Eagles nest tour from there. We also did the ice caves of Werfen which were awesome. Then we spent 4 days in Fussen Germany and toured castles and small towns. From there we did make a day trip the Dachau out side Munich. All those are easily accessible by train. We did rent a car in Fussen Germany for a few days which it much easier. Have a great trip

I loved Monschau, but it is the other "side" of Germany. How about Munich via Saltzburg to Vienna. Fly open-jaw.

Hi, Depending on where you are staying, this is doable if you're staying in Berlin, even more doable if you're staying in Dresden...spend the day in Meissen, which is accessible by the S-Bahn from Dresden Hbf...the cradle of Saxony. I was there this summer, an amazing place that had very little war damage, which warrants a return trip. If you are focusing on South Germany along with Austria, then I would advise flying into Munich but fly out of Berlin Tegel if you want to see Dresden, Meissen, maybe Lutherstadt Wittenberg for their history which fits into your interests. I only go by rail when travelling solo there as the means to reaching these sites.

Trier, Germany is a wonderful town if you have a chance. It's the oldest city in Germany and touring the old Roman fort, the Porta Nigra, is worth the trip and you will want to see the beautiful cathedral and relics. The area all around the fort is extremely pedestrian friendly. Dozens of shops, restaurants, etc. We drove and parked in a parking garage about 4 blocks from the Porta Nigra...enjoyed the stroll along the boulevard even if it was in December.