Home base=Germany
Oct 20th, 2011, 02:08 PM
#1
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Home base=Germany
Hi all,
In my previous post I was uncertain on where I wanted to go. I was trying to cram too much into one trip because I want to see it all. However, after reading so many helpful and kind comments, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I was looking at a picture of the Eiffel Tower and it was beautiful but the surrounding city looked like just exactly that. A city, just like mine, downtown, tall buildings, not exactly what I want to go out of the country to see. I want to see all the classic, old, truly culture specific places and sights.
So, that said, I decided on Germany as the home base and main destination with some day trips to surrounding areas.
What I am looking for is a city to fly into that has a fantastic downtown area, within walking distance of lots to do, the city does not go to sleep at 7 pm, close to the train, tourist-friendly while still having that country-specific charm and culture to enjoy. Is that stupid? I'm not sure of exactly what I'm looking for but I know what I'm not looking for ....a business park area with only white and gray office buildings and parking decks. We are walkers so if there is lots to do within walking distance we are game for it.
Help, please. And, thank you for even reading this
In my previous post I was uncertain on where I wanted to go. I was trying to cram too much into one trip because I want to see it all. However, after reading so many helpful and kind comments, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I was looking at a picture of the Eiffel Tower and it was beautiful but the surrounding city looked like just exactly that. A city, just like mine, downtown, tall buildings, not exactly what I want to go out of the country to see. I want to see all the classic, old, truly culture specific places and sights.
So, that said, I decided on Germany as the home base and main destination with some day trips to surrounding areas.
What I am looking for is a city to fly into that has a fantastic downtown area, within walking distance of lots to do, the city does not go to sleep at 7 pm, close to the train, tourist-friendly while still having that country-specific charm and culture to enjoy. Is that stupid? I'm not sure of exactly what I'm looking for but I know what I'm not looking for ....a business park area with only white and gray office buildings and parking decks. We are walkers so if there is lots to do within walking distance we are game for it.
Help, please. And, thank you for even reading this
Oct 20th, 2011, 02:25 PM
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Mainz and the Rhein area come to mind.Mainz is rich in history. Read up a little and see if this town comes close to what you are seeking.
The Rhine and Mosel towns showcase castles and lovely hiking/biking paths.
The Rhine and Mosel towns showcase castles and lovely hiking/biking paths.
Oct 20th, 2011, 02:45 PM
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Just saw your other thread now...
You will be travelling in December and have a special interest in the Christmas Markets?
Mainz has a lovely market in the Domplatz (square of the 1000 year-old St. Martin's cathedral)from 24 November till 23 December.
Also not so far (by car or train) is the city of Trier with its ancient Roman remains -the Porta Nigra (or Black Gate) and the ampitheatre+ baths.
It also has a Christmas market from November 21st through December 22!
Oh so much to research but now, you are focusing on a more concentrated area!
You will be travelling in December and have a special interest in the Christmas Markets?
Mainz has a lovely market in the Domplatz (square of the 1000 year-old St. Martin's cathedral)from 24 November till 23 December.
Also not so far (by car or train) is the city of Trier with its ancient Roman remains -the Porta Nigra (or Black Gate) and the ampitheatre+ baths.
It also has a Christmas market from November 21st through December 22!
Oh so much to research but now, you are focusing on a more concentrated area!
Oct 21st, 2011, 12:54 AM
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December? Dresden would be a good idea also. Great Christmas markets, picturesque towns in the surroundings, easily accessible by train. Hotel Martha Hospiz e.g. would be a good choice in a nice, charming neighbourhood with only a 5-10 minutes walk to the train station Dresden-Neustadt.
Lots of cultural activities. From museums to concerts, shows, opera etc. Plenty of nightclubs etc. also.
Lots of cultural activities. From museums to concerts, shows, opera etc. Plenty of nightclubs etc. also.
Oct 21st, 2011, 02:28 AM
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Mainz is a good option. The old town area is quite nice but smallish; like most larger cities, Mainz got hit hard by the war. For the most atmosphere and to avoid having to walk through dull, unimaginative post-war architecture, I'd look for accommodations AWAY from the main train station (a mostly modern, less appealing area) and closer to the Cathedral (Dom) where your walks will be more rewarding.
This apartment in the heart of Mainz goes for 75€/night if rented for 2 weeks:
http://www.appartement-kirschgarten....ch/e-index.htm
These are central too:
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p43208
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p757004
Hotel: Hof Ehrenfels is ideally located in the old town:
http://www.hof-ehrenfels.de/eng/index.htm
Mainz has a second train station just south of the old town area (and there's an Ibis hotel one block from it as well.) It's called the "Mainz Römisches Theater" station, one stop closer to FRA than Mainz Hbf (the main station) and easy to walk to from the old town area.
Outings by train on a "Rheinland-Pfalz ticket" daypass will cost 24 Euros/day; to the north and west, these might include Trier, Cochem, Koblenz, Saarburg, Idar-Oberstein and the Middle Rhine villages of St. Goar, Braubach (Marksburg Castle), Bacharach, Oberwesel, Rüdesheim, and Boppard. To the south, you could journey to Speyer and Worms, and Wiesbaden is just across the river. A daytrip to Frankfurt would not be included on this ticket; get a VRM group day ticket, the cheapest option, for 25 Euros (for two) to get there and back:
http://www.rmv.de/en/Fahrkarten/Die_...geskarte_.html
The same VRM group day ticket is the cheapest if you're only going to Wiesbaden, which is too close to make the R-P ticket worthwhile - it's 8.50€ Mainz - Wiesbaden and back for 2.
This apartment in the heart of Mainz goes for 75€/night if rented for 2 weeks:
http://www.appartement-kirschgarten....ch/e-index.htm
These are central too:
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p43208
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p757004
Hotel: Hof Ehrenfels is ideally located in the old town:
http://www.hof-ehrenfels.de/eng/index.htm
Mainz has a second train station just south of the old town area (and there's an Ibis hotel one block from it as well.) It's called the "Mainz Römisches Theater" station, one stop closer to FRA than Mainz Hbf (the main station) and easy to walk to from the old town area.
Outings by train on a "Rheinland-Pfalz ticket" daypass will cost 24 Euros/day; to the north and west, these might include Trier, Cochem, Koblenz, Saarburg, Idar-Oberstein and the Middle Rhine villages of St. Goar, Braubach (Marksburg Castle), Bacharach, Oberwesel, Rüdesheim, and Boppard. To the south, you could journey to Speyer and Worms, and Wiesbaden is just across the river. A daytrip to Frankfurt would not be included on this ticket; get a VRM group day ticket, the cheapest option, for 25 Euros (for two) to get there and back:
http://www.rmv.de/en/Fahrkarten/Die_...geskarte_.html
The same VRM group day ticket is the cheapest if you're only going to Wiesbaden, which is too close to make the R-P ticket worthwhile - it's 8.50€ Mainz - Wiesbaden and back for 2.
Oct 21st, 2011, 04:39 AM
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Munich is a wonderful city base for you, it is easy to fly into with lots of great value hotels & restaurants, very easy to get around and, most importantly, a major train hub giving you convenient access to visit:
1. Salzburg (a perfect christmas destination) and its surrounding Sound of Music hills. 2 hr+ from Munich.
2. Nurnberg (2hrs by train) is a charming city with a medieval city wall and a famous Christmas market
3. Mittenwald (by local train) for a taste of the bavarian Santa's christmas village
4. Innsbruck is just beyond the alpine hills from Mittenwald by train if you get tired of Santa's village
5. Take the one day bus tour to visit the original Disney castles and Oberammergau
http://www.destination-munich.com/ne...tle-tours.html
6. Bonus day trips: Regensburg, Passau, Augsburg, Ulm all have Christmas markets and nice architecture, atmosphere and history.
Munich itself has a lot to offer you, it is a major city with a cozy intimate atmosphere, and architecture, not to mention worthwhile museums to visit.
http://gogermany.about.com/od/cities...nich.htm
1. Salzburg (a perfect christmas destination) and its surrounding Sound of Music hills. 2 hr+ from Munich.
2. Nurnberg (2hrs by train) is a charming city with a medieval city wall and a famous Christmas market
3. Mittenwald (by local train) for a taste of the bavarian Santa's christmas village
4. Innsbruck is just beyond the alpine hills from Mittenwald by train if you get tired of Santa's village
5. Take the one day bus tour to visit the original Disney castles and Oberammergau
http://www.destination-munich.com/ne...tle-tours.html
6. Bonus day trips: Regensburg, Passau, Augsburg, Ulm all have Christmas markets and nice architecture, atmosphere and history.
Munich itself has a lot to offer you, it is a major city with a cozy intimate atmosphere, and architecture, not to mention worthwhile museums to visit.
http://gogermany.about.com/od/cities...nich.htm
Oct 21st, 2011, 04:51 AM
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Just to add another great day trip, the hilltop medieval Rothenburg can be reached from Munich in 2.5 hours if you take the morning 6:15 or 9:20 am train. You can bring your own breakfast pastries on board the trains to save money and time. Germany has the best bakery goods.
http://images.search.yahoo.com/searc...+ob+der+tauber
http://images.search.yahoo.com/searc...+ob+der+tauber
