deepa

We are planning our second trip to Europe this year. Just can't seem to get enough of the place! We are planning to do only Germany and Prague due to the paucity of time. I have been reading the great postings on the two countires for a few months now and have finally come up with a first cut of our itnerary. We land in Frankfurt, spend 1.5 days there and then rent a car down the Romantic road and spend a night at Rothenburg then just drive down with maybe a few hours stops in augsburg etc.(if one were to make a choice then which places are nicer than others?)and then get to Munich where we spend 2-3 days and include a day trip to Fussen and the Nueshweinstien castle. Then finally take the train to Prague, spend about 2.5 days there and head back. <BR> <BR>I would appreciate your comments. Also, I believe Cesky Krumlov is beautiful(any more deatils on what to do there). Is it feasible to do a day trip from Prague or do you think we could try to go there by train from Munich and then go to Prague?? <BR> <BR>Our last trip was planned with the help of wonderful suggestions through this forum and we had a great time. Thanks a lot. <BR> <BR>Deepa <BR>

Denise Scandiffio

You probably can cover all the places you list, but you will also probably wish you had more time. We stayed in Munich for 3 days, took the 6 hour train to Prague, stayed 4 days, then returned and traveled by train to Fussen to see the castles. My daughter was an Exchange student in Prague and I remember her telling us about Cesky Krumlov. Unfortunately she is packbacking thru Italy and I don't know the details. Prague is enchanting. We also enjoyed Munich.I highly recommend the Hotel Uhland. The line for the castle may be long, depending when you go, and I wish we had a chance to see the town of Fussen. You may want to reconsider the time frame of each place. <BR>Enjoy, <BR>Denise

dan

Doesn't sound too bad. I haven't been to all the places you mention, but have been to Munich, Prague, and trained between Munich and Frankfurt. I think the two most interesting cities between are probably Augsburg and Wurzburg. You may want to consider Ulm for the tallest cathedral in Europe. Two days are fine for seeing the main sites of Munich if you plan your time well. Don't go to the Olympic Village. I did, and it wasn't worth it for the time involved to do it. For a great view go to the top of the Alter Peter church on the Marienplatz. To see Dachau will take up most of an afternoon at least. You need more time for museums and palaces. They have terrific art museums. As for Prague in less than two days I saw most of Mala Strana, Old Town, the Jewish Quarter including two museums, the castle area, and Wenceslas Square (or street), and some other areas that are less visited at a fairly leisurely pace. Without a lot of shopping and side trips, two days are pretty good. Of course the more time you can spend anywhere the better, but you don't always have that much time. Just plan thoroughly before you go. There are so many beautiful streets in Prague. Just make sure to see Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, the whole castle complex, Wenceslas Square (not that great, but very important in Czech history), and the Jewish area, and wander around Mala Strana (I think we used Fodor's walking tour for that area). <BR>

Tom

Deepa, We've been to every place that you mentioned twice, and am certain that the trip can be made in the timeframe you mentioned. However, I am going back to Prague next Spring and plan to stay there for 5 days. I merely wonder if you are allowing enough time to really enjoy the offerings of each location. To help with this, I would consider eliminating Frankfurt altogether and go straight to Rothenburg.It's a couple hour drive from Frankfurt(depends upon how you handle jet lag if you do anything there the first afternoon), spend the night in Rothenbug, half the next day and then drive the Romanticstrasse to Augsburg to Munich. I would give Munich two full days and one for trip to Fussen and Ludwig's castles. Then head to Prague, which in my opinion is the crown jewel of the trip. Spend as much time there as posibe, due to incredible, fascinating city with inexensive food and the best beer in the wild...Budvar! Just an opinion, let me know if you need a place to stay, particularly in Munich. <BR>

Rob

After staying in Prague for 4 days (a nice length), I went to Cesky Krumlov. There was not a train that went from Prague to Cesky Krumlov, so we did what most people did, and took a bus, which lasted about 3 hours (don't forget to bring water--and any food you may want). The bus was old and not air-conditioned and full, made for a memorable ride. As far as what to do in Cesky Krumlov, it is a pretty small town (with a huge castle), accomodations should be easy. When I went, I stayed at a hostel called U Vodnika, which is on the Vlata River, and has about 5 mattresses. You should call ahead if you are want to stay there. During the night, we walked through the town (absolutely gorgeous, especially near castle), enjoyed delicious meals at very inexpensive prices, etc. During the day, we rented mountanbikes and rode on the country side, went swimming in the river. There were very few tourists there when we were visiting. One more thing, there were a couple times when I had a hard time finding someone who spoke English. The last time was when I was catching my bus to go back to Prague. There were 25 people at the "bus station" and none spoke English...I ended up missing my bus.

Linda

I would skip Frankfurt as well. But to miss Berlin would be hard. It is a most intriguing city--so much history--from ancient ruins, to WWII, to Cold War. It is only a 5-6 hour train ride to Prague from there.

Linda

I would skip Frankfurt as well. But to miss Berlin would be hard. It is a most intriguing city--so much history--from ancient ruins, to WWII, to Cold War. It is only a 5-6 hour train ride to Prague from there.

Kristin Lucas

I agree with the person who said skip Frankfurt. I haven't read much that would make Frankfurt worth any time. Prague on the other hand is fantastic and Cesky Krumlov is wonderful, too. So try to get as much time there as possible. I was there once for 4 days and went back the next year for 5 days. Of course, I saw many of the same places twice, but I also felt like I had made the city "mine" in some small way by learning my way around. If you like classical music, there are dozens of concerts EVERY day in Prague. Organ concerts on organs that Mozart played on! Of course, this may not interest you. I loved the castle, the churches, all the old buildings, Charles Bridge, and the squares.

Maira

The itinerary does not sound bad at all. One recommendation; my husband & I went to the Prague Hilton and book a tour there (you don't need to stay at the hotel to do that). For $15/pp, we had a half-day tour of the city (a nice van that made several stops), and a boat cruise, which included snacks during the boat ride. The tour guide was outstanding. Most of Prague hotels are expensive, unless you are lucky. There have been some prior postings on cheap accomodations in Prague, so I am sure you got that covered. Prague is one of my favorite cities in Europe. The train system in Prague is very cheap, but beware of pickpockets. <BR> <BR>In Germany, visit Ettal on your way to Nueshweinstien castle. The restaurant across the street from the Ettal Monastery is fantastic. Visit Obberamergau (sp?). The photo ops are unique!. Do not miss Linderhoff castle. That was King Ludwig's' Summer retreat and his favorite castle. My husband & I did Ettal, Linderhoff and Nueshweinstien in one day...so can you! E-mail if you'll like more details.

Bob

Skip Frankfurt unless u use the time to go on the Rhine. Very short drive from airport to Rhine, but will be opposite direction from ur trip. Go straight to Rothenburg from airport. Take night watchmans tour in Rothenburg. Its free (tip only at end) and fun. Starts in the town square each eve close to dark. In English. Also: Kathe Wolfahrtds has two shops in town. This will be ur first stop and u should visit her main facility. very nice items. They are expensive, but we found that if u like it here the price everywhere else is comparable. So word of advice..if u see it at Kathe's you should get it. Prices are fair and other places may not have what u want. have a nice trip! <BR>

Richard

Let's make it unanimous for skipping Frankfurt. Go directly to Heidelberg for your first night stay, then to Rothenburg and down the Romantische Strasse to Fussen, try to stop at Bad Wimpfen for an afternoon. Back to Munich and then why not keep the car and drive to Prague? You can go from Munich to Prague via Cesky Krumlov very easily. After Prague, drive back to Frankfurt with a stop in Karlovy Vary. My wife and I did this trip 2 months ago, on bikes from Heidelberg to Fussen, picked up a car in Munich and then the itinerary above. If you do decide to keep the car in the Czech Republic advise the rental company and inquire about the sticker required for Austria as your route will take you through same. Instead of driving into Prague we stayed in Karlstejn and took the train, about 45 min. and $1.50 round trip (not a typo, $1.50 approx.). For drive times and routing go to euroshell.com, great information. <BR>

Gary Liptrot

Add my vote to skip Frankfurt. I have been there <BR>twice for business and cannot remember anything of <BR>interest. But Prague....can I go with you. It is <BR>one of my favorite places, people so nice and help- <BR>ful, buildings so old, beautiful and untouched from <BR>WWII. I happened to be there two weeks before XMAS <BR>and I still remember walking around a corner into a <BR>small square with a chruch on each end decorated so <BR>beautifully. What a site. <BR> <BR>Either way, have a great time and maybe I'll see <BR>you in Prague some day. <BR> <BR>Gary Liptrot <BR>

deepa

Thanks for the wonderful replies. We are skipping Frankfurt as suggested and will drive straight to Warzburg or Rothenburg and then straight to Munich with a few stops and then probably down to Fussen and the castle and then drive to Prague via Cesky Krumlov. What is the best way of fixing the car rental at Frankfurt? Should we do it before we go and how and also any suggestions for hotels (with contact info if possible) at Rothenburg, Munich, Fussen and Prague? Thanks again. I remember someone in the earlier postings mentioned Hotel Hornburg but the address doesnt seem correct.

Richard

Deepa, Definitely get your car rental agreement revised here and make sure it shows the rental company is aware you're taking the car into the Czech Republic, it will be checked at the Austrian border. Our voucher from Autoeurope had a note we were taking the car into the CR, but the contract we got from EuroCar did not and so we were detained at the border for about 45 (very nervous) minutes while the guard checked it out. <BR>We stayed at the Hotel Hornburg in Rothenburg and enjoyed it very much. Owners are Martin and Gabriele Wetzel, address Hornburgweg 28; 91541 Rothenburg o.d.T., fax 09861 5570. In Fussen we stayed at the Hotel Schlossgasthof, owners, the Family Pfeiffer, our host was Wolf. Again very nice. Address Ritterstrasse 6; 87629 Fussen, fax <BR>08362/91 60 99. Add the code for Germany to the fax #s. Both hotels have brochures with maps. Ask the owners if they remember the older couple who were touring the Romantic Road on their bikes. <BR>

don

I would vote for the maximum amount of time in Prague, just because it still feels European, as opposed to most of the big German cities. And within Prague, I was definitely more taken with Mala Strana than the more commercial, Old Town area. Enjoy!

Rosemary

Deepa, I agree with the other writers. Head to <BR>Rothenburg. The Hotel Hornburg is in a great location. I have their e-mail address. E-mail me and I will be happy to give it to you. I stayed <BR>in Rudesheim and I also have that e-mail address. <BR>If you decide to take the road along the Mosel River, the tiny village has a nice hotel there. I remember the name, but I don't have any other information on that one. Have a GREAT TRIP! <BR>

tom

Deepa...back again...stay at the Hotel Uhland on Uhlandstarsse in Munich. They have a website. Great hotel, friendly people, great location and the breakfast is awesome..nicely priced too!

Gary Liptrot

Richard, <BR> <BR>I was going to E-mail you specifically but I think <BR>other people would like to know this information. <BR>When you stayed in Fusen, is that close to Mad <BR>Ludwigs castle? Close enough that one could stay at <BR>the hotel you mentioned above and bike ride, take <BR>a quick bus or whatever. I guess what I want to do <BR>is train over there and not have to deal with a car. <BR>Any info would be appreciated. <BR> <BR>Thank you. <BR>Gary <BR>

Richard

Gary, Yes the hotel is within easy walking distance of both castles, Hohenschwangau, and if you feel ambitious (it's quite an uphill hike) Neuschwanstein. Most of the walk is through a park, and one path leads around the Swansee, very peaceful and great photo op with the castle reflected in the lake. We took the bus up to Neuschwanstein and walked down. Don't miss the Marienbrucke (it's marked when you get off the castle bus) a spectacular view of the castle and the valley beyond. The rate at Schloss Gasthof was 120DM, for 2 with breakfast. Another great place from Fussen (also within walking distance) is Tegelberg. A gondola takes you to the top, and you can walk down, paths are well marked. There's also a ramp at the top where para-gliders and hang-gliders launch, great show! <BR>Typical of Germany there are lots of places to trek, but take a good pair of boots or shoes.

Linda

We contacted AVE Accommodations at [email protected] because they had better selection. The pension we got was perfect: Pension Balbin--clean, safe, 5-10 minute walk to just about anywhere, serve yourself breakfast, helpful English-speaking staff, shower & toilet in room for $35/night for 2. It is very popular so tell AVE what you need. They are very good.