My husband & I will be attending a conference in Frankfurt mid-November. We have a couple of days at the end of the conference, and would like to travel somewhere else, spend 1 or 2 nights, and return to Frankfurt for our home flight. We were thinking of the Munich-Bavaria area. Other thought is to go to Salzburg (I've always wanted to do the Sound of Music tour). Is this do-able in such a short time? Best to rent a car or go by train? It's our first tript to Europe. Thank you,<BR>Nancy

I would suggest this:<BR><BR>1. Rent car and drive to Munich (one of my favorites). From Frankfurt you can drive there in about three hours. A little tip while driving on the autobahn....stay out of the left lane except to pass. If you are in the left lane and the car coming up from behind flashes their lights...get to the right lane. It is usually a BMW or Mercedes going 125 to 140 MPH!<BR><BR>2. Spend the afternoon and the next day in Munich.(Try Hotel Uhland)<BR><BR>3. Drive back to Frankfurt along the Romantic Strasse and stop in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. A really neat, walled medival city.<BR><BR>4. Drive back to Frankfurt that night for departure.<BR><BR>*** You could also substitute Salzburg for the RoMAntic Strasse by driving straight from Frankfurt to Salzburg, about 5 hours or so and then spend day two in Munich and drive at night back to Frankfurt.<BR><BR>Or you could just go straight to salzburg for two days. Try the Hotel Stiglbrau Zum Hirschen for good <BR><BR>Hope this helps,<BR><BR><BR>US

Since this is your first trip over, I would suggest leaving Salzburg and even Munich for another time. There is a lot to do in the surrounding area of Frankfurt. I would rent a car and head south. You could see Wurzburg or Rothenburg (which I would think you will get a lot of suggestions to see since it's your first time). You could also go to Heidelberg or drive through the Black Forest. You could drive along the Rhein and see several castles and ruins. You could go up to Koln. You could go out to Bamberg. The possibilities are really endless and each place really has a charm of its own. Driving here is really a cinch and you'll see so much more and be able to stop whenever you fancy. <BR>If Munich is really something you want to do, it is doable. Its about a 3 1/2 hour drive from Frankfurt - don't know about train time, but I would want to spend at least 3 full days there (including a stop at Dachau).

Since you only have 2 nights, head south to Wurzburg and Rothenburg. Very charming and easy for first timers. Or head NW to the Rhine(St.Goar/Bacharach)or Mosel. Neat castles and quaint villages. Don't wear yourselves out!!!

For such a short time, I would head to the Rhine and perhaps stay in Rudesheim (about a 45 minute drive). Fun town and you can pick up a boat for a Rhine cruise for a day with hop on/off. It was a highlight of my southern Germany trip. Any more info, feel free to e-mail me directly.

The Mosel Valley (IMHO much nicer than the Rhine).<BR>Rothenberg.<BR>Heidelberg.<BR>Munich (this would be my least favorite suggestion, but much favored over Salzburg.)

Nancy,<BR><BR>I agree with the other posters, however you said you wanted to see either Salzburg or Munich.<BR><BR>I would suggest as an alternative that you consider taking a KD boat up the Rhine and see the cathedral at Cologne. Then come back down the Rhine to Koblez and drive to Trier, the oldest city in Germany. <BR><BR>The drive down the Moselle is nicer than the Rhine. Be sure to stop in Coichem for wine tasting and then on to Burg Eltz one of the very best castles in all of Europe. In Trier be certain to see the Roman ruins.<BR><BR>US

I would NEVER advise anyone to drive on the first trip to Europe.Train it.Munich is fine.Take the full day trip (guided/tour bus)which visits Neuschawnstein(Ludwig's Castle),Oberramergau, and Linderhof(ANOTHER Ludwig castle!!).OR, train it to Salzburg.Stay at the Hotel Pitter,great location 5 minute walk to Mirabelle Palace, site of the "Do-Re-Me" from the movie.Dont take the "SOM" tour--no need.The VonTrapp House is almost right in town so your bubble may be burst!!Dont stretch yourselves too thin.That part of the world is just fabulous.

I respectfully disagree with Eric's comments regarding driving. Our first trip to Europe was to Germany. We drove with no difficulty. Just don't linger in the left lane on the autobahn.

I also disagree with Eric. Driving in Germany is a breeze compared to Spain - our first trip out of the US. Don't be afraid to drive!

Thanks to all who made suggestions! Just one more question. I will need to occupy myself during the day while my husband attends the conference. Can anyone suggest short day trips that I would feel safe going alone? I'm more interested in the coutryside than the museums and shopping in Frankfurt. Thanks in advance,<BR>Nancy

Depending on how you will be travelling, how many hours you will need to fill... there are tons of small towns with interesting sights. Aschaffenburg is a nice day trip with the schloss and altstadt. Michelstadt is a very quaint, very German town. Buedingen has a nice altstadt but it may be a bit further out than you would want to travel by yourself. Driving north towards Gelnhausen is nice countryside and Gelnhausen has a cute (and rather hilly) altstadt. Konigstein has a burg ruins that has a great view of the countryside and is interesting to walk through (not sure if it will be open in Nov. tho') I'm sure I've left out plenty of places.... alot will depend on how you want to get about.