Help with Germany,Austria,Switzerland Itinerary
 

My husband and I are flying in/out of Frankfurt in early Spring and have approximately 10 days to see Germany, maybe Switzerland and Austria. I really don't know where to start because I want to see it all and know that is impossible.

We definitely want to see Munich, the Rhine or other scenic river, the black forest but also have a strong desire to go to Vienna and Lucerne. I've already scratched Prague off my list because I know that would be impossible. We can, if we must, stretch the trip to 14 days, but must fly in/out of Frankfurt.

I know this will be a busy whirlwind trip of 1-2 night stays. I just need to know how to do it (train, car, fly or combination of all). Yes, I already know we are crazy!

Grab a few cheap flights asap, i.e. Munich to Cologne for 20€. Saves a lot of time.

http://www.swoodoo.de/

Thanks for the tip Logos. I forgot to say I also need help planning an itinerary. What would be the best route? If we can see other places/cities along the way, all the better.

You could do something like fly Munich-Cologne (20€), Cologne-Vienna (30€), Vienna-Zurich (30€) and explore the areas by train.

But there are just too many options. Flying saves a lot of time and money.

With 10 days, keep it simple:
Rothenburg
Munich
Salzburg
Bavaria castles

That is a full 10 days.

I would definitely investigate the Eurail Select Saverpass good in 3 contries - Germany, Austria and Switzerland for such an itinerary.

And if traveling between Mar 1 and May 31, 2009 there is an especially nice special going on if you buy your pass before Nov 30, 2008 - you get two free days over a 6- and 8-day pass. Pass prices and tons of info of objective info on train travel in these countries i always refer you to: www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com - sites that have lots more info than just the usual pass prices and an add to cart option. These two sites will give you all you need to know about a rail trip, which i highly recommend - esp since you are going to cities mainly.

Thanks everyone for your helpful replies. The rail pass sounds like a great deal.

Are there any places that should not be missed?