Two of us (50ish women) with car plan 14-day trip to Germany and Austria in June '05. We're "first-timers" and would appreciate any feedback on this tentative itinerary: fly into Frankfurt from Atlanta; 2 nights in Bacharach or St. Goar (or somewhere in the Rhein area); 2 nights in Rothenburg; 3 nights in Fussen or Reutte; 2 nights in Salzburg; 2 nights in Hallstatt; and 2 nights in Munich and fly out of there. We could spend one more night in one of these. Any suggestions from experienced travelers out there??

I just got back from a similar drive and can offer the following:

Three nights in Fussen seems excessive. Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein can be done in half a day, and the lake is very beautiful, but that's about it for the charms of the area. I had intended to stay two nights, but left after the first night, once I had seen the castles.

I attempted to use the Deutsche Alpenstrasse to drive from Fussen to Berchtesgaden. This is touted as being one of the most scenic drives in Europe (http://homes.tiscover.com/project/al...e/f_index.html). It is nice, but eventually I ended up hopping on the autobahn. Spent one night in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which had good views of the surrounding mountain ranges, good restaurants, and a variety of hotels.

Stayed two nights in Berchtesgaden, at the Vier Jahreszeiten (Four Seasons) which had amazing views of the spectacular Bavarian Alps. Saw Salzburg as a daytrip out of there (a mere 15 miles away).

Before driving in Germany, check out this site:
http://home.att.net/~texhwyman/auto.htm

Cheers!

Just a monir note of "etiquette" here (more like "customary procedure&quot.

You should have posted the follwing as a "reply to yourself" - - not a reason to start a new "thread":

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post script to "How's this itinerary"

Author: moatenote
Date: 06/05/2004, 06:37 pm

Message: I should add that we're mostly interested in scenic views, low stress.

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If you didn't know how to find your original post ("this" one) - - it's as easy as clicking on your own name.

Best wishes,

Rex

This sounds like a lovely itinerary. How about taking a night off of Fussen and put it together with your spare night for two nights in Berchtesgaden? Berchtesgaden with its nearby Konigsee is spectacular. By the way, I certainly vote for Bacharach as your Rhine stop, but I'm wondering if you've considered the Mosel instead of the Rhine. I'm thinking it might fit your low stress, aesthetic preferences better.

Thanks to everyone who helped me with this question. Sounds like we definitely need to go to Berchtesgaden
Derekflint--I tried the two web sites you listed (they sounded like something that would be helpful). Neither one would come up for me. Have you visited them recently?