Hello everyone. I am narrowing my itinerary down now, and here's where I'm at. <BR> <BR>I fly into Frankfurt, and immediately head to the Rhine river area (Mainz, Koblenz, etc.) Then I plan to go to Prague, but want to stop somewhere between Frankfurt and Prague. Any Suggestions? It would be for one day, I was thinking Wurzburg. Then after prague, I head for Vienna area for 4 days, and then off to Salzburg for two days then to Munich for two days(I cut it down from three), then to Innsbruck for a day. After that, venice for four days. From venice, take a long train trip to Interlaken and the berner oberland region for four days (Should I do three?) , then to to Luzern for 2 days, and Zurich for one. Leaving me with FOUR days to get back to Frankfurt. I need two cities to visit, any suggestions? <BR>I was thinking; <BR> <BR>1) Basel <BR>2) Baden-Baden <BR>3) Cologne <BR>4) What about Luxembourg? <BR> <BR>Thank you

I think Wuerzberg would be a perfect one day stop on your way to Prague. It is a beautiful little city on the Main River. The Bishops Residense is exquisite and just walking around the old downtown area with its ancient (smallish) churches is a treat. It is a very untouristy place, esp. off season. I would recommend the Hotel Walfisch, and ask for a riverview room. That way you will be able to look out across the river to the fortress, lit up until midnight, beyond. That was my very first experience of Germany and I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Enjoy!

I would take a couple of those days at the end and add them to the beginning and go directly to Berlin for at least a couple of days--outstanding city with so much history and things to see and do. Prague is just a 4 1/2 hour train ride from there & is well worth the time.

Thanks for the responses, please keep um' coming. What do some other people think about Berlin, is it worth the train trip from Frankfurt area to get there? I've heard much of the city is under construction, and I am not interested in visiting a "industrial" sort of city, where business is the focus. I might have the wrong view of Berlin, but that's what i've gotten from the books. I've heard some good things about Luxembourg City, so I plan to use two days there, on the final two days of the trip, before heading back to Frankfurt.

George, what are you interested in seeing/doing? I just returned from three weeks in Germany and got to visit some new (to me) areas as well as the old standards. You are correct, Berlin is a hoppin' place, and every street has construction going on. However, the castles/churches (Sans Souci in Potsdam, Charlottenburg, Berliner Dom, etc.) alone would take 2+ days to see. We spent 2 days in Berlin and needed more, even though I am not a big-city person. I wish we had spent more time in Dresden, also in the throes of renovation, and in Eisenach, where we stayed above the city at Wartburg castle, which was incredibly peaceful and scenic. I would certainly recommend that as a stop. Eisenach is an easy reach halfway between Frankfurt and Berlin, but I hasten to add that we were driving and I would have to research train connections. I think two days in Salzburg is a lot, but that may be my city-prejudice again. Two days in Munich is plenty, even though I do like that big city with the small-town personality. Lux City might be interesting, esp. if you want to tour the city walls, but it's a big, international banking center city and I would personally favor one of the outlying smaller towns in Luxembourg - perhaps Vianden. Even better, stay in a fascinating and beautiful city: Trier, just a few kilometers west, which has the Mosel, Roman monuments and good museums. For sure I wouldn't go west before going east... save the Rhine for your last day or two. Post back if you have any questions and I'll be glad to try to help, but it's really useful for us if you to tell a little about what you want to see - why do you pick only cities, for example? And do you like concerts, museums, castles, hiking, shopping, winetasting? Maybe we can come up with some ideas that will "fit" your hopes for the trip.

ANN, could you tell me more about your experience in Eisenach and Wartburg Castle? I was only able to drive by them on my last visit and I almost fell out of the car with longing as we whizzed by the castle that I could see from the autobahn. <BR>Where exactly did you stay? Do you have web sites, etc. etc.?

Kay, was happy to receive your email at my home address and have responded. Now that I've gotten a couple other questions, I'm feeling guilty that I didn't just post a quick itinerary so if anyone else is interested in anything we just experienced, they can ask. Will do that next. Cheers...

George: You may want to consider spending a couple of days in Alsace, including Strasbourg. This can be done on your trip between Zurich and Frankfurt. Another idea: If you can insert extra days in the middle of your itinerary, consider the Dolomites on your way from Innsbruck to Venice. If you prefer cities, consider the gems Bolzano and Merano, also right on the way from Innsbruck to Vienna.