jeff

I just spent about three weeks in these countries and had the best vacation ever! I started out in Paris, took the train to Chartres and picked up a car there. I drove through the Loire Valley and visited chateaux and vineyards. <BR> Then I drove to Burgundy and stayed at the Chateau Gilly just outside Beaune. I dropped off the car in Dijon and took the rail to Wengen, Switzerland. I got a Jungfrau Pass and went to the top of Europe. <BR> From there, I went to Innsbruck, Salzburg, Vienna; I had a wonderful time in Austria. Finally, I went to Germany and stayed at the Hotel Mueller. My room overlooked Neuschwanstein and it was spectacular. I picked up a car in Garmisch and toured Bavaria. The last stop was Rothenburg where I spent my last night before driving to Frankfurt, dropping off my car and flying home. <BR> This is a very brief overview. I saw many amazing things and I'm truly glad I went. I travelled with a friend and that went well too. <BR> Does anyone have any specific questions?

kk

Sounds like a wonderful trip, Jeff, and thanks for posting. I'd like to know which chateaux you visted in the Loire Valley and which were your favorites and why. <BR>I remember the Hotel Mueller, ate there before going up to see "mad" Ludwig's castle. Lovely memory.

Lori

Interested in hearing about Burgundy as I am visiting there in September. Did you tour any of the vineyards, did you need reservations anywhere? Restaurant suggestions are always appreciated too. I'm staying at the Chateau Chorey les Beaune. Can't wait.

jane

My family is traveling to Munich in July.We wanted to go see Neuschwanstein and Rothenburg. So my questions are: Is a trip inside the castle worth it? How do I get in touch with the Hotel Mueller? Where did you rent your car? What's to do in Rothenburg? And finally, How was the drive from Rothenburg to Frankfort?

Diane

I'll answer what I can. Don't know acout inside Neuschwanstein - but the hiking around it is beautiful, beware of the climbing. <BR>Rothenburg - shopping, walking the wall is a lot of fun, along with the area with cannons. Local pubs at night when the tourists are gone and it is more locals. Walks at night when lit up. Relaxing. <BR> <BR>Rothenburg to Frankfurt from my recollection about three hours and an easy ride on the autobahn.

Kay

A tour inside the castles shows you the murals, the intricate wood carvings, the gold decorations, etc. I think going inside is worth it if you want to see the scale and lavish decorating as well as learn more about the site from the tour guides. Just try to go early though if you are visiting during the summer so it won't be as crowded and you won't have to wait long.

Jeff

Hi kk, <BR> I visited Azay le Rideau, Usse, Chenonceau, Langeais, Chambord, and Chinon. My favorite by far was Chenonceau. I enjoyed all of them, but I was a little disappointed in Chambord. Architecturally Chambord is amazing, but there didn't seem to be much to see inside. I also enjoyed Azay le Rideau and Langeais. <BR> I stayed at a wonderful chateau near Langeais called the Chateau de Rochecotte and I highly recommend it. <BR> I also loved staying at Hotel Mueller and I ate at the restaurant. My room was very nice and even had a breakfast nook. I highly recommend it also. <BR> <BR>Hi Lori, <BR> Burgundy is a very beautiful part of France. Everywhere you look you see vineyards and beautiful ancient towns. The town of Autun was one of my favorites. My ultimate favorite was Beune. If you get a chance, definitely visit the hospices. They were very interesting. I didn't actually tour any vineyards, but I stopped along the road several times to take pictures and get a closer look. At the Chateau de Gilly, I stayed right by the Clos Vougeot. I hope you have a wonderful trip! You'll love Burgundy! <BR> <BR>Hi Jane, <BR> Yes, a trip inside the castle is definitely worth it. I was pleasantly surprised. Many people had said that they were disappointed in Neuschwanstein, so I wasn't expecting too much. The work that has been completed is amazing and worth seeing. I believe there are only twelve rooms completed, but I'm glad that I spent the money to see it. <BR> The Hotel Mueller has a website. Sometimes I've seen it spelled Muller. Their website is www.online-service.de/hotelmueller. Their e-mail is [email protected] <BR> In France I rented my car at Budget and in Germany, I rented from Avis. Avis was the best deal (Three days for $105.00). Rothenburg was a great place to end the trip. There isn't too much to do as far as sightseeing, but the town is an experience in itself. It is definitely worth visiting and you can choose to take the Nightwatch tour. I liked just walking around the town and stopping in all of the interesting stores. I particularly enjoyed the Christmas store. <BR> It is about 1 and 1/2 hour drive from Rothenburg to Frankfurt. I drove early in the morning because I had to catch my plane. You go to Wurzburg then take the Autobahn to Frankfurt from there. Traffic may vary depending on the time of day you travel. Have a great time! <BR> <BR> Thank you for your questions! I'll answer the others when I get back from the weekend. I'm flying to Memphis for the weekend and will be back Monday. Keep the questions coming! It helps keep the vacation fresh in my mind.

al

you are missing a bet. <BR>Book your car in the US and use Diners Club. they will coevr your insurance. <BR>I rented two weeks in Germany for $200, unlimited milage. Drop down south east of Munich and go to Lake Chemsie (spelling) and see Ludwigs (loose-wigs) <BR>reproduction of Versaille (spelling). It is awesome. Going back in Sept.

Beth

Hello, <BR>We only have time to do a 9 day tour of Switzerland or Greece. What did you think of Switzerland please? Thanks! Beth