We will be flying into Frankfort and driving through Germany for 2 weeks, then ending up in Vienna for 1 week. Our total time is 3 weeks. We have a 9-year old boy with us. We don't plan on making any reservations until we hit Vienna. We would like to travel the Romantic Road. Any suggestions? Never been there. We need help with sights, restuarant, places to stay, agenda. Thanks

What time of the year will you be going? That will have an influence on what's available, or easy to get to. If you can describe a little more about what your interests are, and what type of accomodations you will be looking for,I'll try to help with the Germany part. We landed in Frankfurt, drove around for two weeks, and departed from Munich this past May.

Much to see in the area, though two weeks may be a bit more than needed, depending on your interests. <BR> <BR>Many of the villages along the Romantic Road are a bit overpromoted in my opinion. Rothenburg being a sure exception. Though even it is worth no more than one night including two half days or so. <BR> <BR>Nearby you may find Iphofen a charming stop for an overnight and a few hours. It's straight out of the middle ages in many respects and unspoiled by many tourists, certainly few North Americans. (http://twenj.com/bavaria.htm) <BR> <BR>Futher south you'll find much more of interest including Muenich, Ludwig's castles (all worth a visit) and small sights like Wieskirche and more. <BR> <BR>You'll find some added info on the area at the URL cited above, including a few places to eat and stay.

I agree with the previous comments on the Romantic Road -- but don't miss Fuessen and Neuscwanstein at the southern end either. My 9-year old's jaw dropped out of her skull here. Wurzburg's Residenz palace is a very worthwhile visit north of Rothenburg, and not far from Iphofen. <BR> <BR>Other places in Bavaria my family loved: The Ammersee lake southwest of Munich (Herrsching and the nearby Kloster Andechs Monastery/brewery/terrace restaurant); the towns of Weissenburg, Eichstaett, and Pappenheim in the Altmuehltal valley, about half way between Munich and Nuremberg (bike riding along the Altmuehl River, one or two places where you can dig your own fossils, terrific history and architecture here too); and the Berchtesgaden area for it's mountain splendor (sort of on the way to Salzburg and Austria.) <BR> <BR>We regretted not renting a place in Bavaria for a week and doing daytrips. We did so on Lake Konstanz, which worked out very well, especially with our daughter (fully equipped apartment, 2 bedrooms, about $40 per night, a place to hang out and call home for a while without the pack/unpack routine) but I think northern Bavaria might lend itself to such a stay too. I have a few resources I brought back with me on this if you'd like to e-mail me.

Donna, <BR>When you will be traveling to Bavaria raises a critical concern, particularly with regard to accommodations. The Passion Play will be performed from spring until early fall in Oberammergau. This is an event that is held once every ten years. It draws huge numbers of tourists and pilgrims and will particularly do so in the milennial year. This could well cause problems for you in finding accommodations; particularly if you haven't reserved in advance. Tell us when, specifically you intend to travel. I can provide you with some interesting itineraries in Bavaria and off the Romantic Road encompassing Alpine lakes, castles, monasteries, Baroque architecture and of course the Alps. Email me directly if you'd like. You might want to consider eastern Bavaria, Salzburg, Hallstatt and St. Wolfgang or St. Gilgen on the Wolfgansee as alternatives to Bavaria. In any case, feel free to contact me directly.

Listen to Wes, Donna. He was a great help to us during our trip last month to Germany where we travelled to Rhine River, Mosel River, Romantic Road to Rothenburg. At his suggestion, we purchased Michelen maps 417 and 419. Incredible detail with scenic routes outlined in green. In Rothenburg, we stayed at Hotel Gerberhaus (email [email protected]) We were thrilled with Rothenburg, be sure to take the 8pm Night Watchman Tour. Please feel free to email us for info. <BR>

In the Romntic Road, I absolutely loved the town of Dinkelsbuhl, straight out of a Brothers Grimm story, the ultimate gingerbread town sourrounded by medieval walls and towers. <BR> <BR>I would had LOVED to be 9 years the first time I saw that town. Magical.