Germany

8 Days / 7 Nights — The Rhine, Black Forest, Lake Constance, Bavaria, Romantic Road

Plenty of Old-World flavor: rarified and romantic, where the riches of centuries unfold before you in eight unforgettable days.

DAY 1 — Frankfurt, The Rhine

It's on the open road this morning from Frankfurt to the fabled Rhine. Follow the river past the castles of Burg Rheinstien and Burg Sooneck to Bacharach, which is famed for its half-timbered houses. You'll find striking scenery at every turn, but prepare yourself for spectacular view from the 1,000-year-old castle of Schonburg. Lodging: Burghotel auf Schonburg

DAY 2 — The Rhine

A full day to explore those "Castles on the Rhine" perched along both sides of the river. High above Braubach is the mighty Marksburg, the only castle-fortress in the entire Rhine Valley never to have been destroyed. Here you will find a great collection of armor as well as an interesting medieval garden. Lodging: Burghotel auf Schonburg

DAY 3 — Heidelberg and Black Forest

Depart this morning to romantic Heidelberg, site of music, castle and arts festivals and the international Easter egg market. Then travel to the ancient spa town of Baden Baden. The Romans made good use of the Baden Baden's healing springs and the remains of their bathing temples are still here. Continue deep into the Black Forest to the center of the clock making industry and the home of the cuckoo clock. Lodging: Hotel Belle Epoque

DAY 4 — Lake Constance

Continue your drive through the Black Forest to Lake Constance. The open road takes you to the famous "Rhine Falls" and then to the shores of the lake and your 11-room jewel. Settle in and discover the exquisite beauty of the lake from the elegant terrace. Lodging: Hotel Residenz Am See

DAY 5 — Bavaria

Take a leisurely trip this morning via the famous "Deutsche Alpenstrasse," traveling through the Germany's lush countryside. Your destination: the Bavarian Highlands and the Royal Castles built by "Mad King Ludwig." Your hotel provides a perfect setting for exploring this incredible area. Lodging: Hotel Muller

DAY 6 — Bavaria

You'll take a full day to explore the fairytale castles of Hohenschwangau, Neuschwanstein and Linderhof. Because Ludwig was the patron of Richard Wagner, the reminders are everywhere — Lohengrin, Tristan and Isolde, and the Ring of the Nibelungen all are indeed woven into the baric of all three castles. Nearby is the famous wood carver's village of Oberammergau where the Passion Play is performed once every 10 years. Lodging: Hotel Muller

DAY 7 — Rothenburg

You're off early by way of Augsburg and onto the "Romantische Strasse" — the Romantic Road. Here is the great highway of the medieval world. Along the way, visit the ancient, walled town of Nordlingen and Dinkelsbuhl before settling in at the famed Eisenhut, located in the center of this medieval masterpiece. Lodging: Hotel Eisenhut

It's hard to be vegetarian in Europe, especially in Germany. But our chauffeur did an excellent job at helping us find restaurants that suited our diet.

DAY 8 — Frankfurt

Leave Rothenburg in the morning via the old trading towns of Mittenberg and Michelstadt, and through the beautiful Neckar Valley to Heidelberg. As the oldest university town in Germany, Heidelberg has been enlivened by students since 1336. Visit the great castle with the largest, wooden wine barrel in the world, as well as the inn of the "Student Prince." Take the short drive back to Frankfurt where the adventure ends and the memories begin.

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