Germany’s Romantic Road

We recommend a morning arrival at Frankfurt airport. After picking up your car rental, head to Würzburg. Known for its Baroque and Rococo style buildings, in particular, the 18th century “Residenz” palace, featuring magnificent rooms and a large fresco by Venetian artist Tiepolo. The city is very famous for its Franconian wines, so you will have plenty of choices when it comes to wine taverns, cellars, and wineries in the area.

Overnight in Würzburg

Tenon Recommends: Würzburger Hof or similar

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel. In the morning enjoy a guided stroll through the old town, leading to numerous sights. Starting with the stunning view from the Alte Mainbrücke to the fortress, to the famous “Käppele” and the surrounding vineyards. Then, you’ll stop by the Gothic Marienkapelle with the sandstone figures of Tilman Riemenschneider, the Falkenhaus with its magnificent rococo façade, the historic town hall, the Romanesque Kilian’s Cathedral or the Neumünster with the Lusam garden. Afterward, you will have a guided visit of the famous Würzburg Residence.

Overnight in Würzburg

Highlights Include: 3-hour private tour of Würzburg with entrance to Würzburg Residence

Tenon Recommends: Würzburger Hof or similar

After breakfast, continue your journey along the Romantic Road, via the stunning towns of Bad Mergentheim, Weikersheim, and Creglingen to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of the most famous and most beautiful towns in Germany.

In the evening, you can look forward to a very special tour accompanying the Rothenburg Night Watchman on his entertaining and informative rounds through the darkness. Follow him through dark alleyways and across dimly lit squares and enjoy the special mood of the town at night. Listen to his stories and find out how the people lived in the Middle Ages – a wonderful finale for your evening in Rothenburg.

Overnight in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Highlights Include: Private Nightwatchman tour in Rothenburg

Tenon Recommends: Reichsküchenmeister Hotel or similar

Time in the morning to explore more of Rothenburg. After lunch drive via Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen to Augsburg. Three very unique towns.

Dinkelsbühl is one of the best-preserved late medieval towns in Germany. It has stately church buildings, magnificent merchant houses, and rich half-timbered architecture.

Nördlingen is the only city in Germany with a completely preserved and all-around walkable city wall.

Augsburg is one of the oldest German cities, dating back to 15 B.C. the name is a remnant of its original Roman colony (Augusta Vindelicorum). It features medieval guild houses and an 11th-century cathedral.

Overnight in Augsburg

Highlights Include: Private walking tour of Rothenburg

Tenon Recommends: Augsburger Hof or similar

The day starts with a guided city tour of Augsburg.

In the old town, you will see buildings of different style periods, such as medieval guild houses, the Cathedral of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary from the 11th century, or the Basilica of St. Ulrich and Afra with its onion tower. Look forward to learning more about the Augsburg City Hall with its Golden Hall, which dates back to the Renaissance. The Fugger Houses, which served as the residence of the wealthy Fugger merchant family, and the Fuggerei, a social settlement dating from the 16th century. 

You’ll have the remainder of the day to explore and enjoy some delicious local beers and wines at a beer garden, or perhaps enjoy a traditional German dinner at the 17th-century Ratskeller.

Overnight in Augsburg

Highlights Include: Private tour of Augsburg

Tenon Recommends: Augsburger Hof or similar

In the morning depart toward Füssen, known as the romantic soul of Bavaria.

Situated directly at the foot of Neuschwanstein Castle and at an altitude of almost 2,600 feet, Füssen is also Bavaria’s highest town. Its late medieval town center with the High Castle and the St. Mang Monastery houses numerous art treasures and architectural monuments from almost 2000-year history.

Enjoy the region’s stunning landscape in the afternoon, with a light-guided hiking tour to the world-famous castle of Neuschwanstein (including an inside visit), and an exterior visit of the equally impressive Hohenschwangau Castle.

We recommend wearing comfortable and sturdy shoes for this tour.

Overnight in Füssen

Highlights Include: Tour of Neuschwanstein Castle with entrance included

Tenon Recommends: Schlosskrone Hotel or similar

The morning is free to explore the stunning region of Füssen on your own. Even though it is not the most direct route to Munich, we recommend heading to Garmisch-Partenkirchen for some spectacular views of the Alps and home to Germany’s highest peak, Zugspitze. (Note: This route requires a short crossing through the Austrian border, and most car rental companies require advance notice of any border crossings, even within the European Union).

Once you arrive in Munich, you will have dozens of choices for some refreshment and nourishment, but we recommend visiting one of the many beer gardens in the city. The most famous and perhaps most recommended is the Viktualienmarkt, where you can not only eat and drink until your heart is content, but is also a marvelous place for people watching. 

Overnight in Munich

Tenon Recommends: Hotel Excelsior or similar

There is no better way to discover Munich than on foot. Today we will take you on an informative and entertaining walk through the city and fill you in on Munich’s colorful history and culture. During this easy-paced walking tour, you will get to know all the key attractions and historical sites and you will hear the most famous and funny stories as well as lesser-known intriguing facts about Munich. During the tour, you will see famous sights, such as Marienplatz with the new town hall and its Glockenspiel, the old town hall, Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady), Odeons Square with Feldherrnhalle, and Theatinerkirche, Ludwigstrasse and the Siegestor, as well as Munich’s famous Residence and the Opera House.

Later, you’ll have free time to enjoy Munich’s countless shopping opportunities.

Overnight in Munich

Highlights Include: Private walking tour of Munich

Tenon Recommends: Hotel Excelsior or similar

Head to the Munich airport or continue onward to more adventures!