Rothenburg & Northern Bavaria 3-Day

This 3-day itinerary takes you north and west from Munich into the heart of medieval Germany along the Romantic Road — the legendary 350-kilometer trade route connecting some of the country's best-preserved walled towns, fairytale castles, and baroque palaces.

Day one travels Bavaria's famous Romantic Road west toward Augsburg, stopping at the 900-year-old medieval Harburg Castle that has never been damaged by war. Continue to Dinkelsbuhl, another fully fortified town, for lunch. The day culminates in Rothenburg ob der Tauber — a town enclosed within medieval ramparts with countless towers, ancient houses, fountains, cobbled lanes, hidden corners, and ornate street signs that make you feel like you just jumped back into the 16th century. In the evening, join the town's world-famous nightwatchman tour.

Day two offers further exploration of Rothenburg — the church of St. Jakob, the criminal museum, markets, and legendary Christmas stores. Then the Romantic Road continues to Wurzburg on the Main River, home to the Wurzburg Residenz: a superb baroque palace, one of the biggest in Germany, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site built between 1720 and 1744. Napoleon called it the nicest parsonage in Europe. The palace features an extraordinary staircase, frescoes by Tiepolo, the Hofkirche, and formal gardens. Stroll along the banks of the Main River before returning to Rothenburg for dinner.

Day three visits Ulm, the birthplace of Albert Einstein and home of the world's tallest church — the Ulmer Minster — with an optional tower climb for breathtaking views. Continue to Augsburg and the Fuggerei, the oldest social housing complex in the world, founded in 1516 by the prosperous Fugger family. Return to Munich by late afternoon.