South of Germany Self-Drive Tour. Scenic areas, romantic towns, and beautiful castles and palaces—this tour includes many of the highlights in Germany South!
Nordlingen ©Romantische Straße Touristik Arbeitsgemeinschaft GbR
Price per Person
| two sharing a double room | one in a single room | three sharing a triple room |
| US $ 2,029 | US $ 3,779 | US $ 1,729* |
*includes an upgrade from an executive to a luxury-size car.
The beautifully designed Self-drive tour takes you from/to Munich International Airport to Munich, into the Alp Mountains to the Royal Castles (Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace), along the German Alpine Road to Lake Constance, into the Black Forrest and to Triberg, to Heidelberg, along the Castle Road to Rothenburg ob der Tauber and along the Romantic Road to Nordlingen (see the tableau this is already included in the price of your tour). Here you also find everything else that is included: rental car, tours and admissions.
Would you like to submit your personal information so we can check availability for your specific travel dates for this beautiful tour? On our BOOKING INQUIRY page you find a form which you may use to forward your personal information:
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DAY 1 Munich
Pick up your rental car (GPS included) at Munich International Airport and to your hotel located in the City Center. Enjoy the rest of the day with sightseeing in Munich ! The price of your South of Germany Self-Drive Tour already includes admission to many sights in Munich (Munich Residence and Residence Museum, Treasury, Cuvilliés-Theatre, Hall of Fame and Statue of Bavaria, Nymphenburg Palace and Park, Marstallmuseum, Museum of Nymphenburg Porcelain) and with your tour package you will also receive walking suggestions for a self-guided walking tour through Munich City Center.
Munich Town Hall ©Thomas H. Giesick and Linderhof Palace ©Softeis via Wikimedia Commons
Along this walking tour you will visit the Marienplatz with the New Town Hall (with the “Glockenspiel”), the Konigsplatz (King´s Square), cultural center in the 19th century and later, during the “Third Reich”, site of Nazi Party mass rallies and location of the Nazi Party headquarters in Germany, the English Garden as well as the the State Opera House. You will be able to visit famous churches like Munich Frauenkirche, “Dom zu Unserer Lieben Frau (Cathedral of Our Dear Lady), with a height of 325 ft. a Munich landmark, St. Peters Church, built in the 14th century and the Asam Church, which was built as a private chapel and integrated into an apartment building. The tour will pass by the most famous Munich shopping streets (Kaufinger street and Neuhauser street) as well as by the “Viktualienmarkt”, a traditional farmers market (open every day except on Sundays). The tour will take you by the famous “Alois Dallmayr” luxury delicatessen and coffee store as well as to the Hofbrauhaus of course, probably the world’s most popular beer hall. This may be a great place to enjoy a hearty dinner and a fresh Mass of beer (one mug holds 33.8 US fl oz)!
DAY 2 Linderhof Palace and Hohenschwangau
In the morning enjoy a scenic drive towards the German Alp Mountains and visit Linderhof Palace and Park in Ettal on your way (about 100 kilometers/60 miles from Munich) to Hohenschwangau. Linderhof Palace was King Ludwig II´s Villa and the only building he totally completed during his lifetime. You may also stop in Oberammergau before you continue your drive on your way from Munich to Linderhof Palace where you can take a look at the “Passionstheater Oberammergau” (site where the famous Passion plays are taking place once in a decade).
On your way to Hohenschwangau you will drive through the Austrian Alp Mountains for a little while before returning back to Germany. You may consider to take a break in Reutte to follow the “footsteps of a Knight” at the Museum located at Ehrenberg Castle. The exhibition at the Castle focuses on the medieval period of history.
DAY 3 Neuschwanstein Castle, Fussen, Lindau and Lake Constance
Start the 3th day of your South of Germany Self-Drive Tour with a visit of Neuschwanstein Castle. The picture of Neuschwanstein is probably present in everybody’s mind. Be prepared that reality will surpass all pictures and imaginations: Neuschwanstein seems to be taken out of a fairy tale! Seeing the castle from the outside is unforgettable, a tour of the insight, which was originally built for the one famous inhabitant Ludwig II (admission included), will make the picture perfect! Make sure to take some time to explore the castle grounds and the amazing view of Neuschwanstein from the bridge!
Neuschwanstein Castle ©Romantische Straße Touristik Arbeitsgemeinschaft GbR and Black Forest ©Thomas H. Giesick
Before you head west towards Lake Constance you may want to follow the Romantic Road for a short drive (30 minutes) to visit the World famous Pilgrimage Church of ‘Flagellated Savior in the Meadow’, a late work of the brothers Dominikus and Johann Baptist Zimmermann. The “Wieskirche” is located near the small town of Steingaden.
From Hohenschwangau drive to Füssen and follow the German Alpine Road to Lindau Island – located at Lake Constance. Along the Alpine Road you will pass the cities of “Lindenberg”, Oberstaufen, Immenstadt and Bad Hindelang. With a short detour it is also possible to visit the Duke-Abbot´s Residence in the city of Kempten (admission included – closed on Mondays!).
The scenic Old Town of Lindau is built on an island which is connected to the main land by a bridge. Lindau’s famous harbour, which is still regarded today as the most attractive anywhere on Lake Constance, was completed in 1856. The 6m high monument with the lion looking over the lake is located at the port entrance. It is a work by the sculptor Johann von Halbing. The Bavarian heraldic emblem flanks the harbor entrance together with the 33m high lighthouse. Thousands of lights create a magical harbor atmosphere.
Visit the historic Town Hall with its colorful facade which was first built 1422-36 and re-built in Renaissance style in 1578. The oldest building in Lindau is the “Peterskirche” (Church of St. Peter) which was built 1100 and is situated next to the Church of St. Stephan (built 1180).
DAY 4 Triberg and Black Forest
Drive from Lindau along the shores of Lake Constance towards Friedrichshafen and on to Castle Meersburg which is the oldest inhabited Castle in Germany. After visiting Castle Meersburg continue to Basilika Birnau. The pilgrimage church is located above beautiful vineyards from where you can enjoy a stunning view of Lake Constance.
Follow the road along Lake Constance toward Donaueschingen. In Donauesching you might want to visit the source of the River Danube, the so-called “Karstaufstoßquelle”. It has been identified as the historical source of the Danube ever since the Roman general Tiberius visited it in 15 BC. The source is framed in a romantic wrought iron basin, which lies in the palace grounds right next to the Prince of Fürstenberg’s Palace.
From Donaueschingen you need another 50 minutes to Triberg. When people tell you they are going to go visit the Black Forest, chances are pretty good they mean they are headed to Triberg. In a region that is laden with tourist attractions, there is none that compares to this small city in the centre of the Black Forest! Deep in the heart of the Black Forest, Triberg is home to the highest waterfall in the country. After your visit of the waterfall you might want to visit one of the most beautiful churches in the Black Forest, the Wallfahrtskirche Maria in der Tannen (Church of Our Lady of the Fir Trees). It is located on the western edge of town, just a 10-minute walk from the center. Triberg also claims to be the birthplace of the cuckoo clock, so if you’re in the market for a traditional timepiece, this is the place to find it. Nearly every restaurant and café offers the famous Schwarzwalder Torte (Black Forest Cake). Give it a try!
DAY 5 Black Forest and Heidelberg
From Triberg follow the scenic “Schwarzwaldhochstrasse” (Black Forest Mountain Road) to Freudenstadt. In Freudenstadt you will find Germany´s largest market square. Along the way you will find scenic places to stop and enjoy the views of the Black Forest. Continue on to Baden-Baden. The exclusive thermal spa resort is located at the foothills of the Black Forest in the south-western part of Germany. With its elegant flair and stylish way of life, Baden-Baden is a paradise for those who cherish life’s pleasures and wish to recharge their batteries.
Heidelberg Castle ©Wowox via Wikimedia Commons and Rothenburg ob der Tauber ©Romantische Straße Touristik Arbeitsgemeinschaft GbR
From Baden-Baden it takes about an hour to Heidelberg. Your South of Germany Tour package includes a suggestion for a walking tour through the Old Town, a “must do” – of course – is a visit of the ruins of Heidelberg Castle which is idyllically towering above the Old Town located at the Neckar River. If you do not want to take the walk up there is also a mountain train which you could take. From the Castle you have a beautiful view over the city and the Neckar River. The historic Old Town is a lively city with many students living there. In your tour information sheets you will find a recommendation where to go for a typical dinner.
DAY 6 Castle Road and Rothenburg ob der Tauber
In the morning of Day 6 of your South of Germany Self-Drive Tour drive from Heidelberg along the Castle Road to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of Germany`s most beautiful medival cities. You enjoy a scenic drive along the shores of the Neckar River and you may want to consider to visit Castle Guttenberg and Grosscomburg Monastery located in the town of Schwäbisch Hall along the way.
Taking a walk thru the charming little town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is truly a journey back in time. The town once was a powerful free imperial town and its monuments, landmarks and buildings still bear witness to these days. Marvel at the half-timbered buildings and at town walls which have stood for hundreds of years, protecting the city since the Middle Ages. Visit the town’s most famous spot, the Ploenlein square, probably the most photographed place in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Also very interesting to see is the Spitalbastei Gate, created by Leonhard Weidmann, the Latin inscription on the gate reading: ” Peace to those who enter, health to those who leave”. The Gothic St. James Church is the town’s most prominent church, here you can take a minute and relax in quietness while you enjoy the beauty of the famous Altar of the Holy Blood and the Twelve Apostles Altar. Every step you take in this old town is a step thru history with yet another beautiful spot to be discovered around the corner.
Rothenburg also offers museums which are cultural highlights, such as the Doll and Toy Museum where the history of playthings is shown, as well as the Crime Museum, where the visitor gets an insight into the law and especially its execution during the last 700 years. A highlight will be the English-speaking tour with the Night Watchman which starts at 8pm (included).
Wurzburg Residenz ©Romantische Straße Touristik Arbeitsgemeinschaft GbR, Bamberg New Palace and Rose Garden ©BAMBERG Tourismus & Kongress Service and Imperial Castle Nuremberg ©Thomas H. Giesick
DAY 7 Day Trip to Wurzburg, Bamberg and Nuremberg
Follow the Romantic Road via Creglingen (Riemenschneider Altar in the Church of the Lord), Weikersheim (Renaissance Palace and Garden) and Bad Mergentheim (you might want to visit the market place) to Würzburg where your hotel is located in the Old Town. The city is idyllically located in the midst of vineyards, with the medieval Fortress Marienberg towering above. Wurzburg is an old bishop’s seat and a lively town, proudly presenting monuments of different eras. Culture, art, history and hospitality are ever-present in this remarkable city! Fortress Marienberg (admission included), Wurzburg´s landmark, has of course changed its appearance a great deal since it was first mentioned, today the oldest part of the fortress is the “Rundkirche” (round church) which was built in the year one thousand. The Cathedral, the Marienkapelle, the “Alte Mainbrucke” (old bridge across the river Main ), the Juliusspital and the “Kappele” are musts, but make sure that you do not miss out on the “Furstbischofliche Residenz“, Prince Bishops Residence (admission included). This “Palace above all Palaces” is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy this beautiful town which offers not only cultural but also culinary highlights such as the hearty cuisine and, of course, the world famous Frankenwein (Franconia wine!).
After one hour drive you will get to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city of Bamberg. Bamberg is a rarity even by German standards, as the basic fabric of the Old Town is largely obtained, over one thousand (!) buildings are land marked. A highlight in Bamberg is the New Residence and Rose Garden (admission included in your Central Germany Self-drive Tour & Cruise package). Construction of the New Residence began in 1613 and the palace has over 40 state rooms featuring stucco-work ceilings, furniture and tapestries from the 17th and 18th centuries. Another main attraction in Bamberg is the Imperial Cathedral which was built in the 13th century. Take a look at the magnificent marble tomb of the founder and his wife, a masterpiece of the German sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider. And do not miss to take a look at the Bamberg Horseman. This statue most likely dates to the period from 1225 to 1237.
From Bamberg it takes about 45 minutes to Nuremberg. The city’s history reaches back to the year 1050, its name “nourenberc” translating into “rocky hill”. Nuremberg has Nuremberg’s famous landmark, the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle, admission included), towers above the Old town, which is protected by the 5 kilometers long city wall with its many towers. The historic flair of Nuremberg with the Old Town surrounded by historic City Walls and the impressive Imperial Castle (which has never been conquered) let Adolf Hitler during the Third Reich choose Nuremberg as the location for their Nazi Party Rally Grounds. Within the monumental Congress Hall a museum and documentation center opened in 2001. Its permanent exhibition “Faszination und Gewalt” (Fascination and Terror) is concerned with the causes, connections, and consequences of the Nazi movement in Germany. If you are interested to visit the Rally Grounds you may also take a look at our blog “Documentation Center Nazi Rally Grounds”.
When exploring the beauty of Nuremberg’s mediaeval Old Town one can start at the Koenigstor (“Kingsgate”), from where the timber framed buildings, the Gothic Church of St.Lawrence and the Church of St.Sebaldus can be easily reached by foot. Right next to the Koenigstor there is the Handwerkerhof (craft center), here you will feel like you are back in the medieval times, there are craft workshops like they used to have a long time ago as well as a gingerbread bakery. Make sure to enjoy a Nuremberg Bratwurst along with a beer or a glass of Frankenwein. In the evening drive back to your hotel in medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Dinkelsbuhl und Nordlingen ©Romantische Straße Touristik Arbeitsgemeinschaft GbR
DAY 8 Romantic Road to Dinkelsbuhl and Nordlingen
Continue your South of Germany Self-Drive Tour through Bavaria and follow the Romantic Road towards Nördlingen. Driving time to Nördlingen is just about 1.5 hours and you will have plenty of time to visit some of the small towns along your way. On this part of the Romantic Road you find Schillingsfurst (you may want to visit the baroque Castle), Feuchtwangen as well as the former Free Imperial Town of Dinkelsbuhl with its charming Old Town. The historical old town with 16 towers, fortifications and magnificent patrician buildings is under a preservation order. The most important sights include the Minster of St. Georg, one of Germany´s most beautiful late Gothic hall churches, the ‘Weinmarkt‘ (wine market), the ‘Deutsches Haus’, the old hospital, the town mill and the picturesque ‘Rothenburger’ pond alongside the town wall. From Dinkelsbuhl follow the Romantic Road via Wallersteinto Nordlingen. Your hotel is located within the Old Town. The former Free Imperial Town of Nordlingen still has an almost complete medieval townscape. It is the only town in Germany with walls and battlements that can be walked all the way round. The historical old town is dominated by its landmark, the late Gothic hall Church of St. George, with its 90 m high bell tower ‘Daniel‘, which can be climbed 365 days a year.
DAY 9 Munich International Airport
It takes a little less than two hours from Nördlingen to Munich Int. Airport.
If you have some more time that day before your departure you may follow the Romantic Road southbound to Augsburg (a little less than an hour from Nördlingen) and you may want to visit Donauwörth along the way. From Augsburg you need a little over an hour to Munich International Airport.
Please let us know if you would like to extend your stay in Munich by adding a night or two – we will be happy to arrange this for you. Please also contact us in case you would like to extend your car rental and/or if you would like to return the car at a different location within Germany. Munich is a great city which definitely deserves an extra day’s visit!
Would you like to download an overview of the 9 Day South of Germany Self-Drive Tour (9S01) as a pdf to print it out or to forward it to a friend? Please download it right here:This is already included in the price of your tour
| Day 1 - Munich Int. Airport to Munich/ Munich | King's Hotel First Class (or similar if not available) | Executive size class Rental car with automatic transmission and GPS and a comprehensive insurance package for the duration of your tour, Admission to Residence Museum & Treasury, Cuvilliés-Theatre, Hall of Fame and Statue of Bavaria, Nymphenburg Palace and Park, Marstallmuseum and Museum of Nymphenburg Porcelain |
| Day 2 - Munich to Linderhof Palace and Hohenschwangau/ Hohenschwangau | Hotel Müller(or similar if not available) | Buffet breakfast at your hotel in Munich, Admission to Linderhof Palace & Park (Ettal) |
| Day 3 - Hohenschwangau to Neuschwanstein Castle and Lindau/ Lindau | Adara Boutique Hotel (or similar if not available) | Buffet breakfast at your Hotel in Hohenschwangau, Admission to Neuschwanstein Castle (Hohenschwangau) |
| Day 4 - Lindau to the Black Forest and Triberg/ Triberg | Best Western Hotel Schwarzwald-Residenz (or similar if not available) | Buffet breakfast at your Hotel in Lindau |
| Day 5 - Triberg to Heidelberg/ Heidelberg | Hotel Holländer Hof (or similar if not available) | Buffet breakfast at your Hotel in Triberg |
| Day 6 - Heidelberg to Rothenburg ob der Tauber/ Rothenburg ob der Tauber | Hotel Markusturm (or similar if not available) | Buffet breakfast at your Hotel in Heidelberg, 60-minute English-speaking walking tour with the Night-Watchman |
| Day 7 - Day Trip to Wurzburg, Bamberg and Nuremberg | Hotel Markusturm (or similar if not available) | Buffet breakfast at your Hotel in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Admission to the Wurzburg Residence and Marienberg Fortress in Wurzburg, Admission to the New Residence and the Rose Garden in Bamberg, Admission to the Imperial Castle in Nuremberg |
| Day 8 - Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Noerdlingen/ Noerdlingen | Kaiserhof Hotel Sonne (or similar if not available) | Buffet breakfast at your Hotel in Rothenburg ob der Tauber |
| Day 9 - Noerdlingen to Munich Int. Airport/ Munich Int. Airport | no hotel needed | Buffet breakfast at your Hotel in Noerdlingen, Rental car return |
The tour package we provide includes a day by day itinerary as well as all tickets, vouchers and information necessary to enjoy a great independent tour. It also contains general information about the cities you visit which you can downloaded from our website once your tour is confirmed.
This is not included in the price of your tour
- Airfare from/to your origin to/from Germany
- all meals other than breakfast (which is included)
- gratuities (tips)
- parking fees
You have booked the tour already and would like to download the to-europe tour package for this tour now? Please download them right here:
5-Days Romantic Road Self-Drive Tour Just to say we thoroughly enjoyed our trip, the weather was lovely and the towns and villages very pretty and interesting. We especially liked the Hotel Spitzweg and the charming owner. The car was great, and the SAT NAV fantastic! Have not used one before but just great to whizz into a town and be taken to the door. All in all, a great trip and thank you again for organising everything for us.– Anne H.
We are fortunate to have travelers from all over the world on our pre-packaged tours and we would love to have your feedback! If you have been traveling along this tour with us please leave us a review below – we greatly appreciate your time! (your Email address will not be displayed)
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For my 60th birthday, I wanted to plan my dream trip to Germany. This trip would be special to visit the birthplace of my grand father in the Black Forest and wanted to include a Rhine river cruise, some castles, Oktoberfest, and also a few days in Austria to visit Salzburg and Vienna Where I wanted to have a Sound of Music tour and visit the Spanish riding school. After much research online, I found TO-EUROPE and was so impressed with a quick response from Thomas as to how he could customize this trip for me. Their communication was prompt and efficient and the tour was laid out perfectly with all wonderful hotels and recommendations. All we had to do was follow the checklist and itinerary, and, everything went off without a hitch. I would highly recommend and will definitely use them again in the future.
Communication from beginning to end was exceptional! A dream to work with - even customizing our trip so we could add an additional adventure to our road trip. They thought of every detail and found us some adorable hotels we probably would not have found on our own! Wonderful itinerary and the car was great because we had flexibility to visit towns on our own timetable. I can't imagine planning this without them!. Would ABSOLUTELY use again and would highly recommend! Thank you.
We had been told by others who had used "to-europe" that this was a no miss for planning and enjoying a vacation in Germany. They were absolutely correct. From the planning stages through the pre-trip preparation and the actual visit, the "to-europe" staff were attentive to our wishes, thorough in their explanation, and extremely responsive before, during, and after the trip.
We extended our stay to 11 days by requesting a train excursion from Munich to Salzburg, Austria then returning to Munich we picked up our rental car and were off on our adventure through southern Germany. The "to-europe" staff had our days planned with just enough scheduled events with plenty of time for travel and "free time" that we never felt rushed and were able to enjoy the full experience while in Germany. The accommodations each evening were very nice and located with easy access to the city in which we were staying.
We look forward to the next time we visit Europe and will definitely work with "to-europe" again.
We were very satisfied with our 5 day tour that To Europe Tours put together around a wedding we were attending. Visited Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Fussen & castles and Lindau. All hotels and all staff at them were excellent. The car with automatic and GPS was great, but the wait to rent the car at Avis (Frankfurt airport) was very long. All vouchers worked very easily. The general information provided was useful, but for those of us new to Germany it would be nice if some basic information on driving the autobahn was provided.
Just back from 9 day self-drive Southern Germany, with extra day on Rhine. Our hotels were top-notch, clean, and friendly staff. Each was in the midst of everything, perfect locations. LOVED the attention I received from Thomas and staff ahead of trip, so detailed and answered all my questions timely. This was perfect balance of having the experts guide us without being on an actual tour bus.
We just got back from a 12 day self drive tour of the Bavarian region and it was perfect. All the hotels were wonderful and spotless. The locations were perfect for walking and the included breakfasts were fabulous. The suggestions for sites to visit were great and the excursion card for admission to various castles was fabulous. We lucked out with perfect weather everyday. I would highly recommended using to-europe to book a trip.
I was planning a trip to Germany and knew of certain places I wanted to go but didn't really have time to get it all planned out. I stumbled across To Europe Tours and went with it. Im so happy I did as everything was superb! The hotels, car rental, castles, places to go, all their suggestions were great! I had a few things I wanted to add in and they did that for me as well. During the middle of our trip we had a question. We called and they answered our question quickly and had no problems at all. The one thing I would say is we went in Sept. when it was cool and rainy. There was only one hotel that had AC. If you went when it was warmer and need AC you might be uncomfortable. However, some of the hotels did have a fan in the rooms. This does not reflect on my review on To Europe just a side note for those needing AC. I will use them again if I ever get the chance to venture back!
From the moment we picked up our car with its highly sophisticated GPS, and arrived at our first hotel, we knew To-Europe.com was a highly efficient company. This was our first booking with them, but certainly, not our last. Throughout the 11 days of traveling the Romance Road, we had no hitches. All the hotels were fabulous and more luxurious than we would have booked ourselves. The breakfasts provided had plentiful choices and the staffs most accommodating. Our experiences in the recommended castles, palaces, and museums proved to be culturally and historically enlightening. We found Germany to be the cleanest European country we've ever visited. Everything was so well organized and we highly recommend this tour not only because it is value priced, but also for all the varied opportunities one can enjoy along the route.
Absolutely perfect! Hotels all in great locations, fantastic accommodations and wonderful breakfast buffets. Walking tour suggestions hit the highlights for each suggested stop. GPS information for each included. They even had the perfect suggestion for a special stay at a castle hotel. We will be using To Europe again!
We are so happy we used your company to go on this trip. Everything was just perfect. From the momentwe rented our car to the last hotel. This is the first tour we have done "on our own" and it far surpassed our hopes. The communication with everyone at to-europe was perfect and everything you promised was delivered. The hotels were historic and perfectly located right in the middle of everything. We could walk to the sites, restaurants, and, of course, shopping. The only complaint we have is there was just too much to do! That is really not so much a complaint as an indication of the wonderful itinerary your company was able to set up. Thank you so much for this wonderful tour. We highly recommend.
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