We just spent 8 days in Germany over Thanksgiving. There is so much to do and see, but here are my suggestions.

First, buy a rail pass - the link was posted earlier (use raileurope...if you do, e-mail me and I'll give you a way to get cash back). Buy a first class pass, regardless of what anyone else tells you. Please, trust me on this one. It IS worth the extra $.

Spend at least one or two days in the Rhine. I would not waste time in Koblenz. If the cruises are running, take one, which is included in your rail pass (kd). Stop at one or two of the smaller towns and tour one of the castles. Architecture and history abound.

If you like history and architecture, go to Baden Baden, which has a spa built on the ruins of an ancient Roman bath. It was the best spa/bath experience I've ever had. The town is very upscale and a great place to just hang around.

Skip the Black Forest unless you want views and hiking. The views are different than anywhere else in Germany, but unless you have extra time, it can be skipped.

You MUST spend several days around Munich. Be sure to see the science museum (we missed, but it is one of the largest in the world). There is plenty of museums and other cultural sights to keep you busy in Munich itself. You MUST then save a day to do Dachau. It was the most moving experience. We spent twice as long as we thought and it was raining and freezing. We would have stayed longer had the weather been better.

From Munich, take the train out to the Ludwig castles...well worth seeing. Then, I would take the 2 hour train ride to Salzburg (included in the pass). Lots or great architecture, the fort on the hill, the river, it is a great city.

Finally, given that you like architecture you will want to go to Rothenberg. Very touristy, but a place that is not to be missed (coming from an anti-touristy traveller...I hate crowds).

I could give you tons of details if you want to e-mail me with questions.

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Randy
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HH Gold; SPG Gold; NW Gold; UA PremEx