The Fairy Tale Alpine Route Self Drive (Munich - Fussen - Rothenburg - Heidelberg - Stuttgart)

Big city style and rural charm, Alpine character and Mediterranean verve, art treasures and the Oktoberfest, traditional customs and high technology, beer gardens and haute cuisine, operas and cool bars; these are all ingredients that makes Bavaria's state capital so endlessly fascinating, and so popular with visitors from around the world. Sprawling Munich is one of Germany's major cultural centers, second only to Berlin in terms of museums and theaters. It's also one of Germany's most festive cities, and its location, at the foot of the Alps, is idyllic. Munich's self-imposed image is that of a fun-loving and festival-addicted city - typified by its Oktoberfest.

Explore Marienplatz and the New Town Hall of Munich, Frauenkirche - Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady, Dachau Concentration Camp, The English Garden, Beer Halls, Viktualienmarkt, Residence Palace of Munich, Deutsches Museum, Museums Ensemble: Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne, Olympic Stadium of Munich, BMW Museum and much more.

Füssen, often called the romantic soul of Bavaria, is famed for its location in the kings nook (Königswinkel), and its closeness to King Ludwig's dream castle. The city is situated on the Romantic Road (Romantische Straße), one of the most scenic German holiday routes, and the route starts (or ends) here. The area is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, history, and the most famous German Castles, as well as rolling hills, green meadows, and the peaks of the Alps. The scenery is breathtaking, especially on a sunny day.

Explore Neuschwanstein Castle, Schloss Hohenschwangau, Museum der Bayerischen Könige, Tegelberg Cable Car, Museum Füssen, Medieval Town Center, Lake Forggensee, Kloster St. Mang, Wieskirche Church, and so much more!

On the Romantic Road, in the south of Germany, Rothenburg ob der tauber is the best preserved medieval city in Europe. Picturesquely positioned on the steep banks of the River Tauber, its walls and towers have remained unharmed since the Thirty Years War of 1618. As you explore the town's impressive old streets and buildings, you'll feel as if you stepped back in time.

Visit St. Jacobs' Church, Market Square, the Town Hall, the Old Town Walls, the Medieval Crime Museum, the Christmas Museum, the Imperial Town Museum, Double Bridge, Old Town, and so much more!

Heidelberg is home to a 13th century castle, the oldest university in Germany, and the longest pedestrian street in Europe. The city is situated below the mountains, and flanks the river Neckar in southwest Germany. Tourists flock here for its charming old town and rich history as well as its stunning landscapes, shops, cafes, and beautiful architecture. In addition to universities, Heidelberg hosts many internationally renowned research institutes and research-based companies.

Explore Heidelberg Castle, Wine Barrel - The great Tun, walk through the Altstadt (old town), the Old Bridge, University Library and Museum, Student Karzer, the Neckar River, Neuenheim, Philosopher's Walk, Thingstatte Open Air Theater, and so much more!

Situated in a beautiful area of the Swabian Mountains, Stuttgart has an important cultural tradition, reflected in its famous Staatstheater, known worldwide for opera and ballet. Stuttgart also offers one of Europe's top zoos, sumptuous palaces, and one of Germany's largest Christmas markets. Stuttgart is also famous for cars with two awesome museums, the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum.

Visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum, Stuttgart State Gallery, Stuttgart TV Tower, Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Old Castle (Altes Schloss) and New Castle (Neues Schloss), and more!