Germany is a country rich with history, beauty, delicious food, and great people. If it's your first trip to Deutschland, I would recommend visiting southern Germany, also known as the region of, Bavaria. Here your expectations will certainly be met, if not exceeded. Bavaria offers an experience of the Germany you see in movies, art, Disneyland, and yes in your dreams.

How to get there: Fly into Munich and then drive about 1 hr. 45 min to southern Bavaria. The following places are all in Bavaria:

Berchtesgaden is in the southern most area of Bavaria.  It a VERY charming town and a great location to use as a home base for touring the area.

Where to stay:

- Hotel Belvedere is really comfortable, hospitable Inn keeper, great views, and bathrooms in the room

What to see:

- Konigsee boat trip is a must do! It is probably our most favorite spot in all of Bavaria - really amazing views of the Alps from the boat. Only pay to go to the first island

- Eagles Nest - great spot for WW2 History and incredible views of Bavaria!!

Chiemsee - this is about 1 hour from the Munich airport

Where to stay: Aschau is a charming little town about 10 minutes from the Chimsee center. Here you can find many "Zimmer Frei's". A Zimmer Frei is lodging where a family rents out a room or portion of their home to visitors. They are typically cheaper than hotels.

What to see: Herrnchimsee SchloB (Castle) - you take a boat to the Chiemsee island where King Ludwig II build a smaller version of Versailles. Its beautifully decorated and if its warm, bring a picnic for just hanging out on the island.

Enjoy the mood lighting of the city as you walk around after sunset. 

What to see: 

- Hellbrunn Castle - especially on a hot day enjoy the trick fountains created under the direction of the famous Salzburg Prince Archbishop. If you have the kids with you, be sre to visit the extensive play area adjacent to the castle grounds - its also a perfect place for a family picnic. This is a personal FAVORITE spot! I think I've toured this castle 4 times already.

- Salzburg Cathedral - the most notable church in the area and in the heart of the old city.

- Hohensalzburg Fortress - you can't miss seeing the old fortess overlooking the town. If you have the energy, its a nice walk to the top, but if not, there is also a quick gondola ride - either way you will witness 360 degree views of the entire area. As far as touring the fortress..its mostly on your own with a small section available with a guide for a small fee.

- Mozart Square - during Christmas this is the site of the famous Christmas Market - a MUST do if you ever have an opportunity. Drink the warm mulled wine and find yourself a gingerbread cookie - ahh...no better way to peruse the local vendor goodies for sale.

Where to eat:

Peter's Kellar - the OLDEST restaurant in GERMANY and legend even claims the oldest restaurant in Western Europe! Lunch is casual dress and they have a beautiful patio, however, for dinner be prepared to wear a jacket as you might just find yourself sitting next to a forgeign dignitary!

from Berchtesgarden, take the Romantische StraBe (Romantic Street) to Garmish-Partenkirchen. This is also a beautiful street to cycle!

- On the way go see the Linderhof castle, another fairytale like castle built by King Ludwig II. This castle has a really cool Grotto and Moroccan style tea house.

- Also on the way stop by the Neuschwanstein SchloB which is the real-life sleeping beauty castle! Its definitely worth seeing.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is another charming town in Bavaria. Its really known for its skiing - primarily from its 1936 debut in the winter Olympics.

What to see:

- Take the train & Gondola to the top of the Zugspitze. This is the tallest mountain in Germany and has amazing views from the top!! Yes, there is also a place to grab a beer

- Lots of really cute B&B's

- For a nice day trip drive down to Innsbruck in Austria and in the old city, check out the Gold roof

Fly into Frankfurt to get to the following cities:

Heidelberg - worth visiting for its charm, shopping, and check out the castle (1hr. from Frankfurt)

Dusseldorf - very quaint old town - nicer in summer/spring (2-3 hours from Frankfurt)

Cologne (Koln) - very typical Germany quaint city. Be sure to climb the Kolner Dom (30 min from Dusseldorf)

 Enjoy your trip!

Check out these helpful resource guides when planning your trip (in order of my preference):

For flights to Germany, try these sites:

Travelocity

Expedia

Lufthansa