No matter how you travel - whether by car, motorhome or boat Germany provides delightful landscapes and is sure to have something that interests every one in your party. The are more than 150 "Scenic Routings/ Vacation Highways in Germany all connected to specific cultural themes. The most famous route would be the Romantic Road - a 220 miles journey from the Alps to the River Main. Wending your way past Mad King Ludgwigs famous Neuschwantstein castle, the fabulous Wuerzburg Residence Palace and even past Noerdlingsen Ries Crater, where America's astronauts trained for the moon walk - even the most cynical and unromantic traveller cannot help being seduced by the sheer beauty and romance of it all.

If you are interested in castles - you must not miss "The Castle Road" - 975 km long route from Mannheim to Prague in the Czech Republic takes in over 70 romantic fortresses, ruins and fairytale castles. Because the route also takes in medieval towns, cultural historical treasures and monastries - you are assured of a varied experience.

Other interesting routes cover things like Germany's Wines, The German Clock route, Precious Stones, Pottery, Industrial Heritage route etc. If natures appeals more - Germany has more than 90 nature parks, 13 biosphere reserves and 13 national parks which are all internationally recognised. Over 11 000 kms of modern and efficient freeway covers the Federal Republic so all the above are easily reached. The speed limits within city limits is 50km/hour. Outside city limits the maximum speed is 100kms. On freeways a speed of 130 km/hr is recommended.

So how should you get around Germany? If you want to travel by train - consider a German Rail Pass. This allows visitors to travel for 4 to 10 days within a four week period. The German Rail Twin Pass is a discounted offer for two persons travelling together and available for First and Second Class. For younger people there is the German Rail Youth Pass. The German Rail pass is also valid on ships on the river Rhine and Mosel (Koln-Dusseldorfer German Rhine Line).

There are over 60 different connections to neighboring European countries that start from Germany. Visit the German Rail website at www.bahn.de or ask us for details. (conditions apply). So should you travel around by train? It depends on a number of factors - some things to consider would be:
How much luggage will you have? What sort of accommodation are you after? Remember if you travel from station to station - you have to carry your luggage with you to your hotel. If you are not up for a hike or a taxi fare - hotels around stations can be pricier than those 10 minutes away. Are you going off the beaten track? Consider how long you have to wait for trains i.e look at the train timetables to see how often they operate. How many people are travelling together? One or two by train can be a reasonable proposition but add another person or two and a car immediately becomes a better financial proposition.

So should you travel by car? Your own hire car gives you freedom. Freedom to go where you want and when you want without having to consider train timetables and a wider choice of accommodation, sightseeing options etc. The downside though is having to load and unload your luggage from accommodation to accommodation. So if you take this option - pack very lightly !!

If you have now decided on a car - should you rent or should you lease? Rule of thumb - If you are under 25 years of age - definitely lease a car. If you want a car for more than a month - consider leasing. So what's the difference between renting and leasing you now want to know? In a nutshell - car leasing is a tax free scheme initiated by the French government to encourage tourism and it works very well ! You are 'buying' the car and then 'selling' it back - all at a predetermined price and it includes everything - comprehensive insurance with NO excess. The longer you take it, the cheaper it becomes. Ideally, pick it up and return it in France. The cars can be delivered to other countries and you pay a set price for this. However, on our current Earlybird deals, you get this for half the price or even free - depending on which company you use.
Click on http://www.drivetravel.com/carlease/index.shtml for more info on leasing.

If you want the car for under a month - consider rental. With rental you do have to pay for things like airport fees, additional driver fees and if you have an accident - or if your vehicle is stolen - an excess will apply. In most instances this should be covered by travel insurance. Check your policy if you have one or ask us for details. We can offer you a choice of 3 companies.
Click here for details: http://www.drivetravel.com/carrent/germany.shtml

Another way of seeing Germany would be by motorhome and this offers terrific value - especially for families. Points to consider here would be: The luxury of only having to pack and unpack once!! The savings to be had by preparing your own simple breakfasts, packed lunches and dinners. Restaurant meals, 3 times a day over an extended period can become a bit boring and heavy on the wallet! Shopping for your own groceries allows you to experience the true ambience of a country, chatting to locals and sampling local delicacies. Again you have the freedom to choose your own itinerary and timetable and even better, you don't have to worry about finding accommodation. You have it all in one. In Germany we can offer you a starting point in Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt and Dusseldorf. More depots will be following shortly. Click here for more details:
http://www.motorhomesworldwide.com/motorhome/centraleurope.shtml

Other options would be on a luxury catered cruise. On Amadeus Waterways cruise from historic Nuremberg through the Main-Danube Canal to the Main river with its quaint medieval towns like Bamberg, Wertheim and Miltenberg. Then sail through the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine from charming Rudesheim to Koblenz before entering the meandering Moselle Valley with Europe's steepest vineyards. Visit the great towns of Cochem, Zell, Bernkastel and Trier and taste Moselle vintages in cozy taverns. End your European trip with 3 nights in stunning Paris which is included in the price. These fabulous cruises include 7 nights deluxe cruise from Nuremberg to Trier, superb dining with all meals included in the elegant Panorama Restaurant, quality wines with every dinner, Captains Gala Dinner and an interesting itinerary and visits ashore each day. To see more details on this cruise click on
http://www.canalboatholidays.com/canalboat/amadeus/index.shtml

If you are more adventurous, why not try a canal boat. In Germany, we can offer you a choice of 4 companies. Its river tourism at its best and no special licence is required. We have boats suitable for 2 to 12 persons. Click on http://www.canalboatholidays.com/canalboat/germany.shtml for more details.

To help you with your planning here are two guides.
Click here for Distance Guide between cities
Click here for number of hours for train travel between cities