The Romantic Road: Wurzburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Augsburg, Fussen, and Munich

Augsburg was founded in 15 BC under the rule of the Roman emperor Augustus. For 400 years the city was the seat of a provincial government of the Roman empire. Its ideal location made it a crossroad of all important routes to the south. An advantage from which the powerful merchants and bankers, the Fugger family and the seafaring Welsers, likewise profited. They elevated Augsburg to rank among the world's most powerful cities. Kings and emperors were frequent guests here.

In the 13th century Augsburg became a Free Imperial City. It grew to be a creative center of famous painters, sculptors, musicians and architects. Here the ancestors of the composer Mozart and the painter Holbein dwelt for centuries.

Numerous churches and the Dom (Cathedral) mark Augsburg as the seat of a bishopric. It was here that, in 1518, Martin Luther and Cardinal Cajetan engaged in their famous debate. Down through 20 centuries, there developed a cityscape shaped by all the great stylistic epochs. The Renaissance in particular flourished here - and Rococo became known as "the Augsburg style".

It is the fertile interplay of religious and secular power that gave Augsburg - Bavaria's third-largest commercial center - its inimitable flair.Great buildings, monumental fountains, lavishly laid-out streets and ultramodern architecture attest to the city's cosmopolitan liberality. Concerts in splendid halls, opera and operetta in open air theaters, art exhibitions, magnificent churches, the Fuggerei and the Schaezlerpalais in Rococo style draw tourists from all the world. Because Augsburg is a city with 2000 years of living history.

Munich is known for its architecture, fine culture, the annual Oktoberfest beer celebration, its vibrant cultural scene and its museums. But there is much more to Munich than Oktoberfest! Olympics enthusiasts can marvel over Munich Olympic Stadium, the site of the 1972 Summer Olympics and now a park. Visitors may tour important areas such as the swim hall, stadium and view a poignent memorial to the Israeli athletes who perished during the Games. There is also a "Walk of Stars" around the Olympic Lake with handprints from various musicians who have played the stadium, and a Rock museum at the top of Olympic Tower. If you have an urge to go surfing, Munich has you covered. The manmade Eisbach (German for "ice brook") is a small river that flows through the park known as the Englischer Garten, and contains a wave that surfing enthusiasts may practice their skills on.

For traditional Bavarian beauty, don't miss out on Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the most visited castles in Germany. The castle is located in Bavaria, near the town of Fussen. It was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as the “Fairytale King”.

Christmastime in Munich is nothing short of magical, and each market in the city has something unique to offer whether it is the traditional Neuhauser Strasse market at Marienplatz, the rackus party atmosphere at Tollwood to the charmingly quirky vibe at Schwabing. Nothing will get you in the spirit of the season like sipping a warming cup of Glühwein as you browse the multiple stalls of artisan crafts and traditional German food.