
Hallo!
Have you ever dreamed of stepping into a storybook, where castles perch on hilltops, waterfalls tumble into lush gorges, and charming towns seem painted straight from a watercolor palette? Bavaria might just be your ultimate destination. From romantic castles to enchanting natural wonders, here’s our personal Bavaria travel itinerary that, in my opinion, will take you through the very best this magical region has to offer.
Planning The Trip:
Flights
We flew round-trip in business class from LAX to FRA on Condor. Their ride was comfortable & the champagne was good so we were off to a great start!
What I’d Change: We paid cash for these flights because we booked them before I knew how to maximize my credit card rewards. I would obviously now book this with points and miles!
Ways to Book Flights To Frankfurt With Miles & Points

Japan Airlines is a member of Oneworld. You can book flights through them with partner airlines using Marriott Bonvoy credit card points that you transfer over to Japan Airlines.
Cathay Pacific is also a member of Oneworld. Points can be transferred to them from Marriott, Capital One, Citi and Amex travel rewards cards.
Alaska Airlines is one of my favorite ways to travel and it’s how I would likely book this flight with points. You can earn points with an Alaska Air credit card + transfer points from Marriott Bonvoy. We could have booked this Condor flight through Alaska Air.
ANA mileage club will get you there. You’d transfer points from Amex cards, Marriott Bonvoy cards, or ANA cards.
Virgin Atlantic will get you there via Delta Air. You can transfer points from Capital One, Bilt, Chase, Amex and Citi cards. This is a great way to save points on a Delta flight because booking directly with Delta will usually cost more.
Singapore Airlines has a fantastic first class product and is a member of Star Alliance. So you can book with any of their partner airlines as well. All of these cc reward programs transfer to Singapore Air – Capital One, Chase, Amex, Marriott Bonvoy and Citi. Note: Singapore Airlines 1st class flights can only be booked using Singapore Air miles.
Air Canada Aeroplan is also a member of Star Alliance. You can earn points to use here through Amex, Chase, Capital One, Marriott and their co-branded cards.
Etihad Guest is not a member of any major airline alliance, but they have individual partnerships with some airlines. You can transfer points to them from Amex, Capital One, Citi and Marriott.
American Airlines is a member of Oneworld and only partners with Marriott Bonvoy. They also have their own co-branded cards.
So… a LOT of options for getting to Frankfurt using credit card rewards.
TIP:
Book your flights directly with the airline or an airline partner. We booked through a 3rd party, our flights were canceled, they tried to put us in economy for a flight we had paid business class $ for and it turned into a HUGE headache. It took roughly 24 total hours on the phone to fix the issue because we kept getting shuffled between Condor and the 3rd party. Moral of the story… ALWAYS book directly with the airline or a partner airline!!!
Things To Do:
Make sure you don’t over-schedule your Bavaria itinerary! You’re going to discover all kinds of things you will want to do while you’re exploring. We made that mistake with our first day and hit the ground running. As soon as we landed and got our rental car, we drove 2 hours to Rhineland-Palatinate in order to see as much as possible the next day. We have spent one night settling in before making that drive.
Bavaria does NOT disappoint when it comes to gorgeous things to see and do. Here’s our Bavaria Travel Itinerary…
Bavaria Highlights:
Schloss Drachenburg: A Castle from a Dream

Starting our adventure just outside Bavaria (because who can resist a quick detour?), Schloss Drachenburg feels like it was conjured from a fairytale. Nestled on a hill overlooking the Rhine, this neo-Gothic castle offers breathtaking views and an interior so lavish you’ll want to move in immediately.
Bonus: the hike up is a perfect way to stretch your legs after all the long travel the day before.
Eltz Castle: A Medieval Marvel



Eltz Castle is an absolute must-see! Tucked away in a misty forest, it’s one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval fortresses. Walking through its ancient halls, you can almost hear the whispers of knights and nobles. This castle is one of the reasons we chose this region in the first place – you’re going to want to include this in your own Bavaria itinerary!
Tip: visit early in the morning to capture that perfect image of the castle shrouded in fog. We were too jet lagged to get there that early and I regret not seeing it in the mist.
Cochem Town: Quaint Charm by the Moselle River



If there’s a town that defines “quaint,” it’s Cochem. With its cobblestone streets and the imposing Reichsburg Castle watching over it all, Cochem is the perfect spot for a lazy afternoon. Sip some local wine and let the charm of this riverside gem work its magic.
The Black Forest: Where Legends Are Born


No Bavaria itinerary would be complete without a trip into the Black Forest. This place SCREAMS magic. and has inspired many a fairytale. This densely wooded region isn’t just about cuckoo clocks and cherry cake (though those are definite highlights). It’s also home to some of Bavaria’s most stunning hikes. Plan on spending a few days exploring here… you’ll be happy you didn’t rush it!
Gorge Trail Hike and Todtnauer Wasserfall: Nature’s Playground



One of the best ways to experience the Black Forest is by tackling the Gorge Trail. Winding through lush valleys and over wooden bridges, this hike is a feast for the senses. And then there’s Todtnauer Wasserfall—a spectacular cascade that’s as refreshing to look at as it is to feel. Bring your camera + a picnic and enjoy the sound of the water hitting the rocks as you take a break.
Tip: The hike to Todtnauer isn’t too strenuous and it’s short. It’s a great place to bring littles.
Freiburg: The Gateway to the Forest



After all that hiking, you deserve a break, and Freiburg is just the place. Known as the sunniest city in Germany, this vibrant town is all about laid-back vibes, colorful architecture, and an abundance of cozy cafés. Stroll through its medieval streets or climb the cathedral tower for panoramic views.
Hotel Bad Schachen: Lakeside Luxury



When it’s time to unwind, check into Hotel Bad Schachen by Lake Constance. This is my absolute favorite Bavaria accommodation and you should DEFINITELY include it in your own Bavaria itinerary! With its serene setting, this historic hotel offers a perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence.
The food is amazing and the spa is divine… plan a day just to hang out by the pool overlooking the lake, or rent a boat and spend the day on the lake itself. Once we got here, I didn’t want to leave!



The Drive From Hotel Bad Schachen to Linderhof Palace




This one took me by surprise. Driving through Bavaria is beautiful, no question about it. But THIS drive was breathtaking. We had to take an off-the-beaten path route due to roadwork and our map app took us through some small lakeside towns in Austria where people were cooling off by the lake. It was so quintessentially European. Made my day! While I can’t recreate the route for you here, I can tell you the name of this lake is Lake Plansee, and it sits between Breitenwang and Heiterwang. So while it’s not technically in Bavaria, it would be a good idea to add it to your own itinerary as well because it’s absolutely stunning!
Linderhof Palace: Ludwig’s Hidden Gem



No trip to Bavaria is complete without a tribute to King Ludwig II, the “Fairy Tale King.” While Schloss Neuschwanstein often steals the show, Linderhof Palace—a smaller but equally opulent creation—is worth your time. Surrounded by manicured gardens and alpine scenery, it’s like stepping into a royal daydream.
If you love a manicured garden as much as I do, you should definitely plan a visit!



Schloss Neuschwanstein: The Icon of Bavaria

Finally, we arrive at the pièce de résistance: Schloss Neuschwanstein. The inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, this architectural wonder is Bavaria’s crown jewel. Perched dramatically on a hill, it’s almost too beautiful to believe. Whether you tour its ornate interior or simply admire it from the Marienbrücke bridge, this is the moment where your Bavarian adventure reaches peak magic!



We booked a skip the line Viator Tour and were glad we did! While it’s not a private tour, you don’t have to wait in line to buy your tickets. They have timed group entries. You simply join your group’s que when it’s nearing your time and tour the castle together. It’s definitely worth a guided tour for all of the info and trivia you learn while you’re there. We chose to hike up to the castle, but there are vehicles or even horse drawn carriages that will take you up.
Now let’s talk about the bridge. Honestly, I didn’t do enough research before we got there and I knew nothing about it. We saw a big line of people competitively pushing one another out of the way to get into this line first, so we decided it would be a good idea to get in the line. NO IDEA what we were waiting for…


Also I’d like to point out how little personal space people are going to give you while you wait in this line. After what felt like FOREVER, we got onto the bridge and I’m SO GLAD we did! It’s where you can get THE VIEW of the castle… you know… this one:


So yeah – if would’ve been a huge disappointment if we hadn’t gotten in that line.
Tip: Don’t let people pressure you to get off the bridge before you’re ready because they’re gonna try, but also don’t be the person who spends way too long on the bridge!





From castles that belong in storybooks to natural wonders that leave you breathless, Bavaria is a place where reality feels like a dream. Pack your bags, lace up your boots, and prepare for an unforgettable journey—because Bavaria is calling, and you simply must go.
Happy Travels ~
