Driving Tours of France Germany

We're still trying to come up with that dragon. But

this family rated their early December vacation memorable

in all other respects-including the bargain off-season rates. We started them in Frankfurt, for a 3-day meander to the Rhine and Heidelberg. Pursuing that elusive dragon, we then routed the family through the Neckar valley, a drive known as "the castle route." The son ecstatically dined in restaurants set in Gothic dungeons, and slept in castles with crenelated battlements.

Leaving the Neckar River at Stuttgart, they found themselves surrounded by Christmas market celebrations-- Christkindlesmarkt-- in burgs large and small. Age-old traditions enthrall visitors, who shop for hand carved ornaments and creches, or blown glass from artisans playing a trade past down through generations.

Delight in German market specialties. Nosh on wurst, hot pretzels, mulled wine and cider-- plus infinite varieties of delectable pastries. For journey's and, we saved a visit to Bavaria's Neuschwanstein-- the grandest castle of them all.

Spring through fall, we might recommend an itinerary encompassing the best German and Swiss scenery: medieval villages, the Black Forest, the Bavarian and Swiss Alps, Lake Constance. Highlights include romantic inns and picnics in mountain meadows.