Named by American soldiers during the post-World War II occupation years, the Romantic Road is a 200-mile-plus section of one of Germany's most picturesque highways, stretching from Würzburg in Bavaria's north to Füssen near the Austrian border. Along the route are many favorite tourist towns and attractions, including Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbühl, Augsburg, and Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles. Bike tours along the route are quite popular, and bus tours are also available.

Like Rothenburg, Dinkelsbuehl is one of the smaller mediaeval fortress cities. With its walls and towers still intact, it has the look of a typical German town of the 15th to early 17th century. Sample the famous German cuisine served in larger cities, but without the crowds. Don't miss the annual summer celebration, marking the city's surrender to Swedish troops during the Thirty Years' War. The event is emphatically reenacted by many of the town's residents. And really, who doesn't love amateur theatre?

Fussen is steeped in over 700 years of history, from its roots as a Roman trading fort to its present-day status as a nearly secret Alpine holiday escape. Situated on the southern end of the Romantic Road, the medieval town centre is framed by the majestic Alps, towering above the banks of the river Lech and surrounding lake region. Here you will discover late-Gothic castles, baroque cathedrals and the oldest preserved fresco in Bavaria.

Walk atop Rothenburg’s city walls or climb to the top of the town hall for great views. The Night Watchman tour is an unforgettable way to learn the city’s history. And our travelers also recommend the Medieval Crime Museum (Mittelalterliches Kriminalmuseum)—it’s gruesome but fascinating.

This Bavarian beauty is idyllic and charming, replete with emerald hills and two stunning lakes. Hike the surrounding mountains or spend the day poking around the charming Kochel am See village. Guided tours for all levels of walkers and hikers are the perfect way to experience this charming cultural gem.

Though probably best known as the capital of West Germany from 1949 to 1990 (and of reunified Germany until 1999), Bonn actually has a history dating back to the 1st century BC. Roman soldiers were stationed here and the largest known Roman fort was built at Bonn. In medieval times, the town gained prominence when the Archbishop of Cologne transferred his seat to Bonn. The city's most famous son is Ludwig van Beethoven, born in 1770 at Bonngasse, where a museum now honors him.

It’s nicknamed the Eternal City for a reason. In Rome, you can drink from a street fountain fed by an ancient aqueduct. Or see the same profile on a statue in the Capitoline Museum and the guy making your cappuccino. (Which, of course, you know never to order after 11 am.) Rome is also a city of contrasts—what other place on earth could be home to both the Vatican and La Dolce Vita?

Coventry is symbolized by the ruins of its cathedral, which was heavily bombed—along with the rest of the city—during World War II. While the Midlands metropolis is a convenient gateway to Stratford-upon-Avon, those who hang around discover a town in the midst of a financial and cultural resurgence.

The first time you go to New York, go ahead and be a sight-seer—everyone should visit the Statue of Liberty, the Met, Times Square, etc. But on a return trip, pick a neighbourhood and go deep. You’ll find hole-in-the-wall bars, great delis, quirky shops… exploring the non-touristy side of New York is an incredibly rewarding experience for a traveller.