Perfect Autumn and Winter European Destinations
18th August 2025
Here at Best Value Tours we are delighted to feature today a perfect tour for Autumn and Winter, that is still has availability and discounts available. The tour is our 15 Day, Best of Bohemia including enchanting locations of; Germany, Poland, Hungary, Austria, and Czech Republic. For full details and other recommended tours, please see below and first a fascinating insight into Rothenburg, in the Bavaria region of Germany. This is a beautifully preserved, fortified medieval city. So be prepared to step back in time and indulge in what life would have been like living there in medieval times.
Enchanting Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval towns
Perched on a plateau above the Tauber River in Bavaria’s Franconia region, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval towns. Famous for its intact city walls, half-timbered houses, and fairytale streets, it draws visitors from across the globe as a highlight of the Romantic Road. Alongside Nördlingen, Dinkelsbühl, and Berching, it is one of only four towns in Germany where the medieval walls remain completely intact.
The town’s name translates as “Red Castle above the Tauber”, a reference to the original Rothenburg Castle , built high above the river in 1070 by the Counts of Comburg-Rothenburg. Though the castle was later destroyed by an earthquake in 1356, its St. Blaise Chapel still survives.
When the Comburg-Rothenburg line ended in 1116, Emperor Heinrich V transferred the holdings to his nephew, Konrad von Hohenstaufen, later King Konrad III. In 1142, Konrad built a new castle and established Rothenburg as a center of power. By 1170, the town itself was founded, with its heart at the marketplace and St. James’ Church (St. Jakob). Defensive towers such as the White Tower and Markus Tower with Röder Arch date from this period, while religious orders established monasteries and convents nearby. In 1274, Rothenburg gained the privileges of a Free Imperial City under King Rudolf of Habsburg. It flourished as a center of trade, attracting pilgrims to its Holy Blood relic in St. James’ Church and growing to become one of the twenty largest cities of the Holy Roman Empire, with around 20,000 residents in the city and its surrounding territory.
Berlin
Rothenburg’s fortunes shifted during the Thirty Years’ War. In October 1631, General Tilly of the Catholic League besieged and quickly defeated the Protestant town. A famous legend, the Meistertrunk, claims that Tilly agreed to spare Rothenburg if someone could drink over three liters of wine in a single draught. Mayor Georg Nusch allegedly rose to the challenge, saving the town. Though historians agree the tale is apocryphal, it remains a cherished part of folklore and is reenacted annually.
The Plönlein, a fairy-tale landmark. Perhaps the most iconic spot in Rothenburg is the Plönlein. Often mistaken for just the crooked yellow timber-framed house at its center, the Plönlein is actually a small square where two roads diverge; Spittalgasse, which passes through the Siebersturm tower into the old Spital Quarter and Kobolzellersteig, leading past the Kobolzeller Tower down to the Tauber Valley.
With its cobblestones, colorful medieval houses, and framing towers, the Plönlein looks like a scene from a storybook. It’s no surprise that it inspired Walt Disney’s Pinocchio and is today one of the most photographed streets in Germany. The square is lively, with shops, inns, restaurants, and a historic fountain, but its timeless beauty makes it a must-see for anyone walking the Romantic Road.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is more than a town—it’s a journey back into the Middle Ages, where history and legend intertwine at every corner.
Featured Tour 15 Day Best of Bohemia
Step into a world of rich history, vibrant cultures, and architectural masterpieces on our 15-day “Highlights of Bohemia” tour. Starting and ending in Frankfurt, this immersive experience takes you through five fascinating countries – Germany, Poland, Hungary, Austria, and Czechia. Uncovering the enduring spirit of ancient Bohemia. Get ready for an unforgettable exploration of iconic cities, poignant historical sites, and charming medieval towns.
Prague
Your adventure begins in Frankfurt, where an orientation tour will introduce you to its historic Old Town. Journey east to Berlin, Germany’s vibrant capital, where a Local Guide will lead you past significant landmarks including the Reichstag, the iconic Brandenburg Gate, and the expansive Tiergarten. Continue to Warsaw, Poland’s resilient capital, where a Local Guide will showcase its meticulously rebuilt Old Town, the majestic St. John’s Cathedral, and the grand Royal Palace. A poignant visit to the former Auschwitz concentration camp offers a solemn moment of reflection. In Kraków, join a Local Guide to explore the magnificent cathedral and Royal Castle on Wawel Hill.
Cross into Hungary, arriving in the majestic capital of Budapest. A Local Guide will lead you to Castle Hill, offering breathtaking views of the city’s stunning architecture spanning the Danube. Continue to the charming baroque city of Győr before arriving in the imperial city of Vienna, Austria. Where a walking tour with your Local Guide reveals its elegant boulevards and grand palaces.
The journey then takes you to Czechia, passing through the medieval town of Brno. Your exploration culminates in the magical city of Prague. A walking tour with a Local Guide will bring to life the grandeur of Prague Castle, the soaring St. Vitus Cathedral, and the bustling Old Town Square with its astronomical clock. Finally, on your return towards Frankfurt, you’ll visit Rothenburg. A perfectly preserved fortified medieval town that feels like a step back in time.
This comprehensive tour includes an expert Travel Director and professional Driver, cherry-picked hotels, daily breakfasts, many additional meals, city orientation tours, audio headsets for enhanced sightseeing, and comfortable travel by luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries. With an extensive variety of Choice Experiences available, you can tailor your journey to delve deeper into the aspects that fascinate you most.
Budapest
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