Here is my detailed 7-day plan for exploring Bavaria, Germany. This Bavarian travel plan will take you to the region's most picturesque cities and must-see attractions. If you travel to Bavaria, you may see all the major sights and marvels in just ten days. The very name "Bavaria" makes me think of pleasant things.

Whenever I close my eyes, images of flower-covered half-timbered homes, onion-topped Baroque cathedrals, and soaring castles against azure backdrops fill my head. Ahhhh. I was giddy with anticipation when I finally set out on my road trip through southern Germany. In a nutshell, my cheesy optimism was validated.

Day 1: Munich

The first day entails flying into Munich and settling down. Get on a train and get to Marienplatz immediately. Please click here to reserve a two-hour orientation walk in the city's historic core.

Like Max-Joseph Platz and Odeonsplatz, this is Munich's most important public space. There, you may see several of Munich's majestic structures restored to their former splendour yet still manage to stun onlookers.

Day 2: Munich or Salzburg

The city of Munich deserves more than a day of your time. Except when necessary. Or, you may stay in Munich for a second day today. Munich can be reached from Salzburg in under two hours. Therefore, a day excursion is feasible.

Day 3: Fussen and Neuschwanstein Castle

Fussen

Your destination for the next two nights will be Fussen, so get up early and make the trip there. Fussen, a little village in the Bavarian Alps, is a charming medieval town. It is one of the oldest and most important cultural centres in Europe. The possibility of that happening is implausible.

The Castle of Neuschwanstein

From Fussen, you may go to Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau, and Linderhof, three of Mad King Ludwig's castles. You could spend a very long and tiring day travelling to the castles from Munich, but that would defeat the purpose of seeing them. Nonetheless, it's not impossible. Moreover, I'm used to doing this sort of thing.

Hohenschwangau Castle

Some only visit the Hohenschwangau Castle. You may choose to see simply Neuschwanstein Castle. However, I decided it was well worth seeing both, so I purchased a combined ticket. At Hohenschwangau, the future poet-architect-opera-lover Mad King Ludwig I developed his interests and talents.

Day 4: Ettal Abbey and Linderhof Palace

On day four of your ten-day trip to Bavaria, you'll see a second castle built by Mad King Ludwig. On the inside, Linderhof Palace is far grander than Neuschwanstein. Ludwig hoped to model the palace after Versailles, the residence of Louis XIV.

Your inner self will feel like it's been covered in a solid gold shell. It's essential to take some time to go outside and play. There are several examples of architectural absurdity throughout the gardens and grounds.

Day 5: Augsburg Before Nuremberg

You will leave Fussen today and head to your new base in Nuremberg. For the length of your journey, you'll be there. To get across northern Bavaria, Nuremberg served as an excellent home base for me.

The city of Nuremberg is compact and easily explored on foot. Even so, it feels pretty urban and sophisticated. And after a day of touring, you may relax at one of the many excellent local eateries.

The trip to Nuremberg might benefit from a stop at Augsburg. The cathedral, "golden hall" town hall, and 500-year-old ivy-covered Fuggerei district are all worth seeing.

Day 6: Visit Nuremberg

Take the day to relax and take long, unhurried walks about Nuremberg. There is so much to see and do in the old imperial capital that you could spend a weekend or two there and yet not see everything.

Get things rolling with a stroll around the city's old quarter. The next stop is the Kaiserburg Castle, a medieval imperial residence built in the 13th century. Visit the museum housed within the castle to gain insight into Nuremberg's past.

Next, stroll down the stunning Weissgerbergasse Street, also known as Tanner's Lane. It is the cutest little Nuremberg street with all the half-timbered houses.

Day 7: Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber

Visit picturesque Rothenburg ob der Tauber on day seven of your trip. There isn't a more well-preserved medieval city in Germany, and maybe even Europe than this one. The best way to see everything is on foot, so consider taking a guided tour.

Critics say Rothenburg is excessively Disney-like and exists primarily to accommodate visitors. True, but that doesn't diminish the beauty of the UNESCO city.

Nothing else like it has ever crossed my path. Just beyond the city boundaries, near the Stadtwerke, it is a great place to park if you are driving like me.