Nuremberg to Rothenburg and Dinkelsbuhl: Private day trip

Seeing Rothenburg ob der Tauber's forty-two gates and towers etched against the unspoiled countryside from a distance, you'd swear you were looking at the Fifteenth Century through field glasses. Inside, the town's almost completely intact walls and carefully-preserved half-timbered houses truly do bring visitors back in time. But the past isn't all pretty buildings. Stop by the Medieval Crime Museum to see the horrific reality of medieval correctional methods lovingly detailed in the vaults. A whole department is dedicated to witchcraft and witch-hunting in Bavaria. Back in the light of day, the Town Hall Tower beckons with its fine views of the town and the idyllic surrounding countryside. A walk around those intact town walls is also a temptation to fully surrender to.

Founded in the 8th century as a royal residence of the Carolingian kings, in the 14th century, Dinkelsbuhl was fortified and made a Free Imperial City. In 1632, the town avoided destruction by surrendering to the Swedish - according to legend it's thanks to one small boy who reminded the Swedish general of his own child. Every July, the town celebrates their surrender, which (along with not being bombed during World War II) has allowed them to keep their medieval heritage. Today, Dinkelsbuhl is one of only 3 German towns with intact city walls, providing visitors a rare opportunity to walk medieval battlements. The Old Town is an explosion of colorful history, with half-timbered houses and vibrantly-painted gabled houses lining the cobbled streets. Towering above them all is the 15th century St. George’s church. After admiring its 6 magnificent altars, visitors can scale the tower for fantastic views of the town and countryside.