Hey Bonnie (and husband) lol
as I promised before, I already looked something up for you....
1) Budapest: staying at the charming little city hotel is about 50 here, the return flights from/to Munich approx. 40 each (giving you book a little in advance), romantic dinner at the Marquis de Salade 25, 10 bus tickets 4,40 and so on....I´d say, excluding the flight to Munich, Germany, that´s be doable for about 400 , maybe some entrance fees included.
2) Trier: the oldest city of Germany at the romantic Moselle river: Trier is a must-do in Germany I´d say. Take a look at www.trier.de and click on the english version, look up "monuments" and get a first impression of the Porta Nigra, the colosseum, the roman baths....Trier is Rome in small (and older!), not to mention that the side costs are of course cheaper. There are two hotels right next to the Porta Nigra, the major sight, but I would suggest to go for a more romantic one a little outside of the city and get a deal including a "wellness package", means entrance to the spa, massage, fango, all that good stuff. When it comes to dining, there are affordable nice little places at the stunning old-town as well as more expensive restaurant, e.g. looking over the Moselle river. Which takes me to the next point, Bernkastel-Kues and the area. Not too far of a drive from Trier (in August I´d rent a convertible in order to enjoy the wonderful scenery of vineyards and castles (almost every little town has one up the hill)...and very easy to drive. Bernkastel may be a little crowded by tourists, but the little streets throughout the old-town with hundreds of photo-shot worthy little timbered houses is really a good call. You can go for a little cruise on the river, only about let´s say 5 each, the entrance fees are okay and you can have lunch or dinner at the castle. Also I know a castle where you can join a medieval dinner once a month, maybe that is something you´d like to do. There´s a nice old wine tavern with historical furnishing. Double rooms between 80 and 120 a night, but they are well-invested in an unforgettable stay. An ideal starting point to explore the wonderful area between Traben-Trarbach and Koblenz. Here´s a link with some nice impressions of the Moselle River Highlights: http://www.mosel-reisefuehrer.de/moselhighengl/moselhighlightsengl.html
Oh, a little more than I intended to write...but this is all very close to where I live, Trier and the Moselle that is. I know every little town there and if you´re looking for something cheap but comfortable, I know a few people who rent out little appartments and then I tell you where to spend the money you saved, e.g. at that medieval dinner. Maybe I even give a free city tour through Trier for you as a personal guide for "my" Germany visitors lol
So once you wanna get more precise, and I highly recommend do do so, at least with the flights if you need good deals, you guys know where I am. It helps to have someone in Europe who speaks a few languages because you may get a better deal than if you just email these places. Plus, a lot of bed and breakfast places or small romantic hotels are owned by the same people who take care of their vineyard and so on, meaning they don´t check their email regularly due to a lack of time- or the old people may not have access to the internet yet.
Now I have to go though, so let me know when you come up with new ideas or maybe you like one of the above...don´t matter. It´s fun for me to help you, trust me ;-)
Your "German travel agent"
Silke
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