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Rothenburg is a magical German village from the past, cocooned inside a fortress of medieval walls. Ride a horse and carriage along quaint cobblestone streets immortalized by painters and poets during the Romantic era. Stop by historic churches like St. Jacobs with its impressive towers and intricately carved wooden altars. Walk along the fortifications with its mighty battlements and numerous towers. Discover classic half-timbered buildings mingled with shops, establishments and homes from the Baroque and Renaissance age. Rothenburg is home to the most charming Christmas Market. In December, marketplace is alive Christmas spirit as venders line the streets selling traditional ornaments and decorations. The German Christmas Museum and the original Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas Store is open year round.   Sleep in Colmberg Castle Nestled on a hilltop in the picturesque countryside of Franconia is the majestic Colmberg Castle. Built in the late 12th century, this palace had been home to emperors, counts and German Nobels before becoming privately owned in the late 1800's. Overnights guests will feel they have stepped into the past as they wander through this rambling estate with stained glass windows, spiraling staircases, massive stone fireplaces, walls of medieval weapons and historic antique furnishings. This castle looks and feels like the real thing from its lofty bell tower to its fortress walls. Couples will enjoy the Baroque-style honeymoon suite in gossamer white accents and whirlpool bath, in a wing above the Castle's wedding chapel. Another favorite is the Heavenly suite with an ornately carved Japanese high bed, hand-painted ceilings, Tiffany lamps and stain glass windows. Over the castle walls is a golf course and wildlife park.  The Treasures of Nuremberg A mix of modern city life and old-world charm come alive in the 950-year-old Imperial city of Nuremberg. Five imposing tower-gated entrances lead into the Old Town with its countless architectural gems from rich Gothic churches to the 14th century Church of Our Lady, with a mechanical clock that displays a parade of historic figures at the stroke of noon. A 600-year-old filigree fountain crowns the market square where venders sell flowers and tasty gingerbread treats. The crowning landmark of Nuremberg is the imposing Kaiserburg Castle, towering above the city on a sandstone cliff. This sprawling Imperial Palace, home to emperors and kings, features a museum and rooms of the residential palace with grand halls, an emperor's reception room and living quarters. The spiraling 12th century watch tower offers impressive views of the city. For lunch, try some famous Nuremberg sausages and local brews at Burgwachter Restaurant, below the castle walls.  Enchanting Bayreuth Magnificent palaces, enchanted gardens and the opulent Margravial Opera House are only part of the splendid testimony to Bayreuth's glorious past. The fairytale-like charm of this cultural city began in the early 1700's during the rein of Margrave Friedrich and Prussian Princess Wilhelmine of Bayreuth. The Princess embraced the arts and adorned her domain in extravagant style. The Hermitage summer home and Old Palace feature splendid gardens, ornate water fountains and hidden grottos. The city is best known as the home of Composer Richard Wagner.  Experience a Royal Hunting Lodge Originally built in 1715 as a hunting lodge, Thiergarten, a miniature Baroque palace on the outskirts of Bayreuth, is now an intimate inn and restaurant. Eight distinctive and romantic suites are furnished in antiques with an ambience of understated luxury. In the evenings, dinners in the elegant dining room are served by candlelight in front of a roaring fire, featuring New German and Franconian specialities. Relax by the pool or take a stroll on the grounds where they raise exotic white deer.  German Travel Planner German National Tourist Office- http://www.cometogermany.com Historic Castle Road- http://www.burgenstasse.de , click on English for details on the castle route. Fly non-stop on Delta Airlines from Baton Rouge to Atlanta. Lufthansa offers direct flights from Atlanta to Frankfurt. 800-645-3880, http://www.lufthansa.com.