Munich & Eastern Bavaria

Munich is the compact, tradition-bound capital of Bavaria that oozes wealth – and is drop-dead gorgeous as a result. Far more than just the setting of the kitschy, beer-soaked Oktoberfest, Germany’s third-largest city impresses with its Italian-inspired attractions, including palazzos and pizzerias, cosmopolitan sophistication, world-renowned art collections, and ultra-contemporary architecture – not to mention its chic nightlife and shopping. Sitting pretty in Munich’s vicinity are lakes with stunning Alpine views, castles, and a trio of enticing cities – Nuremburg, Regensburg and Bamberg – that boast their own set of must-see museums, cathedrals, and preserved historic centers.