Prebook your skip-the-line tickets for Neuschwanstein Castle and make an early start to dodge the crowds—entrance lines can take upwards of an hour when it's busy. Set aside the morning to tour King Ludwig II’s fairy-tale castle, take a peek at the lavish interiors, and drink in the mountaintop views.

Visit the alpine village of Oberammergau to see its elaborate frescos and ornate building facades—it’s one of the most Instagrammable spots in the Bavarian Alps. Continue to another of the Mad King’s fantastical creations, Linderhof Castle to see its Hall of Mirrors, King’s Bedroom, and immaculate palace park and gardens.

You can’t come to Bavaria without visiting its capital, so plan a city tour of Munich on day two. Admire landmarks such as the St. Peter's Church, the Munich Residence, and Marienplatz; take a stroll through the idyllic English Garden; and browse the stalls at the daily open-air Victuals Market.

If you can’t make it to Munich for its legendary Oktoberfest, visit the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum. Follow it with a traditional Bavarian dinner at the famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall)—the perfect place to try local specialties such as pretzels, dumplings, and pork knuckle, accompanied by Bavarian beer.

Bavaria’s top road trip is the aptly nicknamed Romantic Road, which winds its way between alpine towns, medieval villages, and Franconian vineyards. From Munich, it’s about an hour’s drive to join the road at Augsburg. From there, head north to Harburg Castle and to explore the medieval town of Dinkelsbühl.

Continue to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the most-visited of the Romantic Road towns. Leave plenty of time to discover its cobbled alleyways and historic squares, photograph the half-timbered buildings, and walk along the old medieval city walls. At sunset, head to a traditional beer hall for a hearty Bavarian dinner.