Town and wine country

Stay: Mana Lisa Boutique Hotel
Deep in the Tauber Valley, overlooking vineyards and orchards, this sweet stay is run by Nane and Marin Bauer – and their daughter Alisa – who share their love of wine, wellness and good living. Mana Lisa Boutique Hotel, 97922 Lauda-Königshofen

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Castle: Wertheim Castle
This atmospheric stone ruin is one of the largest and most beautiful in Germany, guarding over the old town of Wertheim, where the mighty Main and Tauber rivers meet. Wertheim Castle, 97877 Wertheim

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Pretzel: Bäckerei Frischmuth
Reward your climb up and down to the castle with a still-warm pretzel from this centuries-old bakery on the main square. Bäckerei Frischmuth, Wertheim

Head to: Wertheim Village
A short drive from Wertheim, along the winding meanders of the Main, the Village is home to more than 110 boutiques and year-round savings. Book a VIP package for Hands-free Shopping, reserved parking and a 10% saving on the Village price in participating boutiques. Wertheim Village, 97877 Wertheim

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Shop: CHRIST
Founded in Frankfurt more than 150 years ago by Wilhelm Alexander Christ, this namesake brand is now a powerhouse of the Germany jewellery scene – and a great excuse to pick up a diamond- or watch-shaped treat. CHRIST, Wertheim Village

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Snack: The Waffle The scent of fresh Belgian waffles is hard to resist – go all in with the ‘King Kong’, topped with Nutella and whipped cream. The Waffle, Wertheim Village

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Shop: Villeroy & Boch
What links emperors’ chamber pots, the swimming pool tiles on the Titanic and the Pope’s plates? They’ve all been produced by Villeroy & Boch, Germany’s ceramics superstar. Villeroy & Boch, Wertheim Village

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Lunch: Müller’s Roast & Grill
A Frankfurter in Franconia is a must – and there’s none better than Müller’s freshly grilled Bratwursts in a bun. Müller’s Roast & Grill, Wertheim Village

Personal Shopping: The Apartment
Whether looking for a special investment piece or a whole fashion overhaul, the Village’s Personal Stylists are on hand to comb through the boutiques for you, so you can play dress up in one of The Apartment’s sumptuous suites. The Apartment, Wertheim Village

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Dinner: Bestenheider Stuben
Decorated in pale wood panelling and low-hanging rattan lampshades, this sophisticated spot is surprisingly vegetarian-friendly, with dishes such as creamy beetroot soup, pumpkin served three ways and fregola with leeks and Belper Knolle cheese. Bestenheider Stuben, 97877 Wertheim

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Matcha: La Rue 04
The best matcha in town is found at this minimalist coffee shop near the Marienkapelle – pick up a fragrant cardamom bun to munch alongside the bright green latte. La Rue 04, 97070 Würzburg

Explore: Würzburg Residence
The Prince-Bishops of Würzburg used to live across the river at the Marienberg Fortress until the eighteenth century, when the then Prince-Bishop decided something akin to the Palace of Versailles would be more fitting. This Baroque beauty is the result and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Würzburg Residence, 97070 Würzburg

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Coffee: Cafe Fred
There are flat whites, sure, but also a dizzying line-up of more exciting caffeine kicks, with Nutella, gingerbread and pumpkin spice lattes – and a host of brunch plates for the hungry. Cafe Fred, 97070 Würzburg

Wander: The Old Town
Pretty Würzburg marks the start of the famous Romantic Road that wiggles more than 350 kilometres down to Füssen. But don’t rush out before ambling around Würzburg’s pedestrianised old town between its many churches and Romanesque cathedral. The Old Town, Würzburg

Lunch: Zum Stachel
One of the city’s oldest taverns – founded in 1413 – Stachel majors in hearty plates of fried black pudding or roast pork in dark beer sauce, all washed down with more delicate Franconia white wines. Zum Stachel, 97070 Würzburg

Walk: Alte Mainbrücke to Marienberg Fortress
It’s a short post-prandial stroll to the pedestrian Old Main Bridge, lined with stone statues of saints and icons. From there, stride up the winding path on the opposite bank to the imposing Marienberg Fortress. Alte Mainbrücke to Marienberg Fortress, Würzburg

Hike: Stein Wine Trail
Legs warmed up, zip back across town to climb this four-kilometre trail between the steep limestone-rich Würzberger Stein vineyards that overlook the north side of the city. Stein Wine Trail, Würzburg

Wine tasting: Weingut am Stein
A glass or two of wine is a just reward for all that walking. Indulge at this sleekly contemporary winery, which produces zesty biodynamic Silvaner and elegant Riesling. 97080 Würzburg

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Dinner: Alte Mainmühle
Housed in an old mill overlooking the Alte Mainbrücke, this traditional Franconian restaurant dishes up delicious views over the river to the Marienberg Fortress, alongside robust dishes like sausages in wine broth or boiled veal with horseradish sauce. Bag a table on the balcony. Alte Mainmühle, 97070 Würzburg

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