Würzburg has been called the ‘Pearl of the Romantic Road’. And on the Romantic Road through Germany, which takes you past one bewitching Bavarian jewel after another, that’s no small claim. But Würzburg effortlessly lives up to the hype.

Between hills carpeted with vineyards, in the heart of Germany’s wine-growing region, the city is best known as the home of the Würzburg Residence. A stunning and extravagant palace — think French château meets German Baroque brilliance — with the most magical and most manicured gardens you’ll ever see.

On arriving, head first to the palace for a baptism of fire — fires of the passionately romantic kind, of course — into what lies ahead on this road trip. Explore chapels, gardens and stately halls, all gilt, gold and crystal.

Find yourself seduced by the otherworldly splendour of this intriguing building. And once you’ve had your fix of fairy tales, head to a bar to sample some of the wine for which this city is also famous.

If Würzburg felt like an amorous idyll, Rothenburg, the next stop on your road trip, turns it up a gear. One of Germany’s best-preserved medieval towns, here you’ll step back to the Bavarian Middle Ages.

Half-timbered, red‑roofed houses and cobbled streets sit between majestic churches, impressive city walls, ancient ramparts and a Baroque castle. It’s like the set of a fairy-tale blockbuster — in fact, the village from Disney’s Pinocchio was based on Rothenburg.

Drive your campervan through the green wonderland of the Taubertal valley to reach your next Romantic Road stop in Germany.

Wandering round the town doesn’t take long — but the endless photo opportunities might. For breathtaking views, climb to the top of the historic town hall. And when night falls and most tourists have left, join the night watchman for a walk along the city walls, looking over this ancient, picture-perfect town twinkling in the dark. Rothenburg makes being romantic easy.

A little over 60 km further along this Romantic Road in Germany, the next town to charm you is Nördlingen.

Arrive in another medieval marvel, this time with preserved city walls encircling its almost perfectly round old town. At its centre is the mighty Gothic wonder that is St George's Church — its tower offers panoramic views across the town. Less visited than Rothenburg, you won’t have to jostle other visitors here to get those great couple photos.

Oh — and incidentally, Nördlingen sits in the middle of a giant crater created 15 million years ago by an asteroid, an extraterrestrial visit that only adds to its magic.

Soak up the quaint yet captivating old-world atmosphere. Pay a visit to the Rathaus — the town hall — with its gorgeous gables and half-timbered façades.

Climb the Kirchturm Daniel for views across the ochre-tinted roofs and beyond. As with Rothenburg, Hollywood has made good use of Nördlingen — it was used as a backdrop in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, so keep an eye out for Oompa Loompas.

Augsburg is Bavaria’s oldest city, founded before the Romans arrived. Admittedly, it’s not the most romantic of the towns on this road trip from Frankfurt to Munich. But it has a rich and fascinating history — and stoking the intellect can fuel the flames of passion, right?

Plus, you’ll still get to visit opulent palatial homes, stumble across Baroque fountains and pay a visit to Gothic churches — if you haven’t had your fill yet.

Visit the Rathaus, six storeys of history and culture. Then there’s the Perlachturm, a 1,000-year-old watchtower. From the top, you’ll spy the Alps further along the Romantic Road in Germany.

If you’re after a dose of historic beauty, head to the Schaezlerpalais, a Rococo-style mansion and art museum. Relax in a café on the Maximilianstrasse and soak up the atmosphere. Wander the historic centre with its townhouses and majestic boulevards.

And to finish, a candlelit dinner beneath the vaulted ceilings of a traditional restaurant sounds perfect.

Hohenschwangau. Not quite the last stop on the Romantic Road in Germany. But it does feel like Bavaria’s final flourish.

Hohenschwangau is prized above all for Neuschwanstein, the fairy-tale castle to rival all others. Its spires, turrets, towers and balconies, dramatic and whimsical by turns, have inspired artists from Walt Disney to Wagner, and it is exactly where princesses might sleep for hundreds of years. Perched amid a panorama of lakes, fields and the Bavarian Alps, this is the world’s most iconic storybook castle.

Expect to come across fairies, queens, princes and perhaps even a witch or two as you enter the village. You’ll be desperate to head straight to Neuschwanstein, already under its spell. But hang on until sunset and the crowds have dispersed — this is when the castle is at its most magical.

Until then, there is also the other castle, Hohenschwangau itself, which deserves some of the spotlight shone on its more famous sibling.

The end of your romantic road trip is the region’s capital, Munich, a city best known for its raucous beer festival, Oktoberfest, but a brilliant destination all year round. Here rich tradition meets contemporary art, BMW museums sit alongside locals in Lederhosen.

With its elegant royal palaces, Christmas markets in winter, fairy-light-strewn gardens in summer, and, of course, its beer, Munich is a city where every element sparks romance.

Wander streets made for holding hands. Visit one of the many galleries in the Kunstareal. Climb the 86 steps to the top of the Frauenkirche for superb views. Enjoy people-watching in the English Garden. Explore the hip, bohemian Schwabing.

Finally, browse the culinary treats at Viktualienmarkt, the famous food market. Then cleanse your palate with a huge tankard of beer in one of the many bustling beer halls. And experience Gemütlichkeit — a mix of cosiness, well-being and relaxation — a feeling best enjoyed as part of a couple.