It's true that Rothenburg is crowded, but it is worth seeing. Most tourists visit during the day and you will find that it really clears out by the early evening. This, as well as early morning, is the perfect time to walk the wall, and see all the wonderful things to see and shop for! The answer might be to simply sleep in Rothenburg.

Nordlingen is supposed to be wonderful, just like Rothenburg but not nearly as crowded. Its on the Romantic Road, if you are driving it why not stop in and see it as well. That's what I would do! There are so many places to explore in Bavaria, I hope your going to take your time.

I found these sites helpful in planning for Bavaria:

Bamburg http://www.bamberg.de/english/englishpages.htm

Bavarian Hotels http://www.all-hotels.com/europe/germany/bavaria/home.htm

Great Info http://twenj.com/bavaria.htm

Castle Info http://www.online-reservations.de/

Larry's links http://www.fortunecity.com/oasis/montego/267/larryslinks.html

Road Guide http://www.mappy.co.uk/direct/mappy/accueil?country=GBR

Road to Ruin http://www.roadstoruins.com/aboutr2r.html

Romantic Road Hotels http://tinyurl.com/3ae9k

AAA Route Planner http://www.theaa.com/travelwatch/planner_main.jsp

The Romantic Road http://www.romanticroad.com/

Travels through Germany http://www.travelsthroughgermany.com/

Grimm Fairy Tales http://www.union.edu/PUBLIC/MOLNDEPT/german/German149/links.htm

I surely hope this helps! Enjoy your holiday....

Amelia in (where is our winter?) Los Angeles