The sun is setting on the foothills of the Alps. Overseeing vast meadows with tiny lanes and lazy cows is the fairy-tale castle of "Mad" King Ludwig of Bavaria (Neuschwanstein). Having borrowed a bike from my hotel, I just soaked my imagination in that Romantic king's fantasy-come-true...and then soaked my body in a classic German spa (the Königliche Kristall-Therme) that enjoys a poolside view as grand as Ludwig's — or even better, considering it includes his inspiring castle. Biking through th

When it comes to traditional holiday images, Germany’s Bavaria is the heartland. In this clip from “Rick Steves' European Christmas,” we savor classic holiday themes: glittering trees, old-time carols, and colorful Christmas markets. | Rick Steves' Europe