Trip to Germany

[hotwine]

K, it looks like you'll be going to Strasbourg from Frankfurt, no? That is, taking the train from the airport station, in the basement below the terminal? If so, you could change that slightly by going from the airport to Bernkastel, then stopping in Strasbourg on your way to Italy. Scoop is right-on about Trier, if you can fit it in; it's about 2,000 years old, and was the capital of the Roman province of Gaul. Fascinating place. (But then, all of Germany is fascinating!) The airport station is very efficient, and should be able to route you however you wish to go. Check the automated ticket dispensers and their displayed maps.
(I haven't tried looking up the German Railroad - Deutche Zugbahn - on the 'net, but would be surprised if the whole system isn't laid out there. Will do some surfing and post later if lucky.)
Gil