A nation as robust as the beers it is famous for, Germany is a proud survivor of a long and turbulent history. Divided for centuries by states at war with each other, then separated into East and West after WWII – Germany is a nation that has strived to be whole again. Significant investments in infrastructure have rebuilt Germany’s great cities. Arts and architecture continue to flourish again. Old towns and restored cities are infused with Germany’s collective positive energy. Just some of the reasons why the whole country keeps celebrating in larger-than-life proportions during its world-famous Oktoberfest.

Bamberg

Medieval Bamberg is yet another beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany. Take in its breathtaking cathedral, the OLD TOWN HALL straddling the River Regnitz, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions.

Berlin (Warnemunde)

Germany's largest city is a tapestry full of unique cultures and history. Sights to see include the Reichstag, Charlottenburg Palace, Victory Column, and the famous Checkpoint Charlie. Of course, no visit to Berlin would be complete without a visit to the Brandenburg Gate. If you can, grab the opportunity to enjoy Berlin's exciting nightlife.

Attractions

• Unter den Linden Strasse, the sweeping, tree-lined street with luxury hotels, chic cafes, boutiques and galleries, one of Berlin's finest shopping venues.
• Brandenburg Gate, an emblem of the German unification. Built in 1789 as a tribute to Prussian war victories, the gate became the central crossing point between east and west when the wall divided the city in two.
• Checkpoint Charlie Wall Museum, built on the site of the demolished border crossing, where you'll find remnants of the Wall bearing graffiti-splashed protests to the Cold War.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt, the lively and diversified metropolis in the heart of Europe, offers visitors a great deal of urban excitement, along with a magnificent skyline, a vast exhibition centre and continental Europe's largest airport.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a busy harbour city situated along the Elbe River in North Germany, and owes much of its architecture to the rebuilding done in the late 19th and early 20th centuries after a massive fire. World War II also inflicted severe damage, but the city's medieval character is still evident thanks to post-war restorations. The skyline features an extraordinary backdrop of church spires, architectural landmarks and towers, and the whole of the city serves as a gateway to the neighbouring capital of Berlin.

Attractions

• Rathaus, one of Europe's most opulent seats of government, renowned for the Emperor's Hall and the Great Hall, which has a spectacular coffered ceiling. Indeed, the Rathaus has 647 rooms. Nearby is Alsterarkaden, the elegant Renaissance-style arcades sheltering shops and cafés alongside a canal.
• Chilehaus, in the Merchant's District. Shaped like an ocean liner, with remarkable curved walls meeting in the shape of a ship's bow and staggered balconies to look like decks - some prefer calling it the city's most remarkable building over the Rathaus.

Kiel Canal

Cruise through this 61-mile waterway that links the North and Baltic Seas. Sail gently through beautiful German scenery as crowds of well-wishers greet the ship from each of ten bridges. Cyclists, picnicking families and even cows will be glad to see you.

Miltenburg

Miltenberg is a picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and renaissance houses and the gothic splendour of the Merchant Hall.

Nuremberg

Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg hosts Germany's most famous Christmas market, which dates back to 1628 and is opened each year by the Christkindl. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations. The city's traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working.

Regensburg

Regensburg is one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights are the Old Town Hall, the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL, and the Porta Pretoria-gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town, and one of Bavaria's cultural centres. The Christmas market is located on the historic market square. Germany is famous for its sausages, and Regensburg is home to the country's oldest restaurant-Historische Wurstkuche (the Old Sausage Kitchen), dating back to the 12th century.

Wurzburg

Known as the Pearl of the Romantic Road, Wurzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. Wurzburg is also home to the magnifiscent BISHOP's RESIDENZ, which is a UNESCO Heritage Site and known for its year-round Christmas market.