Germany is a multifarious treat for the traveller, yet often unsung. Here, grand gothic cathedrals vie for attention with glittering skyscrapers. Medieval old towns – restored to their pre-war, chocolate-box glory – draw you past half-timbered houses and spire-topped churches. Fairy-tale castles beckon from lofty clifftops, and relics of the Holy Roman Empire point to the significance of the past.
Germany’s history, including the darkest period of the 20th century, is remembered thoughtfully across its excellent museums. You can also explore the lives of luminaries such as Beethoven, born in Bonn; and the history of major manufacturers such as BMW, headquartered in Munich. But this is also a lively, modern country, where techno vibrates the dance floors of Berlin, street art paints the walls of Cologne, and bold restauranteurs redefine German cuisine in Nuremberg.
Venture out of town and you’ll find the romantic landscapes that inspired many artists near and far, from Caspar David Friedrich to J. M. W. Turner. The Rhine carves scenically from north to south, the Bavarian Alps rise to meet the clouds on the southern borders, while the Black Forest is a carpet of evergreen from which the Danube river begins its long journey to the Black Sea. You may not think of Germany as a beach destination, yet its northern coast offers long stretches of gold sand, pretty piers and wind-ruffled islands.
Whether on a tailor-made holiday or small-group tour, we can take you between and beyond Germany's highlights – including to neighbouring Austria, Switzerland and the Czech Republic.