Hamburg, the second city, is an ideal base for exploring Northern Germany and boasts hidden canals, fishermens' cottages and art museums. Celle is famed for its half-timbered houses, castle and town hall with Glockenspiel.  Lüneburg is home to a prize-winning Salt Museum and hosts the annual Bach festival.  Lübeck delights visitors with its medieval character.

To the south, Bavaria is a fine example of how Germany preserves its past through fairy-tale castles and palaces whilst embracing the contemporary in its progressive theatres, art galleries and science museums. Munich boasts an array of art galleries including the Neue Pinakothek.  Stuttgart plays host to both Porsche and Mercedes, the latter with its own museum.  Picturesque Berchtesgaden is home to Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest and the nearby Marktschellenberg has impressive ice caves.