Germany

A country where half-timbered houses sit alongside fairytale castles, and rolling vineyards can be reached through ultra-modern cities; Germany is as beautiful as it is historic. Birthplace of the Brothers Grimm, Beethoven and Albert Einstein, this destination has stories waiting at every turn. Wander among UNESCO-listed Roman remains, savour a traditional pint at one of the world’s most historic beer halls and even head underground to explore tunnels that played a significant part in the war.

For the archaeology lovers, Germany is filled with sites to explore. In Trier, you’ll find the impressive Roman Porta Nigra gate, built in grey sandstone in the 2^nd century AD. In Xanten, the Roman town of Colonia Ulpia Traiana – built by the army in order to service the legion and auxiliary troops stationed there – has been reconstructed. Then, in Mainz, stand before the Temple of Isis, which shows how cosmopolitan the province was in the Roman period.

Culturally, this country is just as rich. From world-famous philosophers like Immanuel Kant to composers such as Bach and Handel, and from literary greats like Wolfgang von Goethe to artists that include Max Ernst and Paul Klee – Germany is home to some celebrated talent.