Germany's excellent rail system means it is easy to plan your trip. Here are some of our suggestions.
Germany in 2-3 days
Head straight to Berlin for a long weekend of history and hedonism or if you'd rather get a taste of Bavarian Germany, head to Munich where you can cruise the beer halls.
In 7-9 days
Start in Berlin, where you'll need at least two nights. Catch a train south to Dresden — an 18th century centre of art that was bombed extensively in World War II.
Spend a night or two in Dresden before heading to Munich for a Bavarian beerhouse experience.
After at least two nights in Munich, head towards Heidelberg where you can start exploring the castle-lined Romantic Rhine. End your travels in Mainz or continue north for a couple of nights in Cologne.
Two weeks +
Use the 7-9 day itinerary as a starting point, but spend longer exploring the many different Berlin neighbourhoods.
After visiting Munich consider heading down to King Ludwig's beautiful palace Neuschwanstein and then travelling to Freiburg — where you can begin to explore the Black Forest.
Take a detour into Stuttgart if you're keen to see the home of Porsche and Mercedes-Benz before heading north-west to Heidelberg for your Romantic Rhine experience and a short stay in Cologne.