One week in Germany by train

Picture an idyllic city in a valley framed by a red sandstone castle, lush forested hills, and a river as blue as the sky on a bright, clear day. The romantic city of Heidelberg is a not-so-hidden cultural gem that is home to Germany's oldest university.

• Walk through the vibrant Old Town and experience the city's rust-coloured architecture at the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Old Bridge, carved out of the region's local Neckar sandstone.

• Climb the hill to Heidelberg Castle, overlooking the city. Explore the evolution of pharmaceuticals from the Middle Ages to the 21st century at the German Apothecary Museum inside the castle. 

• Cruise along the Neckar river by boat or grab a spot by the riverfront and watch the swans delicately dance at the edge of the water as the sun sets.

This city is famous for its views of the Rhine river, a dramatic skyline with the soaring Gothic Cologne Cathedral, and curated museums that delight art lovers. 

• Spend an afternoon soaking up modern art, from Pop Art greats Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein to Abstract and Surrealism exhibitions, at the Museum Ludwig. This museum also has one of the largest Picasso collections in Europe.
• Indulge your sweet tooth at the Schokoladenmuseum Köln, a massive chocolate museum in the heart of Cologne. It boasts an impressive chocolate fountain filled with 200 kg of chocolate.
• Discover the Old Town of Cologne by taking a unique walking tour of the 12 Romanesque churches – all built within the city's historic center.

Hamburg is Germany's maritime capital with its historic harbors and a place where seafaring tradition meets cultural innovation.

• Explore Speicherstadt, the largest warehouse district in the world, and stroll the promenade on the Landungsbrücken Piers. Listen to the rhythm of the loading docks, breathe in the salty air, and let the area's historic sailing spirit stir your imagination.
• Experience miniature magic at Miniatur Wunderland, which features tiny model trains, cinematic country-themed landscapes, and fascinating car, airport, and ship systems.
• Travel back more than a century as you take the elevator 24 meters down into the Alter Elbtunnel, once a technological marvel that offered a direct route for dock workers to cross the Elbe River in the 20th century. With Art Deco reliefs and brick-lined walls, the tunnel is now a work of art to be experienced in itself. 

Berlin is a place of contrasts. In this city, reminders of the past stand shoulder-to-shoulder with bold art, eclectic neighborhoods, and a cultural scene that never stops moving.

• Visit the East Side Gallery on the largest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall. Then, continue your art journey with a walk through Haus Schwarzenberg, an alley where artists regularly work over existing street art to create unique, blended murals.

• Chart your own walking tour starting at the Brandenburg Gate, winding through other historic sights in the center. End at the Reichstag roof terrace, which offers sweeping views over the city of Berlin.
• Drink coffee in a third-wave café and then sample food from Berlin's many market halls, where you can get your hands on everything from fresh fruits, seafood, and warm breads to street food and themed Sunday brunches.