Germany

For most of its history, Germany wasn't a single country but a patchwork of dozens of principalities, large and small, all more or less sovereign. Because of this, Germany is home to an unparalleled multitude of cultural highlights even in remote provincial towns.

Currently, there are 42 German cultural and natural sites listed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage. This is where remains of the Celts and the Roman Empire can be explored. Little Red Riding Hood was eaten by the wolf here, Martin Luther translated the New Testament while hiding inside Wartburg Castle near Eisenach and gave birth to Reformation and the Protestant Church. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Ludwig van Beethoven, Karl Marx, and Albert Einstein have roamed this land. Johannes Gutenberg created the printing press, Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler invented the automobile, and, yes: in 1516 the Duke of Bavaria codified the ingredients of what became the German synonym for many - beer. The "Reinheitsgebot", or Beer Purity Law is what makes it so good here.

Germany started two world wars and produced two dictatorial political systems. The country was divided for 41 years and reunified in 1990. Learn about the traces of major political transformations through the Topography of Terror Museum, the remains of the Berlin Wall and many other related high-quality museums. Germany comes with a well-functioning public transportation system and an infrastructure catering to tourists that makes your visit easy to plan. Add to this the many playgrounds, zoos, and the kids' corners in many museums and cafés, where your children can let off steam after you've dragged them through another extraordinary historical place.