Quick Getaway: Germany Via The Kiel Canal

Bridges arch over tranquil canals - more than you'll find in Venice. The spires of historic churches and the lovely Rathaus pierce the sky. It's hard to know where to begin your day. Stroll the Museum Mile for a lesson in history. Venture to Reeperbahn (the Red Light District) to see where the Beatles got their start. Or just shop along the "Mo" (Monckebergstrasse), Hamburg's version of Fifth Avenue.

Bridges arch over tranquil canals - more than you'll find in Venice. The spires of historic churches and the lovely Rathaus pierce the sky. It's hard to know where to begin your day. Stroll the Museum Mile for a lesson in history. Venture to Reeperbahn (the Red Light District) to see where the Beatles got their start. Or just shop along the "Mo" (Monckebergstrasse), Hamburg's version of Fifth Avenue.

CRUISING THE ELBE RIVER

The busiest artificial waterway in the world, busier than the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal combined, this 61-mile-long canal saves a 250-mile detour.

This beautiful Baltic resort is known for its long, wide expanse of startlingly white beach. Explore the unique mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture, and stroll the beach promenade. Or delve into World War II history with an optional tour in Berlin with famous landmarks like Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall and a UNESCO site like Museumsinsel.

Few people outside of Germany know about this Baltic jewel with its sandy beaches dotted with Stranskorbs (beach baskets) and elegant seaside walkway. The island was the preferred playground of the German elite during the late 1800s and its iconic Belle époch architecture will charm you, but there's lots more to recommend this secretive seaside resort. Binz is conveniently close to Jasmund National Park with its dramatic white chalk cliffs, as well as a U-boat museum. Climb the spiraling walkway at the Rügen Natural Heritage Center, circling around a soaring birch tree until you reach the viewing tower at the top. Or take the narrow gauge steam train to Jagdschloss Granitz, a dusty pink neo-Gothic hunting lodge/castle built in the 1830s.

This historic city of palaces, canals, and copper spires casts a sense of enchantment upon all who walk its cobbled streets. Little wonder that Copenhagen's favorite son, Hans Christian Andersen, was inspired to write some of the world's most beloved fairy tales here. Stroll the 17th century Nyhavn waterfront where Andersen once lived, complete with colorful row houses and historic tall ships. Enjoy world-class shopping on Strøget, the world's longest pedestrian street. Or find your amusement at world-famous Tivoli Gardens where tree-lined pathways lead to theaters, open air stages, restaurants, cafes, and over 80 attractions.