Germany boasts one of the world's most developed motorway systems, running from the Alps to the shores of the North and Baltic seas, so hiring a car is one of the best ways to tour the country. And rather than driving willy-nilly, picking an exploratory theme - be it vineyards, world heritage sites, the wealth of castles and churches, or simply getting off the beaten track - adds lustre to zipping along in the outside lane of the autobahn.
Unesco has recognised more than two dozen heritage sites in Germany, and they act as beacons for the country's history and culture. Some of the most fascinating are the towns dating from medieval times, such as Quedlinberg and Lubeck. Half timbered buildings line the cobbled streets that make up the historic centre of Quedlinberg, whose Rathaus - or town hall - is decorated with beautiful frescoes illustrating the town's colourful history. Lubeck, which traces its origins to the 12th century, was once the centre of the powerful Hanseatic League trading bloc, and is distinguished by a brace of pointed cylindrical towers which rise above one of the old city gates.
More striking still are the many castles which dot the landscape, especially along the banks of the Rhine between Koblenz and Bingen. Schloss Stolzenfels is typical of the breed, with crenellated turrets, ornate gables and ramparts. It was rebuilt in the early 19th century - after being partly demolished by invading French armies - and became the summer residence of the Prussian king Friedrich Wilhelm IV, many of whose paintings, weapons, armour and furnishings are still in situ.
Even further back in history, the city of Trier was established by the Romans in 15 BC, and their amphitheatre and many other monuments survive to this day.
Trier lies on the banks of the Moselle, its valleys famous for beautiful scenery and excellent wine. The Romans are credited with planting the first vines in Germany, marking the genesis of the country's celebrated wine industry.
There are 13 growing regions, and visitors can tour the estates, browse through cellars, and meet the vintners themselves at hosted wine tastings. For fans of red wine, the Ahr Valley beckons, with a well marked hiking trail - the Rotweinwanderweg - that runs from vineyard to vineyard. In the southern Black Forest region, the lower slopes of an extinct volcano by the name of Kaiserstuhl make up one of the best wine-growing areas which is renowned for its late Burgundies, thanks to plenty of sunshine and the extremely fertile clay soil. Perhaps the best known German grape is Riesling, and its production is based around Rudesheim on the west bank of the Rhine. The town's main port of call for wine lovers is the Drosselgasse, which is crammed with bars and restaurants, which in turn are crammed with parties of visitors showing their appreciation for the area's famous vintages.
