Just about an hour from Hamburg, Lübeck is the perfect blend of a vibrant city and a beautiful village. This city was the capital of the Hanseatic trade in Medieval times. Today, Lübeck's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We highly recommend spending two days in this gorgeous city dotted with Gothic red brick structures flanked by River Trave. The best way to enjoy the river is aboard a self-guided e-boat. Glide leisurely for an hour and soak in the buildings along the river. My favourite part, however, was when there was nothing but lush greenery on either side, with clear blue skies adding a picturesque contrast. The boat dock is charming, with plenty of restaurants and musicians performing by the street. After lunch, go to St. Peter's Church and climb up to the viewing platform. Late afternoon lends a golden glow over the elegant brick buildings, charming bridges, other churches and the iconic Holstentor Gate. This gate is the focal point of the city, and to mark the importance of Lübeck in the economic history of Germany, the Holstentor Gate was also printed prominently on the erstwhile Deutsche Mark currency.

With its proximity to the Baltic Sea, the regional specialties include maritime cuisine and an abundance of fresh seafood—Fangfrisch is a popular restaurant to try some delicious fare. If you like cocktails, I would encourage you to check out Dietrich Bar. In this quiet town, this place stays open until 1 a.m. and has a great vibe and super cocktails—and we also learnt later that it is rated number 6 in the Best Bars in Germany.

Start early the next day and explore Old Town on a guided tour. As you delve deeper into the rich history of Lübeck, you'll discover that this UNESCO World Heritage site is indeed a living museum with landmarks such as the Marienkirche, the Town Hall, and the iconic Holstentor. And don't be fooled by the narrow façade of most of the homes. Ask your guide to take you inside one of the homes (after seeking permission, of course), and you'll discover how spacious these homes actually are. Also, walk through the hidden courtyards that are abundant with flowers during the summer months. These were particularly designed for women to enjoy the outdoors and camaraderie in the olden times, away from the gaze of soldiers. After that, visit the European Hansemuseum, where you can enjoy exhibits and films about the Hanseatic League, the powerful medieval trade network of which Lübeck was an integral part. The fascinating stories of voyages and merchants will indeed take you back in time.

Soon, it'll be time for lunch, for which Café Niederegger is highly recommended. Do make prior reservations as the store and café are packed to the brim—the highlight here are marzipan treats that have been crafted since 1806! Lübeck is renowned as the birthplace of marzipan, and Niederegger is almost like an edible symbol of the city. Tourists throng here to marvel at the beautiful creations and buy gifts for friends back home. The café has a larger menu and features an array of pastries that look as beautiful as they are delicious. Follow this up with a walk through the Marzipan Museum, which is located within the café, to learn about the history of this sweet delicacy. From this rejuvenating getaway, make your way to Berlin – Germany's capital and the largest city in the country.

Berlin is a city of immense contrasts. It's a must-visit destination at least once in your lifetime, and it is so vast and varied that, ideally, you'll need to plan multiple trips to enjoy it fully. Berlin is a relatively young city that has reinvented itself many times over. And today, its past, the dark history, the wild parties and freedom coexist, making it unparalleled.

Let these two days give you a glimpse of why you must return to Berlin for a longer trip. Whether you're exploring the relics of the past, delving into its vibrant culture, or dancing the night away, this city is bound to leave an indelible impression. Located in the heart of the city, Museum Island is where five of the most impressive museums are located, all within walking distance. The atmosphere is electric, with many street performers living things up. As it is located by the River Spree, in good weather, you'll also see many people sitting on the steps by the river having a little picnic or just chilling. Walk a little further to Hackescher Markt, a square that has plenty of cafes, shops, and galleries. The evening is perfect for enjoying a boat tour on the River Spree – glide past iconic landmarks, including the Reichstag, Berlin Cathedral, and the Berlin TV Tower, as they light up at dusk.

If you enjoy clubbing, Berlin boasts a legendary nightlife! KitKat and Berghain are world-famous clubs known for their marathon parties. However, they have a strict door policy, and it's not easy getting in! But there are many other clubs, bars, jazz lounges, and cabarets that make evenings in Berlin inimitable.

On the second day, we recommend taking a hop-on-hop-off bus since Berlin is really spread out, and you cannot cover the whole city on foot in one day. The bus takes you to iconic places like the Berlin Cathedral, East Side Gallery, which is actually a stretch of the Berlin Wall covered in murals, Checkpoint Charlie and many, many more. The Berlin Wall Memorial is particularly moving as it includes a preserved stretch of the Wall along with a visitor centre that explains the history of Berlin's division and the stories of those who risked their lives attempting to escape to the West. The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, also known as the Holocaust Memorial, is also a must-see. Located near Brandenburg Gate, it is a solemn reminder of the horrific past that this city lived through. The site consists of 2,711 concrete slabs of varying heights, arranged in a grid pattern across a large area, as a reminder of the atrocities that Jews of all ages were subject to. These are dark reminders of a grave time, but they also shine a light on the resilience of the human spirit!

There are plenty of things to do in the evening – you can enjoy a cool picnic at the Tiergarten, walk along Friedrichhain and check out some flea markets, or spend time at Alexanderplatz and enjoy the vibrancy of Berlin.