Germany has the Yuletide spirit all wrapped up with its world famous Christmas markets says FRANCESCA PACKER

The city of Dortmund in the heart of Germany's Ruhr region is full of surprises, with stunning architecture and a 50-year-old parrot, as NEIL CLARK discovers

ANDREW EAMES is full of good cheer in the pretty medieval Bavarian city, Bamberg, Germany, home to nine breweries

COLIN NICHOLSON savours picturesque views on a super cruise through Germany

JANIS BUCKLAND enjoys a preview of an exciting new ship making waves in the cruise world

It's crystal clear why this part of Germany is such a hit, says NATALIE CHALK

As the city prepares for the 50th anniversary of the building of the Wall, STEPHEN McCLARENCE takes a trip in a Trabis

From watching the fireworks in Berlin to dog-sledding in Lapland, get ready to welcome 2011 in style, says NICOLA ISEARD

As the German region prepares to mark the 125th anniversary of the death of its most famous royal, ANDREW EAMES visits Ludwig II's fairytale creations

Stock up on gifts, sample delicious local food and fill yourself with yuletide spirit by heading abroad for some atmospheric shopping experiences, says WILL HIDE