HAMBURG GERMANY

Located on the Elbe River and surrounded by waterways and canals, Hamburg is sometimes referred to as the "Venice of the North".  Germany's leading port city is historic, dynamic and multicultural and home to many spectacular architectural gems.  It is also an important financial, educational, scientific and center.

The Speicherstadt, located in the port of Hamburg, is the largest warehouse district in the world and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The Rathaus, home to to Hamburg's massive city hall, is a must see.  In addition to governmental fuctions, it dazzles with mosaics, pillars, grand staircases, a courtyard and statues.

St. Michaelis church, a Baroque beauty, is devoted to St. Michael, Archangel, and is known for its magnificent clock tower.  You'll also want to include a stop at the Old Botanical Gardens, a cool, green oasis in the middle of the city.