Central Europe Highlights

The heart of Swiss commerce, finances, and academia, Zurich boasts museums, galleries, a buzzing nightlife, and a superb atmosphere.

Housing a superb collection of medieval, Impressionist, and modern art, this wonderful museum is a hidden gem for any lover of art.

Discover Zurich’s trendiest art galleries, antique stores and bookshops and you wander through its old town.

A treasure trove of French Impressionism, this art collection also contains a selection of modern and fine art.

Housed in a fine villa, this museum exhibits an array of non-European art, featuring works from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.

Whether you catch a boat, take a tour, or stand on the flanking platforms, you will enjoy the views of Europe's largest plain waterfall.

Part of the Jura Mountains, this nearly 1,400m peak can be reached by a gondola and offers spectacular panoramic views of the area.

The perfect spot to enjoy a pleasant stroll by the water, the quays afford beautiful views over the lake and the city.

Diverse and extremely rich, this museum spans history, culture, art, religion, warfare, and more through an array of exquisite exhibits.

The 9C abbey was completely reconstructed in the early 20C, and now features notable stained-glass windows and a small crypt museum.

Home to nearly 15,000 plant species from around the world, these botanical gardens afford a lovely afternoon stroll.

The summit of this Alpine mountain can be reached by a steam train, and offers a stunning view of the Berne Alps and Lake Brienz.

Dramatically set against the peaks of Jungfraujoch, this astronomical observatory afford breathtaking views of the surroundings.

Located on a hill, this area is the site of the 2C Roman settlement, now offering a green respite from the city bustle and great views.

Home to over 2,000 animals, this wonderful zoo features diverse enclosures with varied habitats, from the tropics to the Antarctic.

Founded in the 12C, this marvelous Romanesque cathedral boasts lovely interior, rich ornamentation, and an ecclesiastical museum.

One of Switzerland's largest cities, Basel is the country's cultural center with museums, art galleries, and a rich history.

Sprawling south from the city of Zurich, this expansive lake is nestled amidst beautiful landscape, and is lined with lovely towns.

Munich is a fabulous city, known for its rich history, culture, art, as well as modern amenities and great nightlife.

This 21-ha park is a paradise of flora with more than 16,000 species from numerous habitats.

Founded in the 16C, this museum is one of the oldest in the world and boasts a collection of European paintings from the 14CC-18C.

Set in the heart of the city, this lovely public park imitates the style of English landscaping and gardens.

This must-see museum is in fact four museums of 20C art, all located in a spectacular glass building designed by Braunfels.

Known for its extravagant interior, this 19C castle was built bu Ludwig II as a hunting palace for Bavarian royals.

This castle beats the Disney copy in every way, from its spectacular interior to the incredible views.

With an illustrious brewing history dating to the 14C, Augustiner has established itself as one of the leading German beers.

Dominating Munich's skyline with its Renaissance elegance, this 15C cathedral retains many rich works of art and beautiful interior.

This historic center is a fabulous meeting place, particularly when the workday ends and the locals are out for an evening stroll.

Dating to the 17C, this Baroque palace is still inhabited by a royal family member and boasts elaborate interior, furnishings and art.

Famed for its delicious wheat beer, this 19C beer brewery offers fun and interesting tours that reveal all about beer production.

A superb walk in both summer and winter, with waterfalls that will leave you in awe.

This 18C hunting lodge is a beautiful rococo mansion on the grounds of Nymphenburg Castle.

This museum features a comprehensive collection of Bavarian art and artifacts from the Romanesque to the Renaissance periods.

With more than a day's worth of exhibits to explore, this interactive museum traces science and technology since 1925.

One of Europe's best zoos, this zoological garden dates to 1911, hosting a rich population of birds, aquariums, and other attractions.

Travel through the Bavarian Alps, passing towering cliffs, clear lakes, and other breathtaking views.

Take a cable car up, or hike if you're particularly adventurous, to enjoy breathtaking views from this summit near the Austrian border.

Vienna, the luxurious capital of Austria, has vibrant nightlife, contagiously joyful atmosphere and fascinating history.

The Museum of Fine Art is home to one of the greatest collections of art in the world and exhibits many historical antiques.

Hofburg Palace has a multitude of popular cafes, charming squares, and three separate museums each with international standing.

The gorgeous Schonbrunn Palace is built in an ornate French style as an attempt to rival the famous Versailles Palace.

This impressive Renaissance style Opera House often features the most prestigious world-wide conductors and singers.

Located in Lower Austria, this park is dedicated to preserving the ecosystem of meadows, forests, and wetlands along the Danube River.

A 19C fairy-tale fort comprised of original castle sections scavenged from various European ruins, home to a local history museum.

Take a day to stroll along the elegant streets of Vienna as you take in its pleasant character and celebrated Austrian heritage.

The Art Gallery located in the Academy of Fine Arts contains several Renaissance masterpieces and many Austrian paintings.

Formerly focused on wine growing, this charming district offers delicious cuisine and a peaceful ambience.

Surrounded by magnificent gardens, the Liechtenstein houses the vast private art collection of Prince Hans-Adam II.

Comprised of pastures, meadows, salt-ponds, and highly varied flora, this national park is a treasure trove of Austrian nature.

Elegantly fusing Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture, this 16C complex features an arcaded courtyard and nice mosaics.

Looming 65m high, the Vienna Ferris Wheel offers a breathtaking views of the city at a very slow and relaxed rotating pace.

Exhibiting artwork ranging from Historicist to Contemporary, the Osterreichische, this gallery is a must for art enthusiasts.

Decorated with carvings and expensive vibrantly colored frescoes, the Karlskirche is a must see.

Uniquely located at prince Eugene's former apartments, the museum of Baroque art has a very extensive and precious collection.

A large village museum comprised of 80 traditional buildings, representative of the folk architecture from the Weinviertel Region.

This 13C Baroque basilica is a significant pilgrimage destination in Europe, home to an extraordinary statuette of the Virgin Mary.

St Stephen's Cathedral is an ancient symbolic monument in Vienna, well known for its elegantly carved stonework walls.

Commissioned by Eugene of Savoy, these two luxurious palaces are linked by a formal garden and now house many famous works of art.

Boldly blocking the skies around it, this gigantic white cube has a dome ceiling covered with 3,000 golden laurel leaves.

Exhibiting design and crafts from elegant to unusual, the MAK features a stunning main Hall in Florentine Renaissance style.

Situated on a crag overlooking the Danube, this 12C ruined stronghold offers great views of the river and the Wachau Valley.

Connected to the Podyji National Park in the Czech Republic, this park preserves the lush ecosystem of the Thaya river.

Home to several historic and recreational attractions, this picturesque town is situated next to a glacier lake of the same name.

Wrapped in legend and history, this beautiful 17C pilgrimage church is located on the lovely Bled Island and boasts Baroque architecture.

Stroll through this picturesque town, and enjoy the charming local atmosphere.

Located in the middle of Lake Bled, the island is home to several buildings, including the iconic Church of the Assumption.

A small lookout hill with stunning views, perfect for hiking in the summertime and various winter-sports in the winter.

Magnificent and peaceful, the lake offers gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains or boats for hire to reach its famous isle.

Slovenia's second longest cave system is a huge web of karst caves, created by the Pivka River and stretching for over 24km.

A climbing park located high in the trees, featuring different level climbing courses that are fun for both adults and children.

Situated on a cliff overlooking the city, this fairytale castle dates to the 11C, retaining many of its original structures.

A neo-Gothic church built in the early 20C, home to several beautifully painted frescoes.

Slovenia's capital is home to a variety of colorful buildings as well as stunning natural, cultural, and historic attractions.

The largest in Slovenia, this botanical garden boasts an array of woody plants, including trees from Asia, North America, and Europe.

A stunning gorge carved by the Radovna River. Walk along the wooden bridges to enjoy the amazing views.

A massive cave system featuring the world's largest underground canyon, where visitors cross the abyss on a pedestrian bridge.

Famed worldwide for its romantic canals and gorgeous masks, this thriving city offers its visitors a wealth of cultural attractions.

Venice's famous main square is beautifully designed, lined with gorgeous arcaded buildings, and is a great spot for people-watching.

Lined with a fascinating array of architectural curios, the Grand Canal is the city's largest water transportation vein.

Boasting superb Italian-Byzantine style, this 11C basilica hosts a wealth of gilded mosaics, elegant frescoes, and other decorations.

Set on one of Venice's major arteries, this superb museum hosts an array of modern art, from Cubism, to Expressionist, to Futurism.

Immortalized in several Shakespearean plays, Verona lures travelers with its culture, rich history, and unforgettable atmosphere.

Once a thriving hub of the Venetian Republic, this lagoon island features several remarkable churches and a few historic sites.

If you allow yourself one touristy act, let it be this - take a ride on a gondola, exploring the city as it should be explored.

Dating to the 15C, this clock town boasts an ornate facade and fine architectural blend, as well as offering tours behind the mechanism.

Wander around the famed City of Canals, exploring the winding streets by foot or a gondola, soaking up the carnivalesque ambiance.

Established as part of a monastery in the 12C, this 16C reconstruction retains a notable collection of fine artwork and a beautiful facade.

Dedicated to the life and work of Antonio Canova, a renowned 18C Neoclassical artist, this museum exhibits his sculptures and technique.

World's second-largest accessible cave system boasts a wealth of rock formations, as well as an adjacent speleological museum.

Located on the long sandbar, this beach rests on the Adriatic Sea, and offers wonderful seaside scenery, clear water, and fine sand.

Featuring a long monastic history, this isle also invites travelers to walk among its gardens, enjoy the views, or visit a cultural event.

Stretching for 11km parallel the shore, this sandbar is a resort of its own, known for its elegant villas and a great beach.

A bridge of white limestone, best known for various legends explaining the etymology of its name, be it prisoners' or lovers' sighs.

Pack up your hiking boots because the wild beauty of the Dolomites awaits your exploration, boasting streams, mountains, and rich fauna.

Reminiscent of the Roman Pantheon in its structure, this 19C Neoclassical church hosts several notable artworks.