Southern and Northern European 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.

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.

While commonly associated with the Third Reich, Nuremberg's history begins in the 11C, thus offering a wealth of varied sites.

Thousands of works are displayed here spanning numerous categories, from paintings and decorative arts to prehistoric artifacts.

One of the most impressive fortified castles in Europe, this 11C sandstone fortress is a superb example of medieval architecture.

Enjoy exploring this medieval historic center, with its museums, churches, cafes and make sure to try some gingerbread.

Enjoy a visit to this museum to learn about Nuremberg's influence on toys around the world.

Located on the Main River, Wuerzburg features 17C-18C architecture, and even older gems, despite WWII devastation.

A 12C castle complex overlooking Kulmbach city, housing an exhibit on Prussian warfare and other historic artifacts.

Combining both Romanesque and Gothic styles, this 13C church was restored after WWII but still features the original windows and shrine.

Rebuilt after WWII, this 13C Gothic church features the "Angelic Salutation," an immense tabernacle, and three organs.

A tour of Durer's house is rewarding, as it is a comprehensive presentation of his life here, from 1509 to 1528, and his art.

As a central point of the party's activities, these grounds offer a unique view into the history that led to such devastation.

Retaining large sections of its original Romanesque complex, this 13C castle features a historical exhibit and a nearby rock garden.

Travel back in time in this magical city, where visitors flock to admire its beautifully preserved medieval architecture.

Dating back to the 15C, these impressive fortifications are almost completely intact, including 67 towers.

Uniquely spread over seven hills, each topped with a church, much of this beautiful town is an officially UNESCO World Heritage Site.

An excellently preserved medieval town, Regensburg is wonderful for exploring, relaxing, and reflecting on the past.

Notable as a university town, Heidelberg is equally lauded as a town that melds seamlessly with its surrounding natural landscape.

Dating to the 13C, this castle is a must-see for its melding of styles (mainly Gothic), expansiveness, artifacts, and vistas.

This historic center includes a mile-long pedestrian promenade lined with historic buildings, as well as cafes, pubs, and shops.

The facade of this splendid Renaissance residence is intricate and special, as it is the only house that remains from this period.

With two towers from the Middle Ages, this 18C stone bridge is now a pedestrian walkway offering great views of the surrounding area.

One of Europe's most popular amusement parks, the whole family will love the variety of attractions and the country-themed areas.

Spend the day exploring this beautiful park, home to exotic flora, 18C structures, waterways, and monuments.

German wine country rivals those in France and Italy in both beauty and delicious wine.

Take a tour along this vineyard-filled valley, stopping in several castles, convents, and villages.

Founded in the 1C, Cologne offers seemingly endless historical and cultural activities, all set in a modern-day atmosphere.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, construction on this Gothic masterpiece began in 1248 and took 600 years to complete.

Explore this wonderful town, getting to know its rich history, and stopping in one of its lovely eateries.

This museum of modern art offers a comprehensive study of the movements, styles, and artists of the 20C.

This museum boasts comprehensive collections featuring Gothic, Renaissance, and Impressionist artworks.

Crisscrossed with over 240km of hiking and biking paths, as well as blessed with verdant landscape, this national park is a gem.

"Dragon's Rock" is home to breathtaking castle ruins, offering spectacular views across a vast landscape that include Cologne.

This museum has an impressive collection of art from throughout the Far East, spanning from the Stone Age to the present day.

This museum houses a grand collection of antiquities from the 1C-4C, including artifacts from large mausoleums to unique glassware.

Housed in a Romanesque church, this museum beautifully displays religious art and artifacts from medieval times.

A Romanesque basilica with Gothic elements, the church houses a vault adorned with bones from a necrcopolis found on the site in the 12C.

Take a tour along this vineyard-filled valley, stopping in several castles, convents, and villages.

With ancient roots, this lively city is beautifully set among mountains as well as the Rhine and Moselle Rivers.

The Dutch capital retains its medieval charm along with historic buildings, rich culture, its iconic canals, and charming streets.

Dedicated to modern and contemporary art, as well as design, this fine museum hosts nearly 100,000 items from Impressionism to Pop Art.

A stunning world-renowned national museum with a focus on art and history, hosting a massive collection of artifacts and artwork.

Stroll along the iconic canals and streets, taking in the city's atmosphere, or head out to explore Amsterdam's thriving nightlife.

Established in the 13C as a pseudo-monastic community, this complex boasts historic buildings and an lingering peaceful atmosphere.

Just outside Amsterdam rests this lovely little coastal village, boasting an array of colorful buildings and a peaceful atmosphere.

Netherlands' second largest city boasts a wealth of cultural venues and events, wonderful museums, great nightlife, and amazing energy.

A vast park in the heart of Amsterdam, full of statues and some eateries, as well as the perfect spot for a picnic or a jog.

Amsterdam's historic port area, this district was established in the 15C and now is a vibrant hub of cafes, shops, and colorful buildings.

A lively and upbeat shopping district, lined with classy boutiques, colorful storefronts full of souvenirs, and a wealth of cosy cafes.

A branch of the famous Russian museum, Hermitage Amsterdam proffers an array of temporary exhibitions drawn from the original museum.

Netherlands' third-largest metropolis is also the country's seat of government, featuring fine architecture and rich culture.

Buzzing with life, this university city is a booming metropolis full of cultural venues, historic landmarks, and great nightlife.

Honoring the life and works of Vincent van Gogh, this excellent museum hosts an exquisite collection of his works and other Impressionist pieces.

In the heart of the Jewish quarter rests Rembrandt's house of two decades, now housing a museum dedicated to his life and work.

One of Amsterdam's three major arteries, this beautiful canal is lined with historic buildings and cultural monuments.

Set in the heart of the city, this 15C church no longer serves as a site of worship, but hosts occasional exhibitions and royal ceremonies.

Erected in the 18C, these marvelous windmills are a significant piece of Netherlands' cultural history and are open to the public.

Open to the public during the tulip blooming season, this marvelous garden is home to millions of annually planted flower bulbs.

The first of the three major city center canals, this beautiful canal is lined with elegant mansions, ornate gardens, and historic houses.

Set on reclaimed land, the former docklands were transformed into vibrant residential areas, full of shops, cafes, and chic locals.

Arguably one of Amsterdam's most impressive canals, this one is lined with historic buildings that once housed an array of brewers.

Dating to the 19C, the original breweries of the famed Heineken beer now offer tours, tastings, and an interesting visitors' center.

A prominent coastal resort, this lively town is known for its beaches, racing tracks, and relaxed ambiance.

A marvelous historic town full of many attractions, including a well-preserved Old Town, beautiful parks, and various cultural sites.

Belgium's capital is the seat of the EU and boasts a metropolitan cultural diversity, many historic curiosities, and great museums.

A wonderful square in the heart of the city, surrounded on all sides by historic buildings, including the Town Hall and a city museum.

A must-see museum, this collection thoroughly covers the European masters from the 14C-20C. Visitors often stay for several hours.

Built for the 1910 Universal Exposition, this area was revitalized to what today is a lovely district of museums and amazing city views.

Get pleasantly lost in this fabulous historic center that takes you along cobbled streets to museums, homes, and historic sites.

Steeped in history, Antwerp is highly cosmopolitan yet youthful while remaining one of the largest port cities in the world.

Known as the "Venice of the North," Bruges boasts superb Flemish art, scenic canals, and a prosperous past.

Built in the 19C, this complex of greenhouses are built from alluring glass and iron architecture and house stunning flora.

Home to Europe’s largest exhibit of dinosaurs, this museum also excels in its presentation of evolution, minerals, and marine life.

Whether shopping for antiques or stepping out among the locals, this atmospheric square is an exciting area to explore.

A must-see museum, it features work by Bruegel the Elder and Rubens among its unsurpassed collection of early Flemish art.

Ghent is alive with activity day and night, with a large port, major university, and history that goes back at least 1,500 years.

Home to Belgium's oldest university, Louvain is largely known for its history, culture, and beer.

Strasbourg harmoniously combines its governmental importance with the wonder generated by great museums and superb architecture.

The beautiful "Petite France" is the historical quarter of Strasbourg and it is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Enjoy exploring the historic center of Strasbourg, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.

This museum hols the works of Dore, Ernst, Kandinsky, Arpart, and many more.

Built between the 11C and the 15C and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this cathedral is one of the largest in France.

This "Little Venice" retains a deep Alsatian appearance and culture, with wine-tasting and exploration as additional highlights.

The 16C ramparts and homes of this village are enjoyable to tour, while drinking some of the best wine from the Alsace vineyards.

Enjoy this street full of charm and pay attention to the encorbelled Renaissance houses.

After visiting Notre Dame Cathedral, visit this museum dedicated to Alsatian art.

This museum is dedicated to Strasbourg's arts and crafts and offers a nice collection of tapestries.

The Museum of Archaeology of Strasbourg covers history from the Neolithic era to the Merovingian period.

This typical Alsatian village, located on the famous Wine Route, is a great experience with all of its charm and history.

This city is full of energy and known for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well as its rich cultural life.

The Historical Museum of Strasbourg offers a journey trough the city's history and development.

This museum provides a wonderful look at Alsatien life through the centuries, with artifacts housed in three charming buildings.

One of the highest and most breathtaking summits of the Vosges Mountains, perfect for skiing and hiking.

Admire fine views of the Moselle Valley, the small lakes, and the lovely pine and larch forest on this road.