Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, is a charming city that sits at the point where the Carpathian Mountains meets the Danube. The city has two personalities: the first is old-world, Hapsburg baroque, reflected in the charming row houses and the historic Old Quarter. The other is characterized by concrete block-style neighborhoods typical of former Eastern Bloc countries.

Much of older Bratislava has been spruced up. The center of Old Town is Hlavne Square, an attractive pedestrian zone which also hosts a wonderful Christmas market in December. Also of interest are the Slovak National Gallery, the Slovak National Museum, the Clock Museum, the Museum of Jewish Culture, and the Museum of Wine Production. Bratislava also has a few art nouveau buildings, most notably St. Elizabeth Church.

Vienna today is robed in 18th century charm and 19th century grandeur. Its old-world ambience comes not only from its rich cultural traditions, but also from the history of its architecture. The Viennese invented the cafe society, and they continue to perfect the art of sophisticated relaxation.

Spend some time visiting a Vienna coffeehouse, or go to a concert of waltzes by Johann Strauss. Vienna is also where you’ll find the fabled Spanish Riding School with its magnificent Lipizzaner stallions.

Vienna is a safe, clean city, and it has an excellent public transportation system. Use it to visit the many museums, galleries, parks, and restaurants that make Vienna one of the gems of Europe.

Krems is a small but pretty town on the northern bank of the Danube River. The surrounding area is saturated with vineyards, and Krems has been a facet of the wine trade for centuries. Krems an der Donau is made up of three parts: Krems in the east, smaller Stein in the west, and the suburb Und connecting the two.

West of Vienna, this ancient industrial ccity is a nice place to spend the day. Some historic figures who spent time in Linz include Napoleon, the medieval astronomer Johannes Kepler, and composers Beethoven, Bruckner, and Mozart.

Some of the sights to see in Linz include Neuer Dom, a neo-Gothic cathedral with the second highest church spire in Austria, and The Lentos Kunstmuseum Linz, a modern and contemporary art museum with impressive works by Picasso, Matisse, and others. You can also browse for antiques, visit the botanical gardens, or take a ride to the top of Postlingberg mountain. A Linz City Ticket is a good value if you intend to see a wide variety of attractions during your stay.

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic, an incredibly well-preserved medieval town that’s lovely to stroll through, especially at night when the castle tower illuminates the streets. Be sure to climb the tower for magnificent views of the surrounding landscape. Other top attractions include the Budejovicka Gate and the Egon Schiele Art Centrum. Try to visit during the annual Renaissance Festival in June, when the entire town reverts to its medieval roots.

Situated at the convergence of three rivers, the Danube, Ilz, and Inn, Passau was rebuilt after fires in the 17th century, giving the town the baroque–and almost Italian–flair it displays today. Take a relaxed stroll (or ride–bike routes are popular) through the Old Town and monastic district to Ortspitze to get the best view of the rivers.

The city is also a great starting point for excursion into the Bayerisccher Wald (Bavarian Forest), which includes a national park where wolves and lynxes still run free.

Situated at the convergence of three rivers, the Danube, Ilz, and Inn, Passau was rebuilt after fires in the 17th century, giving the town the baroque–and almost Italian–flair it displays today. Take a relaxed stroll (or ride–bike routes are popular) through the Old Town and monastic district to Ortspitze to get the best view of the rivers.

The city is also a great starting point for excursion into the Bayerisccher Wald (Bavarian Forest), which includes a national park where wolves and lynxes still run free.