Stretching from the Alps to the Baltic and North Seas, Germany makes for inspiring, fascinating and invigorating travel. Spend one day exploring half-timbered medieval towns and spectacular baroque palaces in Bavaria, and the next immersing yourself in fast-paced cosmopolitan cities. Metropolises such as Berlin provide a world of variety, with renowned historic attractions Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin wall right next to the top techno clubs on earth. Art and design explode in continual evolution, with Weimar providing the mecca for fans of Goethe, Schiller, and the Bauhaus Movement, and forward-thinking galleries dotted all over the country. Nature lovers have a paradise to explore, including pristine Alpine pistes, huge glimmering lakes, and thousands of miles of dense forest dotted with curative thermal springs. Culinary enthusiasts will delight in Germany's world-famous beer, sausage, and 'stollen'.
No tour of Germany would be complete without a visit to its vibrant capital which, despite its turbulent history, finds itself at the cutting-edge of European art, architecture, culture, entertainment and nightlife. There is an array of fascinating sites to interest history buffs including the previous site of the Berlin wall, Museum Island which contains the magnificent Berlin Cathedral, the formidable Brandenburg Gate and the eerily haunting Holocaust Museum. However, even non-historians will find plenty to do in the hip, funky neighborhoods emerging in the former Eastern part of the city where the streets are strewn with trendy eateries, quirky boutiques, innovative art galleries and thriving nightclubs. Energetic travellers can enjoy a cycle along the Spree riverfront or a stroll through one the city’s wonderful parks. No matter your preference, there is always plenty to see and do in this fascinating, dynamic, modern city.
During its brief 22 year history, Czechia has managed to become the darling of the European tourism industry. Visitors flock here year-round to explore the country's diverse landscape of magnificent mountains, glorious forested uplands, unique rock formations, and astonishing cave systems. However, many of this small landlocked republic’s greatest assets are man-made - its historic bounty includes an enviable assortment of cobbled-stoned medieval towns strewn with Baroque monasteries, Bohemian castles, and formidable fortresses. Throw in a phenomenal capital city brimming with quaint old breweries, bustling markets, scenic national parks, and lively jazz clubs and it is easy to see why Czechia is fast becoming Europe’s most popular tourist destination.
When it comes to beauty and romance, Prague could give Paris a run for its money. This vibrant capital city at the centre of Europe boasts an idyllic riverside location (bisected by the Vltava River), lavish fairytale architecture, and an unforgettable skyline. Pack your itinerary with visits to the haunting Prague Castle, the spectacular Charles Bridge, and the fascinating Franz Kafka Museum. Save a bit of time to get lost in the maze of cobbled lanes and hidden courtyards filled with baroque chapels, unexpected gardens, and quirky bars serving some of the world’s best beer. But it is not just exquisite architecture and tasty ale that make Prague one of the most popular destinations in Europe, it is the hedonistic, whimsical, and excessively quirky attitude of the locals that convinces visitors to return to the magnificent “City of a Hundred Spires” time and time again.
Set in central Europe, Austria conjures up images of the picturesque Central Eastern Alps dotted with glamourous Alpine ski resorts surrounded by pristine pistes and aquamarine lakes. However, the country’s breathtaking nature only tells a small part of the story. With residents like Mozart, Freud, and other legendary figures playing an important role in developing the world we know today, the country is also blessed with a rich heritage. From the quaint, cobbled streets of timeless Innsbruck with its famous Golden Roof, to the enthralling Vienna Staatsoper, one of the most famous opera and ballet venues in the world, the historical choices are as diverse as they are seductive. The longstanding 'Kaffeehaus kultur' and the country’s delectable strudels, schnitzels and beer are enough reason to visit, alone. Chic, world-class cities are packed with spectacular modern and contemporary art galleries and a multitude of entertainment opportunities.
Resting over the banks of the Danube River in northeastern Austria, Vienna, the country’s capital city, is famous for its classical music heritage and reflects an enticing blend of old and new. The historical centre is skyscraper-free and dotted with immaculate, charming little parks. It is also pedestrian friendly and extremely compact, which is convenient as this area contains the bulk of the city’s major tourist highlights. Chief among these are the famous Burgtheater and Opera House and an array of opulent baroque palaces lining the warren of narrow, medieval alleyways which wind their way around the magnificent St Stephen’s Cathedral. Add to this a slew of grand coffee houses and a rich history of classical music (residents included Mozart and Beethoven) and it becomes difficult to imagine a more livable city than the sophisticated metropolis of Vienna.
