Christmas Markets of Europe & Paris

Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital, sits along the Danube River at the crossroads of Central Europe. It's the only capital in the world bordering Austria and Hungary, which makes it an easy stop on many European itineraries. Yet Bratislava is more than a waypoint; it offers a compact city center filled with centuries of history. The Old Town’s cobbled lanes lead past Gothic cathedrals, Baroque palaces, and buildings once used by Habsburg royalty. St. Martin’s Cathedral, for example, hosted 11 coronations of Hungarian kings and queens during the time when Bratislava was the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary.

Bratislava Castle is one of the city's most visible landmarks, perched above the river on a strategic hilltop. Its current form dates to the 18th century, but the site has been occupied since Roman times. Today, visitors can explore its restored halls and exhibitions, then step outside to panoramic views stretching across three countries. Not far from the castle, the UFO Observation Deck atop the SNP Bridge offers a completely different perspective, along with a restaurant suspended above the river that rotates slowly while guests dine.

West of Vienna, the quaint town of Dürnstein lies on the banks of the iconic Danube and is the perfect destination for river cruising, sightseeing, and enjoying the best of Austrian culture. Though small, this picturesque village offers plenty to see and do. Trace the steps of Richard the Lionheart at the castle ruins of Burgruine Dürnstein, where the twelfth-century English king was once a prisoner. Marvel at the lovely blue tower of Stift Dürnstein monastery. Sample delicious Wachau region wines at Domäne Wachau winery, or feast on authentic Viennese delicacies at one of the town’s many riverside restaurants. Let Dürnstein enchant you on your next trip to Austria!

Regensburg, Germany’s medieval gem, will transport you to a bygone era. The site of both Celtic and Roman settlements, Regensburg flourished in the Middle Ages. Its Gothic-style and medieval structures, homes, and churches remain well-preserved to this day, having escaped the ravages of World War II. Nestled on the banks of the iconic Danube River, this small Bavarian township will enchant you.

Regensburg’s unspoiled environs have earned the town its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and rightly so. Historic buildings abound in the city center; an easy walk through this square will give you access to some of Regensburg’s most famous landmarks, must-see destinations for any history lover! The Gothic spires of St. Peter’s Cathedral beckon you. Journey inside the cathedral to find soft light streaming through stunning stained glass and a resonant organ played for summer concerts. Steps from St Peter’s lies Regensburg’s thirteenth-century Altes Rathaus, the vibrant yellow Old Town Hall which once hosted parliamentary meetings. The unassuming exterior of nearby Alte Kapelle basilica, built circa the ninth century, conceals an ornate gold-laden church interior within. Sumptuously painted murals decorate this basilica’s vaulted ceilings and archways.

Regenburgs’ remarkable relics of days past, as well as its picturesque restaurants, cafés, museums, and botanical gardens, will captivate your imagination with an old-world charm.

Bamberg, located in northern Bavaria, stands out for its remarkably preserved medieval layout, which earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Built on seven hills and often compared to Rome for that reason, the city’s architecture reflects over a thousand years of uninterrupted development. The Bamberg Cathedral, completed in 1237, houses the only papal tomb north of the Alps and features Romanesque sculptures including the mysterious Bamberg Horseman, a life-sized equestrian statue with an unknown identity that continues to intrigue historians.

The Old Town is divided by the Regnitz River, where the iconic Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) sits dramatically on an island, accessible by bridges on either side. Legend has it that the bishop wouldn’t grant the town space to build, so citizens created their own by constructing the building on piles driven into the riverbed. Nearby, Little Venice, a row of half-timbered fishermen’s houses, lines the riverbank and can be seen from gondola-style boat tours that offer a quieter view of the city’s historic core.

Bamberg is well known for its beer, and not just in the usual Bavarian sense. The city has more breweries per capita than any other town in Germany, and it’s the birthplace of rauchbier, a smoked beer that has a distinctly woody, bacon-like flavor. Schlenkerla, one of the most famous taverns, serves this beer directly from wooden barrels in a 600-year-old building. Visitors can also follow the self-guided “Beer Trail” through Franconian Switzerland, which links dozens of family-owned breweries in the surrounding countryside.