In the port city of Bordeaux, located on the Garonne River in southwestern France

 "Burgundy makes you think of silly things; Bordeaux makes you talk about them, and Champagne makes you do them." -- Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

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(in the largest city in southwestern France) Only a two-hour high-speed train ride from Paris and about the same to Toulouse; in Bordeaux, while the spotlight is on the area’s wine production, Bordeaux is a proper all-seasons destination, perfect for wine lovers and culture fans alike.

+ While Bordeaux wine has always been famous, the city itself has been revitalized, thanks to a 1990s regeneration project that spruced up the historic city. This new lease of life led to UNESCO status for the city in 2007, and now Bordeaux is the largest urban heritage site in the world.

+ Winter season is unsurprisingly quieter in Bordeaux than summer, but that is a bonus! Without the crowds, you can navigate the city more easily at this time of year, gaining entry to museums and historic sites without the lines, and generally getting to enjoy having a laid-back time.

+ Only a two-hour high-speed train ride from Paris and about the same to Toulouse, Bordeaux is the largest city in southwestern France. While the spotlight is definitely on the area’s wine production, Bordeaux is a proper all-season destination, perfect for wine lovers and culture fans alike. Indeed, it seems that Bordeaux in winter has as much going on as the summer months do, with a fraction of the crowds. With travelers to Europe always on the lookout for new and exciting city stays, the city of Bordeaux keeps growing in popularity — so skip the crowds by coming in winter. You won’t miss much of anything, and its red wines will be all the more satisfying!).

+ Just as Paris has the Seine around which Parisian life emanates, Bordeaux has the River Garonne. One of the best ways to experience the beauty of this river is by a river cruise aboard a vintage yacht. And don’t worry, there’s a heated interior, so it’s still a good thing to do in Bordeaux in winter. While you cruise, you can enjoy a hot beverage or a glass of wine and a canelé (a local favorite sweet), as you share a luxurious hour-and-a-half cruise through the heart of Bordeaux.

+ In winter, this cruise departs at 3 PM and ends at 4:30 PM, so you’ll get to enjoy the late afternoon light (the sun sets at around 5:30 PM in Bordeaux in winter!).

+ No matter the time of year, you can’t miss visiting La Cité du Vin, a state-of-the-art museum dedicated to the history of wine. It opened in 2016 and has since become one of Bordeaux’s most visited attractions. It offers a wonderfully immersive wine experience, with a focus not just on local vintages, but wines the world over.

+ Every December, a two-day Bordeaux Tasting event takes place in the Palais de La Bourse, a magnificent 18th-century building originally housing a royal palace. This wine-tasting experience gathers together winemakers of the grands wines, or most prestigious Bordeaux wines, for amateurs to come along and taste.

At the Christmas market in the city of London, UK

 Few places elicit festive feelings more than the best Christmas markets in Europe.

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(in northern Europe) From the scent of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts to the sound of Christmas carols, markets are sure to bring out some festive cheer. Many of the oldest and most authentic Christmas markets are in Germany. Today their influence has spread across Europe, even reaching south into warmer climes. For now though, the most magical are located here.

+ Featured here, for example, is the city of London, which embraces Christmas in big and small ways. Mulled wine flows liberally in and around Covent Garden's Market Building (shown here), which is decked with 40 large bells, 12 huge ornaments, and eight disco balls lighting the building. The wider area is lit up and festive, with twinkling lights and attractive displays adorning the neighborhood's many boutiques, especially around Seven Dials. (Staying around here won't break the bank, either, as the nearby Royal National Hotel is London's largest hotel, which is an affordable place to stay in the heart of the city.

+ Ice rinks pop up around the capital, including Somerset House, inviting visitors to glide in warm ambient light under the building's imposing 18th-century architecture. For a more artisanal experience, head to Borough Market, near London Bridge Station. Mulled wine, Christmas pudding, and mince pies join the market's usual offerings of meat, fish, cheese, chocolate, and many other goods.

+ For families, Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland offers a sprawling holiday attraction filled with rides, games, and market stalls. Prices are high, crowds are thick, and you may leave feeling like a customer, but the attraction will likely appeal to children and those who enjoy a Hallmark-inspired Christmas.

+ With wood paneling, cushioned booths, and crackling fires, London's pubs are very well suited to the Christmas season. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, for example), is one of London's most historic pubs, famously frequented by Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, and Dr. Samuel Johnson, the author of the first English dictionary. This iconic local on Fleet Street has several establishments spread across multiple floors, including the ground-level Snug Bar with centuries-old wood paneling.

In the city of Frankfurt am Main, in the state of Hesse, Germany

 Germany’s big financial center is a city of many sides.

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(in Frankfurt am Main) The city lies along the Main River about 19 mi. (30 km) upstream from its confluence with the Rhine River at Mainz. Glinting with glass, steel, and concrete skyscrapers, Frankfurt-on-the-Main is unlike any other German city. The focal point of a conurbation of 5.5 million inhabitants, "Manhattan" is a finance and business hub, home to one of the world’s largest stock exchanges and the gleaming headquarters of the European Central Bank; it also famously hosts some of the world's most important trade fairs.

+ Opposite that sci-fi cityscape is the Museumsufer, a neighborhood of museums. Frankfurt am Main (lit. "Frank Ford on the Main") is the 5th-most populous city in Germany. Located in the foreland of the Taunus (a mountain range in Hesse, Germany) the city is the heart of the larger Rhine-Main metropolitan region, which is the 4th biggest metropolitan region by GDP in the EU. Frankfurt is one of the de facto main capitals of the European Union, (alongside Brussels, Luxembourg, and Strasbourg), as it is home to the European Central Bank, one of the institutional seats of the EU, while Frankfurt's central business district lies about 90 km (56 mi.) northwest of the geographic center of the EU at Gadheim in Lower Franconia. Like France and Franconia, the city is named after the Franks.

+ There is evidence of Celtic and Germanic settlements in the city dating from the 1st century BCE, as well as Roman remains from the 1st and 2nd centuries CE. Yet, the first written mention of Franconofurt stems from Charlemagne’s biographer, Einhard. in the late 8th century. The Pfalz (imperial castle) served as a royal residence of the East Frankish Carolingians from the 9th century through later medieval times. In the 12th century, the Hohenstaufen dynasty erected a new castle in Frankfurt and walled the town. The Hohenstaufen ruler Frederick I (Frederick Barbarossa) was elected king there in 1152, and in 1356 the Holy Roman Empire's constitution designated Frankfurt as the site for electing the German kings. Frankfurt am Main was a free imperial city from 1372 until 1806 when Napoleon I made it the seat of government for the prince primate of the Confederation of the Rhine. In 1810 the city became the capital of the Grand Duchy of Frankfurt, created by Napoleon. From 1815, when Napoleon fell, Frankfurt was again a free city, where in 1848–49 the Frankfurt National Assembly met. From 1816 to 1866 the city was the seat of the German Bundestag (Federal Diet) and thus the capital of Germany. After the Seven Weeks’ War in 1866, Frankfurt was annexed by Prussia and lost its free-city status. Only after its integration into a united Germany did Frankfurt become a large industrial city. Until WWII, Frankfurt’s Old Town was the largest medieval city still intact in Germany. The Old Town was mostly destroyed by Allied bombing campaigns in 1944, however, and was later rebuilt.

In the port city of Dubrovnik, Croatia on the southern Adriatic coast southwest of Sarajevo

 Dubrovnik is the “Pearl of the Adriatic” and the most iconic destination in Croatia.

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(in Croatia on the southern Adriatic coast southwest of Sarajevo) Medieval history meets breezy Mediterranean vibes in Dubrovnik, where towering stone fortresses rise from the sparkling Adriatic Sea. Walk along the ancient walls that surround Old Town to get a sweeping view of the city dotted with monasteries, palaces, and terracotta rooftops. Or, hit the beach: Most are pebbly and rugged, but if you’re looking for a stretch of sand, hop on a ferry and head to Lopud, a car-free island where you can kick back on Šunj beach, grab a bite in the village, or check out Lopud 1483 -- a restored 15th-century Franciscan monastery.

+ A sense of awe will descend when you see the beauty of Dubrovnik's Old Town, with its ancient city walls, baroque buildings and the shimmer of the Adriatic. The stunning Croatian city of stone and light, Dubrovnik is one of the most picturesque locations in the Balkans. The city is filled with limestone streets, baroque buildings, and big sea-facing walls representing the story of resilience and liberty. No wonder it attracts tourists who experience the rich history preserved in monuments and ancient buildings of the city. Most visited places include main street Stardun, Banje beach, and the iconic Walls of Dubrovnik.

+ The port city of Dubrovnik was founded in the 7th century by Romans; it came under Byzantine rule after the fall of Rome. It acknowledged Venetian suzerainty (from 1205–1358) but remained largely independent and became a mercantile power. It was known as a center of Slavic literature and art in the 15th–17th centuries. Subjugated by Napoleon I in 1808, it was passed to Austria in 1815 and to Yugoslavia in 1918. It was bombed by the Serbs (1991–92) during Croatia’s struggle for independence. The old city, enclosed by medieval city walls, contains 14th-century convents and the 15th-century Rector’s Palace.

+ Dubrovnik (derived from dubrava in Croatian, meaning “grove”) occupies a promontory jutting into the sea under the bare limestone mass of Mount Srdj. The port’s sea fortifications rise from the water’s edge, and the massive round tower of the Minc̆eta Fortress dominates the city on the landward side. The Old City of Dubrovnik was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.

+ The city walls, mostly a double line, have long been a source of pride for Dubrovnik. The walls were erected by the 16th century and run a course of about 6,365 feet (1,940 meters) in length, encircling most of the old city, and reach a maximum height of about 80 feet (25 meters). Along its course and within the walls lie towers and fortresses, as well as many monuments. Beyond the walls are villas surrounded by gardens The Stradun, or main street, with late-Renaissance houses on each side, runs along a valley that, until 1272, was a marshy channel dividing the Latin island of Ragusa from the forest settlement of Dubrovnik.

In the charming medieval town of Óbidos, in the Oeste region of Portugal

 Óbidos is a charming walled town that was once a gift to a Portuguese queen. Its whitewashed houses and vibrant bougainvillea (flowers) transport visitors to a bygone era.

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(on the western coastal end of Portugal in the Centro region) The Oeste Region is a region of Central Portugal situated north of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. It consists of several towns and villages full of natural beauty as well as historical monuments.
+ featured here is Óbidos, which is a treasure trove of history, culture, and art, where you can explore the cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and colorful flowers that adorn the village. You can also visit the impressive castle, which dates back to the 12th century and was once a royal residence. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the local delicacy, ginjinha, a cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups. Óbidos is a magical place that will transport you to a bygone era of romance and adventure. With its rich history and spectacular views from the castle, Óbidos offers a romantic retreat for those who appreciate classic European beauty.

+In the interior of the country, there are mountains and villages of granite and schist. By the sea, fishing villages and cosmopolitan beaches with water sports set the pace of the day. And everywhere centuries-old heritage proudly displays the history of the region. Some of these places are so important for humanity that they have been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage. This is the case of the Monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha, the Convent of Christ in Tomar and Coimbra University.

+ Yet, other unique features are well worth discovering. For example, the historic villages and castles that defended the nation's borders. The Schist Villages and the towns of whitewashed houses, like Óbidos, a treasure within walls. The cities, where modernity is combined with tradition – Coimbra, the university city, Leiria, Aveiro between the Ria and the sea, and Viseu, Guarda, and Castelo Branco, in which the stone architecture retains traces of an immemorial past.

+ When 13th-century Portuguese Queen Isabel passed through Obidos and marveled at its beauty, her husband King Denis I gave it to her. For centuries afterward, the kings of Portugal followed suit, presenting the town to their queens as a wedding gift. With its white buildings shining as brightly now as then, the walled city of Obidos is very popular with tourists, and its hillside location offers amazing views of the Estremadura area. The medieval castle is a main attraction. Surrounded by a classic crenelated wall, Óbidos’ gorgeous historic center is a labyrinth of cobblestoned streets and flower-bedecked, whitewashed houses livened up with dashes of vivid yellow and blue paint. It’s a delightful place to pass an afternoon. Still, there are lots of reasons to stay overnight, as there's excellent accommodation, including a hilltop castle now converted into one of Portugal’s most luxurious pousadas (hotels).

In the city of Graz, capital of the Bundesland Steiermark, in southeastern Austria

 Graz is a vibrant and enchanting city nestled in the heart of Austria:

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(in Austria’s second-largest city) The city of Graz, capital of the Bundesland {federal state) Steiermark, in southeastern Austria,. The country’s second largest city,lies on the Mur River between the Styrian Alps and a wide, fertile basin, the Grazerfeld, about 95 miles (155 km) south-southwest of Vienna. (The name Graz is derived from gradec, a Slavic word meaning “small fortress.”( First mentioned about 1128–29, it received town rights about 1240 and became the center of Steiermark (Styria) during the Middle Ages and the residence of the Leopoldine Habsburgs after 1379. Its fortifications, built in the 15th–16th century, successfully withstood many sieges by the Hungarians and the Turks. Protestantism was established in Graz around 1530 and flourished until oppressive measures by the archduke Karl of Inner Austria (Styria, Carinthia, Carniola) restored the authority of Rome. During the Napoleonic Wars, Graz was held by the French in 1797, 1805, and 1809. A trade center in the 17th and 18th centuries, it developed even more rapidly in the 19th century (through the interest of the archduke Johann) and was constituted a city in 1850.

+ A bevy of universities give the city its lively pace. Baroque palaces are a pleasant contrast with 16th-century courtyards and provocative modern buildings. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, teems with fine architecture, including the Burg castle complex, with its Gothic double staircase, and the graceful Uhrturm (clock tower}. A funicular takes visitors up the dramatic bluff.

+ A beautiful bluff -- connected to the center by steps, a funicular and a glass lift -- is the city's signature attribute. Architecturally, Graz hints at nearby Italy with its Renaissance courtyards and baroque palaces. Yet, there is a youthful energy here too, with a handful of edgily modern buildings, a vibrant arts scene and upbeat, student-fuelled nightlife. This extends to both sides of the Mur River,though the Lend district, across from the historic center, skews young and edgy. Nestled in the southern part of Austria, around an hour’s drive from the Slovenian border, Graz is a beautiful city. Settlements have been present in Graz since the early ages and it has been part of the Hapsburg empire and closely linked with Slovenia. The city has a rich educational history with a prevalent university population and has also been residence to many well-known figures including Nicolai Tesla, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Erwin Schrodinger.

In the city of Alexandria, Virginia, a city on the Potomac River, just south of Washington, DC, USA

 This Historic Town Outside of Washington, D.C. Is One of the Most Charming Places to Visit During the Holidays

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(in the northern region of the Commonwealth of Virginia, USA, Virginia, located south of Washington, D.C. on the opposite side of the Potomac River, is like the capital’s older city, perhaps best known for its Old Town neighborhood, founded in 1749, and is packed with historic Southern charm due to its gas lanterns, cobblestone streets, and old townhouses. A short Metro ride from Washington DC, Alexandria, Virginia is the great escape from the fast-paced capital. First settled in 1695, it city retains its colonial spirit, with cobblestone streets and historic buildings in the Old Town, and centers of learning like the Black History Museum. (For a more contemporary side of Alexandria, wander the streets of the stylish Del Ray neighborhood, where local artists operate boutiques and studios.)

+ Alexandria was founded by Scottish merchants and got its name from John Alexander, the Scotsman who had owned the land that became the city. To honor its heritage, Alexandria celebrates with an annual parade that has many Scottish clans giving bagpipe and drum performances alongside their terriers and hounds.

+ The heart of Old Town is arguably King Street, a pedestrian-only, mile-long avenue packed with independently owned boutiques and restaurants.

+ While Old Town is a must-visit any time of year, it shines the brightest during the holiday season. There is no shortage of things to do in Old Town during the holidays, but one of the most exciting events to attend is the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade (taking place this year on Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Then, in the evening on Dec. 7, a different kind of parade will take off — a nautical one. At 5:30 p.m., dozens of boats aglow with holiday lights will sail down the Potomac for Old Town’s annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights.

+ Just outside of town at George Washington’s Mount Vernon is one of the area’s most popular holiday traditions: Christmas Illuminations. During the event, Mount Vernon becomes a recreation of an 18th-century winter encampment. The event takes place from Dec. 20 - Dec. 22 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. each night, and every evening will end with fireworks.

+ Old Town will end the holiday season with its First Night Alexandria celebration. Beginning at noon on New Year’s Eve and stretching until midnight, the event is a family-friendly, alcohol-free, and budget-conscious extravaganza involving comedy performances, live music, and fireworks. l also be an abbreviated encore firework display at the stroke of midnight.

+ Alexandria, Virginia, located south of Washington, D.C. on the opposite side of the Potomac River, is like the capital’s older, more enchanting sister. It is perhaps best known for its Old Town neighborhood, founded in 1749, and is packed with historic Southern charm thanks to its gas lanterns, cobblestone streets, and 18th-century townhouses.