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.

In the city of Trento, in the Trentino–Alto Adige region of northern Italy

 This cultural meeting point has a distinctive character and stunning lake-and-mountain landscapes.

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(in northern Italy’s mountainous Trentino-Alto Adige region) Trento is known for its architectural and historical gems, including Buonconsiglio Castle and Trento Cathedral. Trento, the capital of Trentino is easy to like. Bicycles glide along spotless streets fanning out from the Piazza del Duomo, students clink spritzes by Renaissance fountains, and a dozen historical eras intermingle seamlessly among stone castles, shady porticoes, and the city's medieval frescoes. Trento does have its share of Austrian influence: apple strudel is ubiquitous, and beer halls not uncommon.

+ In the 16th century Trento, the capital of the autonomous province of Trento, was the location of the Council of Trent. Formerly part of Austria and Austria-Hungary, it was annexed by Italy in 1919. (It is the third largest Italian city in the Alps, and second largest in the historical region of Tyrol.)

+ The city contains a historic Medieval and Renaissance center, with ancient buildings such as Trento Cathedral and the Castello del Buonconsiglio. Together with other Alpine towns Trento engages the Alpine Town of the Year Association for the implementation of the Alpine Convention to achieve sustainable development in the Alpine Arc. The city often ranks highly among Italian cities for quality of life, standard of living, and business and job opportunities, Trento is also one of the nation's wealthiest and most prosperous cities, with its province being one of the richest in Italy.
The University of Trento, founded in 1962, is one of the most prestigious Italian universities, with a strong international vocation.

+The city of Trento, in the Trentino–Alto Adige/Südtirol region of northern Italy, lies along the Adige River, south of Bolzano; it was founded, according to the classical savant Pliny the Elder and the geographer Strabo of Amaseia, by the Raetians, and it became a Roman colony and military base on the road north to the Reschen (Resia) and Brenner (Brennero) passes. Its first bishop, St. Vigilius, converted Trentino and the southern Tirol to Christianity in the late 4th–early 5th century. The seat of a Lombard duchy and later of a Frankish march (borderland), it became a dominion of its prince-bishops in 1027 under Holy Roman imperial patronage and later became famous as the site of the ecumenical Council of Trent (1545–63).

+ Under French control during the Napoleonic Wars, it passed to Austria in 1814. Trento became part of Italy in 1918.

+ Notable Renaissance buildings include numerous mansions, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore (1520), and the Castello del Buon Consiglio. The latter, dating from the 13th century, served as the seat of the prince-bishops from the 15th century; in 1528–36 a palace and splendid Renaissance courtyard were added to the castle, which is now a national museum.

In the city of Erfurt, in the state of Thuringia, Germany

 Erfurt is a medieval gem in the heart of Germany, where Martin Luther, Napoleon, and Goethe left their marks.

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(in the Thuringian Basin, on the Gera River, 200 miles (320 km) southwest of Berlin) Erfurt is the capital and largest city of the state of Thuringia, It lies in the valley of the River Gera, in the southern part of the Thuringian Basin, north of the Thuringian Forest, and in the middle of a line of the six largest Thuringian cities, stretching from Eisenach in the west to Gera in the east. Erfurt is 100 km (62 mi.) southwest of Leipzig, 250 km (155 mi.) northeast of Frankfurt, 300 km (186 mi.) southwest of Berlin and 400 km (249 mi.) north of Munich.

+ Erfurt's Old Town is one of the best preserved medieval city centers in Germany. The Gera is spanned by the Merchants' Bridge (Krämerbrücke), one of the rare bridges with houses built on it. On the Erfurt Cathedral Hill is the ensemble of Erfurt Cathedral (which houses the world's largest free-swinging medieval bell) and St Severus' Church. Petersberg Citadel is one of the best preserved town fortresses in Central Europe. Erfurt's Old Synagogue is the oldest in Europe, and together with the Erfurt Mikveh, which was only rediscovered in 2007, and the Stony House (Erfurt), forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

+ The city's central location has made it a logistics hub for Germany and central Europe. Erfurt hosts the second-largest trade fair in eastern Germany (after Leipzig).

+ Erfurt was first mentioned in 724 as Erpesfurt, the site of an abbey and a royal residence at a ford on the Gera River. Boniface founded a bishopric there in 742. By 805 it was a military strong point and an administrative and commercial center on the eastern border of the Frankish empire. It was granted municipal rights about 1250 by the archbishop of Mainz and controlled extensive territories in the Middle Ages. Joining the Hanseatic League in the 15th century, it was until about 1600 a great commercial center for woad, a plant then used for its blue dye extract. The University of Erfurt, established in 1392 as Germany’s third university, was one of the centers of learning in the German-speaking world; it was closed in 1816 and reopened in 1994. Occupied by a Swedish garrison during the Thirty Years’ War, the city became part of the electorate of Mainz in 1664. It passed to Prussia in 1802, forming part of Prussian Saxony until 1945 (In 1808 the Congress of Erfurt was attended by Napoleon, Tsar Alexander I of Russia, and the kings of Bavaria, Saxony, Westphalia, and Württemberg.)

+ Erfurt is now a center of high technology in eastern Germany. Erfurt is dominated by the cathedral and the Church of St. Severus, which stand side-by-side atop a hill called Domberg (“Cathedral Hill”). Another building of note is the Augustinian monastery where Martin Luther was a monk.
Erfurt, one of central Germany's most important cities is a medieval city of grand churches, market squares, museums, and preserved architecture.

In the autonomous province of Vojvodina, in the northernmost part of Serbia

 Modern Vojvodina is multi-ethnic and multi-cultural, with some 26 ethnic groups.

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(in the northernmost part of AP Serbia) Vojvodina, officially the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, occupies the northernmost part of Serbia. It lies within the Pannonian Basin, bordered to the south by the national capital, Belgrade, and the Sava and Danube Rivers. (The administrative center, Novi Sad [shown here] is the second-largest city in Serbia.) Vojvodina is bordered by Croatia to the west, Hungary to the north, and Romania to the east. The border with Serbia proper to the south generally follows the Sava River west of Belgrade and is formed by the Danube.

+ Vojvodina is is mostly a plain landscape intersected by the Danube, Tisa and Sava rivers, plus a network of canals, roads and railways, connecting the Central and Western Europe with the Balkans and Middle East.

+ In 1918 Vojvodina was part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which was renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. An area of eastern Srem (the Fruška Gora [hills]) was attached to Vojvodina in 1931. In 1945, Vojvodina was part of the socialist Yugoslav federation as an autonomous province of the Serbian republic. Serbia reasserted direct control over it in 1989. It remained a province in the new Yugoslav republic established in 1992.

+ The ethnic makeup of Vojvodina was altered considerably by the warfare in the Balkan region that followed the breakup of the Yugoslav federation. An increasingly hostile atmosphere of Serbian nationalism prompted many from the province’s ethnic minorities to leave for neighboring countries, reducing in particular the important Hungarian community. They were replaced by ethnic Serbs who came as refugees from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Serbian province of Kosovo. In 1999 Vojvodina became the target of many attacks during the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s massive aerial bombing campaign of Yugoslavia, because the province was the location of many of the country’s petroleum storage and refining facilities. Bridges over the Sava and Danube were specially targeted. (The bombing destroyed much of the province’s infrastructure and communications.)

+ Nominal autonomous status was restored to Vojvodina in 2002. In 2003 Yugoslavia’s name was changed to Serbia and Montenegro, and in 2006 the two constituent republics separated. Vojvodina remained within Serbia’s borders. Though the province maintained its nominal autonomy, some local groups continued to call for a more extensive form of self-rule.

+ Vojvodina is also home to the oldest national park called the Fruška Gora, situated on the slopes of the hills bearing the same name. Seventeen monasteries have been built throughout the centuries, across the Fruška Gora.

In the city of Faro, capital of the Algarve region in southern Portugal

 The Algarve is located in the southernmost area of continental Portugal and the southwesternmost area of the Iberian Peninsula and mainland Europe

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(in the southernmost city of Portugal) Faro, a city and municipality, lies on the Atlantic Ocean coast near Cape Santa Maria. Faro is the capital of the district of the same name, in the Algarve region of southern Portugal.

+ The biggest city and second most populous municipality in the Algarve (after Loulé), Faro, is one of the biggest in Southern Portugal). The municipalities of Faro-Olhão-Loulé due to its adjacency, sharing of infrastructures, and regular commutes, can be considered an intermunicipal community.
+ The surrounding region is coextensive with the historical province of Algarve. It is popular with tourists because of its mild climate, fine beaches, and Moorish-looking towns. (Henry the Navigator chose Algarve as a base for his expeditions in the 15th century, which sailed from ports near Faro city.)

+ Held by the Moors from early in the 8th century until 1249, when it was recaptured by Afonso III, the city was the last Moorish stronghold in Portugal. It was sacked by the English in 1596 and was almost totally destroyed in the earthquakes of 1722 and 1755. Notable remaining buildings include the Renaissance cathedral (restored in the 18th century); the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Anunciação (1513) is in ruins. The former bishop’s palace library was pillaged by Robert Devereux, 2nd earl of Essex, in 1596 and formed the nucleus of the Bodleian Library in Oxford.

+ Faro (shown here) is the best-known city in Portugal’s famous Algarve region. There is an archaeological museum and a “Bishops’ Palace,” a Renaissance cathedral that was heavily bombed during World War II, but later rebuilt. Nearby in Estoi are Roman ruins, and Albufeira, also nearby, is a formerly quaint fishing village influenced by the Moors in the 8th century. It has become famous for its beachesand nightlife.

+ The Algarve’s capital has a more distinctly Portuguese feel than most resort towns. It has an attractive marina, well-maintained parks and plazas, and a picturesque cidade velha (old town) ringed by medieval walls. The old town's winding, cobbled pedestrian streets, squares and buildings were reconstructed in a melange of styles following successive batterings – first by marauding British and then by two big earthquakes – and are home to museums, churches, a bone chapel and al fresco cafes.

+ Agriculture is the primary economic activity, and Faro exports fish, wine, sumac (for tanning), and fruit. The publishing industry dates from 1489, when Jewish printers were operating presses in Lisbon and Faro for the country’s earliest incunabula in Hebrew. Eucalyptus trees, originally imported from Australia, are an important source of pulp for the paper industry. During the 1970s the Portuguese government designated a reserve near Faro to conserve both the environment and the traditional architecture.

In the island of Zealand, the largest and most populous island of Denmark

 Denmark’s largest island offers much more than the dazzle of Copenhagen. North of the city lie some of the country’s finest beaches, and impressive castles.

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(in the largest and most populous island in Denmark proper) Zealand (thus excluding Greenland and Disko Island, which are larger in size). Zealand had a population of 2,319,705 on 1 January 2020, comprising 40% of its population.

+ Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, with a population between 1.3 and 1.4 million people in 2020, is located mostly on the eastern shore of Zealand and partly on the island of Amager.
+ Here you will find dazzlingly ornate Frederiksborg Slot in Hillerød and the hulking Kronborg Slot (shown here) at Helsingør, Shakespeare's Elsinore. Helsingør also features the excellent Maritime Museum of Denmark. En route don't miss Louisiana, the superb modern/contemporary art gallery, (not the US state).

+ Zealand is the 13th-largest island in Europe by area and the 4th most populous. It is connected to Sprogø and Funen by the Great Belt Fixed Link and to Amager by several bridges in Copenhagen. Indirectly, through the island of Amager and the Øresund Bridge, it is also linked to Scania in Sweden. In the south, the Storstrøm Bridge and the Farø Bridges connect it to Falster, and beyond that island to Lolland, from where the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel to Germany is planned.

+ Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, with a population between 1.3 and 1.4 million people in 2020, is located mostly on the eastern shore of Zealand and partly on the island of Amager. Other cities on Zealand include Roskilde, Hillerød, Næstved, Helsingør, Slagelse, Køge, Holbæk, and Kalundborg.
Administratively, Zealand is divided between two Danish regions: The Copenhagen metropolitan area and North Zealand belong to the Capital Region, while the major and more rural part of the island belongs to the Zealand Region.

+ Zealand’s basal rock platform is exposed in the chalk and limestone cliffs at Stevns Klint-- which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014. Its irregular coastline is broken by Ise Fjord and Roskilde Fjord. The northern part of the island is well wooded and lake-strewn, with fine resort beaches on the coast. This area was once a royal hunting ground, and many fine castles survive. Fertile clay loams support agriculture (grains), dairy farming, and cattle breeding, especially in the south. Fishing and tourism are also economically important. There are many Stone Age and Viking relics, particularly the Viking fortress of Trælleborg (ca. 1000 CE), as well as medieval churches, castles, and manor houses. Besides Copenhagen and its suburbs, urban settlements include Roskilde, Helsingør (Elsinore), Næstved, Korsør, Slagelse, Sorø, Holbæk, Ringsted, Vordingborg, Køge, Kalundborg, and Hillerød. In the late 1990s, Zealand became connected to Funen by the Great Belt Fixed Link, a bridge and tunnel system, and in 2000 the Øresund Link opened, connecting Copenhagen and Malmö, Sweden.

In the port city of Liverpool, northwestern England

 It's hard not to be infected by a Liverpudlian's love for their own city. For decades this was a hardscrabble town beset by all manner of social ills, but still the love endured, finding its expression in a renowned gallows wit and an obsession with football.

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(in northwestern England) The port city of Liverpool forms the nucleus of the metropolitan county of Merseyside in the county of Lancashire. The city proper, a metropolitan borough of Merseyside, forms a crescent along the north shore of the Mersey estuary a few miles from the Irish Sea.
+ The first significant date in the history of Liverpool is 1207, when King John of England granted a charter for a planned new town. The town’s medieval growth was slow, but in the 18th century it became the second most important port in Britain.

+ The first dock in Liverpool was built in 1715. By the end of the century, four other docks had been established along the Mersey, so that the port outranked London in dock space. In 1830 the Liverpool and Manchester Railwaywas opened. A rail network providing access to all major British industrial centers was soon created, and steam ferry links between Liverpool and the Wirral, across the Mersey estuary, were established. This growth was accompanied by high levels of immigration from surrounding areas and from Ireland, especially during and after the Irish Potato Famine (of1845–49).

+ By the beginning of the 20th century, Liverpool had become the center of docks extending along the Mersey from Hornby in the north to Herculaneum in the south. Though more improvements were made to the docks,after WWII Liverpool declined as a port.
Yet, Liverpool continues to exert dominance over the surrounding metropolitan region. The port, besides cargo, has developed as a facility for containerized shipping, and in 2012 it became a terminus for cruise ships.

+ Paramount among Liverpool’s contributions to 20th-century popular culture were the Beatles, who emerged from the Cavern (a nightclub that was part of the city’s musical scene in the 1960s) to become the world’s best-known rock group. Local “performance” poets such as Roger McGough, Adrian Henri, and Brian Patten helped popularize poetry in the 1960s. And from the heyday of the music hall to the radio comedy of Tommy Handley in the 1940s, Liverpudlians contributed to the British comedy tradition. Tourism has grown a lot in importance, including more interest in visiting locations associated with the Beatles.

+ Architectural landmarks include the 18th-century Town Hall and the 19th-century St. George’s Hall; the Neo-Gothic Anglican cathedral, founded in 1904 and completed in 1978; and the Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral, of strikingly modern design. Tate Liverpool (a branch of the national Tate galleries), Merseyside County Museum and Library, the Walker Art Gallery, the Picton Library, and the University of Liverpool are among many cultural institutions. Liverpool also has a well-known symphony orchestra.

In the capital city is Tirana (Tiranë), Albania

 "Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies."

-- Mother Teresa
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Albania, a country in southern Europe, is in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula on the Strait of Otranto, the southern entrance to the Adriatic Sea. Its capital city is Tirana (Tiranë). Albania is a hidden gem in Europe where you can discover ancient ruins, charming villages, and its friendly locals.
Visitors like to explore the historic city of Berat, where they can wander among the houses of the Kala neighborhood while admiring the great views from the fortress. Visit the site of Apollonia, where you can see the remains of a Roman theater, a temple, and a triumphal arch. Relax on the sandy beaches of the Riviera, or, venture into the mountains, where you can hike, bike, or raft through the landscapes of the beautiful Albanian Alps.

+ Albania is bounded by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east, Greece to the southeast and south, and the Adriatic and Ionian seas to the west and southwest, respectively. Albania’s immediate western neighbor, Italy, lies some 50 miles (80 km) across the Adriatic Sea.

+ Albanians generally consider themselves to be descendants of the ancient Illyrians, who lived in central Europe and migrated southward to the territory of Albania at the beginning of the Bronze Age, about 2000 BCE. Due to its location on the Adriatic and Ionian seas, Albania has been a bridgehead for nations and empires seeking conquest abroad. In the 2nd century BCE the Illyrians were conquered by the Romans, and from the end of the 4th century CE they were ruled by the Byzantine Empire. After centuries of invasion by Visigoths, Huns, Bulgars, and Slavs, the Albanians were conquered by the Ottoman Turks in the 15th century. in the late 19th century the country began to rediscover old affinities and common interests with the West.

+ Albania was declared independent in 1912, but the following year the demarcation of its boundaries by the great powers of Europe assigned about half its territory to neighboring states. (Albania emerged from the violence of World War II as a communist state in which most aspects of life were controlled by the ruling party). But with the collapse of other communist regimes beginning in 1989, new social forces and democratic political parties emerged in Albania. That shift reflected the country’s orientation toward the West -- even while retaining their own ethnic identity, cultural heritage, and individuality.
+ The North Albanian Alps cover the northern, most rugged part of the country. The central mountain region is more densely populated and has a generally less rugged terrain.

+ Stretching along the Adriatic coast over a distance of nearly 125 miles (200 km) and penetrating some 30 miles (50 km) into the interior are the low, fertile plains of western Albania. This is the most important agricultural and industrial region of the country -- and the most densely populated.

In North Macedonia, officially the Republic of North Macedonia, is a landlocked country in Southeast Europe

 North Macedonia has a fascinating past and a complex national identity.

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(in the Balkans) North Macedonia is bordered to the north by Kosovo and Serbia, to the east by Bulgaria, to the south by Greece, and to the west by Albania. (Its capital is Skopje) The Balkans is a region in southeastern Europe that is bordered by the Adriatic Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Aegean and Black Seas. The Balkans are inhabited by a variety of linguistic, religious, ethnic, and national groups. The region includes countries such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia.

+ The Balkans, is a region in southeastern Europe that is bordered by the Adriatic Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Aegean and Black Seas. vina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia.

+The Republic of North Macedonia is located in the northern part of the area that was once known as Macedonia, a geographical region bounded to the south by the Aegean Sea and the Aliákmon River; to the west by Lakes Prespa and Ohrid, the watershed west of the Crni Drim River, and the Šar Mountains; and to the north by the mountains of the Skopska Crna Gora and the watershed between the Morava and Vardar river basins. The Pirin Mountains mark its eastern edge. The rest of the region belongs to Greece and Bulgaria.

+ The region of Macedonia owes its importance to its location at a major junction of communication routes (in particular, the great north-south route from the Danube River to the Aegean formed by the valleys of the Morava and Vardar rivers and the ancient east-west trade routes connecting the Black Sea and Istanbul with the Adriatic Sea.) Although the majority of the republic’s inhabitants are of Slavic descent and heirs to the Eastern Orthodox tradition of Christianity, 500 years of incorporation into the Ottoman Empire left substantial numbers of other ethnic groups, including Albanians, Turks, Vlachs (Aromani), and Roma (Gypsies). Consequently, Macedonia forms a complex border zone between the major cultural traditions of Europe and Asia.

+ Ottoman control was brought to an end by the Balkan Wars (1912–13), after which Macedonia was divided among Greece, Bulgaria, and Serbia. Following World War I, the Serbian segment was incorporated into the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (renamed Yugoslavia in 1929). After World War II the Serbian part of Macedonia became a constituent republic within the Federal People’s Republic of Yugoslavia (later Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia). The collapse of Yugoslavia led the Republic of Macedonia to declare its independence on September 17, 1991. In June 2018 Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras announced that an agreement had been reached under which the Macedonian republic would be known as the Republic of North Macedonia.

In the Alpine resort village of Arosa, in the Schanfigg Valley of the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland

 “For me, skiing is a physical necessity. I have a need for risk”

– Jean-Marie Messier
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(in the Plessur Region of Graubünden in eastern Switzerland, on the Plessur River in the Rhine Valley) Tucked away in the Canton of Graubunden, Arosa is a hidden gem of Swiss alpine charm that flies under the radar for travelers seeking quintessential mountain beauty. Perched high above sea level at the end of the Schanfigg Valley, this mountain resort is sheltered by stunning peaks, making it a tranquil and popular ski getaway in the Alps. Originally discovered as a health resort in the late 19th century, Arosa has since evolved into a tradition-rich holiday destination. Its pure, low pollution air, free from disturbances of transit traffic, enhances the refreshing and peaceful atmosphere that has captivated visitors for over a century. Arosa is both a summer and a winter tourist resort. (At the end of 2013 the Arosa ski resort was linked with Lenzerheide by cable-car, creating the new ski resort of Arosa Lenzerheide.)

+ Now a health resort, and winter sports center, Arosa stretches along a wooded valley holding two small lakes, the Untersee and the Obersee, that are used for fishing, swimming, and boating in the summer. Arosa is noted as a fashionable winter-sports center, particularly for horse racing on ice and snow. The ski slopes above the tree line are accessible by a network of ski lifts and linking ski runs. A cable car runs up the nearby Weisshorn (8,704 feet), and gondola cars reach up the Hörnli (8,200 feet). Curling, ice skating, and ice hockey are also popular.

The scenery takes a dramatic turn for the wild in remote Graubünden, where you’ll find legendary slopes to pound the powder. First is the supermodel of Swiss ski resorts, St Moritz, enshrined in Swiss skiing legend, with Olympic heritage. The twin resorts of (pretty) Klosters and (popular) Davos share runs spread across six resorts. Davos is geared mostly toward intermediates and experts, with some terrific black runs and backcountry to play on.

+ Family-oriented sister resorts Arosa and Lenzerheide are scenic picks for beginners, intermediates, and cross-country fans. Should you be looking for a cozy and scenic winter getaway, Arosa might be the perfect destination for you. This charming Swiss town is nestled in a sunny valley at the end of a scenic train ride from Chur, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Arosa is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders, with 225 km of slopes that connect to the neighboring Lenzerheide resort. You can also enjoy other winter activities like sledding, ice skating, and snowshoeing. In summer, transforms into a green oasis, with hiking trails, mountain biking, golf, and fishing. You can also explore the cultural and culinary delights of the town, with its traditional wooden chalets, cozy restaurants, and lively events. (Arosa is a place where visitors can relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature in any season.).

In the city of Salzburg, on the Salzach River in north-central Austria

 This charming European city is known for "The Sound of Music,"and Mozart.

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(on the Salzach River in north-central Austria) The city of Salzburg, ancient Juvavum, began as a Celtic settlement and later became the site of a Roman town. It was made a bishopric by St. Boniface in 739 and was raised to an archbishopric in 798. Its archbishops became princes of the Holy Roman Empire in 1278; Salzburg became the seat of their powerful ecclesiastical principality. A music center for centuries, it is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; the annual Salzburg Festival is held here. Notable buildings include Renaissance and Baroque houses, archiepiscopal palaces, and a 17th-century cathedral.
+ The Altstadt (Old Town), burrowed below steep hills looks much as it did when Mozart lived here 250 years ago. Beside the fast-flowing Salzach River, your gaze is raised inch by inch to graceful domes and spires, the formidable clifftop fortress and the mountains beyond. It's a backdrop that did the lordly prince-archbishops, and Maria proud.

+ After World War II, Salzburg became the capital city of the Federal State of Salzburg (Land Salzburg) and saw the Americans leave the area once Austria had signed a 1955 treaty re-establishing the country as a democratic and independent nation and subsequently declared its perpetual neutrality. In the 1960s, the city became the shooting location and setting of the family musical film The Sound of Music. On 27 January 2006, the 250th anniversary of the birth of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, all 35 churches of Salzburg rang their bells after 8:00 p.m. (local time) to celebrate the occasion. Major celebrations took place throughout the year.

+ Salzburg is on the banks of the River Salzach, at the northern boundary of the Alps. The mountains to Salzburg's south contrast with the rolling plains to the north. The closest alpine peak, the 1,972‑meter-high Untersberg, is less than 16 km (10 mi.) from the city center. The Altstadt, or "Old Town", is dominated by its baroque towers and churches and the massive Hohensalzburg Fortress. This area is flanked by two smaller hills, the Mönchsberg and Kapuzinerberg, which offer green relief within the city. Salzburg is approximately 150 km (93 mi.) east of Munich, 281 km (175 mi.) northwest of Ljubljana, Slovenia, and 300 km (186 mi) west of Vienna.
Due to its proximity to the Austrian-German border, the greater Salzburg urban area has sometimes (unoffcially) been thought of as if it included parts of Germany: Freilassing (until 1923 known as Salzburghofen), Ainring and Piding. (Public transport planning and multiple public transport lines stretch across the border.)

+ Salzburg is bordered by Bavaria on the west and north and is bounded by the Bundesländer Oberösterreich on the north and east, Steiermark on the east, Kärnten on the south, and Tirol on the south and west. The province is drained by the Salzach, Enns, and Mur rivers. (90% of Salzburg is among the Alps,)

In the seaport city of Trieste, located in northeastern Italy

 A once-forgotten port of Italy is alive with a diverse cultural and literary legacy'

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(at the easternmost region of Italy) Trieste is a city and seaport located in northeastern Italy,  lies at the head of the Adriatic Sea on the Gulf of Trieste. It was under Roman control from the 2nd century BCE until the collapse of the empire. It placed itself in 1382 under Habsburg protection and later became the prosperous main port of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After World War I Trieste was ceded to Italy. Occupied by Germany in World War II and seized by Yugoslavia in 1945, it became the center of the Free Territory of Trieste in 1947. Returned to Italy in 1954, it became the regional capital in 1963.

+ Trieste is an Italian city whose food, architecture, and history have Eastern soul. Add coastal castles to sun-soaked beach resorts, and you have one of Europe’s most cultured seaside getaways. Trieste’s location at the top of the Adriatic has always defined it. It was invented as a port town and turbo-charged its fortunes after Austrian Emperor Charles VI declared its port “free” in 1719.
+ Take a stroll around town and within 30 minutes you will pass the Serbian Orthodox San Spiridone church, the Catholic church of Sant’Antonio Taumaturgo, the Greek Orthodox San Nicolò and one of the largest synagogues in Europe. Even the Triestine dialect incorporates traces of German, Italian, Slovene, Greek and Croatian.

+ A 1st-century Roman theater is in the city center; it now hosts summer concerts. Up above, the San Giusto Cathedral and adjoining Hapsburg castle are built on top of Roman ruins and are filled with Byzantine mosaics and Baroque frescoes. A tight medieval core tumbles down the surrounding hillside through what was the Jewish Ghetto to the Borgo Teresiano, the “new” quarter that bears the name of Hapsburg empress Maria Teresa. She ordered its construction on salt flats around 1740 and at a stroke transformed Trieste into a modern metropolis.

+ As European empires rose and fell, Trieste found itself on the frontline of history, most notably in two World Wars, which left the city its art deco lighthouse, the Faro della Vittoria, the monumental Fascist university on the Scoglietto hill, and the Nazi concentration camp at the old rice mill, Risiera di San Sabba, which now houses a haunting museum. In the wake of those horrifying years, Antonio Santin, Bishop of Trieste and Koper (in Slovenia), built the extraordinary Brutalist Temple of Monte Grisa as a reminder of the essential peace and unity among people.

+ These days in Trieste, it feels like everything old is new again. The city’s thriving coffee culture (Trieste is Italy’s biggest consumer) and heritage Austrian brew pubs segue neatly with the contemporary craze for craft beer and cult coffee. Likewise, Piolo e Max have re-invented the regional tradition of after-dinner digestivo, by infusing local grappas and bitters with fragrant botanicals.

In the picturesque charming town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria, Germany

 othenburg ob der Tauber is a romantic and enchanting place to discover in Bavaria.

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(in south-central Germany) A true medieval gem, Rothenburg ob der Tauber (meaning ‘above the Tauber River’) is a top tourist stop along the Romantic Road. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a charming town in Bavaria, that offers a glimpse into the past. Surrounded by a well-preserved wall, the town is full of half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and quaint shops. You can explore the history and culture of Rothenburg at the Reichsstadtmuseum, where you can admire the Rothenburger Passion, a masterpiece of Gothic art. Or you can visit the St. Jakob's Church, a stunning example of Gothic architecture with a famous wood-carved altar.

+ The Rathaus (Town Hall) is a notable renaissance building. The rear Gothic part of the building dates from 1250, and the attached front Renaissance building was started in 1572. This building served as the seat of government for the city-state during the medieval ages and for the city of Rothenburg since the formation of the federalist government. The Town Hall tower of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the only accessible towers in the town of Rothenburg. l. At the top of the tower is a room with a scenic view of almost the entire town.

+ While buildings within the walled city reflect the city's medieval history, a part of the city is in many ways a normal, modern German town with some concession to the tourist trade. Many stores and hotels catering to tourists are clustered around the Town Hall Square and along several major streets (such as Herrngasse, Schmiedgasse).

+ The city lies above the deep valley of the Tauber River, on the scenic “romantic route” between Würzburg and the Bavarian Alps. First mentioned as Rotinbure in the 9th century, it developed around a Hohenstaufen fortress and was a free imperial city from 1274 until 1803. It attained its zenith under burgomeister (mayor) Heinrich Toppler (1373–1408) and declined after the Thirty Years’ War, during which it was besieged and captured (in1631) by Catholic League forces under Johann Tserclaes, Graf (count) von Tilly. At that time the city was supposedly spared when a citizen accepted a dare from the enemy to drink more than three quarts of wine in one gulp; the tankard is featured in the collection of the Imperial City Museum. The event is commemorated every Whitsuntide by the performance of a play, Der Meistertrunk (“The Master Gulp”).

+ Surrounded by a well-preserved wall, the town is full of half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and quaint shops. You can explore the history and culture of Rothenburg at the Reichsstadtmuseum, where you can admire the Rothenburger Passion, a masterpiece of Gothic art. Or you can visit the St. Jakob's Church, a stunning example of Gothic architecture with a famous wood-carved altar. (Rothenburg is also a festive destination, especially during Christmas, when the town hosts a magical market and a candlelit parade.)

At the Schloss Schönbrunn, also known as Schonbrunn Imperial Palace, in Vienna, Austria

 “Vienna is a handsome, lively city, and pleases me exceedingly.”

– Frederic Chopin
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(in the northeastern corner of Austria, between the foothills of the Alps and the Carpathians, where the Danube), Europe’s second longest river, has cut its course through the mountains) The city of Vienna is situated alongside the river, most of it on the right bank. The Vienna basin was a nodal point of ancient trade and military routes. It linked north and south along the “amber route” that ran southward from the Baltic and linked east and west along the Danube. Strategically, Vienna commands the surrounding regions that include sections of Austria’s border with Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary.

+ Featured here is Schloss Schönbrunn, also known as Schonbrunn Imperial Palace. in Vienna, Austria. A Rococo-style 1,440-room summer palace of the Habsburgs in Vienna, it was Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach’s first design for the building, meant to rival France’s Palace of Versailles; it was done in 1690. A second, somewhat less ornate, plan, however, dating from 1695–96 was adopted, and the palace was finished by 1711. The palace and its gardens were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996.

+ The Schloss, (shown here with Neptune's Fountain in the foreground) and the Gloriette, on the grounds of Schloss Schönbrunn, was first modified in 1737 by Johann’s son Josef Emanuel Fischer von Erlach and again in 1744 by Nikolaus Pacassi. The formal gardens were originally laid out ca. 1705–06 by Jean-Nicolas Jadot de Ville-Issey, and from 1765 were redesigned by Ferdinand von Hohenberg. The Schönbrunn Tiergarten, perhaps the oldest zoo in Europe, was founded within the grounds in 1752. (The entire park complex, open to the public since 1918, covers more than 2 sq km [3/4 sq. mi.]).

+ Every day from mid-November, this spectacle transports visitors into a fairytale world that transforms the beauty of winter, the magic of darkness, and the baroque charm of the castle into an enchanted experience of light. The Winter Wonderland is home to a variety of glowing motifs with some interactive elements as well as an impressive projection show to create a unique experience for guests of all ages.

+ Through a tunnel of light, visitors are taken on a journey through the magic of Schönbrunn, seeing the animals of the hunting garden, the glowing bees, the romantic places of "Sisi and Franz," the dress for the grand baroque ball and then of course the grand imperial ballroom, which will delight the audience with the sounds of the waltz. (time frame: November 15, 2023 to February 4, 2024).