Nestled along the south bank of the Danube, this historical Austrian city bursts with charm. A favorite stop on European river cruises, the city's most famous attraction is Melk Abbey, which dates back to the 11th century. The original Benedictine structure was lost to fires and foreign invasion, then rebuilt during the 18th century in lavish Baroque style, including a library and inner church covered in magnificent frescoes and gilded fixtures.

Leiden or Leyden, city in the western Netherlands, in Zuid-Holland (South Holland) Province, on the Old Rhine River, near The Hague. Leiden is also the site of the State University of Leiden, one of the oldest and most distinguished universities in Europe. It was the birthplace of several important Dutch painters, including Rembrandt, Jan van Goyen, and Jan Steen. During the 17th century the English settlers who became known as the Pilgrims took refuge in Leiden before leaving for North America.

Dikili leads the way to the ancient city of Pergamum, also known as Bergma. This city thrived under the Romans from the 2nd century BC to the 2nd century AD. One of the most fascinating aspects of the ancient site is the medical complex, Asklepieon, where advanced psychological treatments were practiced.

Les Saintes (also known as Iles des Saintes) are perfect for the kind of traveler who relishes unspoiled tropical beauty and the serenity that comes from doing next to nothing on a vacation, but doing it à la française.

Batumi is the capital of Georgia's Adjara region, located on the Black Sea coast in the country's southwest. The city combines a seaside setting with subtropical vegetation and the mountains of Adjara rising inland. Its urban landscape includes historic streets, European-style squares, modern towers, and a long coastal boulevard.