Odense, Denmark

As the birthplace of beloved writer Hans Christian Andersen, Odense offers fans of his fairy tales a peek into his life.

The city is filled with attractions dedicated to the author.

Coimbra, Portugal

Once known as the capital of Portugal, Coimbra is steeped in medieval history and vibrant culture. Head to the University Quarter, visit one of the city’s great churches, and scope out the beautifully aged architecture dating back to the Roman era.

Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

Straddling the Dreisam River and sitting just off the edge of the Black Forest in southwest Germany, lies Freiburg im Breisgau, a charming city nestled at the bottom of the magical tree-covered hill, Schlossberg.

Maastricht, The Netherlands

Maastricht may not have the same worldwide fame as Amsterdam, but it is arguably just as beautiful. Lying on both sides of the Meuse River, the city is surrounded by stunning countryside and historic castles.

Matera, Italy

Matera, a historic city with a rich culture, is just a few hours away from the stunning Amalfi Coast and makes for an ideal day trip. Made up of cave-dwelling districts known as the Sassi, Matera offers visitors the option to dine or even spend the night in one of these caves.

Mons, Belgium

Crowned the European Capital of Culture back in 2015, Mons is home to three Unesco World Heritage masterpieces:
the Belfry, the Neolithic Mines in Spiennes, and the Dou Dou.
Despite being less famous than Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent, this Belgian city has a mix of stunning civil, religious, and military buildings.

Pilsen, Czech Republic

Pilsen lies about 90km (56mi) from Prague in Western Bohemia, and although it is not as well known as many other Czech cities, it still has a lot to offer. At the town center lies an old, picturesque square lined with beautiful trees and manicured gardens.

Sibiu, Romania

A fusion of Romanian, German and Hungarian cultures, the city of Sibiu – just across the Cibin River in Romania – is a beautiful portrayal of architecture that dates back to the Middle Ages.

Torun, Poland

Strikingly different from Krakow and Warsaw, Toruń is one of Poland’s best-kept secrets. As the birthplace of the famous astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, the city is filled with landmarks related to him, including a statue built in his honor and a museum that used to be his home.

Vezelay, France

Vezelay, located in Burgundy, France, is a stunning hilltop town and Unesco World Heritage site.  It is most famous for the Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, or VÊzelay Abbey, a remarkable church dating back to the 11th century.