Milan, a metropolis in Italy’s northern Lombardy region, is a global capital of fashion and design. Home to the national stock exchange, it’s a financial hub also known for its high-end restaurants and shops. The Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, housing Leonardo da Vinci’s mural ‘The Last Supper,’ testifies to centuries of art and culture.

La Spezia, at the head of the Gulf of La Spezia, is the second city in the Liguria region, preceded just by Genoa. Though built on the coast, the narrow strip of land at ocean level has never been wide enough to contain the town, and many of its streets climb the hillside behind the town centre. These winding streets follow the contours of the landscape.

Amsterdam is one of the greatest small cities in the world. From Amsterdam canals to world-famous Amsterdam museums and historical Amsterdam sights, it is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in Europe. Canal cruises are a popular way to see the city from the perspective of its canals.

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and a global centre for banking and finance. Zurich lies at the north end of Lake Zurich in northern Switzerland. The picturesque lanes of the central Altstadt (Old Town), on either side of the Limmat River, reflect its pre-medieval history. Waterfront promenades like the Limmatquai follow the river.

Cologne, a 2,000-year-old city spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, is the region’s cultural hub. A landmark of High Gothic architecture set amid reconstructed old town, the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral is also known for its gilded medieval reliquary and sweeping river views.

Hamburg, a major port city in northern Germany, is connected to the North Sea by the Elbe River. It’s crossed by hundreds of canals, and also contains large areas of parkland. Near its core, Inner Alster lake is dotted with boats and surrounded by cafes. The city’s central Jungfernstieg boulevard connects the Neustadt (new town) with the Altstadt (old town), home to the city’s iconic landmarks.

Lyon, a city in France’s historical Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history, with the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), and the modern Confluence district on the Presqu’île peninsula.

Saint-Malo is a coastal city in Brittany, in France’s northwest. Tall granite walls surround the old town, which was once a stronghold for privateers (pirates approved by the king). Having withstood maritime invasion from countless forces, this resilient harbour city holds a picturesque beauty that many argue makes it France’s most beautiful Channel Port.

Niort is a large town situated on the Sèvre river about half way between Poitiers and La Rochelle in the Poitou-Charentes region of western France. Niort has an interesting historical centre, with houses and other buildings dating from the medieval and renaissance era and also several monuments of interest to discover, as well as a substantial amount of more recent development.

Split is the second-largest city of Croatia and the largest city of the region of Dalmatia. It lies on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. Spread over a central peninsula and its surroundings, Split is known for its beaches and the 4th Century Roman-built Diocletian’s Palace. The city is an intra-regional transport hub and popular tourist destination.

Vienna, Austria’s capital, lies in the country’s east on the Danube River. Its artistic and intellectual legacy was shaped by residents including Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud. The city is also known for its Imperial palaces. Since the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989, Vienna has expanded its position as gateway to Eastern Europe

Villach is the second-largest city of Carinthia. It is a railway gateway to most parts of Austria as well as the Italian border. In Austria Villach is well-known for its carnival which is broadcast on public television throughout Austria. Villach is quite an old city with roots back in Roman times. The city was heavily bombed in World War II.

Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is bisected by the River Danube. Often described as the “Little Paris of Middle Europe”, Budapest is famous not only for the monuments reflecting its own 1,000-year-old culture, but also for the relics of others who settled here. Remains from both Roman occupation and much later ruled by the Turks can still be seen in the city.

Villach is the second-largest city of Carinthia. It is a railway gateway to most parts of Austria as well as the Italian border. In Austria Villach is well-known for its carnival which is broadcast on public television throughout Austria. Villach is quite an old city with roots back in Roman times. The city was heavily bombed in World War II.