Eastern Europe, Croatia & the Balkans

The Brandenburg Gate is a spot of great historical significance. Witness the spot where hundreds of thousands of people were finally able to cross from the east side to the west after the fall of the wall. Walk the cobblestones of the surrounding Pariser Platz and mingle with locals who continue to gather here to see stage shows and celebrate public events.

For those interested in Berlin's government, past and present, visit the Reichstag, home to the German parliament. Climb the stairs to the glass dome for a 360-degree view of the city, or learn about the fascinating history of the building, restored following damage suffered during the bombing raids of the Battle of Berlin in 1945.

For an amazing view of Berlin, visit the famous Berlin Television Tower. Bring your camera and take panoramic photos from the viewing room, then grab a drink and snack at the cafe located 203m (666 ft) above ground.

For some of the history that makes Krakow so famous, visit the Jewish district of Kazimierz, just south of Old Town. Once the centre of Jewish life for more than 500 years, it was destroyed during the Second World War, only to be revitalized in the 1990s following the popularity of Steven Spielberg's film, Schindler’s List. During your Jewish culture crawl, see synagogues, Gothic churches, and art galleries, then stop for a drink in one of the more than 800 pubs that populate the nooks and alleys of this historic district.

If you can tear yourself away from the charms of Krakow, make a visit the Wieliczka Salt Mines, located only a short distance away.
Built in the 13th century, these mines produced table salt until 2007, making it one of the world's oldest salt mines. Head deep into an underground network of tunnels and chambers some 135m (443 ft) below the surface. Visit the Blessed King's Chapel, a salt cathedral carved by miners, complete with elaborate chandeliers and sculptures.

The Prague Ghetto, known as Josefov, is located between the Old Town Square and the Vltava River. This Jewish Quarter was first established in the 13th century, when Jewish people were ordered to leave their homes in other areas of the city and settle in this designated community. Birthplace to author Franz Kafka, see a monument in his honour, visit historical synagogues, a cemetery and museum with many artifacts collected during the Second World War.

Visit the Charles Bridge, commissioned by King Charles IV in 1357. Cross the ancient cobblestone walkway which spans 16 arches, lined with 30 religious statues. Buy souvenirs and listen to street musicians. It's less crowded first thing in the morning and at night.

Cross the Charles Bridge and find yourself in picture-perfect Lesser Town (Malá Strana). Browse small shops, explore cobblestone side streets, visit churches and then find a Czech pub or restaurant to relax and revel in the ambience of this ancient district.

Wander the cobblestoned streets and soak in the Eastern European charm.

If you like a challenge, climb 200+ steps up to the famous Prague Castle (known as Hradčany), the Castle of the Bohemian Kings. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest castle complex in the world, and includes Roman-style buildings from the 10th century. Still got energy? Climb the lookout tower of St. Vitus Cathedral and be rewarded with a glorious view of the city.

Discover the mottled history of this Jewish synagogue built in 1909 by members of the small Jewish community. Facing Jerusalem, it features an eight-sided tower, blue arched ceilings and colourful windows decorated with the Star of David. Learn how it went from synagogue to meeting space for Hitler's Youth Club, to a church for US soldiers, to theatre storage space, back to a synagogue within the short span of a century.

Discover the mottled history of this Jewish synagogue built in 1909 by members of the small Jewish community. Facing Jerusalem, it features an eight-sided tower, blue arched ceilings and colourful windows decorated with the Star of David. Learn how it went from synagogue to meeting space for Hitler's Youth Club, to a church for US soldiers, to theatre storage space, back to a synagogue within the short span of a century.

Set on Castle Hill overlooking the Danube River and Pest, Buda Castle was once home to the Hungarian kings of Budapest. Admire the gorgeous architecture and visit its two museums; the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Permanent collections depict the past 500 yrs of Hungary's art history, including Medieval and Renaissance stonework, Gothic wood sculptures, and Gothic altars.

The Latin Bridge is worth a visit as it is a direct link to history. This is the sight where the Archduke of the Austro Hungarian Empire, Franz Ferdinand, was assassinated, leading to the beginning of World War I.

Take a visit to Koski Mehmed Paša Mosque, built in 1618 and take a wander around the garden courtyard. Climb up the minaret to amazing views of Mostar.

Visit the city's symbol; a beautiful, reconstructed Ottoman-style bridge. The bridge was constructed in the 1600s and was meticulously rebuilt after its destruction during the war. It's a reminder of the tenacity of the Bosnians and is a gorgeous sight to behold. Wait at the bottom for daredevils to dive into the icy river below.

Take some time to explore this picturesque town surrounded by a walled fortress built by the Republic of Venice. Kotor has a Mediterranean feel to it and the bay offers a stunning backdrop for photographs.

Visit the small seaside town of Perast for a taste of the quaint in Montenegro.

Risan, once the capital of Kotor Bay, is a lovely town. Its most famous characteristic is the archaeological site is known as the Roman Mosaics. The mosaics are found in what remains of an ancient Roman villa, built sometime between the 2nd and 3rd century BC.

Originally built in the 12th century, today's Rector's Palace is a cultural history museum with an intriguing past. A mix of Renaissance and Gothic architecture, it began as the seat of Dubrovnik's rector, becoming a place for merchants and citizens of the republic to gather by the 16th century. In the atrium, you'll find a statue of Miho Pracat, one such merchant who bequeathed his wealth to the city. Wander the galleries and admire paintings, sculptures and furniture from Croatia's past. Today the courtyard is a venue for music and cultural performances - and is often used as a filming location for shows such as Game of Thrones.

Opt to take a walking tour or head out on your own to explore the city's ancient walls. A trip to Dubrovnik isn't complete without doing this 2km (1.1 mi) walk. See highlights along the way that include Fort Minceta, Fort St. John, Fort Lawrence, Fort Revelin, and St. Luke’s Tower. There are three main entrances to the city walls, the principal one located by the Inner Pile Gates.

Take a wander through this Franciscan Monastery complex. Originally constructed as a public pharmacy in 1317, the Friars Minor pharmacy is the third oldest functioning pharmacy in the world today.

Originally built in the 12th century, today's Rector's Palace is a cultural history museum with an intriguing past. A mix of Renaissance and Gothic architecture, it began as the seat of Dubrovnik's rector, becoming a place for merchants and citizens of the republic to gather by the 16th century. In the atrium, you'll find a statue of Miho Pracat, one such merchant who bequeathed his wealth to the city. Wander the galleries and admire paintings, sculptures and furniture from Croatia's past. Today the courtyard is a venue for music and cultural performances - and is often used as a filming location for shows such as Game of Thrones.

Take a wander through this Franciscan Monastery complex. Originally constructed as a public pharmacy in 1317, the Friars Minor pharmacy is the third oldest functioning pharmacy in the world today.

Explore the 16th century fortress that looks over the city of Hvar. Tour the interior and see some of the artifacts on display like the canon. Climb hundreds of stairs to reach the top for an incredible panoramic view of the city, nearby islands, and the ocean.

Originally constructed over 400 years ago, St. Stephen's Cathedral still plays an important role in the lives of local residents. Located in Hvar's main square, step inside the cathedral to admire beautiful altar paintings and bas reliefs made during the Dalmatian Renaissance.

The Cathedral of St Duje is said to be the oldest cathedral in the world, built around 305 AD. Climb up the bell tower for excellent views of Split and the surrounding port area.

Take an excursion to the historic city of Trogir, where the Old City core is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Found in the centre of Dalmatia on the eastern coastline of Adriatic sea, this pretty seaside town is a great place to walk and explore.

The Cathedral of St Duje is said to be the oldest cathedral in the world, built around 305 AD. Climb up the bell tower for excellent views of Split and the surrounding port area.