Marked by the Tatra (called Tatry locally) Mountains that form the country’s southern border with Slovakia, Southern Poland consists of three Viovodships (Provinces): Opole, Silesian and Lesser Poland (Malopolska). Many beautiful medieval castles are still found in the region, including Moszna in Opole and the massive 400-room Ksiaz in Silesia. Lesser Poland is home to bustling Krakow, the country’s third-largest city. The region’s mountains and green areas are perfect for outdoor adventure.

Just a few miles from the Slovak border in south central Poland, Zakopane is a resort town in the Tatra Mountains, popular with skiers in winter and with hikers and climbers year-round. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Zakopane grew into Poland’s most visible art colony, a hotbed of culture ended by Soviet influence after World War II. Today it harkens back to an earlier time, complete with gorgeous wooden houses. Learn about these buildings and more at the Museum of Zakopane Style.

The historic center of Sibiu is still partially enclosed by its original 12th-century medieval walls. Begin your visit in the Piata Mare, home to the Brukenthal Palace, containing the main halls of the Brukenthal National Museum. Descend the Passage of the Stairs down into lower Sibiu, and make sure to be on your best behavior as you cross the Bridge of Lies. A trek in the nearby Făgăraș Mountains will lead you past breathtaking ridges and serene glacial lakes.

Slovenia, wedged between Austria and Italy, has always been proud of its unique heritage. The capital, Ljubljana, is a perfect example of this blend of German, Mediterranean, and Slovenian culture. The old town is a blend of Baroque, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau buildings, watched over by a medieval castle. Cut through the gardens of Tivoli Park to the National Museum of Contemporary History for a history of modern Slovenia, featuring crumbled statues of Stalin and a recreation of a WWI trench.

Lingering over pain au chocolat in a sidewalk café, relaxing after a day of strolling along the Seine and marveling at icons like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe… the perfect Paris experience combines leisure and liveliness with enough time to savor both an exquisite meal and exhibits at the Louvre. Awaken your spirit at Notre Dame, bargain hunt at the Marché aux Puces de Montreuil or for goodies at the Marché Biologique Raspail, then cap it all off with a risqué show at the Moulin Rouge.

Barcelona feels a bit surreal – appropriate, since Salvador Dali spent time here and Spanish Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí designed several of the city’s buildings. Stepping into Gaudí’s Church of the Sacred Family is a bit like falling through the looking glass - a journey that you can continue with a visit to Park Güell. Sip sangria at a sidewalk café in Las Ramblas while watching flamboyant street performers, then create your own moveable feast by floating from tapas bar to tapas bar.

"For simple beauty, Cape Breton outrivals them all." So said Alexander Graham Bell of the island he adopted as his home. Rich with Celtic, Mi'kmaq and Acadian heritage, Cape Breton is a delight for history buffs, music lovers and explorers of nature. Immerse yourself in 18th-century life at the Fortress of Louisbourg, explore the winding roads and Atlantic vistas of the Cabot Trail, and seek out a local Ceilidh for a lively and rousing experience.

Today the walls of the Ming dynasty and the Tang palace walls hint at the Xi’an’s glorious past. Stare in awe at the Terracotta Army, 7,000 terracotta statues of Qin Bingmayong Bowuguan warriors and soldiers. Dating from 210 BCE, they were discovered in 1974 and are still being excavated. Don't miss the Shaanxi History Museum or a chance to heat up at former imperial bathing spot, Huaqing Hot Springs.