Central European Journey through Switzerland, Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic

Built in 1557 as a private mansion, but now hosting Lucerne's cantonal government

 Built in 1557 as a private mansion, but now hosting Lucerne's cantonal government

Iconic wooden bridge with a roof decorated with 17th century art

Astonishing 170 meter-long, wooden Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), which connects the Old Town, on the right bank, to the “New Town,” on the left. It also served as a defensive bastion against attacks from Lake Lucerne to the south. Built in 1333, and named after the tiny nearby 18th century St Peterskapelle

Built in 1557 as a private mansion, but now hosting Lucerne's cantonal government

 Built in 1557 as a private mansion, but now hosting Lucerne's cantonal government

Iconic wooden bridge with a roof decorated with 17th century art

Astonishing 170 meter-long, wooden Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), which connects the Old Town, on the right bank, to the “New Town,” on the left. It also served as a defensive bastion against attacks from Lake Lucerne to the south. Built in 1333, and named after the tiny nearby 18th century St Peterskapelle

Village in the Bernese Alps

Village in the Bernese Alps that is considered to be the gateway to the Jungfrau Region. This village is popular among hikers and alpinists

Village in the Bernese Alps

Village in the Bernese Alps that is considered to be the gateway to the Jungfrau Region. This village is popular among hikers and alpinists

Village in the Bernese Alps

Village in the Bernese Alps that is considered to be the gateway to the Jungfrau Region. This village is popular among hikers and alpinists

Village in the Bernese Alps

Village in the Bernese Alps that is considered to be the gateway to the Jungfrau Region. This village is popular among hikers and alpinists

Picturesque Swiss town

Revolving restaurant

The revolving restaurant on the peak of Schilthorn that was featured in the James Bond film 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service'

Peruse 19th and 20th century art in a stylishly modern setting.

The strikingly clean-lined Pinakothek der Moderne, gathers its eclectic collection of classic modern and contemporary art, design and architecture around a central rotunda. On the west side of the building are works representing last century's key artistic movements, from Cubism through to Surrealism and beyond. The east wing is devoted to contemporary art.

Peruse modern art in this remarkably different building.

The Museum Brandhorst is an eye-catching structure covered with 36,000 polychromatic ceramic rods in 23 custom colors and a second layer consisting of a horizontally folded metal skin, coated in two colors. This layering and its polychromy lend the skin a varied appearance: What is vivid and three-dimensional from close up appears homogeneous and flat from afar. It was opened in 2009 to house a collection of German and modern art in a setting of restrained, spacious modernism. Its rotating exhibits include works by Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, and Picasso, as well as major contemporary German artists.

History buffs will love this underappreciated museum dedicated to Egyptian archaeology.

The impressive entrance to the brand spanking new State Museum of Egyptian Art is reminiscent of a grand descent into a Pharoah's tomb. Opened in 2013 to house artifacts formerly contained in the Residenz, the museum has a collection which spans 5000 years of Egyptian history.

Enjoy a tremendous collection of art in what was once the world's largest art gallery.

The largest art gallery in the world when it was first opened in 1836, the Alte Pinakothek can still be an overwhelming experience: the collections, which are based on the royal collection of the Wittelsbach dynasty over five hundred years, are arranged geographically and chronologically, encompassing German, Dutch, Flemish, Spanish, French and Italian art, with a timespan from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. It houses the largest collection of Rubens in the world, so be sure to stop by the Flemish paintings. Also worthy of particular attention if you're short on time are the richly comic works by Pieter Brueghel in the Netherlandish collection, and the German late Gothic and Renaissance art collection represented by the likes of Albrecht Dürer and Cranach the Elder.

See some of the 19th and early 20th centuries' greatest artworks.

Directly across the road from Alte Pinakothek, the Neue Pinakothek picks up where the older museum leaves off, concentrating on art from the 19th century to Jugendstil. The audio-guide tour starts with art from around 1800, prominent among which are a number of canvases by Goya, before progressing to English painting from the likes of Gainsborough, Constable, and Turner. Much of the rest of the museum is given over to German Art, with an emphasis on artists active in the court of Ludwig I, such as work by the architect who designed the Alte Pinakothek, Leo von Klenze, and the Berlin architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel. There are also works by Caspar David Friedrich and Adolph von Menzel.

Peruse 19th and 20th century art in a stylishly modern setting.

The strikingly clean-lined Pinakothek der Moderne, gathers its eclectic collection of classic modern and contemporary art, design and architecture around a central rotunda. On the west side of the building are works representing last century's key artistic movements, from Cubism through to Surrealism and beyond. The east wing is devoted to contemporary art.

Stare into the eyes of King Ludwig I's mistresses.

One of the high points of the magnificent palace is the Schönheitengalerie, or the Gallery of Beauties, featuring 38 portraits of attractive females admired by King Ludwig I, including some of his mistresses, many with fascinating stories of their own related via the audio guide. Be sure to check out the story of Ludwig's longstanding infamous mistress, the Irish dancer Lola Montez, over whom Ludwig lost his crown.

Escape to the favorite natural retreat of locals.

The sprawling park behind Nymphenburg Palace is a favorite spot with Munich residents and visitors alike. It started out as an Italian garden and was later redesigned in the French style, but in the 19th century most of the park was transformed into the more natural English style. It is embellished with a number of water features, including a large lake, a cascade and a 1.5 mile-long canal - a great venue for ice skating and ice curling when it freezes over in winter.

Stare up close at the splendid and ostentatious carriages built for Bavaria's rulers.

Also housed in the main building is the Marstallmuseum, displaying royal coaches and riding gear dripping with gild and golden ornamentation, including King Ludwig II's outrageously fairy tale–like rococo sleigh, ingeniously fitted with oil lamps for his impromptu nocturnal outings. Upstairs is the world's largest collection of porcelain made by the famous Nymphenburger Manufaktur. Also known as the Sammlung Bäuml, it presents the entire product palette from the company's founding in 1747 until 1930.

Visit M unich's large Botanical Gardens just north of the Nymphenburg Palace.

There are over 52 acres in the gardens, included greenhouses, a lake, a fountain, and houses dedicated to Africa and Madagascar, Mexico, palms and cactuses, and other themes.

One of several grand squares in the center of Altstadt in Salzburg.

One of several grand squares in the center of Altstadt in Salzburg. In the Mozartplatz you can find a statue of the famous composer. 

Visit Salzburg's largest and most impressive church.

The current cathedral was built between 1614-1628 and is a masterpiece of baroque architecture. The cathedral was largely destroyed by an Allied bomb in WWII but was restored by 1959. One of the most significant treasures in the cathedral is the Baptismal Font, which was cast in 1321 and rests on copper lions dating back to the 1100s.

One of several grand squares in the center of Altstadt in Salzburg.

One of several grand squares in the center of Altstadt in Salzburg. In the Mozartplatz you can find a statue of the famous composer. 

Visit Salzburg's largest and most impressive church.

The current cathedral was built between 1614-1628 and is a masterpiece of baroque architecture. The cathedral was largely destroyed by an Allied bomb in WWII but was restored by 1959. One of the most significant treasures in the cathedral is the Baptismal Font, which was cast in 1321 and rests on copper lions dating back to the 1100s.

Get a little wet in this delightful garden of tricks.

The famous "Wasserspiele" are trick water fountains that never fail to delight, astonish, and befuddle. The fountains were actually built with the express purpose of playing practical jokes on guests, and they continue to provide plenty of amusement today. 

Get a little wet in this delightful garden of tricks.

The famous "Wasserspiele" are trick water fountains that never fail to delight, astonish, and befuddle. The fountains were actually built with the express purpose of playing practical jokes on guests, and they continue to provide plenty of amusement today. 

Get a little wet in this delightful garden of tricks.

The famous "Wasserspiele" are trick water fountains that never fail to delight, astonish, and befuddle. The fountains were actually built with the express purpose of playing practical jokes on guests, and they continue to provide plenty of amusement today. 

Get a little wet in this delightful garden of tricks.

The famous "Wasserspiele" are trick water fountains that never fail to delight, astonish, and befuddle. The fountains were actually built with the express purpose of playing practical jokes on guests, and they continue to provide plenty of amusement today. 

Take a short hike to this stunning lake nestled within the mountains.

You can take a quick jaunt to the Obersee, or better yet, you can take a 5 miles hike to a waterfall above the lake. The trail is well-maintained and well-traveled, although rocky and steep at times. The hike begins with a fairly flat and easy walk from the boat docks to the Obersee lake. You will then follow a trail along the right shore of the lake. The trail becomes rocky and steep, and you must ascend about 250 feet. At the high points of the trail, you will have a beautiful view of the lake below and surrounding mountains. You will then descend and reach the far end of the lake, where you will enjoy another beautiful view. You will then continue hiking towards the end of the valley, climbing another approximately 350 feet to reach the end of the valley, where you will see the waterfalls. Keep in mind that at the end of summer or in fall the waterfall may not be very impressive.

Hop off the boat for a pleasant and easy walk along the lake shore near this onion-domed church.

To take this easy, flat, but very beautiful hike, from the boat docks, follow the orange signs for the "St. Bartholomä-Rundweg". You will make a circle on a well-maintained trail, first walking along the lakeshore for about half a mile, and then turn left into the forest. Continue following the signs for the Rundweg, taking another left after about 350 yards, and returning to the docks in a little less than half a mile.

Relax on an unforgettable cruise across the lake, hopping on an off when you please.

The cruises are made all the more enjoyable as the electric boats are almost completely quiet. Nothing will distract you for the atmosphere and scenery. Cruises occur all year long unless the lake is iced over. Tickets are sold directly at the docks, although getting there early is highly recommended to avoid long lines.

Venture a little further to find a perfect view of the lake.

The Malerwinkl (i.e. the Painters Angle) is less than a mile walk from the boat docks and offers a picture-frame view of the lake. You can walk down to the water and soak your feet. After enjoying the view, you can head back, or take a strenuous, approximately hour-long hike to the Jennerbahn cable car station. Just follow the signs for the Malerwinkl-Rundweg and the Jennerbahn-Talstation. This is a trail for experienced hikers with proper footwear, which includes a climb of about 400 feet.

Take an exhilarating ride into the Alpine peaks above the lake.

You will enjoy amazing views of the lake and the surrounding Bavarian Alps. If you are up for it, you can even hike in the mountains as well, or ski in the winter. You can board the Jennerbahn cable car near the same parking area and bus stop which services the lake. It costs approx. 27.50 EUR for an adult roundtrip ticket to the top. You can save money by hiking back down, but this is only recommended for experienced hikers with good footwear.

Take a short hike to this stunning lake nestled within the mountains.

You can take a quick jaunt to the Obersee, or better yet, you can take a 5 miles hike to a waterfall above the lake. The trail is well-maintained and well-traveled, although rocky and steep at times. The hike begins with a fairly flat and easy walk from the boat docks to the Obersee lake. You will then follow a trail along the right shore of the lake. The trail becomes rocky and steep, and you must ascend about 250 feet. At the high points of the trail, you will have a beautiful view of the lake below and surrounding mountains. You will then descend and reach the far end of the lake, where you will enjoy another beautiful view. You will then continue hiking towards the end of the valley, climbing another approximately 350 feet to reach the end of the valley, where you will see the waterfalls. Keep in mind that at the end of summer or in fall the waterfall may not be very impressive.

Hang out with locals on this street lined by shopping and restaurants.

The Linzer Gasse and the streets surrounding it, with their historic storefronts and a multitude of restaurants and old guesthouses, give the Altstadt a run for its money in terms of liveliness and charm.  One of the best views in Salzburg is hidden near the Linzer Gasse. Just look for the gateway passage, which is located on the right side of the Linzer Gasse if you are coming from the river and head up the mountain side.

Wander off of the beaten path to find one of Salzburg's hidden treasures, St. Sebastian's cemetery.

The peaceful cemetery is the resting place of many prominent Salzburgers, including Mozart's wife and father. The cemetery is lined by a cloister passageway, and in the center of the cemetery lies the magnificent mausoleum of the Prince Archbishop Wolf Dietrich. To find the cemetery just walk towards the church tower on the Linzer Gasse. The cemetery is located behind the church. There is usually an entrance open to the right of the church, but if that is closed, go the sidestreet to the left of the church (where you see the archway). You will find another entrance on the right side of the courtyard.

Stroll this tranquil garden amidst the city hubbub and sing "Do-Re-Me" .

Within the gardens, you will discover not only greenery and flowers but also statues of a pegasus, unicorns, lions and other exotic animals, as well as a gnome garden, grand staircases, fountains, and other picturesque spots. Sound of Music fans will recognize it, as this is where several parts of the "Do-Re-Me" song were filmed. Maria and the children march around the pegasus statue and fountain, race through the lattice garden tunnels, pose at the garden gates, and pet the gnomes on the head. Not much of the palace interior is open to visitors, however, the best part of the palace, a marble staircase lined by Raphael Donner statues, is open to those who know how to find it. The corridor to the staircase can be found in the passage that connects the palace courtyard to the gardens and the Pegasus fountain. If you are coming from the courtyard, the door to the corridor is on your right. You will find the staircase within a few steps.

Hang out with locals on this street lined by shopping and restaurants.

The Linzer Gasse and the streets surrounding it, with their historic storefronts and a multitude of restaurants and old guesthouses, give the Altstadt a run for its money in terms of liveliness and charm.  One of the best views in Salzburg is hidden near the Linzer Gasse. Just look for the gateway passage, which is located on the right side of the Linzer Gasse if you are coming from the river and head up the mountain side.

Join local families enjoying one of Europe's best zoos.

With an entrance directly connected to the Schönbrunn palace gardens, visiting the zoo can be a great addition to any trip to the palace. Founded as an imperial menagerie in 1752, it is the oldest continually operated zoo in the world, and today is home to many rare species such as giant pandas.

Get lost in the huge imperial gardens.

The beautiful park is a mix of formal gardens and woodlands, and is dotted with enchanting statues & fountains, including a massive fountain of Neptune. The Gloriette pavilion sits on a rise opposite the palace and commands a wonderful view. Kids will love the labyrinth, racing to find the tower at the center of the maze.

Join local families enjoying one of Europe's best zoos.

With an entrance directly connected to the Schönbrunn palace gardens, visiting the zoo can be a great addition to any trip to the palace. Founded as an imperial menagerie in 1752, it is the oldest continually operated zoo in the world, and today is home to many rare species such as giant pandas.

Get lost in the huge imperial gardens.

The beautiful park is a mix of formal gardens and woodlands, and is dotted with enchanting statues & fountains, including a massive fountain of Neptune. The Gloriette pavilion sits on a rise opposite the palace and commands a wonderful view. Kids will love the labyrinth, racing to find the tower at the center of the maze.

Stroll the Belvedere's gardens, and venture inside the palace for a "Kiss".

Two Baraque palaces are connected by a French-style, three-level garden which features delightful fountains. Originally built as a summer residence of Prince Eugene, it now houses the Belvedere Museum where you will find Gustav Klimt's most famous work - The Kiss.

Many argue that this baroque church is as beautiful as St. Peter's - see it and decide for yourself.

Built between 1716-1737, Emperor Charles VI intended the church to be a thanksgiving for the end of a plague epidemic and dedicated the church to St. Charles Borromeo, who is revered for his care of plague victims. St. Charles was also his namesake, meaning that the church's name evokes the emperor's memory as much as the saint's, which was no accident. Indeed, the two columns in front of the church are meant to represent imperial power. 

Stroll the Belvedere's gardens, and venture inside the palace for a "Kiss".

Two Baraque palaces are connected by a French-style, three-level garden which features delightful fountains. Originally built as a summer residence of Prince Eugene, it now houses the Belvedere Museum where you will find Gustav Klimt's most famous work - The Kiss.

Many argue that this baroque church is as beautiful as St. Peter's - see it and decide for yourself.

Built between 1716-1737, Emperor Charles VI intended the church to be a thanksgiving for the end of a plague epidemic and dedicated the church to St. Charles Borromeo, who is revered for his care of plague victims. St. Charles was also his namesake, meaning that the church's name evokes the emperor's memory as much as the saint's, which was no accident. Indeed, the two columns in front of the church are meant to represent imperial power. 

Discover the synagogue considered by many to be Prague's most beautiful.

Completed in 1868, the Spanish Synagogue is the newest synagogue in Prague's Jewish Quarter, but happens to be built on the site of the former Oldest Synagogue in Prague. It is built in a stunning Spanish Moorish style as a symbol of the flowering of the Jewish culture which occurred under Muslim rule on the Iberian Peninsula.

See the oldest surviving synagogue in Europe and also one of Prague's earliest Gothic buildings.

When built it was Prague’s newest synagogue, but over time became its oldest – hence the “Old-New”. A beautiful ark holds the Torah and legend says its attic is the hiding place of the legendary clay Golem.

Take an unforgettable visit to one of Europe's largest medieval Jewish cemeteries.

As the Jewish Ghetto was quite cramped, there was no room to expand the cemetery. Unable to acquire further land, and not wishing to dishonor ancestors through the demolition of existing graves, Prague's Jews buried their loved ones in multiple levels. Gravestones are packed in tightly and in some areas the burials reach 12 layers!

Discover the synagogue considered by many to be Prague's most beautiful.

Completed in 1868, the Spanish Synagogue is the newest synagogue in Prague's Jewish Quarter, but happens to be built on the site of the former Oldest Synagogue in Prague. It is built in a stunning Spanish Moorish style as a symbol of the flowering of the Jewish culture which occurred under Muslim rule on the Iberian Peninsula.

Wander in a graveyard where many prominent Czechs are buried, such as famed composers Dvořák & Smětana.

The cemetery is filled with many tombs which are works of art in themselves, including several arcades with beautiful art-nouveau frescoes. The monumental Slavin tomb is a sort of pantheon of the Czech people, with over 55 prominent persons buried within it. Dvořák and Smětana have their own more modest graves.

Enjoy stunning city views from atop the fortress walls.

Prague Castle and most of the city can be seen from above the cavernous Gorlice Hall. A walk along the fortress walls is a delightful experience, as you will enjoy numerous excellent vantage points on all sides of the fortress, enjoying Prague from a different perspective without all the crowds.

Venture within the fortress's massive 17th-century walls and gates.

A tour through the Brick Gate on the fortress's north side will take you through the narrow underground passageways and casemates of the fortress. You will see a historical exhibit on Vyšehrad as well as the underground Gorlice Hall, where the original statues from the Charles Bridge are stored for safe-keeping (many of the statues on the bridge are copies). 

Wander in a graveyard where many prominent Czechs are buried, such as famed composers Dvořák & Smětana.

The cemetery is filled with many tombs which are works of art in themselves, including several arcades with beautiful art-nouveau frescoes. The monumental Slavin tomb is a sort of pantheon of the Czech people, with over 55 prominent persons buried within it. Dvořák and Smětana have their own more modest graves.