Stephan Delbos 
Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519), renaissance man and genius inventor, may have spent most of his life in the halls of Milanese palaces, but he hailed from just outside of Florence, a place still famous for its sublime art and architecture. You’d have to go out of your way not to spend … Read More
Despite, or because of, Dresden’s almost complete destruction during World War II, it is a city that takes history seriously. Exploring the squares and strolling along the riverbanks is pleasant enough, and of course Dresden is also famous for its enchanting Christmas markets. But the best museums in Dresden are more than just a diversion, … Read More
We can’t say enough about Potsdam. Just 15 miles southwest of Berlin, the former royal seat of Prussia can easily be reached on the S-Bahn. This makes it the most popular day trip from the city, for tourists and locals alike. You can look forward to lovely palaces and alluring gardens … Read More
Even if you’ve never heard of Lipizzan horses, you probably know what they look like. These beautiful white horses are practically the stuff of legend. The breed dates back to the 16th century, when they were intended for the Hapsburg royal family. A village in modern-day Slovenia, Lipica, or Lipizza in Italian, … Read More
With its banks, factories and business centers, Munich may at first appear staid and stable. But the city has a volatile past, especially during the years when Hitler and his Nazi Party began their first violent grabs for power. From the beer halls where he gathered his supporters to the … Read More
When you’re strolling through the streets of Rome, it can sometimes feel like the whole city is one big museum. But the best museums in Rome aren’t all on the well-trod tourist paths. With astonishing collections of art housed in remarkable masterpieces of architecture, from 16th century palaces to unapologetically modern … Read More
You’ll have to zoom in pretty close on Google Maps to see the Curonian Spit, a thin, curved strip of sand in the Baltic Sea that is just 450 yards wide at its narrowest point. But that small size is in distinct contrast to the big reputation of this unique area, which … Read More
For visitors to Germany who want to connect with the country’s imperial past, it’s hard to beat Neuschwanstein Castle. A short drive outside of Munich, this incredible castle is perched on a cliff high above a valley. The gorgeous rooms of the castle are enough of an attraction on their own, … Read More
There’s no doubt about it, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) is Salzburg’s most famous son. It has been more than 200 years since the death of the genius composer, but everywhere you look there seem to be traces of Mozart in Salzburg. Whether you’re a music lover or a history buff, the city … Read More
From beautiful beaches to incredible historical sites and delicious food, there is more than enough to Albania to pack a holiday full of fun surprises. Let’s take a closer look at one of the country’s architectural and historical marvels: Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992.