Copenhagen is one of Europe’s oldest and most popular cities. It’s also one of the cleanest and most metropolitan. The dynamic Danish capital features progressive modern architecture, the must-visit Tivoli Gardens amusement park, stunning palaces, and all the activities and amenities you would expect in a world-class destination. Explore the canals and pretty narrow streets, appreciate beautiful old homes, and find great shopping and people watching on The Ströget.

Denmark's largest island is so much more than simply the home of the country's dynamic capital, Copenhagen. Zealand also offers a delightful array of holiday homes and villas, pleasing harbors and sandy beaches, fringed by forests where castles lurk. Major destinations include the UNESCO-designated, Dutch Renaissance-style Kronborg Castle in Helsingor and the Viking attractions, cathedral and music festival of Roskilde. To the south bobs a flotilla of beautiful and relatively untouched islands.

The easternmost town on the island of Fyn or Funen anchors the much traveled Storebaelt Bridge at its western point. This 700-year-old town is often overlooked for neighboring Odense, just 21 miles west. It's worth spending a few hours exploring the 1540 Old Torvet market square, once the site of 16th-century royal games, the ancient 1170 Nyborg Castle, venerable houses and the oldest open air theater in the country, Voldspil Nyborg. The theater hosts musicals and operettas on on the castle ramparts.

Home to the oldest university in Germany, Heidelberg was hit hard during 17th-century wars and rebuilt in the 18th century with baroque buildings. For a pleasant walk, stroll through the historic city centre's Gothic streets. Be sure to take in Heidelberg Castle, the symbolic heart of the city; Alte Brucke, a beautiful 18th-century bridge; and the Student Jail. Built as long ago as the 16th century, it was used to keep mischievous students off the streets for three days to a month at a time. And they say Penn State is the number-one party school!

Located on the Bay of Biscay, La Rochelle’s history has mostly involved the sea, and today it has a large pleasure boat marina. Thus, its heart is the picturesque "Vieux Port" ("Old Harbour"). The city retains a rich architectural heritage, and has an aquarium, attractive gardens and a natural-history museum. Book early for summer; mid-July in particular features Francofolies, a huge French music festival.

Just south of the Majorcan capital, Playa de Palma’s golden coastline is lined by luxury hotels, international restaurants, and lively bars. Popular with revelers, the resort strip also offers water sports facilities and easy access to the airport, making it a convenient hub for any sunseeker.

Founded by the Berbers in the 2nd millennium BCE, the city of Tunis has been controlled by Phoenicians, Romans, Arab Muslims, the Ottomans, the Spanish, the French and the Germans, finally achieving independence as the capital of Tunisia in 1956. This history has made Tunis a mélange of ancient and modern cultures. The medina is a network of narrow alleyways, mosques, mausoleums, palaces and a souq where shoppers haggle over the price of everything from filigreed gold to inexpensive souvenirs.