Founded in the mid-9th century, Ulm enjoyed a long history as a free imperial city, ruled only by the Holy Roman Emperor with no pesky princes in between. An important trade town for centuries, Ulm was also the birthplace of Albert Einstein. Rising 530 feet, Ulm Minster has the world’s tallest steeple, the top of which can be reached via 768 steps. Ulm’s younger sister city, Neo Ulm (or New Ulm) lies just across the Danube River and is part of Bavaria rather than Baden-Wurttemberg.

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!

Fairytale villages, thermal baths, casinos and pine and birch-blanketed mountains beckon travelers to southwestern Germany's Black Forest. Scenic drives and train trips showcase the best of the area. Skiing, hiking, mountain climbing, boating and ice-skating are popular activities. Baden-Baden's Roman-Irish baths, 19th-century performance hall, casino and fresco-adorned Pump Room are much visited. Gothic masterpiece Freiburg Cathedral and its famous Boys' Choir also draw visitors.

The largest city on the Adriatic Coast, seaside delight Split has been under Roman, Venetian, Austrian, French, Italian and Yugoslav control. There is an abundance of restaurants and wine cellars. Sites such as Diocletian's Palace and Mausoleum, the Grgur Ninski Statue and the Cathedral and Bell Tower of St Domnius justify its position as a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. The city's coves offer several lovely beaches, including central Bacvice. Ferries link Split to Dalmatian summer resorts.

Boasting 23 lakes, innumerable parks and varied wildlife, Chisinau has one of the highest proportions of natural spaces of any city in Europe. Moldova's green capital is situated on the Bic River, surrounded by fertile land rife with vineyards, making it a popular destination for wine tours. The city is also renowned for its cognac and especially its award-winning beer, so arrive thirsty!

Strongly influenced by the tribal culture of the Guanches (the original inhabitants), Tenerife was conquered by the Spanish 500 years ago. It's home to Mount Teide, Spain's tallest peak, and to the popular beach resort of Los Gigantes. Today visitors flock to Loro Park to see tropical birds, to Tenerife Zoo Monkey Park and to Parque Nacional Las Canadas del Teide's volcanic rock formations. Explore by car or with a "bono bus" ticket, which offers reductions on regular prices.