As home to majestic mountains, opulent palaces, and high culture, Austria's attractions are classically sumptuous and enduring. But beyond the waltzes, the strudels, the alpine summits, and Habsburg architecture, its modern cities are proof of just how easily Austria combines the contemporary with the historic.

The majestic Austrian Alps stretch across the country, an awe-striking area of Ice Age valleys, verdant heaths and alluvial cones within Europe's largest national park, 700-square-mile Hohe Tauern. Taking in the dramatic cities of Salzburg and Innsbruck and the beautiful province of Tirol, home to spectacular skiing and hiking, as well as Gross Glockner, Austria's highest peak, and some of the world's best winter and summer sports playgrounds, the Austrian Alps are an outdoor lover's paradise.

The former Yugoslav republic of Slovenia gained its independence in 1991. With one toe in the Adriatic and several major rivers and lakes, water sports are popular. To the east, the Alps provide excellent hiking and skiing. Nestled below its castle, the capital of Llubjana is a vibrant, youthful city with a thrilling arts scene, a flotilla of festivals and impressive architecture that runs the stylistic gamut from Renaissance to Art Nouveau.

There's much more to France than Paris—from the fairy-tale châteaux of the Loire Valley to the lavender fields of Provence, and the French Riviera's celebrity-studded beaches. World-famous gastronomy and fine wines provide the perfect complement to the country's alpine views and architectural masterpieces.

Trentino-Alto Adige is made up of two provinces, the Italian-leaning Trento (or Trentino) in the south and the Germanic-leaning Alto Adige (or Südtirol, and also called Bolzano-Bozen, just to keep things interesting) in the north. Home to numerous picturesque towns, castles and historic sights, the main attraction here is the mountains. The stars of these are the Dolomites. Outdoor adventure opportunities abound year-round, with skiing, climbing and hiking among the most popular pursuits.

From the silvery crests of the Alps to the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, Italy’s beauty is unparalleled. A visit could mean marveling at the Colosseum after a tender plate of pasta, or drifting lazily down a canal, your belly full of local Sangiovese. Explore Tuscan vineyards and olive groves or drool over boutiques in fashionable Milan. Look for mermaids from the cliffs of Sorrento or nibble on Parma’s famous cheese and prosciutto. Anywhere you choose, the country will captivate you.

With sparkling fjords lacing its coastline and soaring mountains dotting its interior, Norway could rightfully claim to be one of the world's most beautiful countries. A progressive society, thriving cultural scene, and free camping in most areas make Norway a great place to visit.

Located in the southwestern part of Switzerland, in its French-speaking part between Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchâtel, the Canton of Vaud is a vacation destination where life is good. Easily accessible thanks to the proximity of Geneva international airport and an exceptionally dense public transport network, the region offers all the necessary infrastructures, from five-star palaces to charming guest rooms. The diversity of its landscapes, from the peaks of the Alps, to the lakeside towns of Lausanne and Montreux, to the wide open spaces of the Jura and the authentic charm of the countryside, concentrates all the facets of Switzerland in one territory. The beautiful towns and villages, such as Lausanne, Montreux, Nyon, Morges and Yverdon-les-Bains, are steeped in centuries of history and rich in captivating culture. This region has influenced and inspired artists over the years, from Lord Byron and Audrey Hepburn to Charlie Chaplin and Freddie Mercury. But the region is best known for its art of living. Local or internationally renowned events, outdoor sports activities, regional know-how, typical and high level gastronomy, excellent wines, living traditions, cultural offer... are all elements that seduce visitors.