Wander through the Imperial Palaces and manicured gardens of the Austrian capital. Known as the City of Music because of its rich musical legacy, it’s the perfect place to go to a classical concert or the famous New Year Ball. Don’t miss out on Vienna’s essential experiences: ride the legendary Prater Ferris Wheel, eat delicious Sachertorte in one of its historic cafes, watch the prancing Lipizzaner horses of the Spanish Riding School or take a cruise on the River Danube.

Walk in Mozart’s footsteps through this elegant Austrian city, bisected by the Salzach River. The setting for the classic movie The Sound of Music, you’ll recognise many of the backdrops from the film. Check out the delightful trick fountains at Hellbrunn, the many Baroque churches that seem to perch on every street corner and elegant squares adorned with pretty fountains. And of course don’t miss the city’s castle which dominates the skyline and provides spectacular views of the mountains nearby.

Explore a picture-postcard city nestled in the cradle of the Tyrolean Alps. In a city crammed with historic mansions, one stands out: the Golden Roof was completed in 1500, adorned with over 2500 copper tiles as a wedding present to mark the occasion of Emperor Maximilian I’s marriage. But Innsbruck’s charm lies as much in its surroundings as it does the city centre streets. Located in the exquisite Inn Valley, it hosted the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976.

Visit this Swiss financial hub with a long history. Despite its role as a modern centre for banking, its Altstadt retains an old-world charm. Stroll down lanes like Augustinergasse and peer into the carved windows of what were once wealthy merchants’ houses. The city’s Fraumünster church is where you’ll find the world-famous stained glass windows designed by the Russian-French artist Marc Chagall.

Stroll around this lakeshore city surrounded by mountains. The Musegg Wall encloses the Old Town to the north, while the Chapel Bridge built in 1333 links it to the far side of the Reuss River. Nearby, the peaks of Pilatus and Rigi offer excellent hiking in summer and plenty of ski runs in winter, the former reached by the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. A cruise on one of Lake Lucerne’s steamers is perhaps the best way to appreciate this pretty Swiss city.