Four Cities, Four Countries

Europe has many charming towns, but these four gems offer big appeal in a tiny space. Though flanked by famous neighbors, they are well worth a detour for those willing to explore.

Cochem, Germany

The picturesque town of Cochem stretches along both banks of the Moselle River and offers everything you’d expect from an old-world destination: cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and postcard-perfect views of the river and its lush surroundings.

Start your visit above the town at Cochem Castle, or Reichsburg, which dates to the year 1000. Originally built to collect tolls from passing ships, the structure was destroyed by French troops in 1689, and remained untouched for nearly 200 years. In the 19th century, a wealthy steel magnate from Berlin was looking for a second home and purchased and meticulously restored the castle as his private residence. Today you can tour several rooms filled with his collection of precious antiques, as well as the castle courtyard, offering a magnificent view of the river below.

Medieval town, maximum charm

Leaving the castle, choose between walking down a steep street to the medieval town square or taking the shuttle. For the sake of time, I suggest the shuttle, giving you more opportunity to explore the charming downtown area. One highlight is the town’s unique post boxes, among the most charming you’ll find anywhere.

If there’s time, be sure to visit the Mustard Mill, one of Europe’s oldest operating mills and producing some of Germany’s finest mustard. During the high season, you can also take a river cruise to nearby towns like Beilstein or Treis-Karden, offering a glimpse of other lovely riverside communities.

Bolzano, Italy

Bolzano, located in the South Tyrol region of Italy, is often considered the gateway to the Dolomites. This charming city introduces you to Alpine beauty, with its half-timbered facades, flower-adorned balconies, and cobblestone streets lined with cafes and shops. You’ll also hear plenty of German here, as the area was annexed from Austria after World War II.

A great base for exploring is Piazza Walther (Waltherplatz), the heart of Bolzano for over 900 years and home to Italy’s largest Christmas market. At the center of the square stands a marble statue of the poet Walter von der Vogelweide, sculpted in 1889. The square is conveniently located near the historic train station and Laubengasse (Via dei Portici), the next stop on the itinerary. This lively street, sheltered by stone arcades, is a favorite for strollers browsing the storefronts while enjoying protection from the elements. The architecture and decor here are a real attraction. From Laubengasse, you can easily reach Piazza del Erbe, another charming square brimming with fresh fruit stand, vegetables, and flowers stands sold by local vendors—a tradition that has continued for centuries. Dating back to 1295, the piazza also features a magnificent statue of Neptune, created in the 1770s and considered one of Italy’s finest sculptures.

Old Sites

Not far from the Piazza del Erbe is the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, home to Ötzi the Iceman, a prehistoric glacier mummy discovered by hikers in 1991 and dating back to 3,300 BC.

Architecture enthusiasts will want to visit the Duomo Maria Assunta, the largest church in South Tyrol. This Gothic-Romanesque cathedral, built in the 12th century, features a stunning glazed tile roof, 14th-century Gothic additions, and interior frescoes from the 1300s, along with an altar dating to the 1500s. Another must-see is the Chiesa dei Domenicani, a lovely church with a Baroque ceiling and frescoes in the style of Giotto.

Beyond the old town, there’s a massive marble arch known as the  Monumento alla Vittoria, completed in 1928. Commissioned by Mussolini, the monument left a mark on Bolzano, but the city resisted its fascist symbolism. Rather than demolish it, the locals recontextualized the monument, using it as a symbol of resilience and neutrality to diminish its association with far-right ideologies.

Staying overnight is highly recommended and the ideal location is the old town area. Notable hotels include the historic Parkhotel Laurin, which dates back a century, and the Parkhotel Mondschein, housed in a building from the Middle Ages.

Amboise, France

Rural towns don’t get much cuter than this. First a royal court, now a market town, Amboise with its half-timbered buildings and quaint narrow streets is a small village that offers big appeal.

Set in central France’s Loire Valley on the banks of the Loire River, Amboise has been the birthplace and home of many kings and is now the site of their former homes. The town’s namesake is Château d’Amboise, the 15th-century residence of King Charles VIII, who accidentally killed himself by walking into a door lintel on his way to play tennis. Nearby, Château du Clos Lucé is where Leonardo da Vinci lived and ultimately died. Château Gaillard is famous for its recreated Italian palace.

What is a must

Of the chateaux, I especially enjoyed Château du Clos Lucé, where da Vinci retired after packing his bags and some of his favorite paintings, including the Mona Lisa, and fleeing the chaos of the city. Touring his home is a must, to see his studio and living quarters and a museum devoted to his work. The gardens are lovely and a testament to his quest for beauty.

Walking through the old town is another must. This pedestrian-only destination is lined with cobblestone streets and half-timbered shops. At night, restaurants set up lighted tables while soft music plays for diners to enjoy until the wee hours.

If you are in Amboise on a Sunday, there’s a magnificent market by the river in the Place du Marche. Besides wine and cheese, you’ll find fruits and vegetables and assorted handcrafted goods including locally-made pottery. The market attracts visitors from all over the region, and aisles fill quickly with shoppers getting their weekly goods.

Amboise’s excellent transportation links make it a great base for exploring other Loire Valley castles like Chenonceau, Blois, and Chambord. The TGV trains can get you to Paris in less than two hours.

Sintra, Portugal

Nestled in the foothills of Portugal’s Sintra Mountains, the town of Sintra is a short drive from Lisbon but a world away. Visitors arrive by motorcoach, quickly ticking off the main sights before hurrying back to Lisbon’s fast pace, missing the true essence of the village—its narrow streets, charming old buildings, and the twilight calm that descends once the last tourist leaves. Even more appealing are the monuments illuminated at night, their fairy-tale image magnified under the glow of the moon.

Grand Houses

On our visit we explored the famed palaces, including the colorful National Palace of Pena, its whimsical Romanesque design a striking contrast to the surrounding landscape. We also liked Quinta da Regaleira, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the lush grounds are filled with lakes, grottoes, fountains, and mysterious wells. Our favorite stop was the Moorish castle, set in a remote part of the city, with lovely flower-filled gardens and an amazing villa defined by open courtyards and intricate latticework carved from stone.

The Sintra National Palace is also noteworthy for its exceptional blend of Moorish and Manueline styles, its dramatic twin chimneys and its azulejo tilework.

But the best of Sintra is experienced when the tour buses leave. This is the time to stroll side streets, each offering a new view of the classic, timeworn architecture that characterizes Portugal’s allure. For centuries, Sintra has served as a royal haven, beautiful pastel-colored villas dotting the hills. Today, it remains a royal haven for those who linger long enough to enjoy its magic charm.