Bratislava, formerly Pressburg or Pozsony, was once one of the most important centres of Jewish life in Europe. Today, the city has an active Jewish community, numerous Jewish heritage sites and two Jewish museums. You can pass by the Heydukova Street Synagogue, visit the Museum of Jewish Culture and the Bratislava Jewish Community Museum, pay your respects at the Chatam Sofer Memorial, the Neolog cemetery and the Orthodox cemetery and many other Jewish landmarks and monuments.

A weekend trip to Ghent is simply not complete without a visit to the mysterious ‘Castle of the Counts’. This important sight in Ghent is a castle with a very turbulent past, closely intertwined with the complex—often stormy—political and social history of the city. It is the only remaining mediaeval castle with a moat and largely intact defence system in Flanders. Your visit to the Castle of the Counts will give you a complete picture of heraldic culture in the 12th century. The gatehouse, ramparts, keep, count’s residence and stables are open to visitors. Be sure to go up the long spiral staircase to the museum of torture devices on the top floor of the Castle of the Counts. Here, you will find a unique collection of instruments for torture and coercion, as well as a collection of weapons. The Castle of the Counts also hosts all kinds of cultural activities, events and activities, for example during the Ghent Festivities. It is also a popular place to get married for Ghent’s locals. Let’s not forget the time the Castle of the Counts was occupied by protesting students in 1949! Explore the castle during your weekend trip in Ghent and find out all about the ‘Battle of the Castle of the Counts’. The keep, symbol of the Counts’ power Go back in time inside this majestic fortress. Its history goes back to the time of the Roman occupation, when there was already a settlement on a sand bank by the River Lys. After a brief period of Viking plundering, the Counts of Flanders converted the earlier wooden constructions into a keep (living quarters) in the Middle Ages, with ramparts built entirely of stone, replete with 24 towers. The imposing building with its military architecture was a symbol of the Counts’ power in the turbulent city of Ghent. Do you want to dig deep into the history of Ghent? This is where you need to be. Ghent, full of charming history and modern vibrancy.

This spot was the first UNESCO world heritage site-listed monument of modern architecture in the Czech Republic, and only the fourth worldwide to receive such a distinction: this fact alone should convince you to discover it as soon as possible. This glass-fronted villa was designed in 1928 by the famous German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and its minimalistic design is still relevant and charming. Make sure to book a visit to Villa Tugendhat even months before your get there.

The Tito Bustillo Cave is on the selected list of World Heritage and is one of the most important Palaeolithic art sites. Make sure to wear warm clothes when visiting the cave. It is also advisable to book your visit in advance.