Today, you'll find Bavarian villages in Central Europe, old castle towns, grandiose market squares that point to a rich history of trade in the region, as well as glittering old imperial cities with remnants of the Roman Empire still visible.
Central Europe is caught between two worlds, the Frankish, Norman, and Mediterranean West and South of Europe - and the mainly Slavic Eastern Europe. At its centre is Germany. Only unified into a single nation 150 years ago, its principalities and people have for centuries spread all across this region of Europe, making their influence known.
Our writers put a tough task ahead of them, exploring Central Europe's Top 5 destinations:
5. Zell Am See
Credit: Expedia
Zell am See is a small town situated on the shores of Lake Zell, just south of Salzburg, Austria. The alpine lake is a beautiful spot to enjoy year-round. In the summer months, there are water sports to enjoy and sunbathing, as well as some lovely hikes around the lake. In the winter, there's excellent skiing in the surrounding mountains.
The town itself boasts the Romanesque St. Hippolyte's Church, one of the oldest churches in the region - complete with a 15th-century tower - plus many streetside cafes and bars, as well as low-cost and high-end accommodation options.
4. Warsaw, Poland
Credit: Patryk Kosmider
The capital of Poland is home to a historic Old Town and buzzing local life that makes it well worth a visit. Putting its Communist era and wartime tragedies well in the past, there's a new lease of life along its cobbled lanes. Walk along the Royal Route for a chance to spot the best historic sights in the city, like the statue of Copernicus and the Holy Cross Church.
There's also the imposing 1950s Palace of Culture and Science (the tallest building in Poland) and the grand, 16th-century Royal Castle. Accommodation options and transport abound in this lively and fascinating city.
Warsaw is also home to one of the most esteemed destinations in the LUXE Global portfolio the Sofitel Warsaw Victoria.
Its central location makes Sofitel Warsaw Victoria an ideal base for exploring the city's cultural attractions, the charms of a vibrant nightlife and successful shopping. Hotel windows overlook the magnificent 18th-century Saxon Garden - the city's oldest public park. Fryderyk Chopin Museum, the Grand Theatre and the National Philharmonic are all within a stone's throw.
3. Split, Croatia
Offering complete island vibes, Split is the second largest city of Croatia and the largest city in the region of Dalmatia. It lies on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea and is spread over a central peninsula and its surroundings. An intra regional transport hub and popular tourist destination, the city is linked to the Adriatic islands and the Apennine Peninsula.
Due to its Greek connection it has a number of islands to choose from that will truly leave the traveller occupied. Pictured above is the popular Brač Island which is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, roughly 50 minutes away from Split by ferry and combines a beautiful beach with a rich pine forest. It's one of the largest islands in Dalmatia and one of the most popular destinations in Croatia. A big reason for that is the Zlatni Rat Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the Croatian coastline.
2. Berlin, Germany
Credit: Stefan Widua
We might be a bit biased, but here at LUXE we believe that when travelling you have to take in the history of the destination from a subjective perspective and Berlin is just packed with history. So for us it wasn't whether or not it was going to make the list it was just about at which spot!
The bold and brash German capital is a city that has seen a lot of history, most recently being split between capitalist West and socialist East Germany. But with its turbulent history in the past, this modern-day city has a fashionable street scene, energetic art culture, infamous and very cool nightlife, and plenty of hipster hangouts.
Go and see sections of the Berlin Wall and see graffiti daubed on it at East Side Gallery, or go to the classical archway steeped in history at the Brandenburg Gate. Elsewhere, the Reichstag Building is a marriage of past and present. There are many cool places to stay in Berlin, and many more places to eat, drink, and dance the night away.
1. Prague, Czech Republic
Credit: Frantisek Zelinka
Absolutely bubbling with culture, Prague is the Czech Republic's stunning capital. Though it's famous for its nightlife, with plenty of bars and restaurants to hop around after dark - as well as plenty of places to stay - the city also has a plethora of history to discover.
The beautiful Old Town of Prague is home to the oldest working astronomical clock, the 600-year-old Orloj. Connecting the Old Town with the Lesser Town is the pedestrianized Charles Bridge, built in 1402. Prague Castle dates back to the 9th century; this amazingly historic building is now the seat of the Czech president. Learn about Prague's Jewish history at the old Jewish Quarter, see the oldest synagogue in Europe, and visit the old Jewish cemetery.
Also a massively up and coming Art district, Prague is slowly becoming an absolute must visit for across the board travellers of all interests.
Be sure to put it on the travel list, because we sure can't wait to get back.
