Train Strasbourg → Vienna

Where smart people learn to love Alsace Capital of Alsace, home of the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, and less than 2.5 hours from Paris by TGV, Strasbourg beckons with a blend of history and modernity. The Grande Île, Strasbourg's historic city center, is a UNESCO world heritage site. This was the first time such an honor was placed on an entire city center. There are incredible sights to see in just this one area: The Palais Rohan, 500-hundred year old churches including the Cathédral de Nôtre Dame (the tallest medieval building in Europe) and its famous astronomical clock. If you're lucky to be here around the holidays, the Strasbourg Christmas market surrounding the church has been an annual event since 1570. The neighborhood known as Petit France sits along the banks of The Grand Île. Famous for its medieval, black and white timber-framed buildings, the renowned Maison Kammerzell is the city's best example on Place de la Cathédrale in an area formerly belonging to the Holy Roman Empire. Learn more about Strasbourg

An elegant, European empire (once) Vienna, known locally as Wien, is elegance personified. The city that was ruled by the mighty Hapsburg Empire for over 600 years now offers a genteel atmosphere of history, culture and beauty. You can still see the remnants of their expansive kingdom – with not just one, but two palaces in Vienna. The Schönbrunn palace at the edge of town was their summer residence. You know, just a little place to sit back, relax and rule. Those who lived there caged themselves in – along with animals. You can now visit the Tiergarten, the oldest zoo in the world. The main palace, the Hofburg, dominates the town center. This sprawling complex grew with the family empire from the 13th century until just before WWI. And while no one has lived here in over 90 years, the palace still functions as the Austrian President’s office and is home to government workers and the prized Vienna Boys’ Choir. Learn more about Vienna