by Pinny Magill

Created on: February 26, 2007   Last Updated: June 11, 2008

The beauty of Europe lies in the diversity of its great cities. The agony is in choosing which ones to visit.

However, something to help you along the way, is the fact that there are areas in Europe where there are a number of great cities clustered together.

KRAKOW, Prague, Vienna, Berlin

Krakow is an enchanting city, steeped in history and culture, it is often thought of as the culture capital of Poland. Although the city offers endless sightseeing opportunities, from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wieliczka Salt Mine, to the historical Jewish quarter Kazimierz, it's the atmosphere and quaintness on every street corner that is so captivating about this city.

This is fast becoming a top tourist destination in Europe, but luckily it is still quite unspoilt, and very cheap. This beautiful city is often compared to Prague, it has the same architectural beauty on every street, a fascinating history dating back to the 14th century, great restaurants and smoky jazz clubs. The advantage of Krakow, is that it doesn't have the crowds that sometimes drowns out Prague's greatest areas.

From Krakow you can take a train to Prague, Vienna or Berlin, three equally amazing destinations. Although these cities aren't close enough to each other to make day trips, they are close enough to make a small trip that won't wear you out.

VENICE, Milan, Verona, Geneva, Burn, Zurich

Venice is an amazing city, and despite it's many criticisms, it's definitely worth a visit. If you want to beat the crowds, pick the right time of year to go. Mid October is a great time, if you don't want to be swamped by other tourists. The city is so small that it gives you the perfect opportunity to put the guide books down and let the city reveal itself to you.

Other Italian cities close to Venice, are Verona and Milan. Milan is very different from Venice, it's a bustling cosmopolitan city, and a haven for shoppers. If you take a train to Milan, you can stop off at Verona on the way. Fair Verona, the home of Romeo and Juliet, is a perfect mix of Venice and Milan. If you want to visit Juliet's balcony, you can get information and a map from the train station, and walk up through the city to visit it. This is a perfect way to see the city, which is rustic and charismatic, and at times will leave you speechless. It's only three hours between Venice and Milan, and you can book your tickets online with Rail Europe.

If your feeling more adventurous, the Alps are on your doorstep, and you can take a train from Milan

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