AUSTRIA
Capital: Vienna
Population: 8,192,880
Language: German
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CZECH REPUBLIC
Capital: Prague
Population: 10,235,455
Language: Czech
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FRANCE
Capital: Paris
Population: 60,876,136
Language: French
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GERMANY
Capital: Berlin
Population: 82,422,299
Language: German
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ITALY
Capital: Rome
Population: 58,533,109
Language: Italian
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MALTA
Capital: Valletta
Population: 400,214
Language: Maltese
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SPAIN
Capital: Madrid
Population: 40,397,842
Language: Castilian Spanish
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VATICAN CITY
Population: 932
Language: Latin
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BLACK FOREST
WHY: Picturesque mountain towns; hiking; cuckoo clocks
WHEN: All year round

DACHAU CONCENTRATION CAMP
WHY: First Nazi Concentration Camp; Holocaust Museum; Sobering historical perspective
WHEN: All year round

EAGLE'S NEST
WHY: WWII landmark; featured in "Band of Brothers"; spectacular scenery
WHEN: May to October

HEIDELBERG
WHY: Heidelberg Castle; bridge over the River Neckar; university town...
WHEN: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, anytime is a good time to visit.  But the best time could be in the spring or fall (to beat the tourist crowd) or during the Christmas season

HOHENZOLLERN
WHY: Quick daytrip to a stunning castle
WHEN: Any time of year!

LUDWIGSBURG
WHY:Baroque Palaces and extensive gardens.
WHEN:Any time of year.

MUNICH
WHY: That most "German" of German cities
WHEN: Any time of year, but Oktoberfest is always a highlight
HOW: International flights into Franz Joseph Strauß International Airport, or via train from other European destinations

NEUSCHWANSTEIN
WHY: Perfect fairy tale castle
WHEN: Any time of year!

HOHENSCHWANGAU
WHY: Beautiful Alpine Castle
WHEN: Any time of year!

ULM
WHY: World's tallest church spire; homey Christmas Market
WHEN: Any time of year