A visit to Assisi, Italy, shows that Francis' message of universal love has a broad and timeless appeal. To enjoy Assisi at its peaceful best, see it early or see it late. At http://www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio programs, podcasts, and more on this destination.

Nürnberg was one of Germany's — in fact Europe's — leading cities 500 years ago, and was an industrial marvel. The scenic remnants of its hard medieval past are now just an added dimension of a delightfully people-friendly historic center. At http://www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio programs, podcasts, and more on this destination.

Of Romania's many people, one group in particular has struggled to fit in: the Roma. Also known as "Gypsies," the Roma originated in India and were nomads who migrated over the centuries throughout eastern Europe. At http://www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio programs, podcasts, and more on this destination.

Glastonbury, England is considered the birthplace of Christianity in England and the burial site of the legendary King Arthur. A variety of travelers and seekers come to visit the Glastonbury Tor, Chalice Well, and Abbey. At http://www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio programs, podcasts, and more on this destination.

Tuscany's Chianti wine region, with its rugged hills and farmland, charms visitors with a slower, more rustic lifestyle. South of Chianti is a region called the Crete Senesi, a quintessential Tuscan landscape featuring clay hills and iconic lanes of cypress trees. At http://www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio programs, podcasts, and more on this destination.

Dresden's Historic Green Vault (in the Royal Palace) contains a glittering Baroque treasure collection that's a must-see. The adjacent Royal Armory fills a long room with centuries-old armor. At http://www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio programs, podcasts, and more on this destination.

Plovdiv's atmospheric Old Town is a showcase of delightful buildings from the 1800s during the Bulgarian National Revival. Nearby is a museum celebrating the work of the Bulgarian artist Zlatyu Boyadzhiev. At http://www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio programs, podcasts, and more on this destination.

One of the joys of visiting Amsterdam is simply being in the swirl of healthy, busy, biking Dutch. Don't forget to look up past the bikers to observe Amsterdam's beautiful homes decorated with ornate gables. At http://www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio programs, podcasts, and more on this destination.

The cultural heritage of Romania is many-faceted, and appreciating the diversity of the 20 million people who make up this country enriches your experience. The faces — as varied and beautiful as the land itself — tell the story. At http://www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio programs, podcasts, and more on this destination.

The countryside around Wells, England, is great for growing apples and you can visit farms that brew the authentic hard cider — known around here as "scrumpy." And at Land's End Cider Farm, Roger Wilkins is as old-school as it comes. At http://www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio programs, podcasts, and more on this destination.