The capital of Poland, Warsaw is known first and foremost for its resilience, often likened to a phoenix rising from the ashes of its, often tumultous, history. The architecture, museums and galleries are as diverse as the cool dining and drinking establishments, while the Wilanów Palace offers a regal outdoor space to relax in. 

On the River Rhine and overlooked by the towers of its stunning 157m-high Gothic cathedral, Cologne (Köln) is one of Germany's largest cities. The city's unique identity is a mix of the narrow alleys of its old town, the Kölsch dialect (and Kölsch beer), and contemporary architecture down by the ultramodern Rheinauhafen riverfront complex.