Portugal's capitol, Lisbon, has endless pedestrian walkways, outdoor cafes and markets for sightseers' perusal. Stop at an espresso counter before heading up the central elevator for a view of the city. The next day, take an easy train ride to the port town of Cascais, where decadent castles of old stand atop high hills. The landscape conducive to hiking, so once you've had your fill of history, take a walking trip along the piers and shoreline. You may even happen across an old Portuguese fountain or a vendor selling native fruit.
Museum hopping and historical study can take weeks in Rome, but if you've only got a day, check out The Vatican's many wonders before doing anything else. Visit the wishing fountains and Colosseum, then spend the evening at the theatre, perhaps the Parco della Musica. For a change of scenery the next day, hop a train to nearby Ostia, where dozens of small public beaches and boardwalks teeming with people await you.
A day in bustling and modern Paris will wipe you out. See the Eiffel Tower, lunch at a local cafe, take a walk by the Seine and enjoy the botanical gardens. Take a tour of the Notre Dame cathedral in the afternoon as the sun begins to set. At night, go to a cabaret, where you can watch performers dance the night away as you dine. The next day, take a train or quick drive to Provins, where you'll be transported to medieval times. Take in a falconry display or battle reenactment and bask in the glory of 13th century architecture preserved for modern-day use.
Germany's capitol, Berlin, has much to offer in the way of food, beer and fun. In the city itself, see Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of the Cold War. Take in the Jewish History Museum and a guided tour of Hohenschönhausen Memorial Center, an old prison originally established by the KGB. The next day, you can easily travel to Wittenberg to see the religious side of history, where Martin Luther struck out from the Catholic church.
