Ah, a European adventure; every American’s dream.

Who wouldn’t want to backpack through a beautiful new land, experiencing the history and culture and all the continent has to offer? Unfortunately, most dreams of European travels are harshly cut short by a limited knowledge of the beauty that our neighbor continent possesses. I have nothing but respect for London, Paris and Rome. They’re gorgeous places with incredible people and culture to spare. But I plead with you: Broaden your horizons. Give the other cities in Europe a chance to dazzle you. Choose a place you’ve never heard of and explore what it has to offer.

Here’s a list of 12 places to start.

1. Bled, Slovenia

Chances are, you haven’t heard much about Slovenia. That’s okay. It’s a pretty small and peaceful country and it’s never been much of a world power. Maybe that is what makes it such a relaxing and memorable place to visit. Bled is one of the gems of this country. It’s a quaint town nestled in the Alps surrounding a gorgeous blue lake with a castle nestled in the center. Really, what more could you want?

2. Budapest, Hungary

I didn’t include many capital cities on this list, but Budapest is one of the most underrated cities in all of Europe. Beautiful architecture, tons of shopping, Hungarian pottery, and river tours down the Danube. Not to mention loads of history. The capitol used to be two towns called Buda and Pest, one on either side of the river, until they combined to make Budapest in 1876. Cool, right?

3. Mostar, Bosnia and Hercegovina

A city center dating back to the Turkish Empire, bridge jumping, lush green mountains to hike, and modern pubs serving Bosnian local beers set Mostar apart from the rest on the list. Every year hundreds of people travel to Mostar to dive from the 78-foot bridge that looms over the Neretva River in the middle of town. Brave the jump if you dare, or just sit back and watch from a nearby café. Don’t forget to order some cevapi or pita.

4. Salzburg, Austria

Home to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg is obviously known for its art and culture. It boasts beautiful concert halls and unrivaled musical talent. But don’t let Salzburg’s classical roots turn you away—there is plenty to do for a more adventurous traveler as well. Bike around the city, enjoy winter sports like cross country or downhill skiing, or hike the surrounding mountains. Take the "Sound of Music" tour and see where the film was created, or go to the real Von Trapp family’s house!

5. Schwangau, Germany

Cinderella’s castle in Disney World claims to be the happiest place on earth, but what about the real life castle on which Walt Disney himself modeled Cinderella’s humble abode? It exists and it’s located in Schwangau, Germany. It’s called Neuschwanstein Castle. It’s huge, it’s majestic, it sits on top of a mountain, and it looks like a wonderland when it snows. But don’t just take my word for it…

6. Krakow, Poland

This city is brimming with history. It was the Nazis' government site during World War II and you can still visit sobering sights like Plazcow Concentration Camp and Oskar Schindler's factory. On a brighter note, the city’s Historic City Center, the Jewish District, and the Main Market Square boast beautiful cafés, restaurants, and shops.

7. Dubrovnik, Croatia

We finally get to a beachside town. It’s built into the side of a mountain that drops off into the mesmerizing Adriatic Sea. The historic city wall provides tours with incredible views of the sea, and boat tours are a great way to relax. The food and drink in this small town will not disappoint, and the beautiful cathedral in the town center is worth the visit alone.

8. Lake Como, Italy

Okay, so this isn’t really a town. It’s multiple towns, set in a valley, surrounding a gorgeous lake. With food to die for and world-renowned wine, it is the perfect place for a relaxing getaway.

9. Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt is a dazzling little resort town nestled in the Swiss Alps, watched over by the looming Matterhorn. Enjoy skiing, sledding, hiking, and climbing at the iconic peak. At night, snuggle up in a cozy cabin with some coffee or hot cocoa. But above all else, Swiss chocolate. Am I right?

10. Corfu, Greece

And we’re back at the beach. This time, we’re in the Mediterranean on a cozy little island with must-see views and a back-in-time feel. Explore the Byzantine churches, the Ancient Roman village of Kassiopi or the legendary Nymphes waterfalls. Relax in one of the spa resorts or take a boat tour on the Mediterranean.

11. Prague, Czech Republic

With art museums, gorgeous baroque cathedrals, a killer open market and unique cuisine, Prague has all of the elements of a successful cultural experience oversees. The city also has an incredibly modern night life scene and awesome shows for the musically inclined.

12. Cadiz, Spain

This town is the epitome of Spanish history and culture. The center is a gorgeous example of Spanish architecture in the town square, built around the historic cathedral and city hall. Tiny streets are cushioned between beautiful apartment homes. The beach is a wonderful place to have a drink and relax. For an even more culturally rewarding experience, visit during the Carnival of Cadiz.