Runway to Rail: Ljubljana - Zagreb - Belgrade - Sofia

Ljubljana, long overlooked by American travelers in favor of adjacent European capitals like Vienna and Budapest, is now a city on the rise. Visitors only need a few moments to walk the pedestrian-only streets in the city center to feel the old-world historic charm, coupled with the youthful energy exuding from the local university population. Beautiful and vibrant, travelers will quickly learn that Ljubljana has a lot to offer to all who visit. You can sip a cup of coffee and enjoy live music in the Metelkova mesto commune, sail lazily along the winding Ljubljanica River, browse art galleries and take in a ballet, all within walking distance from each other.

Visit and explore the Ljubljana Castle, Ljubljanica River, Metelkova mesto, Cathedral of St. Nicholas, Triple Bridge, Butchers' Bridge, Cobblers' Bridge, Congress Square, Preseren Square, Slovenska cesta, Mount Saint Mary, Tivoli Park, and so much more.

Zagreb is the cultural, scientific, economic, political and administrative center of Croatia. It is known as the City of Museums, as there are more of them per square foot than any other city in the world. Zagreb is a vibrant, modern destination with a variety of shops, quality restaurants and sports and recreation facilities. The historical part of the city to the north is comprised of the Upper Town and Kaptol, a medieval urban complex of churches, palaces, museums, galleries and government buildings. Of particular note is the breathtaking Gothic-style Zagreb Cathedral, from which the entire city was born.

Explore the Kaptol, Upper Town, Lower Town, Zagreb Cathedral, St. Mark's Church, Art Pavilion, Mestrovic Pavilion, Mimara Museum, Lotrscak Tower, Kamenita vrata, Ilica, King Tomislav Square, Lenuci's Horseshoe, Ban Josip Jelacic Square, and so much more.

Belgrade is one of Europe's oldest cities, and its wider city area was the birthplace of the largest prehistoric culture of Europe, the Vinca culture. Nowadays, it is the central economic hub of Serbia, and the capital of Serbian culture, education and science. The city's main attractions are: Skadarlija, the National Museum and adjacent National Theatre, Zemun, Terazije, Students' Square, the Kalemegdan Fortress, Prince Michael Street, the Parliament, the Temple of Saint Sava, and the Old Palace. The hilltop Avala Monument offers views over the city. Josip Broz Tito's mausoleum, called The House of Flowers, and the nearby Topèider park are also popular among visitors.

Visit and explore the Avala Monument, Temple of Saint Sava, Parliament, Prince Michael Street, House of Flowers, Old Palace, Kalemegdan Fortress, National Museum, National Theatre, Skadarlija, and so much more.

One of the oldest capital cities in Europe, Sofia dates back to the 8th century BCE. Its landmarks reflect more than 2,000 years of history, including Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Soviet occupations. Sofia houses numerous museums, notably the National Historical Museum which has a vast collection of more than 650,000 historical items. Sofia is one of the hippest cities in Bulgaria, boasting a lively nightlife scene with many different nightclubs, live venues, pubs, mehani (Bulgarian traditional taverns), and restaurants. The city also offers large green spaces and manicured gardens, and the ski slopes and hiking trails of mighty Mount Vitosha are just a short bus ride away.

Visit and discover the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Boyana Church, National Historical Museum, Banya Bashi Mosque, Church of St. George, Vitosha Boulevard, Mount Vitosha, National Palace of Culture, St. Sophia Church, St. Nedelya Church, National Art Gallery, Central Sofia Market Hall, Cherni Vrah, Sofia Synagogue, Church of St. Petka of the Saddlers, Museum of Socialist Art, and so much more.