ELLEN CREAGER / MCT News Service The statue of Polish independence leader Thaddeus Kosciuszko, who led a 1794 uprising against Russia, was erected in front of Wawel Castle in Krakow.

What's Inside Grecian isle still clings to its old-world charm Evil's presence still hovers over Nazi's death camp, Auschwitz Party staged for 'Green Gables' fans Looking for single-senior trips Save it! Spa Week unwinds California dream More Travel

Krakow, the largest city in southern Poland, is nestled between Ukraine to the east, Slovakia to the south and the Czech Republic to the west. It is not far from Vienna and Prague, and it has elements of these, plus touches of Italy, France, Sweden, Lithuania and Russia.

PARIS – Paris may be the most visited city in the world, yet it's also one of the most expensive. “This city is worth the price,” says veteran tourist Alex Wadkin, 71, a retiree from Dublin, Ireland, sipping a $6 cup of coffee on the Champs-Elysees.