Now capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo's history goes back to Roman times. Senior history buffs may associate it with the 1914 assassination there that within four years resulted in deaths of millions on World War I battlefields of Europe. Sarajevo today is a great European destination for many reasons.

Transportation: Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) is served by international carriers. For example, roundtrip economy class fares on Turkish Airlines from the U.S., with service through Istanbul, are about $2,000. The city: Sarajevo’s population is half a million. The picturesque mountains surrounding it served as the setting for the XIV Winter Olympic Games in 1984. The Museum of Sarajevo now stands on the street corner where the infamous 1914 murder took place. Other interesting sites include the Vrelo Bosna Gardens, Old Town and the Gazi Husrev-Bey mosque .

Europe Hotel: Vladislava Skarica 5, Sarajevo, 71000 (hoteleurope.ba) Decorated in old-fashioned Continental luxury, the Europe is close to Old Town shopping and historic areas. Rooms with breakfast are available from around $150.

Mala Kuhinja Restaurant: Josipa Stadlera 6, Sarajevo 71000 (malakuhinja.ba). In Old Town, the cozy café menu offers both ethnic and international fare. A typical meal consists of begova corba soup, cevapi kabab sausages, sararas vegetables and baklava pastry. No liquor is served, so guests must bring their own wine. The average dinner is about $25.