We’re in the midst of the most popular travel season, where many 9-to-5 workers are sticking it to their bosses, cashing in on their well-deserved stash of PTO hours. What better place to put your passport to use than Europe? Though some destinations are off-putting right now with anti-tourism protests and unbearable crowds, lesser-known cities …

With its faraway fairytale castles, cobbled towns that look frozen in a 15th-century snapshot, and unmatched cultural allure, it’s no wonder Europe is at the top of the bucket list for most Americans flying abroad this summer. While most will be flocking to cities like London, Paris, and Rome, a sizable minority has been craving …