Bratislava

The capital and seat of government of Slovakia, Bratislava is a lively, modern, European metropolis with 500,000 inhabitants. Only 30 minutes by bus from Vienna and right on the Austrian border, Bratislava is picturesquely situated on the banks of the Danube. The former Pressburg, as the city was called at the time of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, is a manageable but cosmopolitan city that also has a lot to offer in its surrounding area, such as the "Little Carpathians". The interplay of the historic old town with the modern buildings of a growing economy is what makes Bratislava so special.

Hradec Králové

The Czech Hradec Králové (German: Königgrätz) is a picturesque town in Bohemia with a great history. Perched on a hill, the historic old town overlooks the modern new town of Hradec Kralove with its 100,000 inhabitants. The quiet but modern city is flanked by the Elbe and Adler rivers and is only about 100 km from the capital Prague. Hradec Králové is home to several universities and several faculties of Charles University in Prague (medicine, pharmacy), making it a lively student city.

Košice

The second largest city in Slovakia Košice is idyllically situated between vast forests and rivers in eastern Slovakia. With 260,000 inhabitants, it is an important business location. Already in 1230 AD. founded, Košice extends around the historic old town and the impressive, Gothic Elisabeth Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Slovakia. Košice is an internationally known center for education and the seat of the prestigious University of Veterinary Medicine.

Sofia

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria with over 1.2 million inhabitants. The city is located near the Serbian border on the northern slope of the Vitosha Mountains. The city has witnessed many different empires in Europe and looks back on thousands of years of history. In the recent past it has experienced an extraordinary economic boom. In addition, Sofia, with its universities, is the country's outstanding center of education.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is the largest city in Greece after Athens. It is located in northern Greece and has a population of almost 1.5 million. There are 4 universities in the city. Thessaloniki is a popular student and tourist destination. The city has a great history with many museums and theaters. In 2014 Thessaloniki was the European Youth Capital and in 1997 the European Capital of Culture.