Melk, Austria

With its soaring domes and Baroque flourishes, Melk Abbey occupies a grand position on a bluff overlooking the Danube. It’s long been a center of learning, famous for its 100,000-volume library, where Umberto Eco researched his novel The Name of the Rose. The trompe l’oeil ceiling paintings in the library and in the Marble Hall give the illusion of ridiculous height. The old town, formerly an important market center in Austria, is full of architectural charm and its narrow lanes and sunny squares invite exploration. After a day out, it’s a treat to return to the Crystal Mozart for included meals of regional specialties; unlimited champagne, wine, and spirits; and your suite with a butler at your service.