An island sanctuary

Though the island that supports it is only accessible via traditional flat-bottomed boats (or by trudging over ice during winter), a lonely church at the center of Slovenia's Lake Bled gets plenty of visitors. At this popular marriage venue watched over by Bled Castle (perched on a bluff at the right of our photo), tradition holds that the groom must carry the bride up all 99 steps to the church's tower and ring its bell, which is said to grant wishes. It's an out-of-the-way setting within what some might call an out-of-the-way country. But if you ask us, Slovenia deserves a spot on any great European tour itinerary.