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Given Europe’s high concentration of gorgeous big cities and world-class art museums, it is easy to completely overlook the continent’s abundance of small, quiet villages and towns. However, if you are after relaxation, peaceful country walks, beautiful architecture and opportunities for cultural appreciation on your next trip across the pond, consider cutting down some of your city time and head out to a village instead. Here are four of the most charming villages in Europe, along with our top picks for places to stay in each.

Eze in Cota D’Azur, France

Set on a hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the Provencal township of Eze is easily one of the most picturesque spots in the region. It is largely a tourist destination, and many of its buildings date back to the Middle Age. In fact, Eze is particularly popular with couples seeking romantic solitude.

Hotel pick: Chateau de la Chevre

Baden-Baden in Wurttemberg, Germany

Germany’s best-known spa town, Baden-Baden, in the Black Forest of Baden-Wurttemberg, has been a popular spot for soaking in mineral-rich waters off and on since the Roman era. And while spa treatments and hot springs are still among the most popular draws for tourists, there are also plenty of museums, gardens, performing arts venues and charming old buildings and churches.

Hotel pick: Hotel Belle Epoque

Montepulciano in Tuscany, Italy

Spread over a hilltop nearly 2,000 metres above sea level, the Tuscan village of Montepulciano offers gorgeous Renaissance architecture as well as opportunities to visit wine companies. Surrounded by strong walls dating back to the 14th century, the village features a handful of churches and public squares.

Hotel pick: Etruria Resort

Oia in Santorini, Greece

Oia is undoubtedly the most charming village on the beautiful Greek island of Santorini. This oft-photographed cliffside town is best known as a sunset-viewing spot, but it is fantastic any time of day thanks to its abundance of typical whitewashed structures topped with blue domes plus its fabulous views out onto the Aegean Sea.

Hotel pick: Hotel Aspaki

21. Which village will newly-married couples most possibly choose to spend their honeymoon?

A. Oia.    B. Baden-Baden.    C. Montepulciano.    D. Eze.

22. The visit to Montepulciano will be different from to other three because ______.

A. you can appreciate Renaissance architecture

B. you can enjoy a beautiful sunset view

C. you can have a spa treatment

D. you can overlook Mediterranean Sea

23. You probably find this passage in ______.

A. Times    B. National Geographic    C. Readers’ Digest    D. Economist