On our first ever train trip in Europe we traveled three hours south to Krakow, one of Poland's oldest cities, dating from the 7th century. I'm standing just outside of Wawel Castle here, visualizing myself sweeping through its ancient halls with maids in tow and a pointy princess hat on my head.

Krakow is the only large city in Poland whose old architecture survived WWII intact. Krakow's market square Rynek Glowny is the largest medieval town square in Europe.

We were extremely lucky to catch an unusual parade while we were in town. Discovery Channel was there too filming the celebration of the 325th anniversary of the Victory at Vienna. In 1683 King John III Sobieski and his legendary armored cavalry came to the rescue of the city besieged by Turkish forces. The victorious battle earned the Polish king the title of the Savior of Christianity from the onslaught of the Ottoman Empire.