When it comes to finding alternatives to overcrowded European destinations, it makes sense to start with Italy. Touristy Tuscany draws droves of summer crowds, so savvy travelers cross the Adriatic Sea for Croatia. The sun-drenched vineyards, rolling hills, and magical medieval towns of Istria are "like stepping back into the Tuscany of 50 years ago," says to Greg Tepper, president of the travel group Exeter International. The peninsula juts into a pristine pocket of the Adriatic, with beaches that dazzle as much as the Dalmatian Coast's finest. A host of new luxury hideaways, like the five-star Hotel Nautica, are anticipating Istria's inevitable discovery by the holiday crowds. Tucked away in the charming seaside town of Novigrad, the hotel boasts nautical-themed rooms with sweeping sea views.

For more information: Hotel Nautica

The glitterati might descend on St. Tropez for its sizzling summer scene, but sybaritic Sylt has earned its nickname as the "St. Tropez of Germany" with good reason. Nude beaches, chic boutiques and fine dining give this northern idyll an air of indulgence: picture its Riviera rival without the paparazzi. Sylt's western fringe boasts the longest beach in Germany, and the island's abundant coasts offer plenty of places for some secluded sunbathing. Thatched-roof cottages and lazily shifting dunes are postcard-pretty, while the crisp North Sea air, according to local legend, is good for the skin. A stay in the elegant Hotel Stadt Hamburg might not do much for the complexion, but it certainly soothes the nerves. Converted from a stately 19th-century home, it offers a genteel place to while away the afternoon and listen to the sounds of the sea.

For more information: Hotel Stadt Hamburg

Provence will always be Provence, but it's far from undiscovered—making the vineyards of Hungary all the more alluring. Once one of Europe's most celebrated wine regions, Tokaj has regained its touch since Communist Hungary went the way of the Berlin Wall. Just 125 miles east of bustling Budapest, the region has served up fine wines for hundreds of years, gracing the goblets of countless kings—and even earning a mention in the Hungarian national anthem. Tipple in the historical shadows of the Hapsburgs, tour the catacombs of its famous wine cellars, then check into the grand Grof Degenfeld, a converted castle. Save some room for a postprandial drink: the Tokaj region's dessert wines are legendary.

For more information: Grof Degenfeld

Look past London to find one of the UK's not-so-hidden gems, where the art scene rivals the capital's, the nightlife is buzzing and the rock clubs continue to churn out chart-toppers. Sure, the birthplace of the Beatles isn't exactly undiscovered, but after shining the spotlight on its 800th birthday last year, this revitalized industrial city is finally set to step out of London's shadow. Now that it's been named the 2008 European Capital of Culture, all eyes are turned to Liverpool for a year-long bash that boasts big-name attractions from Ringo Starr to Van Gogh's Starry Night. Check into the Hope Street Hotel to get a taste of the city's stylish side. Converted from a 19th-century home, Liverpool's first boutique hotel is perfectly positioned in the heart of the Georgian Quarter—a stone's throw from the thronging nightlife.

For more information: Hope Street Hotel

In the 19th century, the Belle Époque beauty of San Sebastian drew Spanish royals to the curved coasts of La Concha for some seaside summer fun. Crowded out by Michelin-star-gazing gastronomes today, in-the-know Iberians are flocking to Cascais, long considered to be Portugal's coastal crown jewel. Most modern visitors prefer to check out the growing gallery scene, shop in chic boutiques, and enjoy beaches that attract a fraction of La Concha's crowds. To recall the city's regal past, check into the Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel, a luxurious, five-star resort converted from the former home of King Humberto II of Italy.

For more information: Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel and Spa

Even before George Clooney decided to call Como home, the lovely lake was teeming with tourists eager to gawk at its gorgeous villas, soak up the charm of sleepy lakeside towns—and maybe catch sight of a celebrity wedding. Sidle up to Slovenia instead, where Bled blends Old World opulence with the tranquil beauty of one of Europe's best-kept secrets. The eponymous lake, framed by mountains and mirroring the crisp Alpine sky, is perfect for a few idle days of contemplation—though the casino and area ski resorts will tempt those of a more adventurous bent. During the country's Communist heyday, Yugoslavian strongman Tito used the lavish Vila Bled to host near-and-dear despots like Romania's Nicolae Ceausescu and North Korea's Kim Il Sung. Today the manicured gardens, marble halls and sumptuous suites entertain a more modest roster of guests.

For more information: Vila Bled

For those of us who missed Prague's pre-boom heyday, Bratislava—capital of neighboring Slovakia—offers a chance to make amends. The Old World allure is unmistakable: castle ramparts looming over the Danube, Gothic spires soaring atop ancient cathedrals, and Baroque palaces. And since Slovakia joined the European Union in 2004, locals have been looking ahead. Cheap flights linking Bratislava to other continental capitals attract a cosmopolitan crowd, and the buzz about this busy town is that it's more than just a poor-man's Prague. Proof of its proud pedigree can be found at the elegant Radisson SAS Carlton Hotel, a graceful grand dame built in 1837. Flanked by the National Theatre and the Slovak Philharmony, it's the city's toniest address.

For more information: Radisson SAS Carlton Hotel

Visigoths at the gates again? No, this time it's tourists on the rampage in Rome. With prices in the Eternal City eternally rising, neighboring Naples makes a strong case for taking a holiday from that Roman holiday. Sure, the raucous city isn't the most obvious choice for a break from the capital's clamor, with a reputation for trash- and traffic-filled streets—and crime of both the organized and petty varieties. Still, few places in Italy so reward a bit of effort. The local art scene has been revitalized, the handsome Baroque palaces are getting a facelift, and the full moon glinting off the Bay of Naples is still one of Italy's most romantic sights. The town that prides itself on being molto italiano is a place to indulge your appetites—whether you're digging into its famous pizza or pampering yourself at the Excelsior. Decked out in Italian marble and overlooking the glittering bay, the luxurious hotel is Naples' most opulent option.

For more information: Hotel Excelsior

Most of us are mad about Moscow, but with Russian "oilgarchs" on an endless spending spree, the city's sky-high prices have tempted many tourists to say "Nyet!" Consider Kiev instead, where striking architecture and a rich cultural heritage dating back 1,000 years offer as much as Moscow—at rock-bottom prices. With Ukraine easing its visa restrictions this year to attract more tourists, Kiev is already preparing to preen. The Hyatt Regency is one of a spate of new five-star properties popping up around town.

For more information: Hyatt Regency Kiev

With its winding waterways, whirring windmills, and candy-colored façades, Bruges mirrors Amsterdam's atmospheric charms—with a fraction of the crowds. Once an important cultural crossroads, the city slumbered for hundreds of years until it was "rediscovered" by English tourists in the 19th century. What they found was a colorful time capsule of medieval Europe, its whimsical palette and gingerbread houses exuding fairy-tale charm. Try to get an early start in the morning, when an ethereal light creeps across the canals and rouses the city. Admire the work of early Flemish masters by day, then dig into the decadent cuisine by night. Sleep it off at the stylish Pandhotel, where each of the distinctive rooms—draped in damask and accented with antiques—is as quirky and cozy as the city itself.

For more information: The Pand Hotel