If you're one of those "been there-done that" types who dismiss all European destinations with a wave of the hand and this 20th-century cliche, it might be time to shake off that dusty facade of sophistication.

Herbert Graf, Associated Press During the tour you will visit the Spanish Riding School for a performance of the Lippizaner horses. Click photo for larger image.

Put some substance where your lockjaw is and join the Carnegie Museum's of Pittsburgh Travel Program's "Imperial Treasures of Vienna and Budapest" trip leaving Sept. 9th and returning on the 17th.

American historian, author and lecturer Peter Lauritzen will lead the charge to the Spanish Riding School for a performance of the Lippizaner horses, as well as visits to St. Stephan's Cathedral, the Hofburg Imperial Palace and the Vienna Philharmonic, among other things. Get to know the history of the Habsburgs and the Vienna of Mozart, Haydn and Strauss. After an immersion in Austrian heritage, it's off to Budapest, capital of Hungary for some down-on-the-Danube fun.

So, skip Six Flags, sell the shore house and invest in your cultural IQ. Prices include air fare, rooms and some meals. For rates and future trip dates, call 412-578-2618.