One in a constellation of elegant resort towns ringing Lake Garda (Italy’s largest lake), the southerly Desenzano Del Garda is celebrated for its Roman villa, castle, and archaeological museum. It’s just a quick trip from larger hubs like Brescia and Verona, too.

Nestled in the foothills of the Swiss alps, Varese is an outdoor rambler’s dream. Baroque and art nouveau villas are scattered among a painterly patchwork of mountains, rivers, wetlands, and Alpine lakes, capped by the UNESCO-listed Sacro Monte di Varese—a popular pilgrimage destination.

This Italian-speaking region in Southern Switzerland is on the border with Italy. Bellinzona is the capital, and Lugano is the most important city in the canton, known for its beautiful waterfront, steep hillsides and gorgeous lake views. Castelgrande is a lovely medieval castle overlooking the city that has recently been restored. The Centovalli Railway is a scenic train that operates between Locarno, Switzerland and Domodossola, Italy, traveling through the breathtaking "Hundred Valleys." Lake Como is nearby, the home of People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive,” George Clooney.

The capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, Dusseldorf is a regional economic powerhouse straddling the banks of the Rhine River. Altstadt is not just Dusseldorf's lovely old town, but also where the city's nightlife is based and where Altbier, its native dark beer, is plentiful. Dusselforfians take their beer seriously. Königsallee (Ko to the locals), Dusseldorf's famous shopping street, has many high-end stores. And the Museum Kunst Palast has one of the Rhineland's best art collections.

One of Puglia’s most picturesque enclaves, Ostuni is known as the White City thanks to its plenitude of white-washed houses. A quick trip from the coast, the city is also celebrated for its labyrinthine streets, cathedral, and ancient defensive walls.

Corfu is studded with whitewashed houses, Byzantine churches, and the remains of Venetian fortresses and Greek temples. Wander the ancient streets of the Roman village of Kassiopi or explore the central Esplanade of the eponymous Corfu Town. For a DIY spa experience, lather yourself in mineral mud on the shore of the Canal D’Amour. Legend has it that the waterfalls of Nymphes used to attract the mythological beauties of the same name, who would flock to the village to bathe in the pristine waters.

Jutland's cultural heart, Århus is an exuberant university town with a perfectly preserved old town and a recreated historic village, Den Gamle By. The top draw is the Moesgard Museum of Prehistory, showcasing exhibits from the Stone Age to Viking days and home to the city's most famous citizen, the 2000-year-old Grauballe Man. It's a lively spot, teeming with cafes, restaurants, clubs and cinemas. Denmark's second-largest city perches on Jutland's eastern coast amid beaches and woodland.

The Ionian Islands are splendid, cinematic paradise. The waters are bluest blue, the sands are achingly silky and smooth. Everything looks heavily Photoshopped. But that's just Mother Nature, in all her unspoiled glory. Zakynthos is the largest of the Ionian Islands, and it's as fruitful as it is beautiful, boasting a bounty of crops like olives and grapes. Music is a huge part of the local culture—you can catch a concert or festival almost any night of the week, and you'll be captivated by the sights and sounds of Zakynthos performers.

Christ Church is located on the southern end of the island of Barbados, on the vibrant South Coast. Have fun travelling from beach to beach in a reggae boogie-bus and in the evening, charter a sunset cruise or head out to a seaside club and dance the night away. Sunbathe, snorkel or jet ski at a choice of beaches. If you prefer a quieter beach setting, it’s very easy to find one. The island has many long, isolated stretches of perfect white sand and crystal blue waters.