Dubbed "Little England" due to its cool climate and colonial-era bungalows, Nuriwaya Eliya boasts a landscape far more dramatic than Britain's. Mist-shrouded mountains and terraced tea plantations surround the former hill station, while world-class brews are abundant.

Set between Rome and Naples amid the so-called Ulysses Riviera, gorgeous Gaeta overlooks the beautiful Tyrrhenian Sea. Its history as a resort dates back to Imperial Rome. Nearby sites include the first-century BC mausoleum of general Lucius Munatius Plancus. Its old town is mostly medieval, showcased by narrow alleys, the massive 13th-century castle and the 12th-century Cathedral of Assunta e Sant'Erasmo. For relaxing, lovely and central Serapo Beach is a favored locale.

A long sandy beach dotted with blue and white beach chairs... a stroll down Germany's longest promenade or by the sailboats in the marina... a romp with your best canine friend on a dedicated dog beach... a glass of wine with an ocean view... your seaside vacation in Ostseebad Kühlungsborn is a series of relaxing moments like these.

Capital of the state of Vorarlberg, Bregenz nestles at the foot of Pfander Mountain, on the shores of lovely Lake Constance. Famed for its summer opera festival, Bregenzer Festspiele, the small town of 27,000 welcomes some 200,000 visitors for dramatic evening productions of Puccini, Britten and other classics, held on a stage on the lake itself. Strolling, boating and swimming are also popular activities. Bicycling round Bregenz's cobblestone streets is an easy and pleasant way to explore.

In the chic, sun-drenched Costa del Sol town of Marbella, hints of its former Moorish occupation mingle with modern-day resort amenities. Bask on the sands of famous La Fontanilla beach or ricochet among the area's family-oriented water, wildlife and theme parks. Experience the Andalusian charm of the historic quarter, filled with whitewashed buildings, remnants of a ninth-century Arab fortress and fragrant orange trees. End a relaxing day with a dish of the cold almond soup ajoblanco and some of the region's excellent dessert wine.