The “smallest town” on earth, Durbuy, is just 2 hours from Brussels. With a population of 500, Durbury has maintained its charming medieval setting, another Belgium village to relax and enjoy the beauty of history. The city’s first castle was built around 889, awarded “city” status in 1331. Today its pedestrian streets are narrow, flowered and cobbled, winding between the old bluestone homes and buildings, attracting tourists to its shops, fine restaurants and hotels. In December, the streets are alive with Christmas markets. Adventurists can also kayak or raft the Ourthe River that passes through the city. Must-see Durbuy attractions include the Topiary Park, The Belvedere, The Confiturerie Saint-Amour, and with a last thirst-quenching stop at the Marckloff Brewery.

In the city that inspired great minds from Charles Darwin to Stephen Hawking, you'll find one of the world's oldest universities, the 1871 Gothic- revival All Saints Church and the gardens favoured by 17th-century poet John Milton. Cambridge is also home to ADC Theatre, the oldest university playhouse in England. Evenings are perfect for taking in the mix of traditional pubs and contemporary restaurants. Climb the tower of the University's Great St Mary's Church for sweeping views of the city.

The home to Yale University since 1701, the city of New Haven is packed with an unrivaled collection of arts and antiquities, with collections ranging from natural history specimens to antique musical instruments. The towering translucent marble cube of the Beinecke Library contains 600,000 rare volumes, including one of the only surviving Gutenberg Bibles. The Yale University Art Gallery is as famous for its collection as it is for its building, a Modernist masterpiece designed by Louis Kahn.