Stratford-upon-Avon is steeped in the history of its most famous resident, William Shakespeare. This Warwickshire country town contains the home where Shakespeare was born, the cottage where Anne Hathaway resided before their marriage and the church where the couple is buried. Need a break from the Bard? The town also boasts Europe's largest butterfly farm.

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.

Baden-Wurttemberg’s second-largest city after Stuttgart, Mannheim lies at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar Rivers and is rare among German cities for its layout, a grid pattern (or “quadrates”) similar to those found in North America. The grid was originally plotted in 1606 and emanated from Friedrichsburg fortress, which later became the site of Mannheim Palace. Today, it partly houses the University of Mannheim. The city’s iconic water tower and its beautiful Luisenpark are must-sees.

Blending green parks and sandy beaches with a rich culture, history and modern art, Malmö lets you go your own way — literally. Starting in the bustling commercial centre, it’s just a short walk to picturesque Old Town and Malmöhus Castle. From there, you can easily continue to the modern Western Harbour for a perfect snapshot of the Öresund Bridge and Turning Torso. And since Malmö loves food, drinks and good company, you’re never far from fine dining or a proper Swedish Fika.

Culture and scenery collide in Gran Canaria’s cosmopolitan capital, where baroque Spanish plazas and lively pedestrian malls are flanked by miles of urban beaches on two sides. Cruise ships, yachts, sunbathers, and surfers all congregate in the sheltered bays against a backdrop of colorful resorts.