Among the oldest cities in Sweden, Lund was founded in the late 10th century. The stalwart Lund Cathedral is almost as old as the settlement itself; it was built in traditional Romanesque style and contains a beautiful astronomical clock, five organs and an ancient crypt. Explore charming Jakriborg, a modern residential area that emulates a medieval town, then head to the beautiful Botanical Gardens.

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.

Copenhagen is one of Europe’s oldest and most popular cities. It’s also one of the cleanest and most metropolitan. The dynamic Danish capital features progressive modern architecture, the must-visit Tivoli Gardens amusement park, stunning palaces, and all the activities and amenities you would expect in a world-class destination. Explore the canals and pretty narrow streets, appreciate beautiful old homes, and find great shopping and people watching on The Ströget.

Helsingborg is southern Sweden’s city by the sea, where wonderful beaches, attractions, shopping and nature are all just moments away. Enjoy the gardens of Sofiero and Fredriksal, climb the stairs to the top of the tower Kärnan, then dip your toes in the sea… later, explore fascinating exhibitions at Dunkers Culture Hall, indulge in the unique offerings of the local stores, and savor cuisines from around the world in Helsingborg’s vast selection of restaurants.

Welcome to Germany's largest island, with a myriad of terrains to delight outdoor explorers, from sandy coastlines to dramatic chalk cliffs. It's been a seaside resort since 1818 and is one of Germany's top vacation spots. There's something for everyone, from the two national parks to a former royal residence and a castle to the beach, of course - head to Binz if sunbathing is your primary objective.

The storybook city of Bydgoszcz is a stunning mélange of Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture, 18th-century granaries, cobblestone streets and outdoor cafes. Cruise the scenic Brda River, wander the charming streets of historic Old Town, or picnic and people-watch at Mill’s Island. Thoughtful public art, a thriving jazz scene, an opera house and an extraordinary concert hall add cultural dimension to Bydgoszcz’s beauty.

Nestled at the foot of the Black Forest in South Germany, Baden-Baden is a chic destination for those who fancy a dip in its famous salt- and radon-rich thermal hot springs. The town has been a popular destination for so long that it's starting to show its age, but not to worry. It's still very classy, picturesque and well-maintained. (The Dame Julie Andrews of German spa towns, if you will.) Sporty types will find an abundance of opportunities to enjoy golf, tennis, horseback riding and skiing nearby in winter.

Designated the capital city of Kazakhstan in the late 1990s, Nur-Sultan boasts a landscape glittering with new architecture and construction projects as the government infrastructure continues to be built. Old and new quarters of the city are divided by the Ishim River, with older, Soviet era structures on the north side while the governmental quarter and monuments like the monolithic Bayterek Tower spread out to the south. The central Avenue of the Republic is a hub of entertainment and business.

Let the beautiful coastal town of Varkala melt your worries and tensions away. Varkala’s peaceful seaside cliffs adjoin the Arabian Sea, setting the scene for several water spouts and wellness spas. The waters lapping at Papanasam beach are considered to have holy, sin-cleansing properties, and the nearby Ayurveda treatment centre will cleanse what the ocean missed.