Hidden gems

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is more than just a seaport on the Atlantic Ocean. The city is an inevitable place to visit on the coast as one of the largest French harbour cities in terms of business and tourism. With its 1,000 years of history, it is also one of the best-kept secrets in the region. You will be surprised by its architectural heritage, its unique atmosphere, the diversity of its museums, and its eclectic nightlife. The area is quite warm thanks to the Gulf Stream, on a par with the French Riviera!

Perugia

Perugia is the provincial capital of Umbria, one of Italy’s most beautiful regions. The ancient heart of the city, packed full of Etruscan and Roman monuments, perches on a hilltop with the modern city spread below. With a prestigious university, the city has a lively student population, good shopping, fun bars and great restaurants. If that weren't enough, Perugia is the setting for one of Europe’s best jazz festivals: Umbria Jazz.

Leuven

Whatever you are looking for in a city, can be found in Leuven. A university city with a small-town feel, but completely in pace with a rapidly changing society. Leuven is situated right in the centre of Belgium. Its easy accessibility is an advantage. But there are many more good reasons to visit the "Jewel of the River Dyle". You will soon find out: this city will never let you go.

Christmas City Nuremberg

C H R I S T M A S. Perhaps the scents from your childhood come to mind right now, when you remember aniseed, cinnamon and carnations? Maybe you get a warm, comfortable feeling inside, thinking of the candlelight? Perhaps you are thinking about people dear to you, who have given you pleasure? We can promise you that a visit to Nuremberg before Christmas will arouse your warmest memories. Nuremberg in the run-up to Christmas is the anticipation of quiet hours with your family and friends. Because Nuremberg is Christmas city. |There are 1001 reasons to fall in love anew with the Christmas city of Nuremberg. For some it's the delicious aroma of far-eastern spices in the world-famous Nuremberg gingerbread. For others it's the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, where you can hunt for glass Christmas tree baubles, hand-made tinsel angels or nativity figurines and nutcrackers made of wood. For the passionate international shopper there are many exclusive boutiques and shops with original ideas for presents and for the little ones there is the children's Christmas and the Sternenhaus (House of Stars). |If you're lucky it might even be snowing on your stroll through the festive illuminations of the Christmas city of Nuremberg. One thing is certain, however, you will take unforgettable memories back home with you.

HanseKulturFestival2018

A colourful festival in the heart of Lübeck's Old Town. The people of Lübeck unite to create something special and unique to welcome their guests and show them true hospitality.

Grenoble

Grenoble is the gateway to the Alps and a geographic crossing where the rivers Isère and Drac meet. With Switzerland to the north, Italy to the east, and Provence to the south, the city is surrounded by three mountain chains. It is a cosmopolitan city with cafés, museums, and restaurants. Best of all, you can see the Alps from almost every street corner.

Valladolid

Valladolid breathes history. This is the place where King Felipe II was born, the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabel were married, and Christopher Columbus died. This was once the capital of Spain, and although it has lost this title, it's still the principal city of Castilla y Leon, the land of castles from which the word ‘Castilian’ is derived. Today, Valladolid is a bustling university city that thrives on its manufacturing industries. It is a down-to-earth, lively place that blends the old with the energetic new.

A Coruña

A Coruña is a busy city at the very tip of Galicia. This is a perfect place to enjoy a gentle stroll along the streets and avenues, discover Roman architecture as well as modern innovative buildings. The atmosphere in the many magnificent town squares is excellent and full of the joys of life on a hot summer’s day. Outside the town centre the beaches, the marina, the fishing port and the commercial port still play a very important role for the people of A Coruña.

Festivals and Wine Events in Sonoma County - California

With more than 425 wineries, there is always an event happening in Sonoma County. Plan your Sonoma trip around a festival or event: Barrel Tasting, Bodega Bay's Fisherman's Festival, Sonoma Wine Country Weekend and Heart of Sonoma Valley Holiday Open House are great events not to miss. More info: www.sonomacounty.com

Mariehamn - Åland

Six thousand and five hundred islands in the middle of the Baltic Sea. A unique destination, an island string of pearls stretching between the big cities, an archipelago between Stockholm and Turku, within easy reach from Helsinki and Tallinn. On the Åland Islands, the sea is never far away. They boast 17,000 km of shoreline, a pleasant maritime climate, and the highest number of sunshine hours in Scandinavia. Experience the charm of this island country, the red granite cliffs, nature, and tranquillity.

Discover Amersfoort

Amersfoort is a beautiful city located in the middle of the country, which makes it the perfect city to discover the Netherlands. Its biggest treasure is its history. You can really feel the medieval city that was established in the 13th Century through the many monuments, little streets, canals and details. The historical city is surrounded by beautiful swathes of nature, which makes it a unique city. Amersfoort is the easiest city to reach in the Netherlands, both by car and by train. It’s only 30 minutes to Schiphol Airport! Fans of history will immediately feel at home in Amersfoort. The city obtained its city rights in 1259, and the history is still clearly visible in the centre. There are 650 monuments, like the Koppelpoort, the Onze Lieve Vrouwe tower and the Wall Houses, which are all worth the visit. More than a million tourists, both Dutch and from abroad, visit the city annually, who love to visit these historical highlights.