Hidden gems

Sarajevo

With its stunning natural setting, culturally diverse - and, at times, turbulent - history, and modern vibrancy, Sarajevo is a busy city which now actively welcomes visitors to its eclectic streets. The Islamic, Orthodox, Catholic and Judaic influences and religious traditions live on side by side here, in the formerly contested capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina set against the misty backdrop of the Dinaric Alps.

Rodez

Located at the foot of the Massif Central and less than a two-hour drive from the Mediterranean, Rodez is the capital of the Aveyron Region. This picturesque region is one of the best kept secrets of France, offering more attractions than you would expect. Rodez is surrounded by several village communities, all rich in cultural and historical assets, which contribute to making the town a prime tourist destination.

Annecy

Coiled between lake and mountains, Annecy deserves its nickname of "Venice of the Alps". This harmonious city allows you to travel through time, from prehistory to the present day, before following in the tracks of the Princes of Savoy and eating next to the purest lake of Europe, while enjoying the numerous festivals and cultural animations. The city is also turned towards sports: the ski resorts are near the city and accessible by bus, and a biking trail goes all around the lake and lets you explore the shores.

Uppdrag Skåne - Del 2: Söderslätt SWE

Semestertestaren Valle Westesson reser till Skånes sydvästra delar, Söderslätt och spanar in bokskogarna, lyssnar på spökhistorier från Svaneholms slott, äter gott på Hallongarden, besöker Sveriges sydligaste udde for att sedan avsluta med en runda i Vikingabyn.

Romantic Germany: Hiking in Rhineland-Palatinate

Ten vacation regions in Rhineland-Palatinate invite you to experience a wonderful diversity of cultural and natural landscapes. Hiking routes are especially varied in this beautiful state, the richest in wine and most densely wooded of all the states in Germany, made complete with fairytale river valleys and species-rich, low mountain ranges. Today, almost all of Rhineland-Palatinate’s regions can be discovered on quality-rated hiking trails. These trails have been carefully chosen and clearly marked and signposted, which helps to avoid any risk of getting lost. ||www.romantic-germany.info

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.

Langkawi

Once a peripheral backwater district, Langkawi has transformed into a major tourist destination, drawing visitors with its pristine tropical beaches and natural attractions. In 2008, the archipelago was aptly renamed 'Langkawi Permata Kedah', meaning 'Langkawi, the jewel of Kedah'. This name captures the essence of Langkawi — a true tropical paradise waiting to be explored.

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.

Uppdrag Skåne - Del 1: MittSkåne SWE

Semestertestaren Valle Westesson beger sig ut i MittSkåne för att ta reda på hur bra det verkligen är för barnfamiljer. Under resan besöker han bland annat Skånes Djurpark, Grottbyn, Bosjökloster och Leksaksmuséet i Eslöv.

Brescia

Prosperous and lively, Brescia is Lombardy’s second biggest city, a university town with a modern business area (Brescia Due). Located between two of Italy’s most famous lakes, Lake Garda and Lake Iseo, Brescia is often overlooked by visitors who bypass the city itself and head straight to the undeniably beautiful lakes. A great pity, as Brescia boasts one of the most beautiful historic centres in the region, and some of the best Roman and Lombard remains in northern Italy.

The Art of Fan Museum

The Art of fan Museum houses over 300 exponents from almost every corner of the world, the oldest of which dates back to 17th century. Fans of the collection originate from China, Japan, Korea, France, England, Italy, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Russia, and even Brazil. The Museum occupies a section of ceremonial rooms designed in the Russian Empire style in the Louis Sixteenth building.