A day trip from Madrid offers the perfect excuse to step back in time, and few places capture Spain’s medieval legacy quite like Ávila and Salamanca, both proudly listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Your adventure begins in Ávila, a walled city that appears lifted straight from the pages of a history book. Its imposing stone ramparts, punctuated by 88 defensive towers, encircle a beautifully preserved old town. Step inside and you’ll find Romanesque gems such as the Ávila Cathedral, part fortress and part place of worship, as well as the Basilica of San Vicente, famed for its architecture and colourful stonework. Ávila sits just over 100 kilometres from Madrid, and you can easily reach it by train or coach, both options run frequently throughout the day. From Ávila, continue west to the golden-hued city of Salamanca, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. Its nickname, La Dorada, The Golden City, comes from the glow of its sandstone buildings, especially beautiful at sunset. Wander across the Plaza Mayor, often hailed as Spain’s finest square, then lose yourself among the cloisters, libraries and carvings of the historic university quarter. While Salamanca is delightful by day, it truly comes alive at night, its tapas bars and buzzing student energy make it tempting to extend your stay beyond a day trip.

Miami Seaquarium delights its visitors with a manifold profile of residents that – from bottlenose dolphins over crocodiles to sea lions – amaze both young and old. While the Salty's Pirate Playground and the stingray touch pool already promise big adventures, a walk underwater at the Sea Trek Reef Encounter will give you an authentic feeling of real sea wildlife.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is an elegant 1916 waterfront estate featuring 32 beautifully decorated rooms and 10 acres of meticulously designed formal gardens. Visitors will be transported back in time as they stroll through the breathtaking European-style gardens. The breakwater, made of Florida limestone and adorned with ornate sculptures, is a must-see attraction, as well as the exhibitions and events hosted at the estate.