Santander is famous for its fabulous beaches and its elegant holidaymakers: King Alfonso XIII used to spend his summers here nearly a hundred years ago, and the town is still popular among fashionable madrileños who like to be seen sauntering along the El Sardinero seafront with its belle époque architecture. When the sun goes down, the town is busy, with great restaurants and a lively bar scene. It is also a good place from which to explore the pristine countryside of Cantabria.

Lahore, a city rich in Mughal architecture and Punjabi culture, teems with cultural riches and historical wonders. Marvel at the grandeur of the Badshahi Mosque and explore the intricate beauty of Shalimar Gardens. Food enthusiasts will relish the flavours of Punjabi street food in Gawalmandi neighbourhood, while history buffs can wander through the ancient corridors of the Lahore Fort. Pakistan’s second biggest city offers something extraordinary for every traveller.

Randers, on the Jutland peninsula, is the sixth-largest city of Denmark, and a destination with many attractions, events, and exhibitions to choose from. While the city has already been a thriving market town in medieval times, it kept its importance for trade along with its beautiful 15th-century half-timbered houses that today make for a peculiar atmosphere. The main tourist attraction, the Randers Tropical Zoo, with its largest artificial rain forest in Northern Europe, attracts many visitors every year.

Capital of one the world's fastest-growing economies, Addis Ababa (also spelled Addis Abeba) is a city in motion, catching up to Ethiopia's zooming commercial development in stride. At times gauche and somewhat rough around the edges, it is nonetheless worth more than a single night in transit, if only for the country's finest dining, shopping and of-the-moment urban developments.

Sandwiched between the sea and the Ligurian hills, Genoa is a city that leaves a lasting impression. Its history is a fascinating tapestry of triumphs and setbacks, as reflected in the city's rich architecture. As the European Capital of Culture in 2004, Genoa boasts an impressive collection of museums and galleries, as well as a renowned theatre and the largest aquarium in Europe. The city has also good shopping, the best nightlife in the region, and excellent restaurants. And for those looking to explore beyond the city limits, day trips along the picturesque Ligurian coast come highly recommended.