The smell of candied apples and toasted almonds drives Berliners out of doors during the cold season into their city's Christmas markets. With more than 400 stalls at the weekends, the Christmas markets offer sensual concerts, unique handicrafts, and culinary delights from top chefs — the winter magic is in the air at the Gendarmenmarkt. A romantic Christmas market is held in Charlottenburg. The illumination of the castle and the castle park create an enchanting backdrop. Winter sports enthusiasts head to Winter World in Potsdamer Platz. At the Christmas market, you can go ice skating and sledding on the largest mobile toboggan run in Europe. If you feel a bit intimidated by the abundance of choice and want to have the smoothest introduction to Berlin's Christmas Markets — book a guided tour with several snacks and mulled wine included!

Valencia welcomes spring with its most colourful and famous festival. Gigantic papier mache monuments, known as fallas, with effigies usually representing celebrities or politicians in a satirical way, are set up on streets and squares throughout the city and burnt to a cinder in spectacular bonfires on the last day of the celebration. The Flower Offering to the Virgen de los Desamparados, when thousands of falleras and falleros in traditional costumes parade through the city, is also a sight to behold.

If you're looking for a nice spot to watch the sunset, come for a stroll along this small and charming park overlooking the coast. Flowers and colourful benches bedeck the area while a big sculpture of a couple kissing helps set the romantic mood.

Aix-en-Provence, or simply Aix, is a beautiful university city located in the heart of Provence, known for its picturesque Old Town, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Founded by the Romans in 123 BC, Aix is steeped in history and boasts an impressive array of architectural styles, from medieval to modern. It is often referred to as the "City of a Thousand Fountains" due to its numerous fountains, which are a popular attraction for visitors. Travellers can also explore the narrow streets of the Old Town, see the famous Cours Mirabeau boulevard, or take in the stunning views from the top of the Sainte-Victoire mountain, which overlooks the city. Aix-en-Provence is also known for its art and culture, with a number of museums, galleries, and festivals throughout the year, including the prestigious Festival d'Aix, which celebrates opera and classical music each summer. The city is also particularly famous for being the birthplace of the post-impressionist painter Paul Cézanne, and visitors can explore his former studio and the landscapes that inspired his work.