Wordfest, the third-largest Canadian literary festival, hosts Imaginarium, a 10-day long celebration of national and international writers, ranging from columnists to essayists. Readings, Q&As, and panels are staple events, but there's also the annual late-night Literary Deathmatch, where authors have seven minutes to show off their wordsmith skills to both the judges and the audience.

The Saint-Martin Church is the oldest church in Biarritz. Built in the 1100s, it has been listed by historical monuments since 1931. Come in and enjoy the serenity.

Right in the centre, this Romanesque palace was Verona’s city hall for centuries. Inside, there’s a small modern art museum and the impressive staircase in the courtyard. The highlight, though, is the Lamberti Tower—climb it (or take the lift) for one of the best views over the city.

The onyx black sand of Reynisfjara is formed from volcanic activity in Iceland: when lava collides with the ocean, it rapidly cools and shatters into small fragments of basalt. With its enormous basalt stacks (features in Game of Thrones and once believed to be petrified trolls), roaring Atlantic waves and stunning vistas, Reynisfjara is widely considered to be the most beautiful example of Iceland’s black sand beaches. The sea stacks along the shore are home to thousands of nesting seabirds like puffins, fulmars and guillemots — a must-see for birdwatchers. A visit to Reynisfjara is included in most tours of southern Iceland. Driving here is a good option, too, since it's only about 180 km from Reykjavík.