"The city in its setting and entire surroundings may be said to have something ideal." (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1797). Scarcely any other European city has had its praises so often sung as Heidelberg. The mysterious Heidelberg Castle, the picturesque Old Town, and as Goethe himself stated, the perfection of its setting – in the nineteenth century, all of this attracted the German romanticists, who immortalized Heidelberg in poetry, music, and art. Today the charm of Old Heidelberg is combined with a future-oriented and international focus.

Playful, vibrant, and brimming with creativity, Nantes is a city turned upside down by art. Located in southern Brittany near the Atlantic, it blends history and imagination—explore the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, follow in the footsteps of Jules Verne, and ride the whimsical Grand Elephant at Les Machines de l’île. Then, lose yourself in the charm of the medieval quarter and be surprised by bold contemporary art along the Loire estuary.

Edged by mountain ranges, Canberra is a planned city built on vast limestone plains. Canberra is Australia’s national capital — the seat of the Federal Parliament and home to many institutions and national monuments. Four distinct seasons add to its charm, and visitors quickly discover that it really is Australia’s hidden gem. The surrounding countryside contains historic and picturesque rural villages and a burgeoning cool-climate wine industry.

Just ten degrees north of the equator, Quepos offers a rich mix of rainforests, waterfalls, and the Pacific coast. Named after the Quepoa people who once lived here, the town serves as the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, with its mangroves, lagoons, and beach-lined forests. Quepos is a place where nature’s variety and beauty invite outdoor lovers to explore and soak in its wild charm.