"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.

The largest of the Cyclades islands, Naxos stands out thanks to its unusually crisp white beaches and an exceptionally lush, fertile terrain. With none of the pretence of Mykonos or the ferocious partying of Kos, the island is a destination for those who enjoy a good hike and low-key evening entertainment. Naxos is also home to a fair share of ancient sites, off-lying mountain villages, and excellent family-run taverns.

Home to Chianti wine, the Medicis and the Strozzis, Michael Angelo's David, Elba Island where Napoleon was exiled, and the legendary cities of Florence and Pisa, Tuscany is the fertile crescent of Italy where art, history and the pleasures of life shine on. Evergreen landscapes and breathtaking sights serve as cradle to the Italian culture and civilisation to thrive, and it remains today as one of the most appreciated Italian regions, one where the visitor might need to pinch their arm to know they are not dreaming.

The streets of Wroclaw's old town are a colourful mosaic of architectural styles, with the magnificent market square as its crown jewel. A lively multicultural centre, the city is home to a thriving student community and acts as the cultural, gastronomical, and commercial hub of the region, hosting many musical and theatrical events, a wide array of restaurants and bars and eclectic shopping. Back in 2016, Wroclaw was named European Capital of Culture and World Book Capital.

Walking through Xi'an is like stepping back in time. The towering ancient city walls, the quiet streets around the Drum and Bell Towers, and the bustling markets all carry a sense of history. You can almost hear the whispers of ancient merchants who walked the Silk Road or feel the presence of emperors who once ruled here. Xi'an is a place where the past and present exist side by side in a way that feels both natural and humbling.