When you want to escape from the busy city streets and enjoy some natural beauty of Lombardy, consider hopping on the scenic Bernina Express train. Stroll along Lake Como, make a stop in the historic lakeshore village of Varenna and ascend the Alps on the UNESCO-listed train — it'll make a stop on top so you can take a short walk enjoying summit views. The iconic red train starts its journey from Tirano — a sleepy town close to the Swiss border, about 3 hours away from Milan. Some package tours include transportation from and back to Milano Centrale. The train journey itself takes about 4.5 hours from start to finish and runs through 55 tunnels, 196 bridges and viaducts.

Take in spectacular views of Funchal at the Santa Catarina Park. Lined with tree species from all over the world, the park features statues of Christopher Columbus and Henry the Navigator. You can even experience a religious ceremony by attending the Santa Catarina Chapel.

Dive into the rich history of New Smyrna Beach at the engaging New Smyrna Museum of History. It highlights the town’s founding by an intrepid group of Mediterranean colonists under the leadership of Dr. Andrew Turnbull, a Scottish physician and diplomat. Exhibits in the Interior Gallery provide a chronological journey through the area’s past, offering insights into its cultural and historical development. Don’t miss the upstairs exhibit, featuring early St. John’s pottery, projectile points, and other fascinating artifacts collected by local historian Zelia Wilson Sweett.

Perched atop Montmartre, the highest point in Paris, Sacré-Cœur’s white domes are visible for miles. Built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it houses one of the world’s largest mosaics and offers sweeping views from its dome. The steps out front are a favourite place to gather, especially at sunset.