White beaches, turquoise waters, and lively nightlife — these are images Bridgetown, the capital of the Caribbean island of Barbados, likely conjures up in the minds of most. But Bridgetown is so much more! There's the colonial heritage — its entire downtown is on the UNESCO list, after all — lush forests right outside city limits and an abundance of local and international shopping options. An animated buzz sets in as the sun goes down, inviting one to join the famously laid-back and welcoming Bajans on a night out.

Mention of Pilsen most often evokes beer and the famous legend that gave name to all its types more than 170 years ago. However, the city has more to offer, as the historical city centre features plenty of gems reminding of its rich history: the Gothic St Bartholomew‘s Cathedral with the highest church tower in the Czech Republic, Renaissance City Hall, the labyrinth of corridors of the Pilsen Historical Underground, Franciscan Monastery, and the unique Great Synagogue, which is the fourth largest synagogue in the whole wide world.

Florence, the regional capital of Tuscany, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. It is acknowledged by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and stepping onto its historic cobbles, it is easy to see why. Cradled between the surrounding hills, the city hosts some of the most famous works of art on the planet, and the whole of the city centre is packed with stunning palaces, churches, and monuments. The surrounding countryside is well-known for its rolling hills and its wine, particularly the Chianti area between Siena and Florence.

Built anew after the war, the capital of Belarus is a city embracing its own unique brand of modernity. A metropolis of nearly 2 million, Minsk is where nostalgia of Stalinist buildings and Soviet parks meets contemporary art galleries, stylish bars and excellent local eateries.

You would never expect to step into Bavaria while visiting central Washington, but upon entering Leavenworth in the Cascade Mountains, you will certainly feel as though you have been transported to Germany. Nearly a quarter of the town's residents can trace their ancestry back to Germany, and they have brought that Old World feel with them. Alpine-style buildings line the streets of this gateway to nearby ski areas and wineries. Though the town is small, what it lacks in size it makes up for in personality.