Sandwiched between the sea and the Ligurian hills, Genoa is a city that leaves a lasting impression. Its history is a fascinating tapestry of triumphs and setbacks, as reflected in the city's rich architecture. As the European Capital of Culture in 2004, Genoa boasts an impressive collection of museums and galleries, as well as a renowned theatre and the largest aquarium in Europe. The city has also good shopping, the best nightlife in the region, and excellent restaurants. And for those looking to explore beyond the city limits, day trips along the picturesque Ligurian coast come highly recommended.

Waterville Valley in New Hampshire offers the best of New England's changing seasons, from winter's snowy slopes to vibrant fall foliage. The town's resort is the main attraction, featuring activities for all ages and interests. In winter, enjoy skiing and snowboarding on well-groomed trails or try snowshoeing through the forest. Summer brings opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and watersports, with the Mad River adding to the picturesque scenery.

As the capital of the Emilia Romagna region, Bologna is an art city, a university centre and a place renowned for its excellent cuisine. It hosts important international trade fairs and is one of the world’s greatest motor cities. Ducati, Lamborghini and Maserati were all born in Bologna and Ferrari’s headquarters can be found in nearby Modena.

Speaking of Parma, the first things that come to mind are probably the ham and Parmesan cheese. Indeed, Parma is one of the most important culinary centres of Italy — but this city is so much more than that. Parma was the capital of a very powerful duchy, which left a legacy of stunning monuments and palaces. In addition, the splendour of that period created fertile grounds for the flourishing of art. In fact, Parma became one of the main centres for opera, thanks to its amazing theatres and its fine citizen Giuseppe Verdi.