This small but perfectly formed city in the picturesque county of Devon has preserved many of its historic features while enjoying all the amenities and vibrancy of a modern cosmopolitan hub. Exeter is the perfect base to explore the surrounding English countryside dotted with pretty villages, quaint old pubs and tea rooms serving the famous Devon cream tea. All of this comes with the added bonus of being only a short journey to the nearby coastal resorts, fishing ports, and sandy beaches of the English Riviera and the World Heritage Jurassic Coast.

Hungary has no marine coastline, but it does have the largest freshwater body in Central Europe, Lake Balaton. The lake has been popular since the Magyar tribes first galloped into the Carpathian Basin in 896, and it shows no signs of losing its appeal. A collection of resort towns and an interesting bicycle route ring the 77 km long lake. Hévíz-Balaton Airport is 20 km from Keszthely at the southern end of the lake. From there, you can hire a car or take a bus and explore some of the resorts.

The narrow, cobbled streets of Alghero’s medieval citadel, packed with boutiques, bars and restaurants, slope towards the harbour and sweeping bay. Built in a buttery sandstone that glows a soft apricot shade in the setting sun, it’s Sardinia’s most picturesque Old Town. Spanish-style palazzos and street signs in Italian and Catalan reflect its proud heritage: 300 years of Aragon rule. Fringed by pine forests, long sandy beaches, hotels and bars curve away towards green headlands. It’s an idyllic setting.

Home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world (and the second-oldest in continuous operation on the planet), Oxford is more than a celebrated microcosm of academic scholarship: there's the splendid architecture, hefty literary heritage, and plenty more to fill an eventful few days.

The Greeks and Romans did it, as did rich lords, film stars, artists, and thousands of tourists. They were just going to pass by but instead remained in Nice and along the Riviera. Some for just a few weeks, others for months and years. They were too captivated by the light, enchanted by the scents, and charmed by the taste of olives and wine. Additionally, a Nice Nouveau has evolved – a sassy Mediterranean metropolis with pulsating nightlife, modern hotels, and daring art galleries. All this with a chance to dabble their toes in a turquoise sea.