Milan is famous as one of the world’s most influential fashion capitals, so make some room in your wardrobe and get ready for a makeover. Milan is a major cultural centre in Italy, with world class museums and galleries, the Duomo cathedral and ancient churches, impressive architecture of opulent Italian villas. After viewing da Vinci’s Last Supper, try Lombardi specials like ossobuco and risotto alla Milanese in one of the neighbourhood restaurants. Milan is the perfect starting point for exploring the prettiest landscapes of northern Italy.

San Jose is California’s third largest city and the tenth largest city in the United States. Deemed a “global city,” San Jose is the Mecca of Silicon Valley: high-technology and electronics industries have brought significant tourism and attractions to the city. The city also boasts a great proximity to all of Northern California’s areas of interest due to its position in the greater Santa Clara Valley. Over 300 days of sunshine and the kingdom-like panorama of the Santa Clara Mountains make San Jose a beautiful urban retreat.

Toulon is a genuine incarnation of Provence, not one of those garishly painted souvenir shops some other towns along the Riviera seem to have turned into. Toulon smells of real lavender and thyme in the market places, of salty sea breeze that wafts through the coastline, and of a vibrant yet relaxing atmosphere that attracts locals and visitors alike.

Hannover is a modern metropolis set among countless idyllic little towns and cute villages — with its programme of major events and open-air concerts, the baroque Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen and its top-notch artistic and cultural offerings, this city boasts a range of absorbing leisure activities that scarcely any other city can rival. Among the tourist highlights of the area, surrounding its federal state capital, are Lake Steinhude, the ridge of the Deister Hills and the Marienburg Castle.