The largest and most famous of Tuscany’s spa towns, Montecatini Terme has been revered for its curative waters since at least the 16th century, when the first baths were built here. Two centuries later, neighborhood royalty began to take note after the opening of the town’s first grand spas, putting Montecatini Terme firmly on the aristocracy's radar. Beyond the array of fine spas featuring treatments old and new, today’s visitors come for the shopping, dining and sporting offerings, as well.

Everyone’s heard the Doors of Paradise, the Duomo, and Michelangelo’s David are captivating, but in Florence, beauty can sneak up on a traveller unexpectedly. You’ll duck into a random church to escape the heat only to spend two hours staring at an impossibly pure blue in a fresco. Or you’ll consider writing a sonnet about pear gelato. It’s just that kind of place. Don't miss the sunset over the Arno and the famous wines of the Chianti region just south of town.

Montepulciano makes a great base for exploring the Tuscan hill towns. Just make sure to pack well-broken-in walking shoes, because cars aren’t allowed in the centre of town. Explore the Duomo of Montepulciano and the Palazzo Tarugi… or sample the local wine, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which has been praised for centuries.

There's something for everyone in Andorra la Vella, capital of the Principality of Andorra. Take a stroll through the historical centre and discover the Casa de la Vall (the former parliament) and the avant-garde modern parliament. If you like Romanesque art, visit the church of Santa Coloma and the Margineda medieval bridge. Nature lovers can enjoy an urban hike at the Rec del Solà or the Rec del Obac, or be seduced by the Enclar Valley’s remarkable fauna and flora. Need a shopping fix? Peruse the popular Meritxell shopping area.

Volcanic Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea provide the cinema-worthy backdrop for Taormina, Sicily's legendary resort town. Twisting mediaeval streets and a second-century Greek theatre add to its romantic air, which inspired the writings of D.H. Lawrence and Truman Capote. Take a cable car to the beach, or walk uphill behind the Church of St. Joseph for panoramic views.

Everyone who visits Paris for the first time probably has the same punchlist of major attractions to hit: The Louvre, Notre Dame, The Eiffel Tower, etc. Just make sure you leave some time to wander the city’s grand boulevards and eat in as many cafes, bistros and brasseries as possible. And don’t forget the shopping—whether your tastes run to Louis Vuitton or Les Puces (the flea market), you can find it here.

The Hague is a study in contrasts — a captivating blend of new styles and old masters in a historic city synonymous with peace and justice. With easy access to both city and beach, The Hague offers everything from royal palaces and timeless Dutch fishing harbours to endless opportunities to stroll the streets alongside the 'Hagenaars' and 'Hagenezen' as you explore exotic cuisine and unforgettable shopping experiences.

From Shoreditch’s swaggering style to Camden’s punky vibe and chic Portobello Road, London is many worlds in one. The city’s energy means that no two days are the same. Explore royal or historic sites, tick off landmarks from your bucket list, eat and drink in exclusive Michelin-starred restaurants, enjoy a pint in a traditional pub, or get lost down winding cobbled streets and see what you stumble across – when it comes to London, the possibilities are endless.

Copenhagen is one of Europe’s oldest and most popular cities. It’s also one of the cleanest and most metropolitan. The dynamic Danish capital features progressive modern architecture, the must-visit Tivoli Gardens amusement park, stunning palaces, and all the activities and amenities you would expect in a world-class destination. Explore the canals and pretty narrow streets, appreciate beautiful old homes, and find great shopping and people watching on The Ströget.

Spread along both sides of the majestic St. John River, Fredericton combines the coziness of a small town with the world-class institutions of a city much larger than this humble capital. Tree-lined streets and suburban neighborhoods of Victorian-era homes live harmoniously alongside three universities, countless historic sites, museums, riverfront trails and restaurants featuring local and international cuisines. Fredericton also boasts a number of world-renowned festivals.

Mombasa, with a population of 900,000, is no sleepy seaside village. Its beachfront hotels appeal to travellers in search of sun, sand and surf, while its Arab, Indian and colonial European heritage makes for a wide variety of sights to see. Can't find a taxi? Travel by tuk-tuk, a three-wheeled auto rickshaw.

We've heard Toronto described as "New York City run by the Swiss," and it's true—you can find world-class theatre, shopping and restaurants here, but the sidewalks are clean and the people are friendly. The best place to start is literally at the top—the CN Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere.