The caves of Ponza are steeped in mystical mythology—legend has it that Ponza was Homer’s inspiration for the sorceress Circe’s island in The Odyssey. The whole island has a magical feel to it, from the grottoes to the botanical gardens to the underground labyrinth of Roman tunnels. Schedule a boat tour so that you can explore the entire island by sea—a truly spectacular experience.

Ajaccio, Corsica's main city, is fun to visit at any time of year. But if you're a secret (or not-so-secret) Napoleon Bonaparte groupie, plan to be there on August 15 and join the celebration of the birthday of Ajaccio's most famous son. Casa Buonaparte, Napoleon's family home and birthplace, is worth a visit, as is the town cathedral. Or just enjoy the Corsican sun.

Caleta de Fuste (also known as El Castillo) is a rollicking tourist destination with wide beaches and outdoor sports, including sailing, diving, and windsurfing. Travellers enjoy sharing the blue waters with the  turtles and dolphins, as well as hitting the greens at the luxurious Fuerteventura Golf Club.  If you're looking for equal parts adventurous-trip and relaxation-central, you'll find it here with a day of snorkelling or trike riding followed by lounging on the serene sand beaches.

Looking out over the city of St. John's, you may be reminded of a mini San Francisco (minus the cable cars). St. John's provides the ideal balance between nature and nightlife, from the East Coast Trail and its stunning scenery to the colourful entertainment district along George Street. Although it's the largest city in Newfoundland, the vibe is still very small-town. You'll feel welcome in the City of Legends!

travellers say Halifax is best seen on foot, so park the car and start walking. Immerse yourself in Halifax's rich history at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and be sure to survey the city from the 18th-century Citadel National Historic Site. Then walk into any of Halifax's great bars and restaurants and catch some live music to round out your day.

Montreal, c’est si bon! This French-speaking city is considered the cultural capital of Canada, and is a cosmopolitan celebration of Québécois style. A horse-drawn carriage ride around the cobblestone streets and grand buildings of Vieux-Montréal will give you a taste of European flavour. The Basilique Notre-Dame is a confection of stained glass, and the Plateau Mont-Royal district will delight you with its quaint boutiques and cafés. Dig in to a massive plate of poutine to fuel up for a tour of the epic Olympic Park.

Ottawa is a compact, clean, cleverly planned centre of culture and politics. And it's an ideal choice for a weekend getaway. Start downtown at the architecturally stunning National Gallery of Canada, and don't miss the Canadian Nature Museum and the National Aviation Museum. Rideau Canal offers boating in the summer and ice-skating in the winter. Gatineau Park attracts cyclists and walkers, while Byward Market blends old and new Ottawa.