Old-world villages and story-book chateaux bedeck the Loire, once fought over by Gauls, Romans, Visigoths and even Attila the Hun. Hire bikes and roll through the lush valley, visiting fortresses in Amboise and Angers, UNESCO-designated Chartres Cathedral and the Gothic cathedral in Nantes. The Musée Jules Verne houses replicas of futuristic inventions designed by the author. Pay respects to other former residents: the Romans in Tours, the cave dwellers of Touraine, and the liberator of Orleans, Joan of Arc.

The gateway to the Loire Valley, Tours offers plenty to admire in its own right. Gothic architecture, café-lined squares, and manicured gardens conjure up a Parisian atmosphere without the crowds in this university town tucked between the banks of the Loire and Cher rivers.

Reborn as one of France’s most dynamic and culturally progressive cities, Nantes is a city that wears its innovation on its sleeve. Populated by artists, engineers, and students, its ever-changing skyline is anchored by medieval roots and a rich maritime heritage.

The châteaux, towns, and villages of the Loire Valley are within easy reach of Blois—but there’s more to this hillside city than its Loire River location. Its royal château, the one-time favorited stronghold of kings, is the star attraction, and there’s enough gardens, churches, and medieval old town lanes to fill any itinerary.

The Costa Dorada is one of the main tourist destinations on the Mediterranean. It is a rich and varied territory, with a long coastline bathed in sunshine and an interior dotted by quiet villages and cultivated fields. The Costa Dorada is much more than sun, sea and sand. It offers its visitors a wide range of leisure activities, culture, nature and history in an ideal setting of peace and tranquillity, perfect for holidays with the whole family.

Ever seen a movie or TV show that takes place in Austria? Then you’ve probably seen Ellmau. Charming villages, idyllic scenery and an 18th-century parish church make Ellmau a popular filming location for directors who want a setting that’s quintessentially Austrian. For regular folks, Ellmau’s draw is its proximity to the Wilder Kaiser mountains, where the hiking trails and ski slopes are equally spectacular.

Before the morning mist had broken at dawn on April 19, 1775, shots rang out over Lexington, Massachusetts, signaling the beginning of the American Revolution. More than two centuries later, the town boasts a proud patriotic heritage, reenacting the Battle of Lexington and Concord and Paul Revere's Ride every April. Walk in the footsteps of the early patriots at the Battle Green and Minute Man National Historical Park, visit Lexington's three historic houses or take a Liberty Ride trolley tour.

History comes to vivid life in Sturbridge. The town is a portrait of old New England charm, with grassy commons, distinctive antique shops and boutiques, country orchards and creameries, wooded trails and delightful bed & breakfasts. Nearby Wells State Park boasts miles of trails and a picture perfect pond for swimming or canoeing. Learn firsthand about 18th and 19th century New England life at Old Sturbridge Village, a living museum with landmark buildings, stagecoaches and interactive crafts.

Lively Antigua and Barbuda move to the music of steel drums. You can visit a different beach each day and not repeat yourself for a full year—and that's why tourists and celebrities alike flock to this sun-soaked Caribbean island. Take a day cruise, rent some diving gear or cruise up the beach on a Segway for a real adventure, island-style.