About 15 miles southeast of Perugia lies the lovely walled town of Bevagna, which, happily for travel-weary hill-climbing legs, is basically flat relative to other area towns. Can’t-miss sights include the 12th-century Palazzo dei Consoli (Palace of the Consuls) and the churches of St. Sylvester and St. Michael Arcangel, both also dating from the 12th century. The Madonna of the Snow was built atop a Roman temple ruin. The Mercato delle Gaite, a major medieval festival, happens every June.

A wonderful mix of remnants from its Roman and medieval pasts, Spoleto’s history actually goes back further to Bronze Age Umbria. Today, it’s best known for its annual summer Festival dei Due Mondi (Festival of Two Worlds or Spoleto Festival), honoring music, opera, theater and dance. Among the city’s many excellent historic sights are its first-century Roman amphitheatre, the 12th-century Duomo, 13th-century Ponte delle Torri aqueduct and the 14th-century hilltop fortress, Rocca Albornoziana.

Riccione is sun-soaked and stylish, an ancient Italian settlement with modern, global flair. Located in the heart of the Eastern Riviera, this coastal destination is the perfect place to sip a cocktail while lounging on golden sands. At night, party people spill from the open-air discos onto the beach, creating a surreal sort of everlasting outdoor party. Zip down a slide at a water park, spin it up on a guided cycling tour, or visit the nearby Misano World Circuit racetrack for an unforgettable getaway.

High in the Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo boasts 140 ski runs and over 50 miles of cross-country pistes. Beloved for decades by society types for its après-ski scene, Cortina lies at the center of the Valle d’Ampezzo and has been featured in a number of films, including “Cliffhanger” and “For Your Eyes Only.”

A summer holiday in Villasimius offers relaxing beaches and wild nightlife. Soak up the sun by day… then club-hop till dawn. In the off-season, though, there’s a calmer vibe—and the mild weather is perfect for exploring nearby cities like Cagliari.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lyon has 2,000 years of history imprinted on its streets (yes, the cobblestone kind). Explore this history in Vieux Lyon (one of Europe's most extensive Renaissance neighbourhoods) and Lyon's two Roman amphitheatres, which still stage rock concerts today. It's no wonder Lyon is a popular area for travellers, with its dynamic university, first-class shopping, antique markets, vibrant theatre and music festivals, and a range of interesting museums, such as the International Puppet Museum and the Museum of Miniatures and Film Sets. (When we say "interesting," we mean it.)

A small fishing village until the 20th century, Gdynia was rapidly built into Poland’s largest and busiest sea port after World War I. As a result, it’s mainly a very modern city. The most significant older attraction is the 13th-century St. Michael the Archangel Church. Two museum ships in the harbor, a destroyer and a frigate, are also popular with visitors. Gdynia has a thriving cultural life and in September hosts the annual Polish Film Festival, sometimes called the “Polish Cannes.”

Packed to the gills with antique silver, porcelain and furniture, the red sandstone Brodick Castle is one of the highlights of the Isle of Arran. The castle overlooks Goatfell, a majestic hill that’s a popular day hike. The Machrie Moor stone circles make for a mystical field trip, as does a tour of The Arran Malt whisky distillery.

This resort town, with its great beaches, has a bit of a Spring Break atmosphere (the parties start in the late afternoon and go all night). If dancing in a bikini is not your thing, though, no worries—you can explore a mediaeval monastery or enjoy cruises on the lovely blue water. Families will want to visit Water World, the biggest theme waterpark in Europe.

Iceland’s biggest city, Reykjavik bears the distinction of being the world’s northernmost capital, and for virtually every Icelandic visitor it serves as a gateway, just to the city itself or to the rugged adventure options beyond. Founded in the country’s southwest at the end of the 18th century, Reykjavik has been Iceland’s cultural hub ever since. These days, that culture includes a hip and internationally recognised music and arts scene, not to mention a notoriously wild nightlife.

Ogunquit's three-mile stretch of beach is one of the longest in Maine, and also one of the least rocky. The water may never warm up, but it's pristine, and this quaint New England town's attractions make it a perfect, picturesque seaside destination.

Antigua has hundreds of beaches, from the bustling Pigeon Point to the kitesurfing paradise of Jabberwock Beach. It's fun to mix it up—a day spent in a secluded cove, another spent people-watching at a tourist magnet. When you’re tired of sun and sand you can shoot ‘em up at Reservoir Range, where archery and air pistols are a fun way to work out any lingering pre-holiday stress. A tour of the Antigua Distillery is a spirited way to experience a true taste of the island.