Much of northern Spain belongs to Castile-Leon, an autonomous region surrounded by mountains. Architectural gems like the Romanesque stonework of Segovia's city walls, the Gothic Burgos Cathedral and the dramatic Baroque square in Salamanca are complemented by the area's natural beauty. Parque Natural de las Hoces del Rio Duraton is marked with deep gorges and shelters many birds of prey, while Parque Natural del Lago de Sanabria y alrededores contains the largest glacier lagoon on the Iberian Peninsula.

Known as Spain’s "golden city," Salamanca is rich in architectural, religious and gastronomic culture. Marvel at the La Casa de las Conchas (house of shells) and the 18th century Plaza Mayor, then pore over the fresh produce of the Central Market. Both the Old and New Cathedrals of Salamanca are celebrations of Renaissance and Gothic styles.

Encircled by some of the best-preserved defense walls in Europe, ancient Avila seems straight from the Castile region's medieval past. Nighttime illumination only adds to the allure of the turrets, fortified palaces, and cathedrals of this storybook World Heritage city.

Rich in medieval architecture, the northern city of Burgos provides a glimpse into bygone Spain. But the historic capital of Castile looks to the future, too, with its modern museums, celebrated culinary scene, and award-winning infrastructure.

Salou, on the Costa Dorada, nestles between quaint Cambrils and calm La Pineda. Just seven miles south of elegant Tarragona, the compact resort town is a family favourite, due in no small part to the existence of Port Aventura and Aquopolis theme parks. Gentle beaches and a slew of exciting fiestas in August add to Salou's appeal for families.

St. Brelade, in the Jersey Islands, is home to several beautiful bays with golden sands. St. Brelade Bay is a great place for an active beach day—beachgoers enjoy canoeing, banana boat rides, trampolines and kayaking. Visit the Fisherman’s Chapel to see the perquage, a path from the chapel to the sea. Ancient law allowed a criminal to seek sanctuary in the chapel for eight days. On the ninth, he had to surrender or walk down the path to board a boat, which would carry him into permanent exile from the island.

Romance is the lifeblood of Annecy, a town in the Rhone-Alpes region of southeast France that’s replete with castles and cathedrals and softly curving architecture. Stroll hand in hand with your paramour across Pont des Amours (the lover’s bridge) before taking in the Imperial Palace and the baroque Cathedral of Saint-Pierre. A walk down the Rue Royale will be rewarded with prime shopping, dining and people-watching, especially at the fountain of Saint Jean.

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.

Visit the charming Italian town of Cattolica during the annual Pink Night summer celebration, and you’ll be rewarded with lively concerts and glamorous parades. The rest of the year, you can enjoy beautiful golden beaches that span the Adriatic Sea. Once a resting place for traveling pilgrims, Cattolica was also a favorite spot of Lucien Bonaparte, younger brother of Napoleon.