Stretching from the wooded Dordogne to the towering peaks of the Pyrenees, this vast region is a popular winter sports destination, but one without the hordes that besiege the Alps. Spring's melted snows lure kayakers and rafting enthusiasts. In summer, amateur and advanced hikers take to the hills.

After many years of hard work, the "Sleeping Beauty" has awoken from its slumber. The city is beautifully restored and has an ultra-modern public transport system. The “Port of the Moon” is also now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Stone Bridge, with its 17 arches, crosses the Garonne, offering pedestrians a lovely view over the docks and harbour. Take a stroll through old Bordeaux in the Triangle d'Or and stop at Place des Quinconces, France’s largest public square. The city of Bordeaux is an ideal base for exploring the greater wine region’s unforgettable sights and tastes.

Uppsala is the fourth largest city in Sweden. Situated on the coast just north of Stockholm, it is home to a major university, Sweden's largest Cathedral, and the Uppsala castle.

As the Azores' capital city, Ponta Delgada serves as a gateway to the archipelago's famous crater lakes, volcanoes, and rugged coastline. The city itself blends modern comforts with Gothic churches, historic forts, and traditional Portuguese taverns.