Blending green parks and sandy beaches with a rich culture, history and modern art, Malmö lets you go your own way — literally. Starting in the bustling commercial centre, it’s just a short walk to picturesque Old Town and Malmöhus Castle. From there, you can easily continue to the modern Western Harbour for a perfect snapshot of the Öresund Bridge and Turning Torso. And since Malmö loves food, drinks and good company, you’re never far from fine dining or a proper Swedish Fika.

Among the oldest cities in Sweden, Lund was founded in the late 10th century. The stalwart Lund Cathedral is almost as old as the settlement itself; it was built in traditional Romanesque style and contains a beautiful astronomical clock, five organs and an ancient crypt. Explore charming Jakriborg, a modern residential area that emulates a medieval town, then head to the beautiful Botanical Gardens.

Helsingborg is southern Sweden’s city by the sea, where wonderful beaches, attractions, shopping and nature are all just moments away. Enjoy the gardens of Sofiero and Fredriksal, climb the stairs to the top of the tower Kärnan, then dip your toes in the sea… later, explore fascinating exhibitions at Dunkers Culture Hall, indulge in the unique offerings of the local stores, and savor cuisines from around the world in Helsingborg’s vast selection of restaurants.

Denmark's largest island is so much more than simply the home of the country's dynamic capital, Copenhagen. Zealand also offers a delightful array of holiday homes and villas, pleasing harbors and sandy beaches, fringed by forests where castles lurk. Major destinations include the UNESCO-designated, Dutch Renaissance-style Kronborg Castle in Helsingor and the Viking attractions, cathedral and music festival of Roskilde. To the south bobs a flotilla of beautiful and relatively untouched islands.

A romantic German riverfront town that dates back to the 9th century. Marburg Castle overlooks this medieval university town.

Tucked in a lovely valley between the Rhine River and the Taunus Mountains, Hesse's capital of Wiesbaden has long been an important spa city, dating back to Roman times when it was called Aquae Mattiacorum. In the 19th century, Wiesbaden also became a popular gambling center. For a soothing plunge, try the famous Kaiser Friedrich's Therme in the city center. And don't miss the Schlossplatz (Palace Square) and impressive Kurhaus Wiesbaden event and conference center, both within a few blocks.

Despite its baroque architecture and historic old town, Linz is strikingly contemporary. The northern city hosts a cutting-edge cultural scene, exemplified by its futuristic electronic arts centre and glass-fronted modern arts museum, both set on the banks of the Danube River.

The Ionian Islands are splendid, cinematic paradise. The waters are bluest blue, the sands are achingly silky and smooth. Everything looks heavily Photoshopped. But that's just Mother Nature, in all her unspoiled glory. Zakynthos is the largest of the Ionian Islands, and it's as fruitful as it is beautiful, boasting a bounty of crops like olives and grapes. Music is a huge part of the local culture—you can catch a concert or festival almost any night of the week, and you'll be captivated by the sights and sounds of Zakynthos performers.

Calling itself "the southern part of Heaven," the town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina is home to the grassy malls and brick walkways of the University of North Carolina's historic campus. The presence of the country's first public university has allowed a vibrant arts and culture scene to grow in Chapel Hill. Check out a concert by a local band, watch the star's fly at the Morehead Planetarium or catch a varsity game pitting the wildly popular Tarheels against their historic Southern rivals.

With its gleaming skyscrapers set amid glittering lakes, Minneapolis makes for an attractive and fun getaway. A truly year-round destination, the city offers activities for every season. In winter, one can explore the downtown area through more than seven miles of glass-enclosed skyways. In addition to keeping you warm, they create a lively thoroughfare filled with speciality shops, restaurants and services. Whether you want to escape the winter cold or the summer warmth, the Mall of America offers shopping, dining and entertainment options for any time of the year and every member of the family. Art lovers have plenty to see at the Minneapolis Art Institute, Walker Art Centre and the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum, which all house world-renowned collections. The theatre scene is thriving. With more than thirty theatres, Minneapolis has more seats per capita than any U.S. city except New York. See a Broadway show and enjoy dinner and live jazz at a fabulous restaurant. With kids in tow, check out the Science Museum of Minnesota, where visitors can produce their own video, or come face to face with a shark at the UnderWater Adventures Aquarium. In summer, the action moves outside. Known as "The City of Lakes," Minneapolis has 22 lakes located within city limits and many more in the surrounding area. In town, hordes of locals and tourists in-line skate or stroll around Lake Calhoun, stopping for ice cream along the way. Just outside of town, Fort Snelling State Park offers outdoor recreational activities from hiking to biking and golf to boating. No matter when you visit, Minneapolis offers lots for everyone to enjoy.