On the south side of the Alps, Lake Maggiore is the second largest lake in Italy. Since the climate is mild year-round, the area is filled with Mediterranean vegetation and exotic plants. Lake Maggiore was featured in Ernest Hemingway's infamous novel, A Farewell to Arms, when the protagonist and his lover must row across the lake in order to escape the Italian Carabinieri (think police in military uniforms). Here's hoping you won't have any run-ins of that nature.

Nestled at the tip of a promontory jutting into Lake Como, Bellagio boasts unparalleled shoreline and Alpine views. Add in boutique-lined cobblestone streets, Italian villas, and fragrant gardens, and it’s no secret why Bellagio is known as the Pearl of Lake Como.

A gorgeous spot that’s a convenient day trip from Milan, Lake Como recently earned fame as home to Hollywood star George Clooney. But celeb-spotting aside, it’s known for jaw-dropping natural beauty, elegant old villas—and the scenic towns surrounding the lake. Check out Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio, which offer great views, historic churches, and water-based activities such as ferries and passenger-only boats.

Located in northwest Italy’s Lombardy region, the province of Bergamo offers more than just a day-trip diversion from the big city of Milan. This hilltop town is known for its architectural gems, including medieval and Renaissance structures that continue to amaze tourists and locals alike. Don’t miss the historic Piazza Vecchia with its 12th and 16th century buildings. And Bergamo’s Galleria dell’Accademia Carrara is an art gallery featuring works from Italian legends including Botticelli, Titian, Canaletto and Raphael, to name a few.

With its gondolas, canals, amazing restaurants, and unforgettable romantic ambiance, Venice is definitely a city for one's bucket list. Waterfront palazzos, palaces, and churches make drifting down the Grand Canal feel like cruising through a painting. To really experience Venice you must go to the opera or to a classical music performance, nibble fresh pasta and pastries, and linger in the exhibit halls of an art gallery. Label lovers will drool over the high-end shopping in Piazza San Marco.

Home to both the midnight sun (with constant daylight from April to July) and the northern lights, North Norway is a rugged land of steep mountains, deep fjords and scenic coastline, making it a great place for outdoor adventures like dog sledding, snowmobiling and wildlife safaris. It's also the ancient home of the Sami people, 3,000 of whom live (along with 100,000 reindeer) at Kautokeino, Norway's largest municipality at over 3,700 square miles.

East meets West in this sun-soaked state, where Indian culture intertwines with Portuguese influences left over from a 500-year occupation. The beaches have long served as a magnet for serene hedonists. To the north, the tourist-centric scene is prevalent, with an international flair that is now skewing more hip than hippie. Travel south for stretches of unspoiled sand and an escape from large resorts. Temples, mosques and wildlife sanctuaries provide diversions from the beach.