Hidden gems

Chisinau appears to have little to no concern for the superficial – still very much rough around the edges and with scant tourist infrastructure, the Moldovan capital conquers with precisely its uncharted quality, an authenticity guaranteed to make off-the-beaten-path aficionados' and Soviet era enthusiasts' hearts flutter with excitement. The country's genuinely welcoming populace, free-flowing wine and overtly low travel costs all ensure its relatively obscure status isn't long to stay.

Szczecin is an energetic city where the River Odra eventually flows into the Szczecin Lagoon. Today it is the capital of the region of West Pomerania which has suffered a turbulent history and now looks to an enlightened and cultural revival. A focal point is that it has managed to preserve its unique character and charm since its recent reform. Szczecin is now awakening to its full potential at an ever increasing pace. You will really feel inspired as you explore this enthralling city.

Prosperous and lively, Brescia is Lombardy’s second biggest city, a university town with a modern business area (Brescia Due). Located between two of Italy’s most famous lakes, Lake Garda and Lake Iseo, Brescia is often overlooked by visitors who bypass the city itself and head straight to the undeniably beautiful lakes. A great pity, as Brescia boasts one of the most beautiful historic centres in the region, and some of the best Roman and Lombard remains in northern Italy.

Randers, on the Jutland peninsula, is the sixth-largest city of Denmark, and an internationally renown destination with many attractions, events and exhibitions to choose from. While the city has already been a thriving market town in medieval times, it kept its importance for trade, and also its beautiful 15th-century half-timbered houses that today make for a beautiful appearance and atmosphere. The main tourist attraction, Randers tropical Zoo with its the largest artificial rain forest in Northern Europe, attracts many visitors every year, and they not only experience the venue's variety but also the city's manifold shape. As to both nature and people, a warm welcome awaits you, so do your best and enjoy it the most.

Zaragoza, the capital of Aragon, has a privileged location with an equal distance from Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Bilbao. The city counts on an international airport and the high-Speed line (AVE). The destination has a delicious gastronomy and a rich heritage of historical monuments (Basilica del Pilar, Cathedral of San Salvador, Aljafería Palace, the paintings of Goya or the Mudejar–UNESCO Heritage of Mankind). The city also has renewed infraestructures from the 2008 International Expo (Water Tower, Bridge Pavilion or river Aquarium).

Eger is one of Hungary’s most famous towns, characterised by superior wines, natural healing water springs, and noteworthy monuments. It was founded in 1004 C. A., around the time King Stephen made Christianity the religion of the nation. Eger is influenced by Christian and Turkish culture, Baroque and Classicist architecture. The town has a charming medieval atmosphere, where a thousand-year-old castle, thirty-eight temple towers and hills with vineyards provide a compelling backdrop.

Toulon is a genuine incarnation of Provence, as it is not one of those garishly painted souvenir shops some other Riviera towns have turned into, smelling of synthetic lavender and selling unauthentic goods. This area features wonderful smells for real: of real lavender and thyme in the market places, of salty sea breeze that wafts the whole coastline, and of a vibrant yet relaxing atmosphere that attracts locals and people alike.

Reims is one of France’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities. It offers visitors a great choice of fine restaurants, brasseries and shops, lively nightlife, concerts, festivals and cultural events, and of course, world-famous Champagne houses to visit and sample the local nectar. With tree-lined avenues, elegant squares and a magnificent Gothic style cathedral that played host to the coronation of several kings of France, Reims is a city for all occasions.