Bordeaux, SW France

Enter the mediaeval turreted gates of Bordeaux and explore the wonderful Parisian-style architecture and winding streets lined with small shops, cafés and historic attractions. Discover the Grosse Cloche, a massive bell hanging in the 13^th century Saint-Eloi Gateway above the Astronomical Clock. Stroll the waterfront beside the broad Garonne River, and see the grand buildings on the Place du Palais, cleverly reflected in the Mirror d’Eau water feature.

In contrast, take a tour into the surrounding countryside of Aquitaine and sample full-bodied Bordeaux wines at their famous vineyards.

Grosse Cloche de Bordeaux, France by Grand Parc Bordeaux

Munich, Bavaria

Even if you miss Oktoberfest in Munich, which confusingly is now held in September, the city still makes a splendid place to visit. Take a guided tour of the attractions, including the splendid Gothic Neues Rathaus on Marienplatz. Churches, museums, shopping, parks and palaces will fill your day, and if you find yourself in the English Gardens, watch the brave river surfers riding the manmade wave beneath the bridge on the River Eisbach. In the evening, join the lively Bavarian entertainment and bratwurst cuisine at the local Brauhaus.

Bad Gasteim, Austria

A visit to Bad Gasteim in the low non-ski season means first class hotel rooms are cheap, the crowds are gone and you are left to enjoy the delights of this beautiful Alpine valley. Divided by a rushing waterfall, the town has beautiful Belle Époque architecture left over from its days as a popular spa town. Small shops, gorgeous scenery and live music from bands almost every evening add to the charm of your stay.

Just outside the town there are opportunities for lakeside strolls, walks through alpine meadows, bread making on the farm, guided walking tours around Dorfgasteim, hot springs and cheese making demonstrations. The nearby archery course is great fun, shooting life-size target animals along a beautiful footpath enhanced by its woodland setting and banks of edelweiss.

Bad Gasteim, Austria by Dergreg:

Lake Maggiore, Italy

Make your luxury holiday base in Locarno, a lively city at the north end of Lake Maggiore, just inside the Swiss border. Explore the castle, walk in the foothills of the Alps and pop across the border into Italy.

In the heat of summer, nothing beats a day trip on the famous Vigezzina and Centovallina Railway, returning via a cruise on Lake Maggiore. Catch the slow but scenic train to Domodossola, then the Express train through the Italian countryside to Stresa, on the shores of Lake Maggiore.

Enjoy lunch overlooking the lake in Stresa, or perhaps explore the beautiful furnished palazzo and tiered gardens at Isola Bella before boarding the lake ferry. Sit at the stern and see an endless parade of old villas, churches, chateaux and gardens as the ferry zigzags its way back up the lake, calling in at countless picturesque lakeside villages. Three hours later you will find yourself back in Locarno, just in time for dinner!

Isola dei Pescatori, Borromean Islands, Lago Maggiore, Italy by kkmarais

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a wonderful city where you can combine cultural attractions and museums with time at the beach. With 2000 years of history, the Old Town with its cathedral and famous pedestrianized Las Ramblas is a great place to start. The unfinished Sagrada Familia is well worth a visit, the pièce de résistance of architect Antoni Gaudi, who was responsible for many other masterpieces around the city. Base yourself in a hotel overlooking the port and beach at Barceloneta for the best of both worlds!

Josh writes for No.1 Traveller a luxury travel company based in the UK. They operate airport lounges at Heathrow, Stansted, Gatwick and Birmingham airports.

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Lago Maggiore, Italy by Falk Lademann

While Lake Maggiore is situated more than 193 meters above sea level, the lake is very deep with some points of the lake bed exceeding 179 meters below sea level. The basin of the lake is said to have been formed by a mix of both glacial and tectonic means. There are many rivers that flow into Lake Maggiore and even more rivers that flow out of the lake.

The weather surrounding the giant lake is traditionally very mild all year long. Since Lake Maggiore is so large, it creates a micro-climate that is entirely unique to the region. During the summer months, the temperature of the lake generally helps to keep the region cooler than the surrounding areas. At the same time, during the winter months, the lake helps to warm the surrounding areas.

Isola dei Pescatori, Lago Maggiore, Italy by kkmarais

Every year, millions of people make their way to the shores of Lake Maggiore. There are countless hot spots located all around the shorelines of the lake. You will even find the Borromean Islands in the western portion of the lake. The Borromean Islands are a very popular tourist attraction which features some of the finest gardens in the region. Countless people make their way to these privately owned islands every summer. From rest and relaxation to some of the most popular of water sports, there is so much to see and do around Lake Maggiore.

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Lake Orta is situated only 35 kilometers northwest of Novara. The city is a popular stop on the Turin-Milan rail line. However, the lake is only 6 kilometers south of the Toce which is the more popular stopping point for people making their way to Lake Orta.

Lake Orta, Italy by Blooming-Garden

In the middle of Lake Orta is where you will find the Island of San Giulio. The island of San Giulio is only 275 meter long and 140 meters wide. The first chapel built on the island was first erected back in the 5th century. Today, the picturesque buildings on San Giulio are part of a Benedictine Monastery. It was named after the 4th century Saint Claire of Novara.

It is believed that the glacial sheets which formed Lake Orta were also the same that were known to have led to the formation of Lake Maggiore. It is believed that as the glaciers retreated, the water created from their melting was only partially diverted to Orta. Regardless of their formation, both lakes are very popular destinations for Italians and tourists alike.

San Guilio island, Lake Orta, Italy by Alessandro Vecchi

The shores surround Lake Orta are covered with lush green fields and many olive groves. While there are several beaches to choose from, most people who make their way to the lake instead opt to head out into the lake for a relaxing day away from the distractions of the countless tourists that line the shorelines. There are many attractions in the area and some fine resorts and restaurants located along the shores of Lake Orta.

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