Europe

Ask many who have travelled to Italy what cities they visited and I bet they will all give you similar answers: Rome, Florence and Venice.  Here we introduce you to three other less-visited Italian cities we think you might enjoy.

GENOA: LA SUPERBA

As the sixth largest city in Italy, Genoa can often be overlooked by tourists with only a weekend to spare.  But, nicknamed la Superba (‘the Superb one’) thanks to its stunning landmarks, the city is well worth a visit.  You can wander the maze of narrow alleyways, called vicoli, that make up the medieval heart of Genoa – the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.  Young people on bikes and scooters dart by, old women carrying bags full of groceries bargain with fishmongers and chatty students walk towards the university – the place really is the quintessential port city, bustling with life.

The Easter break bank holiday has one purpose, and it’s not stuffing our faces with chocolate.  Nope, after a ling sunless Winter it’s to reacquaint out skin with its old friend – sunshine.  The four-day weekend (with a couple of extra days tacked on either side if you can swing it) is the perfect time to head to sizzling climes, and there are plenty of destination just a few hours away where the temperatures are soaring, this time of year.  Ride a camel on the beaches of Egypt’s Sharm el Sheikh, lie on a sunny boat deck as you sail past Croatia’s stunning coastline or head for the cultural

The Swiss might be well-known for making outstanding watches, but they also have an excellent reputation when it comes to hosting cultural events across their beautiful country. We have found three cultural attractions we think you might like: The Cartoonmuseum Basel, The Bernisches Historisches Museum and Bahnmuseum Albula.

With an idyllic location, incredible architecture and a vibrant social scene. Wrocław is the next city to add to your must - visit list. Word is spreading about this unique spot in the south west of Poland - Wrocław recently beat the likes of Athens, Amsterdam, Budapest and Paris to clinch this year's top prize at travel site European Best Destinations' annual awards. Anyone who's visited before is sure to have found a reason to shout about Wrocław.

Rome isn't just about gelato and ogling art. When it comes to eerie corners, underground chambers and messages from the 'undead', it's a city that holds its own.  Admittedly Rome's chaotic, sun-bathed piazzas may seem an unlikely setting for an atmospheric encounter with the dark side, but once you've seen the Sistine Chapel and ancient ruins, get off the tourist trail in favour of the Italian capital's lesser-known, creepier side.

The region that gave its name to the bubbly wine is a fantastic part of France to explore. Only an hour from Paris, Champagne has lip-smacking wine trails that weave through picturesque countryside and villages, and best of all, dozens of tipples to sample - from the palatial home of Moët & Chandon to friendly family outfits operating out of little more than a shed.

It's impossible to understand Andalucía as is it today without considering the Moorish era that spanned more than seven centuries. Cordoba, Seville and Granada are three cities where the charm of Al-Andalus meets that of modern Andalusian culture.

Dundee has come a long way. The city on Scotland's east coast has been named one of Lonely Planet's top ten European destinations.  It is now on the same list as Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, Cantabria in northern Spain and chic Provence in France.  This is due in part to the city's blossoming status as a cultural centre - the beacon of which is down to the new V&A Dundee museum with its Kengo Kuma design inspired by the cliffs of Scotland. The V&A is cited as an international centre for design, discovery and education.

Waterfront walks

'We are now in the worse part of Picardy,' said my guide. I looked around at the rather pretty landscape, bewildered as to why a tourist officer for the area should have such a low opinion of it. then my brain caught up with my ears and I realised: we had just entered L'Oise.

Surrounded by snow-covered mountains are the market towns of Mittenwald, Krün and Wallgau in the Bavarian region of Alpenwelt Karvendel.  These historic villages come alive during the Christmas season, inviting visitors to their Christmas markets from early to mid-December.  As one of Germany’s best winter regions, the Alpenwelt Karvendel is an ideal destination for a relaxing pre-Christmas break.  The Bavarian charm, hospitality and ‘joie de vivre’ are combined with often centuries old traditions and customs, like the Lüftlmalerei, the local style of fresco paintings.