Hidden gems

Sonoma County, California

With more than 425 wineries, miles of rugged Pacific coastline, towering redwood forests, and its close proximity to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, Sonoma County is a traveler’s dream vacation spot in California. Discover more than 50 nature parks that offer travelers miles of hiking and cycling trails through the redwoods or oak-studded hills. Rivers entice visitors to kayak, canoe, or simply float along the cool waters. Breathtaking Highway 1 — Pacific Coast Highway — delights visitors with crashing waves, sea lions and amazing sunsets.

Skopje

Skopje is internationally famous for being the birthplace of Mother Teresa. The city is welcoming and locals demonstrate a hospitable attitude towards visitors. Despite the fairly recent political turmoil in the Balkans, Skopje has blossomed into a thriving, stimulating city to explore, defining itself as an exciting tourist destination.

Qingdao

Qingdao is possibly the most beautiful coastal city in China, famous for comfortable weather, a large number of beaches and delicious seafood. A former German concession, it boasts charming European-style architecture and is home to Qingdao Beer, one of Asia’s most celebrated brews. Long a favourite among Chinese holidaymakers, Qingdao gained international attention during the Beijing Olympics and is now increasingly popular with foreign visitors seeking a unique mix of seaside relaxation and cultural heritage.

Discover Amersfoort

Amersfoort is a beautiful city located in the middle of the country, which makes it the perfect city to discover the Netherlands. Its biggest treasure is its history. You can really feel the medieval city that was established in the 13th Century through the many monuments, little streets, canals and details. The historical city is surrounded by beautiful swathes of nature, which makes it a unique city. Amersfoort is the easiest city to reach in the Netherlands, both by car and by train. It’s only 30 minutes to Schiphol Airport! Fans of history will immediately feel at home in Amersfoort. The city obtained its city rights in 1259, and the history is still clearly visible in the centre. There are 650 monuments, like the Koppelpoort, the Onze Lieve Vrouwe tower and the Wall Houses, which are all worth the visit. More than a million tourists, both Dutch and from abroad, visit the city annually, who love to visit these historical highlights.

Holy Hamburg

Die Adventszeit ist für jeden einzelnen von uns die schönste Zeit des Jahres. Plätzchen und Schokolade zum Frühstück sind erlaubt, der Glühwein taut die Gemüter auf und ein Meer aus Lichtern verwandelt die graue Landschaft in eine funkelnde Traumwelt. Wieso also versuchen der schönsten Zeit des Jahres zu entfliehen? Es ist doch viel einfacher – und außerdem schöner – sich der Magie der Adventszeit hinzugeben. The Advent season is the most beautiful time of the year – for each one of us and for many different reasons. Biscuits and chocolate for breakfast are totally acceptable, mulled wine lights up the hearts and minds, and a sea of light transforms monochrome landscapes into a sparkling winter wonderland. So why would anyone wish to escape to sunnier climes? In fact, it is much easier – and more heart-warming – to truly immerse yourself in the magic of the festive period. #HolyHamburg

Taormina

Over the years, Taormina has been a source of inspiration for artists from all over the world. Celebrated as the idyllic destination par excellence, it represents the ideal place to escape from the chaos of city life. Located 200 metres above sea level, it is settled on a coastal terrace, overlooking the vastness of the Ionian Sea. The natural beauty of the hill from which the city rises is completed by the view of the imposing Etna volcano.

Dresden

Dresden was known as both the 'Florence of the North' and the 'Venice of the River Elbe' before World War II destroyed most of this once-magnificent Baroque city. But Dresden has managed to restore much of its former glory. The views from the banks of the Elbe and plentiful architectural delights, such as the rebuilt Frauenkirche or the famous Semper Opera, provide glimpses of what today’s vibrant Dresden once looked like. With 63 percent of its area devoted to woods and green spaces, Dresden is also one of the greenest cities in Europe.

Ghent

Ghent is a compact, authentic city where the past and present co-exist in perfect balance. Walking through the city is like travelling through time: you turn the corner and just like that, you go from the fourteenth century to the twenty-first. In Ghent pounds the young heart of a cultural city filled with music, theatre, film and visual arts. Because of its central location in Flanders, Ghent is an ideal operating base to visit the Flemish Art Cities. Ghent is ready to welcome you with open arms!

Summer in Leuven

Enjoy the summervibes in Leuven! www.visitleuven.be

Naxos

The largest of the Cyclades islands, Naxos stands out thanks to its unusually crisp white beaches and an exceptionally lush, fertile terrain. With none of the pretence of Mykonos or the ferocious partying of Kos, the island is a destination for those who enjoy a good hike and low-key evening entertainment. Naxos is also home to a fair share of ancient sites, off-lying mountain villages, and excellent family-run taverns.

Leuven Beer Weekend

During the last weekend of april, Leuven has a rich programme of beer activities in the city. Many restaurants offer a beermenu, guides take you with them on a beer walk in the city, you can follow beer workshops and, of course, tastings in the breweries (Domus and AB InBev). http://www.leuven.be/beercapital