Hidden gems

Rodez

Located at the foot of the Massif Central and less than a two-hour drive from the Mediterranean, Rodez is the capital of the Aveyron Region. This picturesque region is one of the best kept secrets of France, offering more attractions than you would expect. Rodez is surrounded by several village communities, all rich in cultural and historical assets, which contribute to making the town a prime tourist destination.

Brescia

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.

A Coruña

A Coruña is a busy city at the very tip of Galicia. This is a perfect place to enjoy a gentle stroll along the streets and avenues, discover Roman architecture as well as modern innovative buildings. The atmosphere in the many magnificent town squares is excellent and full of the joys of life on a hot summer’s day. Outside the town centre the beaches, the marina, the fishing port and the commercial port still play a very important role for the people of A Coruña.

It's all happening in Rotterdam!

Rotterdam is a young, dynamic global city, continuously renewing itself at a rapid rate. Sparkling skyscrapers, an impressive port, trendy restaurants and food markets, renowned museums and awesome festivals are the direct result of the can-do mentality of the Rotterdammers. Add to that the many extraordinary attractions and city tours – by bike, bus, boat or on foot – and you understand why Rotterdam was voted Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2016. Rotterdam embraces experimentation: almost anything is possible. Here, you are constantly surprised by new initiatives: from a rooftop city farm to a music festival in the harbour, from an exclusive rooftop bar to a brewery in an old warehouse. If you love architecture then a visit to Rotterdam - with its patchwork of architectural styles - is a must. Icons of the past clash cheerfully with the hypermodern landmarks that have been built in recent decennia: the Erasmusbrug, Rotterdam Central Station, De Rotterdam, the Timmerhuis and of course the Markthal. In short: It’s all happening in Rotterdam! Come to the city and experience it for yourself.

UNESCO World Heritage

What does the Taj Mahal in India, the Peruvian Inka city of Machu Picchu and the Great Pyramids of Giza have in common with Hamburg? They all belong to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. On 5 July 2015, the Hamburg ensemble ‘Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District with Chilehaus’ has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, making it one of the world’s 1.031 ‘masterpieces of human creation with outstanding universal value’.

Poitiers

With over 2000 years of history, dozens of monuments, impressive medieval streets, and beautiful boulevards, Poitiers boasts a rich and fascinating heritage. But the city has more to offer than just memories: its trendy cafes and cool bars, as well as its lively student population, keep the city young and vibrant.

Minsk

Built anew after the war, the capital of Belarus is a city embracing its own unique brand of modernity. A metropolis of nearly 2 million, Minsk is where nostalgia of Stalinist buildings and Soviet parks meets contemporary art galleries, stylish bars and excellent local eateries.

Reims

Reims is one of France's most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities. It offers visitors a great choice of fine restaurants, brasseries, 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.

48 hours in Rotterdam

A couple of days in Rotterdam? Keen to explore Rotterdam but not sure where to start? Let this video inspire you and discover how you can get the most out of Rotterdam in 48 hours.