Hidden gems

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.

Six thousand and five hundred islands in the middle of the Baltic Sea. A unique destination, an island string of pearls stretching between the big cities, an archipelago between Stockholm and Turku, within easy reach from Helsinki and Tallinn. On the Åland Islands, the sea is never far away. They boast 17,000 km of shoreline, a pleasant maritime climate, and the highest number of sunshine hours in Scandinavia. Experience the charm of this island country, the red granite cliffs, nature, and tranquillity.

Randers, on the Jutland peninsula, is the sixth-largest city of Denmark, and a 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 along with its beautiful 15th-century half-timbered houses that today make for a peculiar atmosphere. The main tourist attraction, the Randers Tropical Zoo, with its largest artificial rain forest in Northern Europe, attracts many visitors every year.

Lake Havasu City is well known as a stomping ground for parties and the Spring Break community comes second to the wondrous, natural grandeur of the area. The world-famous London Bridge is the town’s biggest attraction, along with all of the lake’s waterfront activities. Fishing, boating, swimming, and a wealth of other aquatic excursions are always in season. The numerous hills and mountainsides are a haven for hikers and explorers and Lake Havasu City itself is a haven for anyone with a heart for adventure.

The bright, lively capital of the Loire Valley region is nestled between two rivers: the Loire and the Cher, with the picturesque Vieux Tours old quarter lying on the long, narrow peninsula. Brilliant modern architecture contrasts against an array of historic buildings, with an added bonus of fine food and wine famed all over France.

Coiled between lake and mountains, Annecy deserves its nickname of "Venice of the Alps". This harmonious city allows you to travel through time, from prehistory to the present day, before following in the tracks of the Princes of Savoy and eating next to the purest lake of Europe, while enjoying the numerous festivals and cultural animations. The city is also turned towards sports: the ski resorts are near the city and accessible by bus, and a biking trail goes all around the lake and lets you explore the shores.

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.