You would never expect to step into Bavaria while visiting central Washington, but upon entering Leavenworth in the Cascade Mountains, you will certainly feel as though you have been transported to Germany. Nearly a quarter of the town's residents can trace their ancestry back to Germany, and they have brought that Old World feel with them. Alpine-style buildings line the streets of this gateway to nearby ski areas and wineries. Though the town is small, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in personality.

Hannover is a modern metropolis set among countless idyllic little towns and cute villages — with its programme of major events and open-air concerts, the baroque Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen and its top-notch artistic and cultural offerings, this city boasts a range of absorbing leisure activities that scarcely any other city can rival. Among the tourist highlights of the area, surrounding its federal state capital, are Lake Steinhude, the ridge of the Deister Hills and the Marienburg Castle.

Australia’s highest peaks are in the Snowy Mountains, where there’s thrilling downhill skiing and snowboarding during the snow season. Lively towns and resorts in this alpine region in the Southwest NSW are also popular destinations in warmer months for hiking, horse riding, kayaking, mountain biking and fishing. When spring melts the snow into cascading waters and wildflowers bloom, streams shelter trout and attract many fly fishermen. Vineyards in this beautiful region produce excellent cool-climate wines, and fresh produce is on sale at farm gates.

Set against a backdrop of historical buildings, Matsuyama is a vibrant city of living traditions. Here, haiku poetry still holds a significant place in daily life. With a jam-packed calendar of seasonal festivals, visitors are guaranteed to find something captivating to experience all year round. Getting around the city is easy with a network of vintage trams and steam trains at your service. In addition, Matsuyama boasts miles of sandy beaches, which provide a scenic view of the Seto Inland Sea, filled with beautiful islands.

Bergen is a charming old city with a youthful spirit. As you fly into Bergen, you will see the stunning cliffs rising out of the sea and the fjord surrounded by majestic mountains. In the Middle Ages, Bergen was the largest city in Scandinavia, and it wasn't until the 1830s that Oslo's population overtook that of Bergen. However, Bergen retains its status as an important port city. The dramatic scenery, lively music scene, and pleasant and relaxed atmosphere make Bergen a very popular destination.