One of the highlights of La Palma is the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory containing the world's largest optical telescope. Book a daytime tour and see professional telescopes used to watch the stars, or join an evening astronomy tour to take a close-up look at the night sky yourself. The island's highest point is a stone's throw away from the observatory and makes for a great hike.

County Kildare is home to the windswept Bog of Allen, and to a leisurely section of the restored Royal Canal. There’s a masterpiece of an 8th-century High Cross in Moone. Maynooth Castle anchors the leafy university town of the same name. Kildare is also home to one of Ireland’s great driving routes. Following the course of the Gordon Bennett Cup, which saw racing daredevils whizz through Kildare, Carlow and Laois in 1903, the 104-mile circuit recalls a time when Ireland’s speed limit was just 12mph. The county is a marvellous mix of old and new, of natural landscapes and precisely manicured gardens, of horseracing competitions and stylish fashion events.

9 kilometres north of Catania, the small and picturesque town of Aci Castello is located right by the coastline. The castle, which you should not miss out during your visit, was built by the Normans in 1076. Today, it hosts a museum for those interested in its history. The town also offers breathtaking nearby beaches – perfect for a day trip. Per bus, it takes around 35 minutes from Catania to get to Aci Castello.

Designed with "education in mind", this popular high-tech theme park offers more than 20 attractions, shows and events in a 60 hectare park. Here, visitors can experience images and sounds through the world's most sophisticated film projection systems, including 360-degree movie theatres, giant film screens and 3D movies. The park is situated outside Poitiers and offers new attractions every year.