Home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world (and the second-oldest in continuous operation on the planet), Oxford is more than a celebrated microcosm of academic scholarship: there's the splendid architecture, hefty literary heritage, and plenty more to fill an eventful few days.

With fewer than half a million people, the 'little big city' of Bratislava ranks among Europe's most relaxed capitals since everything is in close vicinity or a short walk away. Vienna (80km) and Budapest (200km) — are also reachable by boat through the river Danube. Slovakia's capital boasts an old-town charm, sophisticated restaurants, traditional pubs, good music ranging from jazz to opera, and an urban design that allows you to enjoy your visit without exhausting yourself. All this with Central Europe's greatest river as a backdrop.

With approximately 340 days of sunshine a year and six kilometres of soft white-sand beaches, Agadir is Morocco’s premiere beach resort. Nestled among the verdant valleys of the Great Souss and with the majestic Anti-Atlas mountain range rearing up behind it, this modern, cosmopolitan city has all the attendant pleasures, thrills and luxuries you could ask for.

Chios is a Greek island that comes alive in the summer, attracting many visitors from Athens and the mainland. This gives the island a truly authentic Greek flavor, with lively nightlife and excellent Greek cuisine. There are many sightseeing opportunities and activities to keep visitors busy for a full two weeks. Unlike many other Greek islands, Chios is not overrun with tourists, making it a unique and authentic destination for a summer vacation.