An armadillo in the mansion district? Resembling a large, exotic animal, the botanical garden greenhouses lie between art nouveau mansions in one of the most beautiful districts in Graz. They bring together exotic flora from four distinct climatic zones and world-class Graz architecture, without parallel. A place for science, inviting visitors to study, marvel, linger and unwind.

When Västervik was founded at its current location in 1433 by Eric of Pomerania, the inhabitants were granted four tax-free years, the first of which was to build a church. Services were held here for nearly 500 years, with the last high mass on the Feast of Christ the King (Domssöndagen) in 1905. The new church, St Peter's, was consecrated on the first Advent of the same year. Since then, St Gertrud's was used for various purposes, including for grain storage during the First World War. Eventually, the idea to restore the church as a place of worship emerged, and St Gertrud's was re-consecrated on 18th June 1933. The church's original tower, destroyed by lightning during a service in 1762, was replaced in the 1780s by the current one, designed by the renowned architect Carl-Fredrik Adelcratz. Among the church's many valuable artefacts is a Wistenius organ from 1743, considered one of Sweden's most precious organs.

Savvy explorers will be sure to visit the Golden Beach, a somewhat secluded area popular among hikers and swimmers, as well as wildlife enthusiasts. Some of the best coral reefs in the Red Sea can be found in this area, so divers and snorkelers can also be found here admiring the depths.

Occupied in the Roman period, San Giorgio Maggiore is one of the several islands around Venice. At the beginning of the 19th century, after the Republic fell, the island became a free port housing Venice's artillery. This is another perfect opportunity to capture a gorgeous panoramic view of Venice, especially from the top of the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore's bell tower.