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) — 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.

Known as the City of Spring, Kunming, the provincial capital of Yunnan, is blessed with a mild climate especially favourable to plant cultivation, which becomes instantly evident in the city's vibrant flower markets. The pace of life here is slow: hardly anyone is seen in a hurry. The best thing to do is smell the roses, and wind down gently while exploring this very pleasing city and the breathtaking nature getaways in the environs.

Stockton, California was founded in 1849 during the California Gold Rush. Though Stockton is 75 miles from the ocean, it is a port city, with ocean going vessels visiting the port daily. The waterways that connect to the port are known as the California Delta and provide access to over 1,000 miles of waterways open for fishing and recreation. Stockton is located in the Central Valley, about 90 minutes from San Francisco and 2 1/2 hours from Yosemite National Park. Stockton is surrounded by rich agricultural land with many farms and wineries available to visit.

Verona, "the city of love," is world famous for its magnificent Arena and its association with Shakespeare’s love story, "Romeo and Juliet." It is Italy's fourth-most-visited city making it one of the most important tourist destinations in Italy, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A city that will charm you with its elegance, warmth and easy-going atmosphere.

With its rich natural landscape, stunning scenery, and distinctive seasons, Sapporo would satisfy the explorer in any one of us. The capital of Hokkaidō, the most northern and second-largest island of Japan, was established in 1868; its vast open wilderness backed by magnificent mountains was highly appealing to the early settlers back then, just as much as to any visitor today.