Set on Spain's Costa del Azahar, the fortified city of Peniscola features sprawling Mediterranean beaches and an old town surrounded by medieval castle walls. Cobbled streets wind past museums, restaurants, and white-washed houses, while a nearby nature reserve boasts miles of pristine countryside.

Originally founded as a Roman city and now home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Seville is bursting with antique charm. The Alcazar palace complex is a stunning collage of architectural styles, and the Cathedral will impress you with its beauty and its status as the burial site of Christopher Columbus. The Metropol Parasol is the world’s largest wooden structure, a massive mix of grids and swirls that contains a market and a terrace observatory.

Amsterdam is truly a biker’s city, although pedaling along the labyrinthine streets can get a little chaotic. Stick to walking and you won’t be disappointed. The gentle canals make a perfect backdrop for exploring the Jordaan and Rembrandtplein square. Pop into the Red Light District if you must—if only so you can say you’ve been there. The Anne Frank House is one of the most moving experiences a traveller can have, and the Van Gogh Museum boasts a sensational collection of works.

Tallinn's atmospheric Old Town is an enthralling hotchpotch of medieval streets and spires. It's a small city, and the tourist areas are safe and easily explored on foot. Buy a Tallinn Card if you intend to use buses, trolleybuses or trams. For a look into Tallinn's past, visit Rocca-al-Mare Open Air Museum's typical rural Estonian taverns, windmills and watermills, see the onion-domed 1900 cathedral or join the bustle in historic Town Hall Square. St Olav's spire was once the tallest in the world.

A city with a 200-year Southern heritage, visitors will find activities that celebrate Huntsville’s rich history, as well as attractions that highlight the city’s scientific side. At the Alabama Constitution Village, villagers in period clothing take time from their daily chores to guide you through eight reconstructed Federal style buildings. Younger visitors will love the 150 hands-on activities at the Sci-Quest Hands-on Science Centre and older children will learn what it takes to be an astronaut at the U.S. Space and Rocket Centre. Looking for outings with a cultural flair? Landmarks such as the Huntsville Botanical Garden and Huntsville Museum of Art are must sees.

Boasting two of the nation's best beaches, Saint Petersburg has stunning sands, perfect whether you choose to soak up sun at Fort De Soto; swim, shell, fish or snorkel on Caladesi Island; or enjoy Clearwater's Pier 60 and unbeatable sunsets. Busch Gardens, Adventure Island and eight aquariums and zoos are nearby.

Pretoria is a vision of purple, thanks to its plethora of blossoming trees that gave the South African metropolis its nickname: Jacaranda City. Give in to the animal magnetism of the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, then get up close and personal with the big, bad kitties of the Cheetah Research and Breeding Centre. The buildings of Pretoria reflect diverse architectural styles and influences, creating a unique urban landscape.