Tree-lined avenues, grand architecture, and the imperative to live well defines Bucharest, a bustling city that is rebounding and expanding. In the 1900s, this vibrant Romanian capital was nicknamed "Little Paris" and that jubilant, raise-a-glass spirit carries over to this day.

Ronda, perched high above the El Tajo gorge in southern Spain’s Málaga province, offers one of the most dramatic landscapes in Andalusia. The city is split in two by a 120-meter-deep canyon carved by the Guadalevín River, and connected by the iconic Puente Nuevo, an 18th-century stone bridge that took over 40 years to complete. Visitors crossing the bridge can stop at the viewpoint built into the stone itself, once used as a prison.

Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, sits along the banks of the Danube River and has long served as a cultural meeting point in the Balkans. Its centerpiece is Petrovaradin Fortress, a massive 18th-century stronghold nicknamed the "Gibraltar on the Danube." The fortress is known not just for its historic architecture but also for its network of underground tunnels and the iconic clock tower where the hands are reversed, meaning the large hand shows the hour.

Rovinj, a picturesque city on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, invites travelers to immerse themselves in its enchanting blend of history and natural beauty. The city's charming Old Town, with its narrow, cobblestone streets and colorful facades, is a delight to explore. The heart of this historic area is the Church of St. Euphemia, a Baroque masterpiece that offers panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea from its bell tower.

Newcastle is the capital of the Hunter Valley Region, in New South Wales. Lakes, beaches, rivers and bays, combine with lush countryside to make the Hunter region surrounding Newcastle almost unlimited in its appeal.