Travel sedately

Surrounded by wild, rugged hills and the aquamarine blues of the ‘ria’ (fjord-like waterways) of Montenegro, Kotor is a fortified medieval town filled with wonky side streets and piazzas in which you can get happily lost. The fortified walls snake up the city boundaries to lookout points with unforgettable panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor

Must do: Hire a small boat or day trip along the Bay of Kotor itself to see the city from the waterside and enjoy the view of the walled old town from afar.

Must eat: When by the waterside, you have to try the local seafood dishes. Order a seafood platter of the catch of the day from one of the bayside eateries to enjoy with a crisp glass of wine as the sunsets.

Why you should go: Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city and has been a cultural and commercial centre for centuries. Having fallen under Byzantine, Venetian and Habsburg rule, it’s a fascinating melting pot of art, history and cultural artifacts.

Cassis is one of those picture-perfect small towns in Europe. Situated along the coastline of France in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region, just beyond glitzy St Tropez. Cassis is surrounded by vineyards, romantic cobbled streets and outdoor adventure activities.

Here you’ll find the perfect mix of French countryside charm, stunning deep blue Calanques (natural coves for kayaking, swimming and hiking too) and French seaside cuisine with plenty of local markets to stroll around.

Must do: Stroll the cobbled streets and pick up a baguette for picnic lunch. Then, hire a kayak to paddle your way to the jaw-dropping Calanques for a dip. Round out the day with a stroll along the coastline to gawp at the Chateau Cassis that sits atop the port village, before enjoying the sunset with a glass of local rosé in hand.

Must eat: Fresh seafood from the waterfront restaurants, the mussel pots are particularly popular. Of course, as this is in France, wine and cheese are a must!

Why you should go:  This small port village captures the essence of the French Cote d’Azur, without the eye-watering prices of St. Tropez and Cannes. Cassis is fun for culture lovers who like their historic villages and regional food, while outdoor adventurers will appreciate the many hiking trails and adventure activities readily available on the water.

A quintessential fairytale village in the Czech Republic, Cesky Krumlov will delight you with its cobbled streets, architecture and a medieval castle.

Must do: Explore the castle grounds and gardens that have been built up over the centuries, displaying multiple architectural styles. Then clamber up to the lookout points to peer across the green hills surrounding the village. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try hiking the surrounds or kayaking in the nearby Vltava river.

Must eat: You cannot visit the Czech Republic and not eat a Trdelnik – the irresistible oversized, doughnut-like cinnamon cake on a stick. Picture a dough, rolled onto a stick baked over an open flame then sprinkled with cinnamon, sugar and different sweet or savoury flavours as you like. It is best enjoyed in winter, but a well-earned treat in summer too!

Why you should go: Central European villages don’t get much cuter than Cesky Krumlov! It has precisely the right balance of stunning surroundings, historic architecture and castles, and enough nightlife, cafes and accommodation options to cater to every kind of traveller.