Padua, Italy is one of northern Italy’s most underrated cities, with Giotto frescoes, Galileo history, lively piazzas, great food, and lower prices than Venice. It is an ideal base for day trips and a wonderful destination in its own right.

Spend a beautiful weekend in Ålesund with sweeping views from Aksla, walks along Brosundet Canal, a visit to Atlantic Sea Park, and a spectacular ferry trip to Geiranger through some of Norway’s most dramatic fjord scenery.

Bremen is a relaxed, livable German city that’s perfect for a 2–3 night stay. Arrive easily by rail, explore on foot or by tram, and enjoy the Market Square, Town Musicians statue, St. Peter’s Cathedral, Altstadt walks, and a booked-ahead Beck’s Brewery tour.

See Paris from the water with three unforgettable cruises: the classic Seine River tour with Bateaux Mouches, the intimate Vedettes du Pont-Neuf experience, and the off-the-beaten-path Canal Saint-Martin cruise for a local perspective.

Padua is one of northern Italy’s smartest city breaks, with major art, historic churches, excellent cafes, lower hotel and dining costs than many Italian tourist cities, and easy train day trips to Venice, Vicenza, and Verona.