Europe Action & adventure, Art, Beach, Food, Gardens & parks + Museum pictures

• World

No longer defined by the wall that divided it, this is one of Europe\'s most interesting cities; a haven of architecture and museums and fascinating cultural history.

While Casa de Campo is a park walking on the wild side of western Madrid, its eastern counterpart, El Retiro Park, is Madrid\'s genteel, cultured take on park-life.

Whether you’re catching a train or not, be sure to visit this “secular cathedral,” an early 20th-century icon that sits on a hill north of Old Town Limoges.

Trace Sweden’s cultural history back to the 16th century while you admire iconic furniture, eye-opening photographs and artefacts from the indigenous Sami people at this museum.

Visit the two intriguing castles that flank this historic Spanish beach and relax on its photogenic stretch of golden sand.

One of the oldest museums in France, this institution is a fantastic place to see paintings, sculptures and architecture spanning centuries, back to the Middle Ages.

While Casa de Campo is a park walking on the wild side of western Madrid, its eastern counterpart, El Retiro Park, is Madrid\'s genteel, cultured take on park-life.

Maze-like hedges, marble sculptures and colorful flower beds adorn this historic royal garden, where the palace’s stables and carriages once lay.

See the swans glide by under weeping willows and relax with a picnic in the park while taking in the pristine beauty of the source of the Clitunno River in Umbria.

Discover themed gardens, artist pavilions, viewpoints and wildlife stations set around a natural amphitheater in the grounds of a medieval castle. 

Northern Ireland\'s capital is awash with castles and culture. On its doorstep too is dramatic, unforgettable scenery.

This serene mountain town has rustic charm and natural beauty and is the site of one of Europe’s most famous divine encounters.

Build your courage for the many carnival rides on the People’s Pier and explore the sights backing onto this beach.

Marvel at the wooden organ and work out the parables depicted in the stained glass in this blend of two separate religious buildings.

Cutting-edge contemporary art – and challenging pieces by Spain\'s 20th century art \'superstars\', Picasso and Dali – are among the works found in the Reina Sofía.

Take a break from Munich’s bustling streets among the lakes, meadows and beer gardens of this oasis of calm in the centre of the city.

From its architecture to its industry and sporting events, this is a city of fascinating contrasts just an hour by train from London. 

Attend a theatrical or orchestral performance and admire the artworks on the alleged spot where St. Saturnin of Toulouse was martyred.

Make your way along elegant promenades to find medieval churches, thermal spas and stunning gardens in the shadow of the Italian Alps. 

Armouries and pharmacies, rooms filled with fine porcelain, amazing collections of watches and silverware, and never-ending corridors graced by masterpieces.

Learn about Toulouse’s long history of aeronautics with the three guided tours of this iconic developer’s factory and main sites.

Build your courage for the many carnival rides on the People’s Pier and explore the sights backing onto this beach.