At Christmastime, the entire city of Valkenburg seems to sparkle with festive light. The annual underground Christmas market is a hallmark of the city, lasting from mid-November through December 23. It’s held in the Velvet Caves, a maze of 12th-century passageways that lies beneath the remains of Valkenburg’s hilltop castle. The caves and castle draw visitors year-round. Valkenburg is a biking city. It's a great base for cycling tours and is a two-time stage finish site for the Tour de France.

A baroque jewel in Italy’s southeastern heel, Lecce flourishes with the carved sandstone of its cathedrals and piazzas. Atmosphere and cuisine are the main attractions here, with rustic Apulian cuisine on offer at the countless wine bars and cafes spilling onto the city's cobblestone lanes.