The main town of County Meath, Navan is the gateway to “the Heritage Capital of Ireland.” Ancient historic sites and religious ruins abound, and the Iron-Age monuments of the Hill of Tara alone are enough to fill you with awe. There’s so much more, though, like Trim Castle and the Abbey of Kells and the Neolithic standing stones of Brú na Bóinne. Book a guided tour so you can soak up as much as you can.

Land of Mermaids. Land of Orange and Lemon Groves. Land of Colors. This small city in Campania has earned a plethora of alluring names. Famed for its sea cliffs, the town's steep slopes look out over azure waters to Ischia, Capri and the Bay of Naples. The birthplace of Limoncello liqueur offers some good diving, great sea fishing, boat cruises and appetizing restaurants. Excellent hiking trails cross the peninsula. Rent a car or take a taxi if the steep streets look too intimidating.

A popular gateway to the Balearic Islands, Denia is a worthy destination in its own right. The port city exudes culture at every turn: an ancient Moorish castle overlooks idyllic beaches, archaeological museums, and authentic eateries, while Mt. Montgó looms in the backdrop.