Heringsdorf, Usedom (Germany)

Imperial flair by the Baltic Sea
Heringsdorf is one of the three historic “Kaiserbäder” (imperial spas) on the island of Usedom, known for its grand resort architecture, a pier stretching over 500 meters into the sea, and wide sandy beaches—ideal for a laid-back summer break. The car-free beach promenade connects Heringsdorf with its sister towns Ahlbeck and Bansin, perfect for a scenic bike ride past ornate villas or a long coastal stroll. History buffs will enjoy the newly designed interactive trail, complete with an app and 27 elegant info stations, offering stories of the spa town’s past and its famous guests.

Highlights & Insider Tips
Craving nature and tranquility? Head inland to the Usedom hinterland, where peaceful reed-lined lakes, salt meadows, and charming villages with flower-filled gardens await. One standout is the hilly “Usedom Switzerland,” home to peninsulas along the Achterwasser lagoon and picturesque spots like Benz with its Dutch windmill, or Mellenthin with a moated castle and brewery.

For a fresh perspective, don’t miss the strikingly curved pier in Koserow. Open since 2021, the 280-meter-long pier winds wave-like into the sea, illuminated at night by soft LED lighting—perfect for a romantic sunset walk or a boat tour with the Adler fleet.

Niš (Serbia)

Culture and Balkan soul
For those who love authenticity, Niš is a hidden gem. Serbia’s third-largest city lies in the country’s southeast, along one of Europe’s oldest trade routes. A crossroads of civilizations, Niš blends a dramatic history with vibrant Balkan energy. Birthplace of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, the city is rich in ancient heritage—especially visible at the archaeological site of Mediana.

Highlights & Insider Tips
Mediana is a 4th-century Roman villa with intricate mosaics and once served as Constantine’s retreat. It’s just 3 miles from the city center. The Niš Fortress is one of the best-preserved Ottoman fortresses in the region, with remnants of Turkish baths, armories, the old Bali-Bey Mosque, and even Roman ruins. Today, it also serves as a leafy city park with cafés, galleries, and cultural events.

A visit to the chilling Skull Tower (Ćele Kula) is unforgettable—a haunting monument built from the skulls of Serbian rebels, now preserved as a museum and memorial.

Niš is all about merak—the joy of savoring life. Stop into a traditional kafana for hearty Balkan dishes and live music. Must-tries: spicy urnebes cheese salad, homemade pastries, stuffed grape leaves, or slow-cooked veal stew. Don’t miss the city’s famous grilled meats—ćevapi, gourmet burgers, and bacon-wrapped skewers.

Just 12 miles from the city, the great outdoors await: the dramatic Suva Planina mountain, the gorges of Sićevo and Jelašnica, and the hot springs of Niška Banja. Hike, climb, or unwind. Feeling adventurous? Try paragliding or join a guided cave tour.

Montpellier (France)

Savoir-vivre on the Med
Montpellier is sunny, stylish, and full of youthful energy. This southern French city exudes Mediterranean charm, a touch of avant-garde, and plenty of joie de vivre. Its Old Town, with winding medieval streets, hidden squares, and stately mansions, feels like an open-air museum. But it’s also a hub of contemporary architecture, street art, and student life. Wandering the shady alleys of the Écusson district, you’ll discover centuries of history—from the grand Place de la Comédie and its opera house to the Gothic Saint-Pierre Cathedral. Just a few miles south, the sea beckons with wide beaches and Languedoc’s unique lagoon landscapes.

Highlights & Insider Tips
Don’t miss the Marché du Lez—a creative urban village with food trucks, vintage stores, concept shops, and vibrant murals along the river. It’s the go-to hangout spot for locals looking to eat, drink, and socialize.

Looking for a cool escape? Head 15 minutes south to the beaches of Palavas-les-Flots, where beach bars meet soft sand and flamingos roam the nearby lagoons.

For a peaceful break, explore the Jardin des Plantes—the oldest botanical garden in France, founded in 1593. Or take a short trip to La Grande Motte, a seaside town known for its bold pyramid-shaped buildings, 4 miles of golden beaches, and wide range of water activities. With 70% of its area covered in greenery, it's one of the greenest cities in Europe.

Dubrovnik (Croatia)

Medieval splendor meets Mediterranean ease
Dubrovnik’s old town—surrounded by massive stone walls and perched above the Adriatic Sea—is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a visual masterpiece. Its marble streets, baroque churches, and Venetian-style palaces make it one of Europe’s most atmospheric destinations. Once a powerful maritime republic, the city’s golden age lives on in landmarks like the Rector’s Palace, the Assumption Cathedral, and the grand boulevard of Stradun.

Highlights & Insider Tips
Walking the 2-km-long city walls is a must—offering breathtaking views of red rooftops and deep-blue waters. For a tranquil escape, hop on a ferry to Lokrum Island, just 10 minutes away. With cypress groves, peacocks, a botanical garden, and a serene Benedictine monastery, it’s a peaceful haven for swimming and picnicking.

Want a panoramic view? Take the cable car up Mount Srđ for a stunning 360-degree look at the city and sea. Best enjoyed with a cocktail in the panoramic restaurant.