Europe Action & adventure, Castles & palaces, Flowers, Food, Island & reefs, Landscape, Modern architecture, Sunset & sunrise, Theme parks + Water sports pictures

• World

One of the world’s smallest countries lies within eastern Italy’s countryside. Visit the longstanding city-state for natural beauty, culture and food specialties.

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

Explore this photogenic riverside square, which is bordered by two grand neoclassical palaces and features a spectacular fountain at its center.

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

Lose yourself in the Renaissance charm of Florence’s old town, where masterpieces by Brunelleschi and Giotto line up alongside cafés, gelato shops and trattorias. 

Enjoy picturesque clifftop views in the town where Dracula took form and Captain Cook learned his trade.

Discover the fascinating history, superb restaurants and interesting maritime museum of this pretty coastal town.

Scotland’s capital is filled with attractive landmarks, parks and gardens, and hosts cultural festivals that draw millions of visitors each year.

For some of the best views over Verona, head up the hill to the castle that stands on the site where the city was founded.

Admire the greatest works of Michelangelo and da Vinci, see the center of Catholicism and pose with the Leaning Tower of Pisa on this Mediterranean peninsula.

Explore this photogenic riverside square, which is bordered by two grand neoclassical palaces and features a spectacular fountain at its center.

For some of the best views over Verona, head up the hill to the castle that stands on the site where the city was founded.

Escape the city and head to one of the world’s largest urban parks, which has lakes and meadows, as well as beer gardens and a variety of interesting relics.

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

Admire the craftsmanship of the Tuscan artists and architects that created this richly ornamented bell tower. Climb its staircase for glorious views of Florence.