Aberdeen, SCOTLAND

The expert Julie Elrick, VisitScotland Aberdeen and Grampian Highlands (www.visitaberdeen.com).

1. The Store (Foveran, Ellon; tel: +44 (0)1358 788083). A farm shop with a difference which opens the door to Scotland’s natural larder. This family farming business offers pasture-grazed Aberdeen-Angus beef and lamb, ? eld-grown vegetables and traditional home baking. Visitors can also paint their own plates, mugs and bowls in the pottery barn.

2. Delgatie Castle (Delgatie, Turriff; tel: +44 (0)1888 563479). Parts of this historic castle date back over 900 years and you can visit a bedchamber where Mary Queen of Scots once stayed. Some of the rooms still have their richly painted 16th-century ceilings and the ? ne spiral staircase is one of the widest in Scotland. After your visit, you can refuel on home-baked cakes and scones in the Laird’s Kitchen tearoom. Overnight accommodation is also available within the castle itself and in cottages on the estate.

3. Musa Art and Music Café (33 Exchange Street; tel: +44 (0)1224 571771) . Musa is an exciting café-restaurant, gallery and music venue located in a disused church. It provides a unique combination of artwork by artists from north-eastern Scotland, fantastic food made with fresh local ingredients, as well as coffee and drinks in a relaxed, creative environment.

Amsterdam, THE NETHERLANDS

The expert Constant Broeren, Amsterdam Tourism and Convention Board (www.amsterdamtourist.nl).

1. Open Café Restaurant (20 Westerdoksplein; tel: +31 (0)20 620 1010). The unlikely location for this eye-catching new venue is a disused rotating railway bridge. Its contemporary steel and glass structure incorporates full-length folding windows, which can be opened in good weather. The food is modern Mediterranean and in the evening, DJs and live acoustic performers entertain.

2. Open Garden Days (www.canalmuseums.nl). Each year the Canal Museums of Amsterdam organise a weekend of visits to around 30 historic canal house gardens which aren’t usually open to the public. “Art” is this year’s theme and from 20-22 June visitors will be able to see works dating from the 18th century to the present day.

3. 2008 World Press Photo Exhibition (www. worldpressphoto.nl). This showcase for photojournalism demonstrates the power images can have on us emotionally. It will be shown in over 80 cities but starts in the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam from 29 April-22 June.

Alicante, SPAIN

The expert Arantxa Núñez, Alicante City Tourist Board (www.alicanteturismo.com).

1. The Island of Tabarca Once a base for pirates who used it to mount raids on the mainland, this small island is now a haven for tourists, attracted by its historic walled town and pretty beach. The gin-clear waters around the island were declared Spain’s ? rst marine reserve in 1986. It’s also a good place to try caldero – the region’s traditional ? sh stew. Regular boat services to the island depart from Alicante and nearby coastal towns.

2. Moros y Cristianos in Biar (Tel: +34 965 811 177). Many Valencian towns organise colourful street festivals to commemorate battles fought during the Middle Ages between Spanish Christians and Muslim Moors. In Biar, the action takes place between 10-13 May. The unspoilt village also boasts a 13th-century Moorish castle, traditional restaurants and bracing trails for walkers and bikers.

3. Altea (Tel: +34 965 844 114). This picturesque ? shing port up the coast from Alicante has become a popular tourist resort without losing its charm. Behind the palm-lined esplanade, cobbled streets of whitewashed houses wind up to the parish church. The surrounding coast is lined with beaches, cliffs and hidden coves.

Barcelona, SPAIN

The expert Barcelona Tourist Information Centre (www.barcelonaturisme.com).

1. Scooter tour (Tel: +34 932 853 832). Guides escort groups of 10 on 125cc scooters around the main sights outside the Gothic quarter. The trip takes four hours – including a rest stop – and the price includes hire of the scooter and helmet, and insurance.

2. Eating and drinking in Gràcia Originally a village outside Barcelona, the Gràcia district’s narrow streets have a quieter feel than other parts of the city. It is also a good place to discover alternative bars and restaurants. Head for some of the livelier squares, such as the Plaza del Sol and the Plaza de la Virreina.

3. See Barcelona from the sea (Tel: +34 932 853 832). On this two-hour tour, you’ll get to learn some basic sailing techniques as you cruise along the waterfront, spotting familiar landmarks. The price includes a glass of Cava and entrance to the Maritime Museum located in the old medieval shipyard.

Belfast, NORTHERN IRELAND

The expert Fiona Ure, Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (www.gotobelfast.com).

1. Visit a castle Belfast Castle (www.belfastcastle.co.uk) has great views of the city and Belfast Lough. It may look medieval but it was only built in 1870. For something more authentic, head up the Antrim coast to the intact Norman castle at Carrickfergus (www.ehsni.gov.uk/carrick. shtml). Or you can visit the Queen’s of? cial residence in Northern Ireland, Hillsborough Castle (http://tinyurl.com/2fknwf) – a grand Georgian mansion set in a picturesque County Down village.

2. Belfast Children’s Festival (www.youngatart.co.uk). This family favourite returns from 23 May-1 June with 10 days of music, storytelling, theatre, exhibitions and puppets for children aged from 0 to 14 years. Highlights include a special weekend in the Waterworks Park, which will be transformed into a fantastical landscape featuring story boats, a wind tunnel and wildlife tours.

3. Mourne Seafood Bar (34-36 Bank Street; tel: +44 (0)28 9024 8544). Located just off the main shopping streets beside the Kelly’s Cellars pub, it sources its fresh produce from the ? shing villages of County Down. The cooking is high class but the atmosphere is informal and relaxed.

Birmingham, ENGLAND

The expert Mathias Muenzenberg, concierge at Radisson SAS (www.radissonsas.co.uk), a luxury 39-storey glass hotel in the centre of Birmingham.

1. Shop for a vintage outfi t (The Custard Factory, Gibb Street; tel: +44 (0)121 224 7777). Head down to the eclectic Custard Factory and hunt for bargains at the Vintage Clothing Company. The Custard Factory also hosts a fab Flea Market every Saturday with stalls selling handmade and vintage clothes, handbags, jewellery and other accessories.

2. Birmingham Nature Centre (Pershore Road; tel: +44 (0)121 472 7775). Here you can see red pandas, meerkats, lemurs and otters going about their daily business. But not all the animals are cute and cuddly - the centre is also home to a large collection of endangered reptiles and plays an important role in breeding and conservation.

3. The Green Room (Arcadian Centre, Hurst Street; tel: +44 (0)121 605 4343). This laid-back café serves traditional British food and a variety of bagels, sandwiches and hearty breakfast snacks.

Bergamo, ITALY

The expert Liliana Moretti, Bergamo Tourism (www.turismo.bergamo.it).

1. Crespi d’Adda (www.villaggiocrespi.it). A real architectural curiosity, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded in the 19th century by a philanthropic industrialist as a model village for the workers in his cotton factory. The buildings are strikingly original and in some cases – like the Crespi family mausoleum – bizarre.

2. Schilpario This mountain village is an excellent base for exploring the scenery of the Scalve valley. There are well-marked trails for walking and mountain biking and the pine forests are a great place to forage for wild fruit and mushrooms. You can also take a guided tour of the old iron mines and ride in a mine car used to transport the ore.

3. Cornello Dei Tasso Up Brembana Valley from San Pellegrino Terme is one of the best preserved medieval villages in Italy. The settlement is named after the Tasso family who are said to have invented the postal service in the 16th century and there’s a museum showing original documents.

Bordeaux, FRANCE

The expert Gwenaëlle Towse-Vallet, Bordeaux Tourist Of? ce (www.bordeaux-tourisme.com).

1. Bordeaux Wine Festival (www.bordeaux-fete-le-vin.com). In a city synonymous with ? ne wine, this annual celebration is a major event. The festival takes place from 26-29 June on the massive Place de Quinconces, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the wide variety of Bordeaux-made wines. The organisers also offer tours combining sightseeing with wine-tasting at some of the most prestigious vineyards.

2. L’Appart 113 (113 quai des chartrons; tel: +33 (0)5 5652 1235). The ground ? oor of this bohemian bed and breakfast is an exhibition space where local contemporary artists show their work. The owners also run a number of weekly art workshops for children and organise regular theatrical evenings in the house itself. Located in an historic 18th-century building, its four boutique guestrooms all have views over the Garonne.

3. Moonlit tours (Tel: +33 (0)5 5600 6600) The beauty, consistency and historical importance of the city’s architecture has led UNESCO to classify a large part of central Bordeaux as a World Heritage Site. The tourist of? ce organises night-time walking tours of the area, which take place throughout the year.

Cardiff, WALES

The expert Cheryl Clarke, manager of Cardiff Tourist Information Centre (www.visitcardiff.com).

1. Vegetarian Food Studio (109 Penarth Road; tel: +44 (0)29 2023 8222). This small, family-run restaurant is a big hit with local students who are attracted by its authentic Indian home-cooking and incredible value. But it has also won national recognition, having been named in lists of top vegetarian restaurants by the Guardian and Observer newspapers. Food for thought!

2. Chapter Arts Centre (Market Road; tel: +44 (0)29 2030 4400). Enjoy the latest independent and international cinema releases, live theatre, music and dance, as well as art The food and drink are top notch and reasonably priced.

3. El Puerto Restaurant (The Old Custom House, Penarth Marina; tel: +44 (0)29 2070 5551). Take a water taxi across Cardiff Bay to this Spanish-style restaurant located in one of Cardiff’s landmark buildings. The atmosphere is relaxed - you select your ? sh or meat from the options laid out on the produce counter and it is served with your choice of side dishes. The window tables overlook the impressive Cardiff Bay barrage.

Edinburgh, SCOTLAND

The expert Kirsty Innes, VisitScotland www.visitscotland.com/liveit).

1. Edinburgh International Film Festival (www.ed. lmfest. org.uk). The festival has moved up the calendar from its traditional August slot to take place from 16-29 June. It features the best in international and British ? lm making, with a mixture of exciting red carpet film premieres, gala nights, workshops and short film showcases.

2. Blue Bar Café (Traverse Theatre, Cambridge Street; tel: +44 131 221 1222). The Traverse Theatre’s cafés and restaurants are a great place to rub shoulders with stars of stage and screen during Edinburgh’s many arts festivals. The restaurant’s Michelin chef serves up delicious, fuss-free local food.

3. Vanity Fair Portraits (Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street; tel: +44 (0)131 624 6200). This exhibition presents some of Vanity Fair magazine’s greatest portrait photographs from 14 June-21 September. Subjects include Albert Einstein, Charlie Chaplin and Madonna.

Cork, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

The expert Jackie Dooley, Fáilte Ireland – South West Region (www.discoverireland.ie/southwest).

1. Cork Midsummer Festival (www.corkfestival.com ;tel: +353 (0)21 421 5131). This annual arts festival is an opportunity to see Cork at its creative and exuberant best. From 15 June-5 July visitors will be able to choose from an array of events including theatre, dance, music, visual art and more. This year’s highlights will include a huge picnic hosted by the Lord Mayor in the beautiful Fitzgeralds Park and the worldrenowned Spiegeltent.

2. The Jameson Experience (The Old Distillery, Midleton; tel: +353 (0)21 461 3594). This tour gives you a chance to discover the secrets of Irish whiskey in a beautifully restored 18th-century distillery complex. The route follows the full whiskey-making process. Once it’s ? nished, you even get to sample it.

3. Cork Greyhound Stadium (Curraheen Road, Bishopstown; tel: +353 (0)21 454 3095). Dog racing is a great alternative night out and in Cork Greyhound Stadium you can watch the excitement while you have dinner. The 10-race programme runs from 8pm to around 11pm and is rounded off with live music.

Faro, PORTUGAL

The expert Ana Vargues, Algarve Promotion Bureau (www.atalgarve.pt).

1. Festival MED (Tel: + 351 289 400 600). This celebration of Mediterranean culture takes place in Loulé – a short trip inland from Faro – at the end of June and the beginning of July. The main focus of the festival is on music, with an eclectic line-up playing on different stages throughout the town. Visitors will also have the chance to sample cuisine from across the Mediterranean region, watch street entertainment and buy records and handicrafts.

2. Rocha da Pena Trail Takes you through the rugged terrain of a rocky plateau, which has been classi? ed as a protected area because of the diversity of animals and plants it supports. At 479m, its highest point gives visitors views over the surrounding countryside.

3. Alte Hotel Restaurant (Estrada de Santa Margarida, Alte; tel: +351 289 478 523). The restaurant of this three-star hotel combines a beautiful mountain setting with the best in regional cooking. A good stopping-off point if you are exploring.

Gdansk, POLAND

The expert Sebastian Golebiewski, Gdasnk Tourist Organisation (www.got.gdansk.pl).

1. Stacja Deluxe (22 Grunwaldzka Street; tel: +48 (0)58 345 0005). This trendy bar-restaurant and nightclub is located in a Communistera petrol station. It serves food from breakfast at 9am and is a terri? place to try Polish classics with a contemporary spin. In the evening you are advised to leave your car at home and ? ll up on their highoctane cocktails.

2. Open’er Festival (www.opener.pl). With weekend camping tickets costing less than £60, and budget ? ights available from the UK, the Open’er could work out cheaper than going to one of the big British festivals.

3. Grass’s Bench (Jozef Wybicki Square). This monument is a statue of Oskar – the main character in Nobel Prize-winning writer Günter Grass’s most famous novel The Tin Drum – sitting on a park bench. It’s a favourite place for tourist photos.

Jersey, CHANNEL ISLANDS

The expert Donna Le Marrec, Jersey Tourism (www.jersey.com).

1. Gorey Fête de la Mer (17 May). This gastronomic celebration of the sea makes a wonderful start to Jersey’s summer season of festivals. In Gorey’s picturesque harbour, you can sample some of the island’s freshest seafood, sip a glass of champagne and listen to music.

2. Cycle across the island (www.jersey.com/cycling). Jersey boasts a fantastic 96-mile cycle network. One beautiful off-road route follows the old railway path Glasgow, SCOTLAND The expert Karin Finlay, VisitScotland (www.visitscotland. com/citybreaks). from St Helier to Corbiere Lighthouse on the west coast and you can make the trip easily in an afternoon.

3. Spring Walking Week (www.jersey.com/ walking, 17-24 May). Pedestrians have priority on many of Jersey’s country lanes and its cliff paths offer views of France and the other Channel Islands. Each spring, the tourist of? ce organises free guided walks, suitable for all ages and abilities. One favourite route passes through woodland from St Martin to St Catherine’s, ending up in a small café along the breakwater.

Glasgow, SCOTLAND

The expert Karin Finlay, VisitScotland (www.visitscotland. com/citybreaks).

1. Piping Live! (www.pipingfestival. co.uk, 11-17 August). This festival offers piping with a twist, placing the emphasis on fun and participation. Join the audience to ? nd out which young musician will be crowned this year’s Pipe Idol or throw yourself into ceilidh (it’s Gaelic and pronounced “kayli”) dancing – the most energetic way to make new friends.

2. Loch Lomond Seaplane (www.lochlomondseaplanes.com; tel: +44 (0)1436 675030). The seaplane service departs from Glasgow Science Centre on the River Clyde and arrives in Oban Bay in just 24 minutes. The route passes over areas of outstanding natural beauty and Oban is a perfect place for a seafood lunch and a spot of wildlife watching.

3. Mother India (28 Westminster Terrace; tel: +44 (0)141 221 1663). Mother India is a relaxed and fun restaurant where the food is fantastic and vegetarians will struggle with variety rather than monotony.

Knock, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

The expert Anne Melia, Failte Ireland West (www.discoverireland.ie/west).

1. Ballintubber Abbey (Ballintubber, Claremorris; tel: +353 94 903 0934). The town and abbey at Ballintubber get their names from the Irish Baile an Tobair, or town of the well, a site where St Patrick baptised Christian converts. The abbey was founded in the 13th century and despite ? re, assault and suppression over the years, mass has been celebrated here ever since. The restored church and remains of the cloisters, domestic buildings and sacred well can still be seen, and their history explained in the interpretative centre nearby.

2. Galway Early Music Festival (www.galwayearlymusic.com). A celebration of Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque music and dance featuring international and national concert performers as well as street performers and drama. Held from 15-18 May in historic Galway.

3. Westport House (Westport; tel: +353 982 7766). One of Ireland’s ? nest Georgian buildings, Westport House has belonged to the Browne family since it was built in the 18th century. The opulent rooms still contain their original furnishings and ? ttings, while outside there are lakes, terraces, formal gardens and marvellous views over Clew Bay.

Krakow, POLAND

The expert Barbara Skowronska, Krakow Tourist Information Of? ce (www.krakow.pl).

1. Ronald Reagan Central Square A splendid place to start exploring the imposing communist-era architecture of the Nowa Huta district – a huge housing estate created in the 1950s to provide accommodation for industrial workers and their families. Its construction re? ects a dual purpose - in the event of an attack by NATO, its apartment blocks and complicated system of passages would have served as a forti? ed stronghold.

2. Massolit Books & Café (4 Felicjanek Street; tel: +48 (0)12 432 4150) The quirky interior of this secondhand bookshop, reading room and café re? ects its origin as the owner’s apartment. It retains a relaxed, homely, bohemian feel and the regulars include writers, international students and Polish Anglophiles.

3. Zapiekanka at Nowy Square The bars on this square - in the old Jewish quarter – make this one of the best places to sample the delicacy zapiekanka. A Polish take on pizza, its manufacture involves a half baguette topped with ham or salami, mushrooms, sautéed onions and melted cheese. Like a latenight kebab, the locals like to eat theirs after a few beers.

Madrid, SPAIN

The expert Juan Herrero, Madrid Tourism (www.turismomadrid.es).

1. El Dos de Mayo This year is the bicentenary of 2 May 1808 when a rising by Madrid’s citizens was brutally put down by occupying Napoleonic troops. A number of events will be taking place to mark the anniversary including exhibitions, music recitals and dance. You can see Goya’s famous depictions of the rising and its bloody aftermath in the Prado Museum.

2. Rock in Rio (www.rockinriomadrid.terra.es). This music extravaganza has migrated across the Atlantic but, with Shakira headlining on 4 July, there will still be a strong South American ? avour. Other acts con? rmed to play at the ? ve-day festival include Amy Winehouse, The Police, Franz Ferdinand and old stadium rock warhorse, Lenny Kravitz.

3. Madrid Gay Pride (www.madoweb.com). Madrid’s EuroPride 2007 was attended by more than two million people and the organisers of this year’s orgullo (pride), which takes place 28 June-6 July, are keen to build on this success.

Lisbon, PORTUGAL

The expert Maria Tavares, Visit Lisbon (www.visitlisboa.com).

1. Dolphin watching (Tel: +351 265 238 000). The estuary of the Sado river – to the south of Lisbon – is a huge nature reserve which is home to many interesting species including ? amingoes, storks and otters. But the undisputed star attraction is the colony of playful bottlenose dolphins which are easiest to spot on short boat trips operated by Vertigem Azul from the ? shing port of Setúbal.

2. Parque das Nações (www.parquedasnacoes.pt). This former industrial centre on the Tagus estuary underwent a redevelopment for Lisbon’s Expo ‘98. Its current attractions include the Oceanarium - one of the world’s biggest aquariums – the Pavilhão do Conhecimento interactive science museum, and the Vasco da Gama shopping centre.

3. Dine on the banks of the Tagus Many restaurants offer river views. Recommended are the upmarket Belém Bar Café (Avenida Brasília; tel: +351 213 624 232) and the Doca 6 ? sh restaurant (Doca de Santo Amaro; tel: +351 213 957 905).

Malaga, SPAIN

The expert Daniel Vera and Meli Somovilla, Malaga Tourist Board (www.malagaturismo.com).

1. Catedral del Pescaíto (3 Calle Duque de la Victoria; tel: +34 952 250 381). A small, cheerful bar-restaurant which serves tasty pescaito frito – fried seafood. The dishes are cooked to order and their high quality is down to the freshness of the produce and regular changing of the frying oil.

2. La Concepcion Historical Botanical Gardens (3 Camino del Jardin Botanico; tel: +34 952 252 148). Located 5km north of Malaga, these gardens are an elegant take on a tropical jungle, surrounded by the arid Andalusian hills.

3. Veladilla del Carmen In mid-July the people of Malaga and surrounding villages celebrate the Virgin Mary. The festival peaks on 20 July during a regatta of jabegas (traditional, Phoenician-style ? shing boats).

Manchester, UK

The expert Paul Simpson, managing director of Visit Manchester (www.visitmanchester.com).

1. The Manchester City Experience Museum and Stadium Tour (www.mcfc.co.uk; tel: +44 (0)870 062 1894). Take a look behind the scenes at the City of Manchester Stadium, one of the world’s ? nest sporting arenas, venue for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the 2008 UEFA Cup Final and, since 2003, the home of Manchester City Football Club. The museum recounts the story of the club since it was founded in 1880.

2. The Modern (Urbis, Cathedral Gardens; tel: +44 (0)161 605 8282). One of Manchester’s newest – and highest – restaurants. Located at the top of one of the city’s iconic buildings it offers a sleek dining experience with amazing views.

3. The Museum of Science & Industry (Liverpool Road, Castle? eld; tel: +44 (0)161 832 2244). Located on the site of the world’s oldest surviving railway station, MoSI is one of Manchester’s most prized tourist assets. The museum collections chart Manchester’s history as a place of technological innovation and scienti? c discovery since the Industrial Revolution. Until 29 June, it plays host to Body Worlds.

Murcia, SPAIN

The expert Pedro Gómez, Murcia Tourist Of? ce (www.murciaturistica.es).

1. Plaza de Las Flores If you want to taste some of Murcia’s most delicious gastronomic offerings, try hopping between different tapas bars on the quaint Plaza de Las Flores. The square certainly lives up to its name – window sills and balconies are crammed with planters full of geraniums and other ? owers. And in the evening it can get lively.

2. Balneario de Archena (www.balnearioarchena.com; tel: +34 968 688 022). The therapeutic effects of the thermal spring at Archena were ? rst discovered by the ancient Romans. Today its mineral-rich waters can be enjoyed in one of Europe’s most modern and luxurious spa resorts, located less than 30km from Murcia. While there, enjoy hot baths, massages and all manner of health and beauty treatments.

3. Salzillo Museum (3 Plaza San Agustín; tel. +34 968 291 893). This former chapel is now home to many works by Franciso Salzillo - the most sign? cant Spanish religious sculptor of the 18th century.

Marseilles, FRANCE

The expert Marian Fabre, Marseilles Convention and Visitors Bureau (www.marseille-tourisme.com).

1. Hôtel Vertigo (42 rue des Petites Maries; tel: +33 (0)49 191 0711). This friendly hotel in the multicultural Belsunce area is ? ve minutes from the bus and train stations, and very convenient for the Old Port and bustling Canebière. The sunlit central courtyard is a convivial place to eat or enjoy a drink from the restaurant bar. There is Wi-Fi access in all the guestrooms and the young multilingual staff are well-informed and eager to help.

2. Ca blanca Restaurant (53 rue Saint Pierre; tel: +33 (0)49 148 6823). For alfresco eating in Marseilles, you could do a lot worse than Ca blanca’s leafy garden terrace. Creative young chef, Edouard Giribone’s Spanish-in? uenced menu focuses on tapas and main courses of seafood cooked a la plancha – grilled on a hotplate. You are encouraged to share your food and wash it down with some of the region’s ? nest rosé wines.

3. Pierre Ambrogiani exhibition (Palais des Arts, 1 Place Carli; tel: +33 (0)49 142 5150). The Regards de Provence foundation organises a programme of events which aims to promote the artistic heritage of the Marseilles area. This exhibition – which runs from 14 May-31 August - includes many major works of Pierre Ambrogiani, a Corsican expressionist painter.

Newquay, UK

The expert Julie Cox, Cornwall Tourist Board (www.visitcornwall.com).

1. Lewinnick Lodge (Pentire Headland; tel: +44 (0)1637 878117). Enjoy a meal with a spectacular view at this unique restaurant and bar. Take a seat on the balcony and you’ll be able to stare straight into the Atlantic Ocean below or across to the surf-washed beaches of Newquay – the perfect complement to some of Cornwall’s best cuisine.

2. The Beach Hut (Watergate Bay; tel: +44 (0)1637 860543). This is the place to go if you want to take in Newquay’s beach bum vibe. Literally on the beach, about 10 minutes from Newquay, this laidback café serves up amazing burgers and legendary hot chocolates.

3. Run to the Sun Festival (www. runtothesun.co.uk).This annual VW pilgrimage to Newquay sees the town at its best. Along with a weird and wonderful collection of customised cars, the festival – which runs from 23-26 May – attracts world-class DJs, live bands and comedians. These three days are some of the most anticipated on Cornwall’s events calendar.

Nice, FRANCE

The expert Myriam Chokairy, Nice Tourism (www.nicetourisme.com).

1. Cimiez district One of the most historic – and af? uent – parts of Nice, Cimiez is built on a site occupied by the Romans in the ? rst century BCE. You can still see the remains of the original settlement and nearby is a museum dedicated to the life and work of the artist Henry Matisse who is buried in the cemetery of the 16th-century Cimiez Monastery. In late July, the town swings with the annual Nice Jazz Festival.

2. Keisuke Matsushima Restaurant (22 ter rue de France; tel: +33 (0)49 382 2606). Matsushima was ? rst taught French cuisine in his native Japan but decided he needed to go to the source if he was going to master the art.Theresult is this Michelin-starred restaurant where he prepares classic Mediterranean dishes with a delicate Asian twist.

3. Goldstar Resort (45 rue Maréchal Joffre; tel: +33 (0)49 316 9277). This stylish new hotel offers luxury suites for the cost of a standard room and there are plenty of posh extras, including a rooftop heated swimming pool and spa, a high-class restaurant and piano bar.

Palma de Mallorca, SPAIN

The expert Francisca Costa, Palma Tourist Of? ce (www.palmademallorca.es).

1. The El Drach caves (www.cuevasdeldrach.com; tel: +34 971 820 753). About 60km east of Palma, this cave system on Mallorca’s east coast contains the Lago Martel, one of the world’s largest subterranean lakes. Boat trips allow you to see the caves in their full glory, accentuated by artful lighting installed in the 1930s.

2. Take a walking tour (www.itineraris.org; tel: +34 971 720 720). The tourist of? ce organises a number of walking tours which show off the different sides of Palma. The Modernism tour offers visitors a chance to discover the city’s most interesting 20th-century buildings, designed by leading Catalan modernists including Antoni Gaudí.

3. Village-hopping in the Serra de Tramuntana The Tramuntana is a short mountain range running along the north-east coast of Mallorca which contains a number of villages, which can be reached by car or bus.

Nottingham, UK

The expert Alex Green, Experience Nottinghamshire (www.visitnotts.com).

1. Nottingham Playhouse (Wellington Circus; tel: +44 (0)115 941 9419). One of Nottingham’s cultural gems, this ground-breaking 1960s building was recently given a facelift and is worth a visit just to see the new Sky Mirror by acclaimed sculptor Anish Kapoor. Sit and watch the world go by on the forecourt outside the theatre restaurant.

2. The Gate to Southwell Folk Festival (www.southwellfolkfestival.org.uk). Taking place from 6-8 June, the festival coincides with a procession of Morris dancers to Southwell Minster from Nottingham city centre – a tradition dating back to 1109.

3. The Harley Gallery (Welbeck, Worksop; tel: +44 (0)1909 501700). This award-winning gallery is located at the Welbeck estate in the north of Nottinghamshire. It provides a permanent home to the historic Portland collection of ? ne and decorative art, hosts temporary exhibitions and the Craft Shop sells handmade products.

Paris, FRANCE

The expert Véronique Potelet, Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau (www.parisinfo.com).

1. Cité de la Mode et du Design Due to open in May, this centre for promoting the work of Parisian fashion designers is part of the Docks en Seine development. As well as shops and restaurants, there are opportunities to see temporary exhibitions and fashion shows.

2. Marie-Antoinette exhibition (Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais, 3 avenue du Général Eisenhower; tel: +33 (0)1 4413 1717). Using over 300 paintings, sculptures and objects from 18th century, this exhibition opens a window on Marie-Antoinette’s life from her childhood to her untimely end on the scaffold in revolutionary Paris. From 15 March-30 June.

3. The world’s biggest balloon (Parc André Citroën, 2 rue de la Montagne de la Fage; tel: +33 (0)1 4426 2000). Soar 150m above the city, carried by a helium balloon the height of a 12-storey building.

PERPIGNAN, FRANCE

The expert Françoise Estève of Perpignan Tourist Of? ce (www.perpignantourisme.com) 1. Festa Major Perpignan’s energetic midsummer celebrations take place around St John’s Eve on 24 June. Following ancient tradition, a sacred ? ame is carried by relay from the summit of Canigou – a mountain of huge spiritual signi? cance to Catalans - to towns and villages on both sides of the Pyrenees. Its entry into Perpignan is greeted with music, ? reworks and folk dancing around huge bon? res.

2. Tasty tour (Tel: +33 (0)4 6866 3378). Aux patios gourmands is a delicious way to see a hidden side of the city. On a warm summer evening, tourist guides take you around some of the most beautiful private courtyards and gardens in the historic heart of Perpignan. At each one you are invited to sample a buffet of regional food and wine, while musicians play.

3. Les Jeudis de Perpignan (Tel: +33 (0)4 6866 3030). Every Thursday night from 17 July-21 August the warm city squares become the stage for all manner of musicians, dancers and street performers, whose collective efforts create a carnival atmosphere throughout the historic centre of Perpignan. You can wander between events at your own pace or, better still, join the locals in the parade march.

ROME, ITALY

The expert Stefania Gatta, Italian Tourist Board (www.italiantouristboard.co.uk).

1. Villa Borghese (en.villaborghese.it) Rome’s largest public park is a quiet refuge from the frenetic city just north of the Spanish Steps. Sometimes called the “park of museums”, it’s home to the National Gallery of Modern Art, the National Etruscan Museum, and the Borghese Museum and Gallery whose collection includes a number of Renaissance masterpieces.

2. Da Giggetto (21a Via del Portico di Ottavia; tel: +39 06 686 1105). This restaurant in the old Jewish ghetto serves up authentic Roman-Jewish specialities such as cod fritters, artichokes ? attened and deep-fried alla giudia, and stuffed ? ore di zucca (courgette ? owers ? lled with cheese and a little anchovy).

3. Opera Season at the Caracalla Roman Baths (www.operaroma.it). From June to August, the orchestra, chorus, and ballet of the Teatro Dell’Opera di Roma Operas decamp to the majestic setting of the ruined Terme di Caracalla. This summer’s programme includes performances of Aida and Madame Butter? y.

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

The expert Markéta Chaloupková of Czech Tourism (www.czechtourism.com) and Martina Svajcrova from the Prague Information Service (www.pis.cz).

1. Interesting statues Although the city is best known for its architectural heritage, Prague is dotted with some fantastic examples contemporary public sculpture. David Cerny’s upside-down horse in the Lucerna Palace (www.lucerna.cz) is a cheeky riposte to the grand old statue of Saint Wenceslas situated at the top of the square named after the good king.

2. Prague Food Festival (www.praguefoodfestival.com). Now in its second year, this gastronomic celebration will take place from 20-22 June on Slovansky ostrov (or Zo? n Island) in the Vltava river.

3. United Islands Music Festival (www.unitedislands.cz - Czech only – or contact the tourist of? ce). With stages on the Strelecky, Slovansky and Detsky islands, you can hear just about every style of music at this free festival that lasts over three days (from 20-23 June), from jazz to hip hop to electronica.

Warsaw, POLAND

The expert Joanna Koper, Warsaw Tourist Of? ce (www.warsawtour.pl).

1. Staroswiecki Sklep (8 Szpitalna Street; tel: +48 (0)22 827 2916). This old-fashioned café is owned by Wedel – the Polish equivalent of Cadbury’s. The menu offers different types of drinking chocolate and there is a shop where you can buy Wedel confectionary product.

2. Motorisation and Technology Museum (21 ulica Warszawska, Otrebusy; tel: +48 (0)22 798 1727). Located 10 minutes from Warsaw, this pistonhead’s playground houses a collection of antique vehicles including Josef Stalin’s ZIS convertible and cars used by Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe. The oldest is a US TITAN tractor from 1895.

3. Biala Flota boat trips (Tel +48 (0)22 629 6885). The “White Fleet’s” boats leave from the quay by the Slasko-Dabrowski Bridge for trips on the Vistula. The service runs from May to September and boats leave every 90 minutes from 9.30am.