Europe
Clifftop fortifications, wooded valleys and a surprisingly cosmopolitan capital.
Luxembourg is one of Europe's smallest countries, but its capital is dramatic: the old quarters and fortifications sit on cliffs above the Alzette and Pétrusse valleys, with the Bock Casemates tunnelled into the rock. Beyond the city are castle-topped villages such as Vianden, the sandstone gorges of the Mullerthal and vineyards along the Moselle.
It feels international and orderly, with French, German and Luxembourgish all in daily use and food that borrows from its neighbours, plus crémant from the Moselle. Public transport is free nationwide, so day trips are easy. May to September is best for hiking and wine villages; December brings Christmas markets, while the rest of winter is grey and damp.
May, June, July, August, September.