Nestled in the Bavarian Alps, Garmisch-Partenkirchen wasn’t on every list — and maybe that’s exactly why we loved it. This former Olympic ski town gave us something few places do: stillness.

We wandered through Ludwigstraße, where every view looked like a postcard. A morning hike through the Partnachklamm Gorge — its moss-covered cliffs and thunderous water echoing around us — was simply breathtaking. Our lakeside picnic at Geroldsee (complete with sandwiches made from local Aldi finds and a few Radlers) felt like stepping into a painting.

We had planned to visit the Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest peak, but the famously fickle alpine weather had other plans. It’s worth watching the forecast closely — this “boy-next-door” of a mountain plays hard to get. Still, the views from the valley below were magical enough.

We took a detour to Hammersbach, a village wrapped in clouds and cowbells, where we enjoyed a stroll and lots of (locally sourced) cherries.

We learnt how rewarding it is to just wander. Every trail led to something lovely — a meadow, a misty view, or a sumptuous meal. It’s the kind of place you carry back quietly, like a secret.

Must Do – Partnachklamm Gorge, Ludwigstraße, Geroldsee picnic, Hammersbach village, postcard views and just wander on the scenic trails

Prague surprised us. Not because it was beautiful — we expected that — but because it was elegantly lived-in and unapologetically touristy. The Royal Route, once walked by kings, now hums with students, street musicians, and couples clutching trdelník (chimney cake) instead of torches. That blend of imperial grandeur and casual buzz gives Prague its special rhythm.

We wandered through Old Town Square, where the Astronomical Clock still draws gasps. From Charles Bridge to Prague Castle, every turn offered another view, another story. But what we remember most is how effortless the city felt. Historic trams slid silently along cobbled streets, and public transport just… worked.

Czech history, especially post-WWII and the Velvet Revolution, is raw and riveting — and well worth digging into. So is the food: Guláš with dumplings is pure comfort, especially with a chilled Pilsner. And for those drawn to beauty and craftsmanship, Bohemian crystal is irresistibly alluring (and expensive)!

Must Do – Astronomical Clock, Royal Route walk, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Pilsner, Guláš, the trams, Bohemian crystal, Trdelník

Belgium felt like Europe in miniature — compact, well-connected, and full of charm. We spent four days between Brussels, Ghent, and Bruges, each offering something unique. Brussels was stately and official — home to the European Parliament, Mini-Europe, and the futuristic Atomium — but also full of surprises, like the whimsical comic book mural trail winding through its streets.

Ghent felt younger and edgier. We kayaked through its canals, passing under stone bridges and past hidden cafés. Hot tip: check your route beforehand — I accidentally went down a rapid and had to paddle back upstream, freezing and flustered. But it was absolutely worth it.

Bruges? It might be the most picturesque place we’ve ever seen. We wandered aimlessly along cobbled lanes, over ivy-draped canals, and even picnicked beside one of its beautiful old windmills.

Belgian food is pure joy. We devoured frites (the Andalouse sauce was our favourite), waffles (try both Liege and Brussels styles), and endless chocolate — justified by how much we walked. We also squeezed in a visit to the Hergé Museum — a treat for any Tintin fan.

Belgium surprised us with how effortless and efficient travel felt. The trains ran like clockwork, and exploring multiple cities never felt rushed. Belgium invites you to slow down, snack often, and let beauty sneak up on you.

Must Do – Grand Place, Ghent kayaking, Bruges wandering, windmill picnic, Tintin Museum, Belgian chocolate, frites (Andalouse!), waffles (Liege & Brussels)

Two days in Champagne country felt like a slow exhale after the bustle of Paris. These towns are small, charming, and designed for indulgence. Wine is serious business here — and so are naps, apparently, because everything shuts by 6 PM.

We wandered quiet lanes with flaky pastries in hand, took vineyard tours we barely understood (but enjoyed anyway), and said yes to every free tasting. The tourist office in Épernay offered a surprisingly great introduction, and the streets were lined with boutiques catering to those who buy bubbles by the crate.

Épernay’s Avenue de Champagne is worth strolling for the architecture alone. But the real pleasure was slower — sitting on a park bench with a bottle of real Champagne (not “sparkling wine”), watching the world float by.

It’s a deeply French kind of wealth — quiet, local, and largely in French. Brush up on phrases, and don’t expect dinner after 8 PM unless you’ve booked ahead.

Must Do – Avenue de Champagne, Vineyard tour, Lots of free tastings, Pastries, Slow strolls, picnicking, French-only charm

London feels like a giant history book casually flirting with a fashion magazine. Over 8 packed days, we dived into the city’s many moods — royal, rebellious, rainy, and remarkable.

There’s no shortage of places to see, but tickets aren’t cheap and time is always at a premium — choose wisely. We walked through time at the Maritime Museum at Greenwich (where the Prime Meridian passes), stood where history turned at the Tower of London, and lost ourselves in the Imperial War Museum. Theatre is essential London — catching a West End play is worth every pound, We saw Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap and it was splendid. And if you’re a football fan, don’t skip a live match or a tour of Arsenal Stadium, if you are a Chelsea/ Spurs/ Fulham/ Crystal Palace/ Brentford West Ham fan – Sorry, we are gooners!!

We strolled endlessly: across Thames bridges (bridge hopping is signature London), down Regent and Oxford Streets, and through pop-ups and department stores. Fortnum & Mason, the “Queen’s grocer,” felt like a museum of indulgence. Don’t miss a Thames boat ride or Tower Bridge opening, and if you’re lucky with season and timing — lavender or sunflower fields just outside the city.

London is expensive, intense, and unforgettable. And despite its grey skies, it shines.

Must Do – Central London Stroll, 221B Bakers Street, M&S food, West End theatre, Emirates Stadium tour, Tower Bridge opening, war museums, Regent Street, flower fields