Lviv's beautiful architechture makes it a must-visit destination

Herceg Novi, Montenegro
Sapphire-blue seas, pristine sandy beaches, wild pine-topped mountains and deep glacial lakes characterise Europe’s newest country, which regained its independence in 2006. Known as “the city of the sun”, Herceg Novi is a historical, walled, sunshine-filled town, packed with lush greenery and tropical flora including the mimosa flower, for which it holds an annual festival in February. Its pretty harbour and old town lie at the tip of the Bay of Kotor, one of the most scenic stretches of coastline in the world – the views alone make the city worth visiting.
What the experts say:
Marina Simoli, Adriatic Specialist at Travel Counsellors, says: ‘Montenegro remains one of the best value for money destinations. I recommend the beautiful medieval town of Herceg Novi.’

Gers, France
Formerly known as Gascony, Gers is an often-overlooked travel destination, largely untouched by tourists with endless vineyards, sunflower fields and winding country roads. As the least populated part of France, with no large towns, the region offers a tranquil escape from city life. Although quiet, there’s plenty to see including castles, picturesque villages and antique markets, and being an area famed for its fine wines, duck, boar, foie gras, wild mushrooms and local cheeses, it’s also a bon vivant’s paradise.
What the experts say:
Juliet Kinsman, Editor-in-Chief of Mr & Mrs Smith, says: ‘This unspoilt south-western swathe of the Mid-Pyrénées may seem sleepy, but be assured there is as much to do in the region as in France’s neighbouring tourist magnets.’

Istanbul, Turkey
Named the 2010 European Capital of Culture, Istanbul is this year’s must-visit Continental city. It comes as no surprise that the Turkish capital picked up
the coveted accolade, as it’s packed with beautiful mosques, Ottoman palaces, galleries and hammams. A historical crossroads between the East and West, when standing on the Ataturk Bridge it’s possible to have one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul is so fast-paced and modern it was recently called “the hippest city in Europe” by Newsweek magazine, with trendy hotels, shopping bazaars, restaurants and bars blending in among the ancient sights.
What the experts say:
Sarah Tunnah, Campaign Manager at On The Beach, says: ‘The only city in the world to be split by two continents, Istanbul is the perfect combination of eastern charm and western cosmopolitanism.’

Lviv, Ukraine
Dubbed “the Florence of the east”, with its spectacular Renaissance architecture and rooftop spires it’s easy to see why. One of the least-Soviet cities in Ukraine, it is largely devoid of any of the grey, concrete eyesores that are sprawled throughout the rest of the country. Best explored on foot, visitors should take a walk around Lviv’s cobbled streets, museums, churches and cafés. While five-star hotels and luxury dining are not the city’s greatest strengths, open, friendly people and astounding value for money certainly are.
What the experts say:
Tom Hall, Lonely Planet Travel Editor, says: ‘Lviv is a genuine hidden European gem, great value and very beautiful.’

Tallinn, Estonia
Estonia’s seaside capital Tallinn is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe, its cityscape of medieval spires contrasting with a heady nightlife of thriving restaurants, bars and nightclubs, all hidden within the stone walls of the Old Town. For those seeking culture, there are countless things to do – visit Peter the Great’s Kadriorg Palace and Park, head for the theatre or stop off at one of the many cafés for a spot of people watching. If you visit during the summer the 3km white sandy beach in Pirita is well worth a visit, and there are coastal islands nearby with secluded beaches and juniper forests to explore.
What the experts say:
Clemmie Harvey, Product Manager at Black Tomato, says: ‘For fresh countryside air and understated indigenous touches all framed by magnificent views, head to Estonia in 2010.’

Stromboli, Sicily
Although a volcanic island may seem like a bizarre holiday destination, the isle of Stromboli off the north coast of Sicily has clear blue seas, glistening black sands and untouched villages where cars are forbidden. The main attraction here is the volcano, one of the most active on Earth, which last erupted in April 2009. Tourists can climb it with the help of a guide and, if lucky, will be treated to a “Stromboli eruption” – a breathtaking display of luminous lava shooting hundreds of metres into the air.
What the experts say:
Clemmie Harvey, Product Manager at Black Tomato, says: ‘At Stromboli you’ll spend your days snorkelling off shimmery black coves, eating the freshest of seafood and enjoying a private boat tour of the other Aeolian Islands.’