Once known for smog, traffic and tacky architecture, Athens is a city reformed thanks to fortunes brought by the 2004 Summer Olympics. Spotless parks and streets, an ultra-modern metro, new motorways, an accessible airport and all signs in perfect English make the city easily negotiable. Meriting more than a stopover en route to the islands, sophisticated Athens sites include many pillars of Western history, from the Acropolis to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, as well as treasures in the National Archaeological Museum.

It’s nicknamed the Eternal City for a reason. In Rome, you can drink from a street fountain fed by an ancient aqueduct. Or see the same profile on a statue in the Capitoline Museum and the guy making your cappuccino. (Which, of course, you know never to order after 11 am.) Rome is also a city of contrasts—what other place on earth could be home to both the Vatican and La Dolce Vita?

This picturesque Umbrian city has a history that spans many eras. The city wall and arch are Etruscan; the sixth-century Sant'Angelo church was built atop a Roman temple; the town's cathedral is both Gothic and Renaissance. If you have a sweet tooth, visit the famous Perugina chocolate factory; if you have a full set of sweet teeth, visit during the Eurochocolate festival, held in October, when the entire town reportedly smells of chocolate.

Stroll Las Ramblas and enjoy Barcelona's unique blend of Catalan culture, distinctive architecture, lively nightlife and trendy, stylish hotels. You'll find Europe's best-preserved Gothic Quarter here, as well as amazing architectural works by Gaudi. La Sagrada Familia, considered Gaudi's masterpiece, is still under construction (your entrance fee helps to fund the project). Feel like a picnic? Look no further than the rambunctious La Boqueria market, where you can stock up on local delicacies.

It's easy to understand why Vincent Van Gogh was so charmed by Arles, with its sun-kissed stone houses, cobbled squares, and Roman ruins. Set on the banks of the Rhône River, the city also harbours a robust contemporary arts scene.

From its history-steeped old town to its cutting-edge culinary scene and boutique hotels, Caceres boasts a complementary blend of tradition and modernity. Set against a rugged mountain backdrop, the city retains remnants of its previous occupants, from prehistoric caves to Moorish foritfications and Gothic towers.

Bangkok is full of exquisitely decorated Buddhist temples—as you go from one to the next you’ll be continually blown away by the craftsmanship and elabourate details. But if you’d rather seek enlightenment in a gourmet meal, or dance the night away, you’ll also enjoy Bangkok—the restaurant and nightclub scenes here are among the best in the world.

Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, has become an increasingly popular place to visit in recent years, with a warm Mediterranean climate in spite of its place facing the Atlantic Ocean. Full of bleached white limestone buildings and intimate alleyways, Lisbon's mix of traditional architecture and contemporary culture makes it the perfect place for a family holiday. Things to do in Lisbon: As Portugal's capital, there is a lot to see and do in Lisbon. Even exploring the city centre will take a few days out of a family holiday as there is no real central district, although Praça do Comércio is a good central place to start, in Baxia, or Rossio, the city's main square which has a sort of Trafalgar Square feel to it. Or you might try climbing up the Cristo Rei, a huge statue of Christ with spectacular views across the whole city. The Castelo de São Jorge also offers great views and isn't quite such a steep climb. A short tram ride to the west of Lisbon will also bring you to Belem, where you can explore attractions like the Belem Tower and the Belem Cultural Centre, which features a fantastic art collection including works by Dali, Picasso, Warhol and Magritte. In downtown Lisbon, you'll also want to visit the Gulbenkian, which has to be Portugal's answer to the British Museum full of fascinating cultural artifacts and with some superb gardens in the grounds. It's possible to have a fascinating educational family holiday in Lisbon, and there are also plenty of great beaches to work on your tan.

Celebrate the wonders of the land and sea in Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city and home to Liseberg amusement park, the country’s #1 tourist attraction. Visiting Gothenburg Archipelago is a must, as is sampling everything from modern gastronomy to ‘fika’ to the fresh-caught wonders at Feskekörka (Fish Church). Be sure to take in the Gothenburg Museum of Art, stunning contemporary art at Röda Sten Art Centre, and – if you visit in August – the incredible Way Out West music festival.