1. Summer Concert Series at St Michael’s Fortress, Šibenik, Croatia

Perched high above the terracotta rooftops of Šibenik, St Michael’s Fortress is one of those places that looks impressive by day but becomes truly magical at night.

Each summer, this medieval fortress transforms into an intimate open‑air concert venue, with the stage framed by ancient stone walls and the Adriatic Sea shimmering in the background. The acts performing this year include Robert Plant, Joss Stone, the Four Tenors and ŠPD Kolo & HRM Orchestra, bringing a mix of rock, soul, classical and local sounds to this spectacular setting.

2. Wake up on the Shala River, Albania

If you are craving somewhere that still feels genuinely off‑grid, the Shala River in northern Albania is a beautiful choice. Reached by boat, this emerald‑green river winds between cliffs and dense forests, with a handful of cabins and riverside lodges scattered along its banks.

An overnight stay here is all about slowing down - wooden terraces with hammocks overlooking the water, the sound of the river as you fall asleep and the cool stillness of the morning when you first open the door. You can start your day with a swim or paddle straight from the jetty, take a kayak out to explore the river, then linger over long lunches of grilled trout, fresh bread and home‑grown salads.

It is the sort of place where your phone stays in your bag, and there is no real agenda.

3. A friend’s weekend in Ljubljana & Lake Bled, Slovenia

Ljubljana is one of those small capital cities that surprises people. It has a fairytale quality: pastel‑coloured facades, a castle on the hill and a river looping through the centre, lined with leafy promenades. In summer, tables spill out along the riverbanks, and there is a relaxed, creative energy in the air.

This is a brilliant city to explore with friends. Spend your days café hopping along the river, trying local pastries and good coffee, dipping into independent shops and galleries, and later switching to glasses of Slovenian wine or craft beer as the sun goes down. The restaurant scene is exciting too, with everything from relaxed bistros to more inventive tasting menus, many focused on local ingredients.

Then there is Lake Bled, just a short journey away and perfect for a day trip. Surrounded by mountains and forests, with its tiny island church and hilltop castle, it looks almost unreal. You can swim in the clear water, hire a rowing boat to reach the island, ring the bell for luck, and of course, try the famous Bled cream cake while you admire the view.

4. Sail the Norwegian coastal mail boat route

If you like the idea of a cruise but not the crowds, the traditional Norwegian coastal mail boat route is a lovely alternative. Instead of huge ships and big resort ports, you glide along Norway’s rugged coastline on a smaller vessel that still calls at tiny harbours and remote communities.

The pace is slower and gentler. You spend your days watching the scenery unfold: narrow fjords, mountain peaks still dusted with snow, colourful wooden houses perched right on the water’s edge and lighthouses guarding rocky outcrops. In summer, the long days and midnight sun mean hours of soft, golden light and lingering sunsets that never quite seem to end.

You can step off briefly in little ports for a stroll, a coffee or a bakery stop, then return to the ship and settle into a cosy corner while the coastline keeps changing outside the window. It feels less like a traditional cruise and more like being part of the daily life of the Norwegian coast.

5. Trace the origins of wine in Georgia

For wine lovers who feel like they have “done” the classic regions, Georgia is a revelation. Widely regarded as one of the cradles of winemaking, it has a history that stretches back thousands of years, and many of those ancient traditions are still very much alive today.

In the Kakheti region, families make wine in large clay vessels called qvevri, buried underground to control the temperature. Grapes are fermented with their skins and sometimes stems, creating beautiful amber wines with real character. Visiting here is as much about the stories as the wine itself: you might find yourself in a small cellar hearing about how a particular vineyard has been in the family for generations, or sharing a meal where every course comes with a heartfelt toast.

Expect generous tastings, tables covered in dishes (fresh salads, grilled meats, breads and stews), folk music and that warm feeling of being welcomed into a very old, very proud culture. It is quite different to the polished châteaux of Western Europe, and that is exactly what makes it so special.