Walk or cycle a section of the famous Camino de Santiago, the well-trodden path followed by pilgrims for over 1000 years. San Sebastián is near the start of the Camino del Norte route, a 25km walk from Irún and 22km from Zarautz.

In the old town, you can hike up Monte Urgull to the 12th-century Castillo de la Mota (or Motako Gaztelua in Basque). Inside the castle you'll find the Casa de la Historia (Historiaren Etxea) museum, and you can enjoy unspoilt views of San Sebastián's perfect bay.

Many of San Sebastián's most beautiful buildings are in narrow streets and squares of La Parte Vieja, the old town. Two must-visit spots are San Vicente, the city's oldest church, and the Museo San Telmo, a museum made up of a 16th-century convent and an innovative, airy modern wing. Several of the city's best pintxos bars and high-end restaurants are in this district, too.

The Museo de la Evolución Humana explains the fascinating finds from the nearby Atapuerca archeological sites, which shed new light on the history of humanity. Most of the main fossils are held in the city-centre museum, but you can also visit the sites where they were found, about 15km from Burgos.

A trip to Burgos would not be complete without a visit to the city's awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage-listed cathedral, complete with its ornate 15th-century façade, beautifully preserved cloisters and delicate, intricate dome.

Visit the 16th-century Casa de las Conchas. Currently used as a public library, the facade of the building is adorned with 300 carved shells, symbolic of the Camino de Santiago pilgrim's path.

Salamanca's University is one of the oldest in the world—and well worth a visit. Its global prestige can be felt as you wander past sandstone buildings, grand archways and ornate facades dating back to the 15th century.

Based on the former Spanish Royal Collection, the Museo del Prado is Spain's foremost national art museum, which displays European art from the 12th to the early 20th centuries. Here you'll find a sizeable collection of works by Spanish luminaries like Velásquez and Goya, as well as Titian, Ruebens, El Greco and Bosch – among a great many others.

A world-class collection of modern art with permanent displays – including the must-see Guernica by Picasso – as well as temporary exhibitions.

Visit one (or all) of the galleries that make up Madrid's 'Golden Triangle': the Museo del Prado, Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, each of which houses some of the most world's most prestigious artworks.

Overlooking Barcelona, Montjüic is a hilltop vantage point a world away from the labyrinthine streets of the city below. Explore the castle and botanic gardens, and see the grand Olympic Stadium originally built for the 1929 Olympics and refurbished for the 1992 Games.

Explore the diminutive but diverse collection of erotica from across history at Barcelona's Museu de l'Erotica. From pictures of lithe Kama Sutra bodies to the voluptuousness of Japanese Shunga drawings, this museum opens a door into the history of desire and sexual expression.

Discover Barcelona's rich heritage in this vast living museum, with its main building on Plaça del Rei. The Museu d'Historia de Barcelona (MUHBA) contains the remains of Roman villas, an underground winery and the largest Roman excavation outside Rome.

Experience Avignon at its most vibrant during July when the annual festival takes over the city. Multiple theatre and music performances take place every day – so you can pick whatever takes your fancy!

Pick up local produce at the covered market Les Halles – there are over 40 stalls selling everything from fruit and veg and herbs to wine and freshly baked bread.