Sitting on top of a hill on the opposite bank of the River Vltava to Prague Castle, the Vyšehrad Citadel was also once a royal residence. You can explore the ornate churches of St Peter and St Paul, as well as Slavín Cemetery, which is the last resting place of many famous Czechs, including composer Dvořák.

Experience festive magic at one of Prague's Christmas markets. The larger markets held at the atmospheric Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square and Prague Castle offer regional cuisine and traditional Christmas goods, such as glass baubles and wooden toys. For something a bit smaller, visit the market at Namesti Republiky (Republic Square) to pick up some miseltoe. 

Comprising several separate sights in the Josefov quarter, the Prague Jewish Museum gives a fascinating insight into this community’s long history in Prague. The opulent Spanish Synagogue is one of the highlights, as is the Jewish Cemetery, with its timeworn gravestones now leaning at sharp angles.

Known as the vegan capital of Germany, Berlin place is an ideal holiday destination if you're following a plant-based diet. Highlights include vegan takes on the iconic local street food currywurst, delicious doughnuts, authentic Georgian cuisine and high-end dining – book at table at zero-waste FREA if you can, which was awarded a green star by Michelin.

Take a walk or cycle through Tiergarten, at 210 hectares Berlin's biggest green space. Stop off at Café am Neuen See to recharge with a drink looking out over the lake.

Visit one of the most photogenic churches in Germany, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, and enjoy a moment of peace beneath the spectacular blue stained-glass window.

Admire Cologne from above on the Rhein-Seilbahn cablecar, which runs from Kölner Seilbahn right across the River Rhine.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Cologne's popular chocolate museum, the Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum. Dive into the history of chocolate, with hands-on demonstrations and tasting throughout.