Innsbruck

Cobbled lanes festooned with Tyrolean flags cut through the Altstadt area, a hive of splendid squares and brightly painted mansions from before the 1700s. Landmarks of magnitude are everywhere you look, from the Hofkirche (home to the tomb of Maximillian) to the beautiful Baroque Cathedral of Saint James. But the district is also a vibrant, fizzing whirl of Austrian bars and après ski joints, sleek outdoors gear fitters, ski shops – you name it.

With all that mention of skiing, you might have guessed that Innsbruck is a mecca for winter sports. In fact, it's one of only a few privileged cities to have hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in 1964 and 1976. High above town is the Nordkette ski field, laced with zigzagging black slopes that are best for advanced riders. Just on the outskirts (all within an hour's drive) are more than six separate resorts, including the standout high-altitude skiing of the Stubai Glacier.

Charter flights to Innsbruck in the spring, summer and autumn months shouldn't be written off. This corner of Europe is simply stunning when the sun shines, and the snow has all melted. Hiking abounds. Luxury Alpine spa hotels offer saunas and steam rooms. There are biking, canoeing and fresh air activities by the bucket load.