Season 2: “The tiny town of Gammelstad is so far north it’s almost in the Arctic Circle; it consists of one 15th-century church and over 400 small red wooden houses, originally built for worshippers who traveled here from the countryside. This place is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and if you’re lucky enough to be here for the midsummer festival, you’ll be among thousands who come to enjoy the celebrations. Whether or not you join in the frog dance is entirely up to you.”

Season 2: “Set within the jaw-dropping scenery of Cairngorms National Park, this 15th-century mansion lives up to my idea of picture-postcard Scotland: roaring fires, wall-to-wall tartan, and the chance to stay in a bedroom once used by Sir Sean Connery. Not many places can pull off being historic and homely at the same time, but Candacraig House does it in style. Worth pointing out: You can only book the entire house, and it doesn’t come cheap...”

Season 2: “My idea of a good day out used to be one spent on a golf course, but after trying my hand at salmon fishing I’m prepared to accept that there are viable alternatives. Scotland is home to over 400 salmon-fishing rivers, and my afternoon spent on—and in—the River Dee will live long in the memory. It’s a truly spectacular setting, and to get the most out of it I’d suggest seeking out the help of a local guide, known as a gillie.”

Season 2: “Just a stone’s throw from the superyachts in the harbor, Hotel La Ponche in Saint-Tropez is the perfect spot to sample some classic French cuisine and gorge on your surroundings. This place was once a simple fisherman’s tavern, but since the 1950s it has been an icon of the French Riviera. So, while it might not be the place to come for a cheeseburger, it is the place to come for a large slice of glamour.”

Season 2: “If you’ve come to Sylt, you already know about one of Germany’s best-kept secrets. If you’re a fan of good coffee and cake, this place is another. Set in a lush pine forest, Die Kupferkanne is an unexpected oasis of caffeine and calories on an island that goes crazy for health and wellness. It’s got an unusual look for a coffee shop, and Die Kupferkanne has a long and difficult history, but this place is run by a new generation who represent the forward-facing modern Germany.”

Season 2: “Just saying the word ‘Italy’ brings a smile to my face—and now, it’s not because of the incredible food and wine; it’s because of this place. Perched on top of a Tuscan hilltop and surrounded by a sea of vineyards, Monteverdi is actually a medieval village that had been converted into a truly one-of-a-kind hotel. The pace of life here has slowed to an extremely contented crawl, which is just my speed.”

Season 2: “If you’ve come to Italy, the chances are that, like me, you like a glass of wine. However, this is a country that produces more wine than any other country in the world, so allow me to narrow down your options a little. Tenuta di Trinoro is a stunning vineyard that produces cabernet franc, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and petit verdot. The setting in the Orcia Valley is nearly as spectacular as the wine. Nearly.”

Season 2: “If Milos is exactly the type of island that springs to mind when you think of Greece, then Plaka—Milos’ official capital—is exactly the sort of whitewashed, mazelike town that you’re thinking of too. This place is a picturesque rabbit warren of restaurants, shops, and cafés, and at sunset there’s no better vantage point to enjoy a view of the gulf of Milos. Like so much of Greece, Plaka goes way, way back, with parts of the town dating to the 13th century.”

Season 2: “If you're anything like me, and someone told you that there’s a great view to be had from the ‘King’s Little Path,’ you’d be forgiven for not predicting that it would be a mildly terrifying experience. So fair warning, if—like me—you don’t have a head for heights, this path built into the vertical walls of the Gaitanes Gorge might be a bit of a struggle. But rest assured, as long as you don’t look down, the views of Andalusia are indeed spectacular.”

Season 2: “After my time in Seville, I can now say that I’ve discovered my love of football, and Real Betis Balompié are my new team. Football is like a religion here, and Betis’ stadium is like a 60,000 seat cathedral. Taking a tour here is a great way to learn about the history and culture of both the club and the city. One final tip: Don’t ever call it soccer.”