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Pontevedra, Spain
Explore the charming car-free old town centred around Praza da Ferrería. Don't miss the Basílica de Santa María la Mayor and fresh seafood at the local tapas bars on Rúa da Pescadaría.
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Venice, Italy
Arrive and wander the sestieri beyond St. Mark's Square — Dorsoduro and Cannaregio are far less crowded. Take a vaporetto along the Grand Canal at sunset and try cicchetti with local wine at a bacaro.
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Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
Known as the 'Queen of the Dolomites', Cortina offers stunning alpine scenery and elegant pedestrian streets on the Corso Italia. September is ideal for hiking trails with golden larch trees beginning to turn colour.
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Florence, Italy
Book the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia in advance to see Botticelli and Michelangelo's David without long queues. Explore the Oltrarno neighbourhood for artisan workshops and great trattorias, and climb the Duomo dome for panoramic views.
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Rome, Italy
Focus on the historic centre — the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican Museums are unmissable but book tickets ahead. End evenings in Trastevere for authentic Roman cuisine like cacio e pepe and carbonara.