A newly built 40-kilometre plank promenade stretches along Qingdao's southern coastline, offering an easy and scenic walk from Tuandao Cape in the southwest to Shilaoren Holiday Resort in the east. This well-maintained path allows visitors to explore key areas such as Qingdao Bay, Huiquan Bay, and Taiping Bay, culminating at Sculpture Road — a great way to experience the city’s coastal beauty.

Solely dedicated to Egyptian Art, this museum is second only to the one located in Cairo. The wide collection here housed is the result of years of expeditions. Indeed in the past the artefacts used to be shared between the country where they were found and the researchers. Let yourself be amazed by this trip to one of the most mystic ages of history.

This spectacular urban Buddhist temple (the head temple of the Jogye Order) is a highlight on any Busan itinerary. A pleasant uphill hike through quiet nature will take you to temple grounds, with beautiful ornate pavilions, Buddhist statues and worshippers, which include both temporary visitors and monks who reside here permanently. Temple grounds tend to get busy during holidays and weekends. You can either make a few hours' trip or – for full cultural immersion – book an overnight stay that includes an introduction to monastic life, complete with joining a formal dinner and pre-dawn chanting. Stays must booked in advance via the website, and there are several different programmes available. If you opt for the full experience, do mind that the (silent!) wake-up hour is at 5am.

A short trip out of Pula takes you to the acclaimed Brijuni National Park. This archipelago of islands has long been noted for its outstanding natural beauty and are edged with turquoise waters rich in sea life. A favourite haunt of visiting heads of state and the summer residence of Marshal Tito, from 1949 until his death in 1980, the islands can be reached by boat from Fažana, a village 5km from Pula, which is easily accessible by bus.