Colombo is the financial and cultural centre of Sri Lanka, an enchanting island lying off India's southern tip. These city folks go about their daily business with a cheerfulness born of optimism in this noisy and traffic-congested metropolis. But despite being known as a chaotic city, Sri Lanka's capital offers a handful of attractions for first-time visitors, including old colonial buildings, breathtaking religious temples, a beautiful shore, and flavourful food.

Valencia is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe. With a privileged location by the Mediterranean sea, it offers a perfect combination of beaches and culture, past and present. The birthplace of paella, it boasts a thriving food scene featuring Michelin-starred restaurants as well as quirky tapas bars. Its neighbourhoods come to life during traditional festivals like Las Fallas, and every night is lively in trendy districts like Ruzafa or El Carmen.

Like so many of the towns and cities of Egypt, Hurghada, Luxor and Marsa Alam are living history museums. The three cities are positioned as corners of a triangle in the Eastern Desert. Hurghada, a former fishing harbour, stretches 24 kilometres along the waterfront and is the perfect area for water sports. Marsa Alam is found by the Red Sea coast and tourism is just starting to make an impact. The city of Luxor, with its jaw-droppingly beautiful monuments built by the hands of ancient craftsmen, lies 240 kilometres inland on the banks of the River Nile.

A city steeped in medieval allure, Marrakesh is a tapestry of myths, drama, and the enigma that entraps all who enter its ochre-hued embrace. Step inside, and you'll journey back through time into a world largely preserved in historical chronicles. With its maze-like Medina, the sensory overload of the bustling souks, the theatrical spectacle at Jemaa el-Fna square, and the towering Atlas Mountains serving as a dramatic backdrop, Marrakesh indisputably reigns as Morocco's most dazzling gem.