Shimmering like a precious stone in the fierce desert sun, the city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital and main financial hub, is a complex mix of dualisms that will intrigue the intrepid traveller. A modern cutting-edge metropolis that boldly strides towards the future, yet a city firmly rooted in the traditions of its historical past. Known as the 'Queen of the Desert', Riyadh will captivate every suitor with its desert landscapes and lush green oases, its ancient monuments, and the renowned Arabic hospitality of its residents.

For centuries, Jeddah, where the desert meets the sea, has been a crossroads for traders, travellers, and pilgrims in the Red Sea. As Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city, it thrives with eclectic dining, bustling shopping districts, and a uniquely liberal social scene. Yet, its true significance lies in its role as the gateway for millions en route to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Rich in history and brimming with character, Jeddah offers a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity.

High on the southern tip of Corsica, only a few kilometres across the water from Sardinia lies the medieval town of Bonifacio. Shimmering sea, steep white limestone cliffs and fine sand add to the resplendent natural landscape here. The warmth of the climate is mirrored in that of the inhabitants and much like the thousands of visitors that pass through every year, they remain enamoured with this city steeped in history.

As the poet Umberto Saba wrote: “Trieste has an unsociable grace. Located between the sea and the mountains of Carso, beautiful and fascinating, she does not like to show off, although she conquers her visitor at first sight.” Tergeste, as Trieste was named during the Roman era, is to be discovered on foot, to fully taste her richness and to breathe, through her streets, buildings and monuments, her 2000-year-old history.

Sun-drenched and palm-fringed, the island of Saint Martin is one of the most beautiful in the eastern Caribbean. It also has a dual personality: the northern Saint-Martin is a little outpost of France, and the southern Sint Maarten oozes the warmth of the Dutch. The border between them is basically non-existent, and visitors are free to enjoy everything from water sports and cultural festivals to shopping.