Speaking of Parma, the first things that come to mind are probably the ham and Parmesan cheese. Indeed, Parma is one of the most important culinary centres of Italy — but this city is so much more than that. Parma was the capital of a very powerful duchy, which left a legacy of stunning monuments and palaces. In addition, the splendour of that period created fertile grounds for the flourishing of art. In fact, Parma became one of the main centres for opera, thanks to its amazing theatres and its fine citizen Giuseppe Verdi.

A historical and cultural hub, Clermont-Ferrand houses architectural beauties and glorious cathedrals with a clear Gothic accent. Nestled at the foot of a chain of volcanoes, this ancient city is the capital of "Massif Central", the rural and mountainous Auvergne region. The city is the gateway to the Natural Volcano Park, which shifts from mountains to valleys, providing breathtaking views over unspoiled landscapes.

It all started in 1535, when Jacques Cartier landed here, and the first trading port was created in what is now Quebec. Since then, the city has become the province's capital and a popular destination for its sights, architecture, and food. Visit the famous Château Frontenac, the world's most photographed hotel, or one of the many national historic sites, each a sight to behold in its own right. But walking through the Old Port or the Plains of Abraham is, perhaps, the best way to feel and breathe in the historical atmosphere of the city.

For more than one billion people worldwide, Mecca is the holiest site, revered as the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad and the city where the revelation occurred. Because of its profound religious significance, millions of pilgrims journey here every year from all corners of the globe, making Mecca one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse cities in the Muslim world — a true melting pot of peoples and cultures. Remember, that this holiest of cities, known as “Makkah”, is only accessible to Muslims.

Cape Verde's unique geographic location, tumultuous history of slavery and invasion, and fascinating mix of transatlantic cultures have given rise to a place unlike any other on the globe. A place as joyful as it is full of longing, a fact perhaps best reflected in Cape Verdean music and the hauntingly beautiful 'morna'. The sometimes harsh, drought-prone conditions of this mid-Atlantic scattering of islands have seen the flourishing of a fascinating Creole culture and the most stable democracy in Africa.