Undoubtedly one of the world’s top tourism destinations — and officially one of the New Seven Wonders of the World — the Great Wall stretches for thousands of kilometres across northern China. From Beijing, the easiest section to reach is Badaling, about 70 km from the city. It’s well restored and has a cable car, but it also draws the biggest crowds. Mutianyu is another popular choice with fewer tour groups if you go early. For a wilder feel, head to Simatai or Jinshanling, where much of the wall is original and the hikes are longer. Huanghuacheng is partly submerged by a reservoir, so you get the unusual sight of watchtowers half surrounded by water.

The historic Medina is one of the city's simply unmissable sites - thick walls around it used to contain the settlement preceding that of modern Hammamet (up until late 19th century); today its windy narrow alleys and souqs are packed with ample shopping and dining spots.

The settlement of Soliman (on the Gulf of Tunis side) is worth the 40km trip for its characteristic feel - the town is very reminiscent of Moorish architecture typical of the Spanish south. Soliman is home to a couple historic mosques, and is only a short drive away from the nation's capital of Tunis.