The bustling Hoi An market takes a little getting used to: it's distinctly more hectic than the downtown area and teems with local vendors and shoppers as much as it does with tourists. Abundant Asian herbs, souvenirs like lacquered coconut shell bowls, Vietnamese coffee-makers and traditional cone hats are some of the wares on sale. Of particular interest are the indoor food stands serving up scrumptious snacks at some of the lowest prices in town.

Situated on the pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges on the French Riviera, Nice is renowned worldwide for its year-round sunshine, azure sea, and sophisticated boutiques. Breathe in the fresh Mediterranean air as you stroll the famous Promenade des Anglais or lose yourself in the quaint streets of the Old Town, a maze of narrow streets, colourful buildings, and charming squares that provide visitors with a glimpse into the city's rich history. Art and culture enthusiasts will be in their element in Nice, with several world-class museums and art galleries, including the Musée Matisse and the Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain.

Tunis reveals its scholarly heritage through a collection of beautifully preserved madrasas, each bearing witness to centuries of intellectual pursuit. Over 20 madrasas are spread over the Medina of Tunis, some of them seven centuries old. The role these madrasas played has evolved over time. The Madrasa Slimania, founded by 18th-century ruler Ali Pasha, stands out with its ornate prayer hall and elevated entrance porch. Where student cells once housed scholars, medical professionals now work beneath the same vaulted ceilings. Nearby, the Madrasa El Bachia has transitioned from Quranic school to artisan workshops, its courtyard fountain silent but its creative spirit alive. The Madrasa Palmier (or Madrasa Ennakhla) maintains its original purpose as a centre for Quranic studies, its namesake palm still shading the courtyard behind formidable studded doors. Meanwhile, El Khaldounia represents a bridge between tradition and modernity. Established in 1896 near Souk Al Attarine, this progressive institution now serves as a bilingual library, honouring Ibn Khaldoun’s legacy of critical thought.