The Tower of Belém, officially the Tower of Saint Vincent, was built on the banks of the Tagus between 1515 and 1521 by King Manuel I of Portugal to guard the entrance to the port of Lisbon. Through the centuries it has served as a point of embarkation and disembarkation for Portuguese explorers, as well as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. In 1983 the tower was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, together with the Jerónimos Monastery.

Once Shenzhen's tallest skyscraper, Di Wang Building is more than just an architectural feat—it’s a symbol of the city’s rapid growth. Take a 50-second ride to the 68th-floor observation deck, where you'll be treated to panoramic views: Shenzhen’s ever-expanding skyline on one side and a glimpse of Hong Kong on the other. Once holding the world record for construction speed (an impressive 2.5 days per floor), this building is a testament to the city’s ambition. Although newer skyscrapers now tower over it, Di Wang remains a must-visit for those wanting a bird's-eye view of Shenzhen's dynamic urban landscape, especially when the sun sets and the skyline lights up.

At the theme park Window of the World, visitors get to stroll through a mini-version of the globe. In just an afternoon, you can wander among over 130 replicas of iconic landmarks from five continents: snap a selfie beneath the towering Eiffel Tower, step back in time at the pyramids of Giza, and wind along the paths of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. The park doesn’t just recreate famous sites—it also brings them to life with events year-round. Summer’s Beer Festival and Winter’s Dance Festival fill the grounds with live music, dancing, and international flavors.

A day trip from Madrid offers the perfect excuse to step back in time, and few places capture Spain’s medieval legacy quite like Ávila and Salamanca, both proudly listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Your adventure begins in Ávila, a walled city that appears lifted straight from the pages of a history book. Its imposing stone ramparts, punctuated by 88 defensive towers, encircle a beautifully preserved old town. Step inside and you’ll find Romanesque gems such as the Ávila Cathedral, part fortress and part place of worship, as well as the Basilica of San Vicente, famed for its architecture and colourful stonework. Ávila sits just over 100 kilometres from Madrid, and you can easily reach it by train or coach, both options run frequently throughout the day. From Ávila, continue west to the golden-hued city of Salamanca, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. Its nickname, La Dorada, The Golden City, comes from the glow of its sandstone buildings, especially beautiful at sunset. Wander across the Plaza Mayor, often hailed as Spain’s finest square, then lose yourself among the cloisters, libraries and carvings of the historic university quarter. While Salamanca is delightful by day, it truly comes alive at night, its tapas bars and buzzing student energy make it tempting to extend your stay beyond a day trip.