Long considered the jewel of the Orient, Cairo is a city shaped by ancient civilisations and steeped in Islamic and Christian history. A place of ancient tombs, dusty bookshops, rooftop sunsets, and late-night falafel—where the past lives on in crowded streets and quiet corners. Cairo is messy, magical, and impossible to forget.

With its characteristic canals (UNESCO World Heritage) surrounded by narrow, low, and crooked 17th-century houses, Amsterdam is, undoubtedly, one of the most charming capital cities in Europe. The rich cultural life and a wide range of entertainment make Amsterdam a full-scale city which has managed to retain its small-town feel. With over 50 museums, of which many are famous across the globe, this city is a real treat for art lovers: highlights include the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum.

Byzantine churches, crumbling ruins, modern architecture, intense nightlife and the stunning sea, this is the essence of Thessaloniki. The second largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki combines more than 2,300 years of history, with a young student population. The city is the perfect destination for urban explorers and a favorite vacation destination for locals. Pristine beaches and charming villages aplenty.

Think big in Washington–as soon as you arrive in D.C., you’ll be knocked over by the scale of the place. America's capital wants you to know where you are, and the city goes all out to impress in terms of grandeur and size. Drama and scandal bubble under the surface, while the streets are abuzz with hip and happening events, museums, restaurants, and clubs around every corner. The principles of Equality, Justice, Life, and Liberty are still upheld, but D.C. is, above all, a trendy and international town.

In 1831, Charles Darwin sailed to South America aboard the H.M.S. Beagle. On the return voyage across the Pacific, the vessel stopped on a small group of islands far off the Ecuadorian coast, changing the course of human scientific endeavour and self-understanding forever. Fascinated by the unique wildlife on the islands, Darwin collected biological specimens and studied them over the next 30 years. His findings led to the formulation of the scientific theory of evolution by natural selection. This small group of islands and their one-of-a-kind wildlife are to thank for one of humanity's most remarkable discoveries. And today, almost 200 years later, they remain a source of endless fascination and a favourite travel destination for scientists, nature and wildlife enthusiasts, scuba divers, and anyone interested in the wonders of the natural world.