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.

The mythical birthplace of the goddess Hera, Samos is the greenest of the Aegean islands and surely deserves its divine reputation. Nature lovers and sun-seekers alike are attracted to its pebbled beaches, green landscapes, and impressive rocky cliffs. The island is also renowned for its vineyards and is home to the impressive ruins of the Temple of Hera, as well as the remarkable Tunnel of Eupalinos, a feat of ancient engineering that once supplied clean drinking water to the people of Pythagoreio.

Djerba, the largest island of North Africa, is situated southeast of Tunisia on the Gulf of Gabes and is ringed by miles of sandy beaches and luxury hotels. With its ideal temperate climate, this is another very popular Tunisian destination. The many resort hotels provide anything you need for lazy days of sunbathing, plus a wide range of activities like thalassotherapy or water sports.

Cambridge is a city oozing with history and tradition at every turn. The cityscape is dominated by the university, with its 31 colleges and their extensive green gardens, known as the "Backs", spread throughout the city. Throngs of students making their way to class or lounging by the banks of the River Cam, books in hand, as punters lazily float by, enhance the academic feeling of this centuries-old centre of scholarship, along with the numerous fascinating museums and cultural events that take place in the city.

Turin, Italy's first capital, is a city awash with history, green parks and art, not to mention that it is a town with renowned food and even better drinks. Under the arcades of the city centre there are countless wine bars, grandiose continental cafés and lively bars and restaurants, all just steps away from luxury shopping streets. Even if it is mostly known abroad for Fiat and Juventus, Turin is a fascinating metropolis with its eyes set firmly on the future thanks to its young population and great universities.