Dresden was known as both the 'Florence of the North' and the 'Venice of the River Elbe' before World War II destroyed most of this once-magnificent Baroque city. But Dresden has managed to restore much of its former glory. The views from the banks of the Elbe and plentiful architectural delights, such as the rebuilt Frauenkirche or the famous Semper Opera, provide glimpses of what today’s vibrant Dresden once looked like. With 63 percent of its area devoted to woods and green spaces, Dresden is also one of the greenest cities in Europe.

Cartagena is the undisputed queen of Colombia's Caribbean coast and easily the most attractive city in the region — this given its apparent shortage of attractions in the classical sense of the word. Instead, what draws travellers in is the city itself: a microcosm of the Caribbean, walled in by defensive ramparts built to ward off unwelcome visitors, the likes of Sir Francis Drake, who held Cartagena de Indias captive for months during his 16th-century raids on the Spanish New World.

The streets of Wroclaw's old town are a colourful mosaic of architectural styles, with the magnificent market square as its crown jewel. A lively multicultural centre, the city is home to a thriving student community and acts as the cultural, gastronomical, and commercial hub of the region, hosting many musical and theatrical events, a wide array of restaurants and bars and eclectic shopping. Back in 2016, Wroclaw was named European Capital of Culture and World Book Capital.

Experience Berlin, the heart of Germany's transformation since the fall of the Berlin Wall. The city is a hub for cultural innovation, pulsating nightlife and eclectic hipster charm. Berlin is a youthful, dynamic metropolis embracing global influences while setting architectural, art and fashion trends. The city's skyline is a mix of sleek modernity and nostalgic nods to the 90s. As young families enjoy leisurely brunches, the nightlife crowd cycles home in the early hours.

It is easy to overlook this small island nation, having, as it does, such powerful and flashy neighbours as Qatar and the Emirates, but to ignore Bahrain would be a huge mistake. It is an emerging power in the region, with all the luxury and worldliness of a cosmopolitan destination and all the charm and personality of a small island. Add to this the growing arts scene and burgeoning international cuisine in the country, and you have the newest prime travel destination in the region, and the most socially liberal one, to boot.