The defining symbol of Marseille towers on a hilltop 154 metres above the city, with the gilded statue of the Virgin Mary stretching skywards. The views from up here are simply stunning. Take the shuttle for convenience or embark on a just-under-an-hour-long hike up from the old port.

Compact rural Sakaka is cut through by its main street which is hard to miss. The street is lined with shops and government offices; the authentic Al-Nusl Hotel is also located here. In the town's north, the ancient fort of Qasr Za'abel is perched atop a scenic cliff; east from here is Jabal Burnus rock with carvings dating back to the 6th century BC.

The Mexican painter and artist Frida Kahlo was born, lived and died in this bright blue house in Mexico City. It has been turned into a museum and now exhibits paintings that made the painter the icon she is today. Best time to visit is on a weekday morning.

Portland is home to the nation's largest wooded urban park—Forest Park. A short hike in, and you'll find it hard to believe that civilization is just steps away. With 70 miles of trails winding through the forest and offering views of the Willamette River, you'll often have nature all to yourself. However, you're also likely to run into locals jogging or walking their dogs—expect to be greeted with a friendly "hello." If you have the time, hike up to Pittock Mansion, a stunning French Renaissance-style château that once belonged to Henry Pittock, a prominent publisher and businessman. Today, the mansion serves as a historic house museum open to visitors, offering panoramic views of the city. Another popular destination within Forest Park is the so-called "Witch's Castle"—the moss-covered ruins of an abandoned stone house. Despite its eerie name, there’s no record of witchcraft here. However, legend has it that its original inhabitant was the first person in Oregon to be sentenced to execution for murder in 1859.