Constructed in the 16th century under the orders of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadian dynasty, El Badi Palace — the "Incomparable Palace" — was once hailed as a marvel of its era. Initially featuring 360 rooms, an expansive courtyard, and a 90-metre-long pool, the palace was a monument to the Sultan's affluence and influence. Adorned with a lavish selection of materials sourced globally — from Italian marble to Malian gold — the palace was envisioned as an opulent space for grand receptions and ceremonies. However, following al-Mansur's death in 1603, the palace was abandoned and gradually succumbed to decay, especially during the waning years of the Saadian rule. Many of its precious elements, particularly its marble, were harvested and repurposed in various Moroccan structures. Nowadays, El Badi stands as a significant point of interest in Marrakesh, housing various exhibitions and even showcasing the Minbar of the Kutubiyya Mosque. Though largely in ruins, the palace still whispers stories of a bygone era of wealth and grandeur.

The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, stands as the oldest university in the Western world, boasting a rich history of academic excellence and innovation. Some of the famous people who have been teaching here include Nicolaus Copernicus and Francesco Petrarca. Renowned for its distinguished faculty, diverse student body, and commitment to research and teaching across a wide range of disciplines, the University of Bologna continues to be a global leader in higher education.

The bustling Hoi An market takes a little getting used to: it's distinctly more hectic than the downtown area and teems with local vendors and shoppers as much as it does with tourists. Abundant Asian herbs, souvenirs like lacquered coconut shell bowls, Vietnamese coffee-makers and traditional cone hats are some of the wares on sale. Of particular interest are the indoor food stands serving up scrumptious snacks at some of the lowest prices in town.