Oudayas Kasbah near Rabat's nedina has kept its old cannons placed on a bastion. Its massive gate is entirely carved, while its blue and white walls give it a Mediterranean atmosphere. Cobbled streets lead to the El Atiqa Mosque, the oldest in the city, and on to the old semaphore platform. The view from here, or the terrace of the neighbouring Café Maure, is splendid: Rabat, nearby Salé and Bouregreg river meeting the ocean. The Oudayas Palace, further on up, which now houses the National Museum, has conserved its markedly simple and balanced original decor. The Andalusian Gardens below are a heaven of peace full of fruit trees, rose-laurels and cascades of bougainvilleas.

The Jervis Bay area features several lakes, inlets and calm surf beaches from where you can begin a stand-up paddleboarding adventure. Most locations have nearby parking if you're bringing your own paddleboard, or there are several operators along the coast offering rental, tours and private or group lessons. Paddleboarding in the Jervis Bay Marine Park gives you the chance to be surrounded by colourful sea life including dolphins, eagle rays, penguins, fish and birds.

Utrecht's convenient location, a mere 20-minute journey from Amsterdam, provides an escape from all the capital's tourist hustle. It offers the essence of a quintessential Dutch town with a fascinating narrative. Utrecht boasts a charming city centre, famous for its narrow alleys and concealed streets that create an ideal setting for a walking tour. In fact, it is because of its narrow, car-free streets that this free walking tour will take you to places that cars, buses or boats don't have access to. It's not just a history lesson, but an experience narrated from a local perspective. The Dutch guides will give you insights into the daily life of Utrecht residents, including their preferred dining spots, shopping destinations and advice on avoiding tourist traps.