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.

Unjustly overlooked by travellers en route to Tunisia's celebrated seaside resorts, the nation's capital certainly deserves more than just a quick glance through the shuttle bus window. The city lives and breathes history, from the crumbling columns of Carthage to Medina's labyrinthine alleys, where the scent of orange blossom mingles with freshly baked tabouna bread. This is where Roman mosaics, Ottoman arches and mid-century modernism collide with unshowy authenticity.

Vilnius, Lithuania's capital, stands out as one of Eastern Europe's most compelling destinations. Its appeal lies in both its distinctive architecture and its thriving cultural scene. Since Lithuania regained independence, the city has steadily grown into a tourist destination. Visitor numbers have risen year after year, matched by expanding infrastructure and services to welcome travellers.

Cartagena de Indias reigns as the crown jewel of Colombia’s Caribbean coast — not for checklist attractions, but for its sheer atmospheric magic. Within its 16th-century stone walls (built to repel pirates like Sir Francis Drake), the city unfurls as a living postcard: pastel-hued colonial buildings, salsa rhythms spilling onto cobbled streets, and horse-drawn carriages clattering past vibrant plazas. By day, the scent of fried plantains and coconut rice fills the air; by night, rooftop bars hum with rum cocktails and sea breezes.