Suspended above the suburbs of Christchurch, the Gondola whisks you nearly a kilometre to the Crater Rim of the Port Hills. See in the extinct volcano which exploded six million years ago, sheltering Lyttelton’s sparkling harbour and to the west, the Southern Alps seem close in the clear pure air and to the East, the ocean and the sky stretch as far as the eye can see. Experience the Time Tunnel, a dramatic reconstruction of the history of the Port Hills and Christchurch and revive your spirits with a snack at the new Red Rock Cafe.

Perched atop Montmartre, the highest point in Paris, Sacré-Cœur’s white domes are visible for miles. Built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it houses one of the world’s largest mosaics and offers sweeping views from its dome. The steps out front are a favourite place to gather, especially at sunset.

Dating back to 1132 under the reign of Norman King Roger II, Castello Normanno-Svevo is a true architectural testament to history. Although it endured destruction in 1156 by King William I of Sicily, it was resurrected and fortified in 1233 under the patronage of the Holy Roman emperor Frederick II. Over time, it saw various transformations during the Angevin domination, and after being held by several noble families, it eventually became a prison and barracks under the King of Naples. Encircled by a moat on all sides, except its northern border with the sea, accessible via a bridge and gate to the south, the castle primarily features Aragon walls and the prominent Hohenstaufen tower. Today, it serves as a venue for exhibitions, preserving a rich tapestry of history within its walls.