Alice Springs, or 'The Alice', lies in the heart of Australia and is unofficially considered the capital of the Outback. While it was once regarded as a 'dead heart' during colonial times because of the surrounding barren landscapes, today both residents and visitors recognise the physical and spiritual importance of Australia’s Centre. It is alive with Aboriginal traditions and sacred sites, a vibrant local art and culture, fascinating pioneering history and incredible landscapes.

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.

It’s easy to lose yourself in Istanbul's grandiose history, but modern Istanbul is a simmering metropolis, well worth a visit in its own right. The shopping is world-class and the nightlife pulsates around not one but several districts. Even though Istanbul is no longer the capital, it’s still the country’s business and cultural centre, still the city where new trends are created.

Like a sparkling jewel, Friedrichshafen lies on the shores of beautiful Lake Constance surrounded by magnificent mountains. The untouched nature all around helps lean back and relax while explorers appreciate Friedrichshafen’s undisputed position as the birthplace of the Zeppelin. Come and discover a variety of leisure facilities, the wealth of cultural attractions and the exciting aviation history. Enjoy the Swabian cosiness associated with urban flair, plus the chance to hop over the border to Switzerland in less than an hour.

In 1831, Charles Darwin sailed to South America aboard the H.M.S. Beagle. On the return voyage across the Pacific, the vessel stopped on a small group of islands far off the Ecuadorian coast, changing the course of human scientific endeavour and self-understanding forever. Fascinated by the unique wildlife on the islands, Darwin collected biological specimens and studied them over the next 30 years. His findings led to the formulation of the scientific theory of evolution by natural selection. This small group of islands and their one-of-a-kind wildlife are to thank for one of humanity's most remarkable discoveries. And today, almost 200 years later, they remain a source of endless fascination and a favourite travel destination for scientists, nature and wildlife enthusiasts, scuba divers, and anyone interested in the wonders of the natural world.