Set inside the walls of the old Babylon Fortress, this museum traces the history of Egypt’s Coptic Christian community through art, manuscripts, and everyday objects. It covers a long stretch of time — from the Greco-Roman period through to the early Islamic era. The building itself is worth a look, with carved wooden ceilings, mashrabiya windows, and peaceful gardens spread over 8,000 square metres.

Manhattan is an island packed with some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. Spend time in Central Park, see a Broadway show, and experience the bright rush of Times Square. Each neighborhood here has its own rhythm, from the historic streets of Harlem to the cobblestones of SoHo and the towering skyline of Midtown. The borough is also home to major art institutions: the Guggenheim, with its distinctive Frank Lloyd Wright design and collection of modern masterpieces, and the New Museum on the Lower East Side, known for its focus on contemporary art. Down by the harbor, the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration tells the stories of those who came to America seeking new lives, right next to the Statue of Liberty, still one of the city’s most powerful symbols.

A day trip from Madrid offers the perfect excuse to step back in time, and few places capture Spain’s medieval legacy quite like Ávila and Salamanca, both proudly listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Your adventure begins in Ávila, a walled city that appears lifted straight from the pages of a history book. Its imposing stone ramparts, punctuated by 88 defensive towers, encircle a beautifully preserved old town. Step inside and you’ll find Romanesque gems such as the Ávila Cathedral, part fortress and part place of worship, as well as the Basilica of San Vicente, famed for its architecture and colourful stonework. Ávila sits just over 100 kilometres from Madrid, and you can easily reach it by train or coach, both options run frequently throughout the day. From Ávila, continue west to the golden-hued city of Salamanca, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. Its nickname, La Dorada, The Golden City, comes from the glow of its sandstone buildings, especially beautiful at sunset. Wander across the Plaza Mayor, often hailed as Spain’s finest square, then lose yourself among the cloisters, libraries and carvings of the historic university quarter. While Salamanca is delightful by day, it truly comes alive at night, its tapas bars and buzzing student energy make it tempting to extend your stay beyond a day trip.