The centuries-old winding streets and alleyways of the 'medina' of Fez, Morocco's ancient imperial city, reveal the debt of culture and refinement that so much of the Mediterranean owes to Arab civilisation.
Just outside the pretty coastal town of Altea in the Spanish province of Alicante, the award-winning Sha Wellness Clinic offers a perfect setting for an peaceful – and healthy – getaway.
The timeless desert of Jordan is home to many marvellous sights. Chief among them are the man-made stone city of Petra, one of the modern wonders of the world, and the natural monolithic rockscapes of Wadi Rum, known as The Valley of the Moon.
Recession? What recession? That certainly seems to be the question over in the United Arab Emirates where the new Ferrari theme park has just opened in Abu Dhabi. It's the first of its kind that celebrates the internationally renowned Italian sports cars, and a true paradise for Formula 1 fans.
Who hasn't wondered what it would be like to live in a treehouse? If you visit the beautiful village of Harads in northern Sweden, you have the chance to find out or, at least, to discover what it's like to stay at a Tree Hotel. Here, a new concept in luxury hotel accommodation has just opened offering guests a top-of-the-trees experience in complete harmony with the environment.
Set high on the sandstone cliffs, the Greek Orthodox monasteries of Meteora have looked out over the valleys of Thessaly since the fourteenth century, but the religious history of the place is far older.
If you're an art lover and get a chance to travel to Milan in the up-coming months, don't miss out on this exhibition that explores the surreal world of the great Catalonian artist.
Putting cliches and prejudices to one side, anyone who wants a personal experience of the Arab world could do a lot worse than to start by visiting Tunisia. Here, in a modern African country open to the western world, a host of enchanting towns await discovery. And the most delightful of all could well be Sidi Bou Said.
Kilts and tartans, bagpipes and malt whisky, misty scenery with heather-clad hills, mysterious lochs and ancient castles... all things Scottish are waiting to be discovered from the comfort and splendour of the Royal Scotsman train.
To visit the Colca Canyon in Peru is to discover a land of superlatives: the second deepest canyon on the planet, it's home to the magnificent Andean condor, a New World vulture with the largest wingspan of any land bird, and one of the world's longest living birds.
The famous Italian designer may no longer be around to welcome you to his home, but the dazzling South Beach mansion has been transformed into a luxurious boutique hotel, and the doors of La Villa are waiting to welcome you.
Losing yourself in the Ankarana reserve in the north of the island of Madagascar is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Its great limestone massifs have been carved by the rain into intricate landscapes that will leave you gasping in amazement.
In the heart of the Tyrol, the 'Crystal Triangle' has become one of Austria's main tourist attractions. Grown ups and kids alike can enjoy the trails and workshops connecting three types of crystal.
For singletons or for couples, perfect for an all-girls' holiday or a chance for the inexperienced to finally get to grips with the cooking pots... all of the cookery courses at Villa San Michele offer the opportunity to discover the secrets of Italian cuisine; there are even courses suitable for kids.
Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, the Bremen Town Musicians... which is your favourite? Get ready to be bewitched - parents as well as children - as you stroll through the streets where these mythical stories are set and discover the scenes that inspired those great story-tellers, the Brothers Grimm.
If you are thinking about planning your next cultural trip, what could be better than to opt for visiting one of the three cities chosen as this year's European Capital of Culture?
It's not a capital city, nor is it yet a part of Europe, but neither fact has stopped Istanbul being named European Capital of Culture 2010 by the EU itself. Why not visit the megalopolis during this important year and find out what makes it special.
Not everyone will be listening for the chimes of Big Ben to herald in 2010. Read on to find out how people greet the New Year in other countries around the planet.
This month, the centuries-old temples of Hampi, in southern India, are celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Vijayanagara empire with a traditional festival of folk culture and elephants, brimming with life and colour.
Whether or not you believe in UFOs, why not take a trip to Valle del Elqui? It's dotted with astronomical observatories from which to spot constellations, nebulae, planets...
If you're going to indulge in this irresistible delight, you might as well make sure it's top quality. Local speciality and hand-made chocolate is a delicious excuse for an escape to Belgium.
Sign up for one of the cruises that take in the planet's least spoilt archipelago, and spend a few days of Darwin's bicentenary year in the ecosystem that served as 'laboratory' for the great English naturalist.
Discover one of the planet's most curious phenomena, which takes place during the spring and autumn equinoxes, at the pyramid of Kukulkan, the most important site of the ancient Mayan civilisation.
The discovery of the fabulous terracotta warriors of Xi'an brought the legend of the fearsome Emperor Qin Shi Huang to the West. A visit to this great army offers you the opportunity to take a trip to the heart of China and delve into the deeper history of the country.