The Mediterranean's biggest island is separated from the mainland by the Strait of Messina. A mountainous spot, Sicily's coast and its small islands sit at the foot of volcanoes, including Etna, Stromboli and Vulcano. The Greeks, Romans, Normans and Catalans all left their mark on the island in the form of Byzantine palaces, Gothic castles and Baroque flourishes in capital Palermo. Most larger towns offer interesting museums, but Etna and the Hellenic temples in Agrigento offer particularly unique sights.

Religious pilgrims have been travelling to Jerusalem for centuries, yet you don’t have to share their zeal in order to appreciate this city’s profound cultural and historical significance. Plan on seeing the major sights, but also leave plenty of time to walk through the streets and simply immerse yourself in the daily life of such an ancient and revered place.

There are 2,000 years of history in Cologne, and visitors here will find everything from Roman towers to Gothic churches to fine examples of modern architecture. Cologne has a variety of museums, too—check out the Museum of Applied Art, the Museum Ludwig and, if you have a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Museum. Be forewarned, though—the gift shop at the latter will utterly ruin your diet.

With miles of sandy coastline, it’s no surprise that Fuengirola is a major draw on Spain's Costa del Sol. But the resort town offers than just beaches—a Moorish castle, immersive bio-zoo, amusement parks, and retail zone provide entertainment for the whole family.

Most visitors to Pokhara stop here before starting or after finishing the "Round Annapurana" trekking route. Because of its popularity with travellers, the city itself has relatively modern hotels and restaurants, but you’ll also find ancient lakes, waterfalls and gorges, and, of course, majestic views of the Himalayan Mountains.