A coastal town just 20 miles west of Lisbon, Cascais was once a small fishing village, but its idyllic scenery attracted the attention of artists, writers and expelled European nobility in the 20th century. Today, it still attracts high society, but all society comes in force to enjoy the gorgeous beaches and adventure options like sailing and surfing. The Conde de Castro Guimarães Museum, a former palace, is now open to the public and displays an impressive collection of art and artifacts.

Time seems to stand still in Evora, a well-preserved medieval town that features protective walls, a 13th-century cathedral, several palaces,and a 1st-century Roman temple. No surprise that the town center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even though it’s kind of creepy, don’t miss the Chapel of Bones, where the remains of nuns and monks are arranged in a haunting mosaic.

Particularly popular among food lovers, Alba is celebrated around the world for its white truffles and Barolo and Barbaresco wines. In addition to its gourmet delights, the charming city in northern Italy’s Piedmont region is renowned for its cathedral and other Gothic landmarks.

From Shoreditch’s swaggering style to Camden’s punky vibe and chic Portobello Road, London is many worlds in one. The city’s energy means that no two days are the same. Explore royal or historic sites, tick off landmarks from your bucket list, eat and drink in exclusive Michelin-starred restaurants, enjoy a pint in a traditional pub, or get lost down winding cobbled streets and see what you stumble across – when it comes to London, the possibilities are endless.

With an enviable perch between the Adriatic Sea and Slovenia’s peaks, Trieste is an Italian city whose food, architecture, and history have Eastern soul. Add coastal castles to sun-soaked beach resorts, and you have one of Europe’s most cultured seaside getaways.

The prophet Mohammed's birthplace is Islam's spiritual center and is strictly off-limits to non-Muslims. The pillars of Islam state that all Muslims with the means must undertake Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca, once in their lifetime. Those who visit the holy city are rewarded not just by proximity to landmarks and religious sites crucial to the religion, such as the Masjid Al Haram (Holy Mosque), the Mountain of Light, the Black Stone and the Well of Zamzam, but with the forgiveness of all their sins.