Visit Heraklion

Explore the largest Greek island, Crete, a land of myth and natural beauty. Visit the Palace of Knossos (3,500-year-old centre of Minoan civilisation, linked to the Minotaur legend), hike the Samaria Gorge (11 km through a Unesco Biosphere Reserve with towering cliffs and wild goats), and relax on Elafonisi Beach with its unique pink-hued sand. Pair ancient history with fresh Cretan cuisine in charming villages like Chania or Rethymno.

Visit Rhodes, the largest of Greece's Dodecanese islands. Explore the medieval Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage site with the Palace of the Grand Master), see the ancient Acropolis of Lindos (cliff-top ruins with views over St Paul's Bay), relax at Anthony Quinn Bay (a scenic cove named after the actor), and visit the Valley of the Butterflies (a natural reserve with thousands of Jersey tiger moths in summer).

Visit Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city. Explore the White Tower (15th-century Ottoman fortress and symbol of the city), see the Rotunda (4th-century Roman monument later converted into a church), stroll through the Aristotelous Square (grand waterfront plaza with neoclassical buildings), and sample local dishes like bougatsa (custard-filled pastry) at Modiano Market (historic covered market).

Visit Athens, the historic capital of Greece. Explore the Acropolis (ancient citadel with the Parthenon temple, built in the 5th century BC), wander through the Plaka district (old neighborhood with narrow streets and traditional tavernas), see artifacts at the National Archaeological Museum (one of the world's greatest museums of ancient Greek art), and watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square.

Visit Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands. Cruise the UNESCO-listed canal ring (17th-century waterways with over 1,500 bridges), see masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum, explore the Anne Frank House (historic hiding place during WWII), and wander the Jordaan district (picturesque streets with cafes and boutiques).

Visit Barcelona, capital of Catalonia in Spain. See the Sagrada Familia (Antoni Gaudí's unfinished basilica with intricate facades and towering spires), stroll down La Rambla (tree-lined pedestrian street with street performers and La Boqueria market), explore Park Güel (Gaudí's whimsical public park with mosaic-covered structures and city views), and admire the Gothic Quarter (medieval streets with the Barcelona Cathedral and Roman ruins).

Visit Bangkok, capital of Thailand. Explore the Grand Palace (home of the Emerald Buddha and intricate Thai architecture), take a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River (passing temples and local life), shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market (one of the world's largest markets with over 15,000 stalls), and sample street food like pad thai and mango sticky rice at Yaowarat (Chinatown's vibrant food scene).

Visit Bali, Indonesia's famous island known for its vibrant culture and natural beauty. Explore the Uluwatu Temple (a sea cliff temple with traditional Kecak dance performances at sunset), see the Tegallalang Rice Terraces (stunning UNESCO-listed stepped rice paddies), relax at Kuta Beach (popular for surfing and sunsets), and visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud (home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques and ancient temples).