The Peloponnese is a large peninsula on the southernmost part of mainland Greece. Its history dates back to the Bronze Age. Buses and rental cars provide the best options for seeing the region's sites, such as Mycenae's ancient theatre, Sparta's Archaeological Museum and the ancient ruins of Mystras, Olympia, Mycenae, Corinth and Artemis Orthia. Held by the Turks and the Venetians until Greek independence in 1821, this centre of ancient Greece is also justly famous for traditional Greek dancing.

Romantic Naples, two hours south of Rome, is the largest city in southern Italy. It has some of the world's best opera and theatre houses and is often called an open-air museum, due to its many historic statues and monuments. Join families on the promenade as the sun sets on the Bay of Naples. View finds from Pompeii and Herculaneum, destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale or revel in the art and architecture of Museo Cappella Sansevero, built in the late 1500s.

Positioned at the eastern tip of the Costa del Sol, Nerja boasts nearly 10 miles of powdery beaches featuring activities like water skiing, scuba diving and sailing. Although tourist-oriented, it hasn't been overtaken by high-rises, and its huge promenade delivers panoramic Mediterranean views.

Set against towering peaks striped with ski runs, Almaty mixes tradition with modern flair. While locals still meet up for steamy Russian baths, traditional Kazakh delicacies, and countless cups of tea, the city's gleaming malls and wild nightclubs are downright futuristic.