Bordered by the Black Sea, the port city of Batumi is Georgia’s premier holiday destination. A mix of modern and Belle Époque-era hotels spill out from the city’s waterfront promenade, while old town spires and contemporary towers dot the skyline.

Having survived thousands of years of successive civilizations from the Egyptians, Greco-Romans, Muslims, Crusaders, Mongols, Ottomans and French to the modern Arab era, Damascus is one of the most resilient and historic cities on Earth. Its ruins lay up to 8 feet deep under its surface and the Old City is home to Roman era ramparts, gates, the Umayyad Mosque and legendary churches including the Chapel of St. Paul. Bab Sharqi and the Souk Medhat Pasha lay on a street dating to biblical times.

One of Puglia’s most picturesque enclaves, Ostuni is known as the White City thanks to its plenitude of white-washed houses. A quick trip from the coast, the city is also celebrated for its labyrinthine streets, cathedral, and ancient defensive walls.

Land of Mermaids. Land of Orange and Lemon Groves. Land of Colors. This small city in Campania has earned a plethora of alluring names. Famed for its sea cliffs, the town's steep slopes look out over azure waters to Ischia, Capri and the Bay of Naples. The birthplace of Limoncello liqueur offers some good diving, great sea fishing, boat cruises and appetizing restaurants. Excellent hiking trails cross the peninsula. Rent a car or take a taxi if the steep streets look too intimidating.

A port city of about 30,000 on Italy’s Ligurian Coast, Rapallo lies on the Tigullio Gulf about 15 miles southeast of Genoa. The 16th-century Castello sul Mare (Castle-on-the-Sea) is Rapallo’s most prominent landmark, sitting as it does smack in the harbor. The sixth-century Basilica of Santi Gervasio e Protasio is also worth a visit. For a real treat, take the bus or the funivia (cable car) to the sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Montallegro (Our Lady of Montallegro), which offers stunning views.

Monte-Carlo is home to the celebrated Monte Carlo Casino. This glamorous palace is full of frescoes, sculptures, and features an astonishing gold and marble atrium—not to mention the main attraction—gambling! Steeped in 700 years of Grimaldi royal history, Monte-Carlo’s location is stunning, tucked between French mediaeval villages and the Alps. Take in a world-class opera or ballet, bask in the sun on Larvotto Beach or get an adrenaline rush at May's Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Unassuming Brussels is the capital of Belgium, Flanders and Europe. Medieval Grand-Place is indeed grand, with many 17th-century buildings and daily flower markets. Reopened in 2006, the Atomium, Brussels' Eiffel Tower, provides great views, both inside and out. Architecture fans should visit the Musée Horta, home of Belgian master architect Victor Horta. St Gery's clubs and bars are packed all year round. Seafood eateries abound in Ste Catherine. Exploring the narrow streets on foot is more fun than getting snarled up in traffic.

Just south of the Majorcan capital, Playa de Palma’s golden coastline is lined by luxury hotels, international restaurants, and lively bars. Popular with revelers, the resort strip also offers water sports facilities and easy access to the airport, making it a convenient hub for any sunseeker.