Over the centuries, many cultures have added their mark to this prized piece of land. Today, you can experience those influences firsthand by exploring Istanbul’s mahalles (neighbourhoods). From the holy sites of Sultanahmet and the 19th-century European elegance of Beyoğlu to the high fashion of Nişantaşı, the vibrant café society of Kadıköy and the football-loving streets of Beşiktaş, it’s easy to see why travellers say that Istanbul isn’t just one city, but many cities within one.

Located in the southwestern part of Switzerland, in its French-speaking part between Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchâtel, the Canton of Vaud is a holiday destination where life is good. Easily accessible thanks to the proximity of Geneva international airport and an exceptionally dense public transport network, the region offers all the necessary infrastructures, from five-star palaces to charming guest rooms. The diversity of its landscapes, from the peaks of the Alps, to the lakeside towns of Lausanne and Montreux, to the wide open spaces of the Jura and the authentic charm of the countryside, concentrates all the facets of Switzerland in one territory. The beautiful towns and villages, such as Lausanne, Montreux, Nyon, Morges and Yverdon-les-Bains, are steeped in centuries of history and rich in captivating culture. This region has influenced and inspired artists over the years, from Lord Byron and Audrey Hepburn to Charlie Chaplin and Freddie Mercury. But the region is best known for its art of living. Local or internationally renowned events, outdoor sports activities, regional know-how, typical and high level gastronomy, excellent wines, living traditions, cultural offer... are all elements that seduce visitors.

In progressive Berlin, the old buildings of Mitte gracefully coexist with the modern Reichstag. Don't miss top historic sights like the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz. The city's great zoo makes for a fun break from touring the staider attractions.

Everyone who visits Paris for the first time probably has the same punchlist of major attractions to hit: The Louvre, Notre Dame, The Eiffel Tower, etc. Just make sure you leave some time to wander the city’s grand boulevards and eat in as many cafes, bistros and brasseries as possible. And don’t forget the shopping—whether your tastes run to Louis Vuitton or Les Puces (the flea market), you can find it here.

The town that gave the country (and port wine) its very name, Porto is Portugal’s second-largest metropolis after Lisbon. Sometimes called Oporto, it's an age-old city that has one foot firmly in the industrial present. The old town, centered at Ribeira, was built on the hills overlooking the Douro River, and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 14th-century São Francisco church is a main attraction, as are the local port wine cellars, mostly located across the river at Vila Nova de Gaia.

Collingwood is more than just a neighbour of Blue Mountain Ski resort. This town on Nottawasaga Bay has its own delights to discover, from historic homes to parks and trails, a marine heritage museum, and its own annual Elvis Festival.