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.

Silvretta Arena, with its more than 125 miles of ski tracks, links the Tyrolean resort town of Ischgl with the duty-free Swiss resort of Samnaun across the border. Known for its lively après-ski scene, every year Ischgl hosts star-studded concerts in honour of the open and closing of the ski season.

Dortmund has become a centre of high-tech industry, but back in the day, it was one of Germany's first brewing centres, and Dortmunder beer is definitely worth tasting in a local bar. Visit the Reinoldkirche or the Marienkirche, or venture south of town to the ruins of Hohensyburg Castle. December is an especially festive time to visit Dortmund—one of Germany's biggest Christmas markets takes over the centre of town.

The soundtrack of tranquil Boa Vista is the sweet tweets of exotic birds. Maybe they’re chattering with loggerhead turtles or with the humpback whales that are known to splash around Boa Vista’s shallow waters. Work up a sweat and hike to the wreck of the Santa Maria, or explore the Duque de Braganca Fort, built to protect the Ilheu de Sal Rei from pirates. The windswept red and tan sand dunes of Deserto de Viana are awe-inspiring.