One of the seven Canary Islands, sun-drenched Gomera is one of the less visited of this Atlantic archipelago. Offering the perfect escape, Gomera's attractions include dramatic beaches, trails through tropical mountain scenery and misty rainforest. Hike the mysterious Garajonay National Park or mountainous Cumbre de Chijere. Soak up the sun in scenic Valle Gran Rey or on Puerto de Santiago's pretty beach. Popular with the yachting crowd, Gomera is reached by air or ferry from the other Canaries.

With the dramatic backdrop of 12,200-foot Mount Teide towering behind the resort, Adeje makes an unforgettable holiday destination. Adeje is less than two miles from the boisterous nightlife of Playa de las Americas, allowing visitors to choose whether to take it easy or to party. Bake in the sun on black volcanic sands before cooling down at a water park, such as popular Siam Park, or out windsurfing. Barranco del Infierno, Hell's Gorge, is a lush oasis, perfect for hiking.

Los Cristianos was a humble fishing village before it became known as a convalescent resort for Swedes. Now it’s a playground for beachgoers from all over Europe, thanks to sunny weather and plentiful hotel options. At night, you’ll find a lively bar scene.

One of Tenerife's top resorts, Puerto de la Cruz is on the north coast of the island. Both Spanish and island traditions are evident in the former fishing village. Its Sardine Festival and annual Carnaval are two highlights of life on the island. Busy, narrow streets of the Old Town, packed with colonial architecture, make walking a safer bet than driving. Popular attractions include Lago Martianez, the casino, Parrot Pool, the Banana Plantation and the Botanical Gardens, which date back to 1788.

Home to a well-preserved old town, modern architecture, and a UNESCO-listed carnival, Tenerife's capital easily competes with its mainland sisters as a Spanish cultural destination. The port city is a major Canary Islands hub, with balmy beaches, nature reserves, and cosmopolitan nightlife.

It’s nicknamed the Eternal City for a reason. In Rome, you can drink from a street fountain fed by an ancient aqueduct. Or see the same profile on a statue in the Capitoline Museum and the guy making your cappuccino. (Which, of course, you know never to order after 11 am.) Rome is also a city of contrasts—what other place on earth could be home to both the Vatican and La Dolce Vita?

A cultural hub where elegant mosques and traditional bazaars dot the palm-lined boulevards and ancient Greek ruins look down from the hilltops, Turkey’s third-largest city, Izmir, has plenty to offer cruise visitors en route to nearby Ephesus.

About an hour south of Mombasa, the sparkling white sands and lush greenery of Diani invite you to relax under a beach umbrella with a refreshing drink. Try a camel ride for the tourist experience or book a bike tour inland for a glimpse of life in local villages. Diani is also a base for several safari companies.