Mauritius is arguably Africa’s wealthiest destination, a tropical paradise with tons to do. Port Louis, the modern capital of this 38-mile by 29-mile island, is a bustling port with a revitalized waterfront and a busy market. But most visitors gravitate toward resort areas such as Mont Choisy, quiet Trou-aux-Biches and the more bustling Flic en Flac, popular with scuba divers. Rivière Noire is ideal for those looking for great deep-sea fishing.

The Zanzibar Archipelago, located in the Indian Ocean 15 miles off the coast of Tanzania, is a breathtaking spot to escape from the world. You’ll enjoy clear, turquoise-blue water; shallow sandbars perfect for wading; and many small, nearly deserted islands virtually unvisited by tourists. Explore the World Heritage Site of Stone Town, Zanzibar City’s old quarter. Or just go beach to beach between tiny fishing villages—each one's better than the next.

Located on the southwest coast of the island of Cyprus, Paphos (Pafos) boasts a temperate climate and one of the healthiest lifestyles in the Mediterranean. Paphos (Pafos) is ideal for basking in the sunshine all year round, and experience the hospitality of its people wherever you go. Plunge into the sparkling warm waters of the Mediterranean in summer, or venture out on a splendid nature trail and observe fields blanketed in wildflowers in the spring; visit ancient and historical landmarks in autumn, and keep fit with a plethora of outdoor activities in winter. Whichever way you look at it, Paphos (Pafos) is a year-round destination with many reasons to visit. The Pafos (Paphos) Region caters for all types of travellers in search of something unique, while revealing in the culture and local traditions. It offers the most idyllic and romantic settings to commemorate your love, or create lifetime memories for the whole family!

On the Turkish Riviera, traditional fishing villages such as †agiz nestle alongside the modern resort destinations of Marmaris and Antalya. Unspoiled yellow sandy beaches and pine forests line this history-rich coast whose illustrious former residents include St Paul. Buses make easy connections between the coves, castles and cities beside the turquoise waters of what the Turks call the "White Sea". Don't miss the awe-inspiring eternal fires of Chimaera at Olympos - most impressive at night.

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.

Relics ranging from ancient shrines to Venetian-style castles overlook swaths of golden sand beaches on Kos, a fertile island in Greece’s Dodecanese chain. Mega-resorts dominate the developed southern coast, while visitors looking for tranquility head to the quieter northern shores.

Glamourous Santorini is deliciously different. Geographical newness is in part to thank. The island’s popular black volcanic Perissa and Kamari beaches are big draws, as is its arguably most famous Red Beach near Akrotiri (which is the place to go for archaeology buffs). Santorini curves round a giant lagoon in the Cyclades islands, offering stunning views from sky-high towns, eclectic cuisine, lovely galleries, thriving nightlife and excellent wines.