Traditional attitudes prevail in the historic Sinai region on Egypt's border with Israel. The triangular peninsula is divided from the rest of Egypt by the Suez Canal and the Red Sea. Craggy mountains, including 7500-foot Mount Sinai, plunge down to the waters of the Red Sea. Spectacular snorkeling and diving sites beckon from the Gulf of Aqaba to the east of the peninsula, particularly along the dramatic coastline of Na'ama Bay in Sharm el Sheikh. Camelback safaris offer distinctive desert excursions.

South Africa’s most popular tourist destination offers the urban thrills of Cape Town, its adjacent wine country and an aura of the rich political history of South Africa. The Overberg's perfect whale-watching perches provide excitement of a different nature. The Garden Route's lakes and forests and the Klein Karoo's ostrich-farming towns and vineyards present another take on the Cape. For extra kicks, try bungee jumping or cage-diving among Great Whites.

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.

Lying in south central Turkey, the moonscaped region of Cappadocia, southeast of Ankara, is most famous for unique geological features called fairy chimneys. The large, cone-like formations were created over time by erosion of the relatively soft volcanic ash around them. Past cultures have dug into them to create dwellings, castles (like Uchisar) and even entire underground cities like Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, used as hiding places by early Christians. Nearby Kayseri is the gateway to the area.

While crowds of tourists fill Venice, Florence and Rome, Bologna remains relatively quiet in comparison. This mediaeval university town is charming, historic and fun to explore… and you'll find Bologna's local cuisine is light-years away from the American deli meat bearing the city's name.

Reigned over by a 12th-century castle, the seaside town of Scarborough centres around a pretty, horseshoe-shaped bay lapped by the North Sea. Sandy beaches, surfing opportunities, and hearty Yorkshire fare have made Scarborough a family favourite for more than 400 years.

Liverpool's fortunes have historically been tied to shipping. But imports and exports like sugar, spice and tobacco pale in comparison with Liverpool's most famous export of all — The Beatles. Relive the hysteria at The Beatles Story Experience, and check out Paul's childhood home, but also leave time for exploring Liverpool Cathedral and the Walker Art Gallery.