Seen from the train, Durham presents a magnificent sight, with cathedral and castle perched atop a bluff enclosed by a loop of the River Wera, and linked to the suburbs by a series of sturdy bridges.

Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a slice of Italian paradise nestled along the rugged Ligurian coast. This collection of five fishing villages—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—offers visitors a breathtaking landscape of pastel-colored homes perched on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean.

Australia and New Zealand each have their own identities, shaped by indigenous heritage, colonial history, and vibrant contemporary cultures. Visitors can travel between the two in just a few hours, yet find themselves in entirely different worlds.

On Cook Strait sits Wellington, New Zealand's charming windy city. Must-sees here include the waterfront, the lovely beaches, and the Wellington Cable Car that takes riders to botanical gardens. For cultural exposure, visit The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, with its Maori national treasures and art gallery. Wellington Zoo is another key attraction, and features Tahi, a one-legged kiwi, as its mascot.

An island of international renown, Hydra is one of the first islands to have been discovered by tourism and, due to the short distance from Athens, has for years hosted a large number of tourists.