Lake Maggiore, straddling the border of northern Italy and southern Switzerland, is the second-largest lake in Italy and one of the most scenically diverse. Surrounded by Alpine peaks and dotted with elegant towns, the lake has attracted visitors for centuries, including literary figures like Stendhal and Ernest Hemingway. The western shore is home to the Borromean Islands, a group of three small islands known for palaces, terraced gardens, and white peacocks that roam freely across the lawns.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany, Montepulciano is a quintessential Italian hill town that offers visitors a perfect blend of Renaissance architecture, fine wine, and stunning vistas. Famous for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, this town is a paradise for wine lovers. Touring local vineyards, such as Cantina Contucci, and sampling the region’s prestigious red wines is an experience that transports you into the heart of Tuscany’s wine heritage.

Great Blasket Island, or An Blascaod Mór, lies off the western tip of the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, separated from the mainland by the Blasket Sound. The island is the largest of the Blasket Islands and is characterized by steep hills, rugged cliffs, grassy slopes, and the long sandy beach of An Trá Bán. Its small settlement is now deserted, with stone cottages and field boundaries remaining across the hillside.

Port Louis, the bustling capital of Mauritius, is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, history, and modernity. Nestled between the verdant Moka Range and the Indian Ocean, this city invites visitors to explore its rich colonial past while embracing the dynamic energy of a thriving port town.

Dampier Peninsula is situated along the north east coast of western Australia within the famous Kimberley. Around half of the Peninsula is covered by Aboriginal land, and so you should check with the Tourist Information Centre in Broome about the areas where you may not be permitted. However, there are several places where you can stay.