Oia is carved out of the cliffs, and visitors can see houses built for Venetian sea captains as well as the more typical "cave houses" of the villagers. You’ll find the pure white buildings with colourful roofs that are typical of Greek architecture, and you’ll probably enjoy poking around the town. But don’t breeze through in an hour—you must stay for the sunset. It’s legendary. Watch from a café, or, better yet, from a boat—you’ll be spellbound.

Ios embodies that classic Greek island ambiance—hillside clusters of blue-roofed white buildings, an amphitheatre, golden beaches that spill into the sapphire sea. The spindly windmills of Ios are like something from a storybook, and a visit to the Tomb of Homer (yep, that Homer) is an exercise in awed contemplation. When the sun goes down, party it up at one of Ios’ many electrifying nightspots. Favourites are Astra Cocktail Bar and the (kind of insane) alt-rock scene, The Orange Bar.

Known as the "Island of Colours" thanks to its jewel-coloured waters and building painted in vivid primary tones, the horseshoe-shaped island of Milos floats serenely in the Aegean Sea. It was here that the world-famous Venus de Milo statue was discovered. Though she now holds court at the Louvre, Milos has other beauties to admire. There are dozens of beaches, all different colours and all different combinations of sand, stone and shell. Explore the ancient theatre, catacombs and windmills in Tripiti village, then cap off your day with a cinematic sunset.

A spot of white in the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, the island of Naxos is a unique blend of ancient ruins and beach culture. The largest of the Cycladic Islands, Naxos is the childhood home of none other than Zeus, king of the gods. Upon arrival in Naxos, hike over a causeway to Palatia, where the Portara, a stone gateway to an ancient temple that no longer exists, stands alone, the symbol of the island. At sunset, the views of the island, and the sea beyond, are breathtaking.

At the foot of the Swiss Alps lies Valais, "the valley". This fabled region is a year-round favourite, with spectacular skiing in the winter and superb hiking in summer. The Matterhorn, the Great St Bernard Pass and Zermatt are the stars of the area, but glaciers, lakes, mountain paths, castle-churches and a wealth of resorts also beckon. Visit L'Hospice du Grand St Bernard to see the animals who helped the monks rescue travellers, or the Fondation Pierre Gianadda, a Roman ruin that now houses modern art.

Stroll Las Ramblas and enjoy Barcelona's unique blend of Catalan culture, distinctive architecture, lively nightlife and trendy, stylish hotels. You'll find Europe's best-preserved Gothic Quarter here, as well as amazing architectural works by Gaudi. La Sagrada Familia, considered Gaudi's masterpiece, is still under construction (your entrance fee helps to fund the project). Feel like a picnic? Look no further than the rambunctious La Boqueria market, where you can stock up on local delicacies.

Everyone who visits Paris for the first time probably has the same punchlist of major attractions to hit: The Louvre, Notre Dame, The Eiffel Tower, etc. Just make sure you leave some time to wander the city’s grand boulevards and eat in as many cafes, bistros and brasseries as possible. And don’t forget the shopping—whether your tastes run to Louis Vuitton or Les Puces (the flea market), you can find it here.

From Shoreditch’s swaggering style to Camden’s punky vibe and chic Portobello Road, London is many worlds in one. The city’s energy means that no two days are the same. Explore royal or historic sites, tick off landmarks from your bucket list, eat and drink in exclusive Michelin-starred restaurants, enjoy a pint in a traditional pub, or get lost down winding cobbled streets and see what you stumble across – when it comes to London, the possibilities are endless.

The town that gave the country (and port wine) its very name, Porto is Portugal’s second-largest metropolis after Lisbon. Sometimes called Oporto, it's an age-old city that has one foot firmly in the industrial present. The old town, centered at Ribeira, was built on the hills overlooking the Douro River, and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 14th-century São Francisco church is a main attraction, as are the local port wine cellars, mostly located across the river at Vila Nova de Gaia.

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, renowned for its heritage, culture and festivals. Take a long walk around the centre to explore the World Heritage Sites of the Old Town and New Town, as well as all the area’s museums and galleries. Then stop for a delicious meal made from fresh Scottish produce before heading out to take in one of Edinburgh’s many events — including the famous summer festivals of culture, or the Winter Festivals of music, light and ceilidhs.

Move over, Haussmann and l'Enfant. Beijing's urban planner beat you by a couple of centuries. His name is Kublai Khan. Here, you'll find a wealth of history, both ancient (the Hall of Preserving Harmony, Summer Palace, Forbidden City) and more recent (Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, Tienanmen Square). For the best market experience, choose the Dirt Market over the touristy Silk Market.