Nestled between Antalya and Alanya, Side is steeped in romantic legend, with claims of a tryst between Cleopatra and Mark Antony. Here, you'll find history quite literally underfoot, with ruins at every turn. Its ancient theatre, capable of holding 25,000 spectators, is fortified by sturdy walls and perched on a flat expanse of land. Neighbouring the theatre, a striking Roman bath has been repurposed into an archaeological museum.

First-class performances and concerts are on the program of Culture Days, which is organized by the Salzburg Cultural Society. This music festival is famous for its Classical performances as well as its embrace of experimentation, not shying away from exciting mixtures of genres including hip-hop and hits from the world of musicals.

The Sommerszene Festival is seen as a counterpoint to the Salzburg Festival. The focus of its program is contemporary dance, theatre, performance and installations. Numerous free events do their part to spark a dialogue between artists and audiences.

As Kyōto's most iconic landmark, Kinkaku-Ji (literally the "Temple of the Golden Pavillion"), is undoubtedly astonishing. Built in 1397, the complex was the retirement villa of the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Soon after his death in 1408, the structure was converted into a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect by his son. Engulfed in flames several times throughout the ages, the current complex was rebuilt true to the original in 1955 (except for the top two floors that were both covered in gold leaf). Thousands of sightseers pack the site to glance at the breathtaking Gold Temple, its reflection shimmering in the serene pond in a picturesque setting. It's best to go early in the morning or just before closing to avoid queuing in notoriously slow-moving lines.