The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is not the usual zoo: two miles of walking paths traverse this 21-acre conglomerate of 230 species of animals and 1,200 types of plants.

Before there was Ciudad Real, there was ancient Alarcos. 8 km from the city, this Bronze Age excavation site also contains Iberian and medieval remains (a castle and Gothic chapel). The site was a fortified city in the 6th century, and after conquest in 1212, the citizens relocated down river to modern-day Ciudad Real.

Mount Dajti looms majestically over Tirana, offering a beautiful escape into nature with its national park, dense forests and panoramic views. You can reach the top either by taking the Dajti Ekspres cable car — the longest in the Balkans — or enjoy a scenic drive. Once at the summit, you'll find several restaurants where you can savour a meal while enjoying the serene landscape. The sense of standing above the city, with expansive views stretching in every direction, gives you a feeling of being on top of the world. Dajti Mountain National Park also offers an adventure park for kids and adults, a rotating bar, minigolf, hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as many romantic spots for picnicking.

Troon North Golf Course is championed as not only one of Scottsdale’s finest courses, but one of Arizona’s best as well. Such acclaim is understandable as the club is designed by the British Open Champion Tom Weiskopf and also has perfect fairways and bent grass greens.