Forever immortalised as the setting for Don Quixote's misadventures, the beautiful medieval city of Ciudad Real is just a short train journey from Madrid or Seville. Remnants of ancient city walls, churches galore and spectacular cuisine based primarily on cheese, cured meats and wine are but some of the reasons to visit.

Like so many of the towns and cities of Egypt, Hurghada, Luxor and Marsa Alam are living history museums. The three cities are positioned as corners of a triangle in the Eastern Desert. Hurghada, a former fishing harbour, stretches 24 kilometres along the waterfront and is the perfect area for water sports. Marsa Alam is found by the Red Sea coast and tourism is just starting to make an impact. The city of Luxor, with its jaw-droppingly beautiful monuments built by the hands of ancient craftsmen, lies 240 kilometres inland on the banks of the River Nile.

Hilton Head Island, on the southern coast of South Carolina, is filled with beautiful ocean views, antebellum relics, beds of oysters, and Southern charm. Everything about the island speaks of posh sophistication with a laid back attitude. Out on the ocean waters you can see trawlers and other boats. In the canals and inlets, yachts are frequently floating and enjoying the sunny weather. Golf courses designed by some of the sport's finest players abound, as do alligators sunning themselves in sand traps and small ponds.

Often referred to as the "Manchester of Finland", Tampere is a captivating blend of industrial heritage, charming wooden houses, delectable homemade cuisine, and cultural landmarks that echo its not-so-distant past. Immerse yourself in the local culture and unwind in the city's abundant saunas — the largest number in all of Finland.

Dinard, set on the dramatic coastline of Brittany in northern France, has long been a fashionable destination for holidaying French urbanites. Characterised by its long and wide, tree-lined boulevards that converge on elegant squares full of chic restaurants and creperies, the city juts out seawards and is, therefore, surrounded on three sides by beaches and the sea. For sailing, water sport and beach enthusiasts, it means that the coast is always within easy walking distance.