With its stunning rock cliffs over a deep blue sea and its polished, upper-class gardens and villas, this beautiful island in front of Sorrento Bay has much to offer. Don't miss the Grotta Azzurra sea cave, in which a play of lights makes the water sparkle with an ethereal blue. Admire the elegant fin-de-siècle architecture of Villa Lysis and the sea view from the terrace, or visit the rocky beaches of Marina Grande and Spiaggia di Faro. Expect the island to be crowded in the summer.

The Wahiba Sands is a desert of golden dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. Although it lies around 230 kilometres from Muscat, it’s easily reachable, either by driving or, preferably, through a guided tour. Joining a tour is the best option if you want to make the most of your visit and experience the desert safely. The journey takes about two and a half to three hours by car. If you decide to drive yourself, make sure to carry plenty of food and water, and follow all safety recommendations, especially avoiding venturing off-road without proper experience. Keep in mind that April to October are the hottest months in Oman, which can make exploring the desert more challenging. Most travel companies organise overnight stays in desert camps, though day trips are also possible. For a truly memorable experience, it’s worth spending at least one night under the desert sky. Watching the sunset, stargazing, and waking up to a desert sunrise are moments you won’t forget. You can also enjoy activities such as climbing the dunes, camel rides, or dune bashing.

The Vidhana Soudha is one of India's finest pieces of architecture. Located in the northwest part of Cubbon Park, the Neo-Dravidian granite palace is a blend of styles from across India, boasting the country’s most recognisable symbol, the four-headed gold lion of Ashoka. Across the road, you can spot Karnataka’s High Court building, Attara Kacheri, with its impressive red brick and monumental Corinthian column facade.

The tower — the remains of the main land gate entrance into the old city — houses a bookshop on the ground floor. Upstairs, touch screens provide a virtual journey through Alghero’s history, and a top floor terrace offers panoramic city and harbour views.