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.

Enclosed within a protective wall reaching up to 20 metres in width, the Ciudad Amurallada (or Walled City) is Cartagena's old beating heart. Packed with well-preserved colonial buildings, it's a pleasure to stroll through; its streets of colourful low-rise merchant homes marked by iconic balconies are now mostly walked by either tourists or students who attend classes at the University of Cartagena during the day and linger for meals and nightlife after school is out. Cafes in Plaza Aduana and Plaza Santo Domingo teem with patrons, forging an incredibly jovial atmosphere; the districts of San Diego and El Centro are two not to be missed. There is plenty of food and shopping to be had, with a mixed bag of world-class restaurants and street food hawkers and the incredibly photogenic palenqueras — women dressed in vibrantly coloured clothing selling fruit in the streets — images of whom have become emblematic of Colombia as a travel destination.

From the historic French Village of Akaroa, 90 minutes from Christchurch, daily harbour cruises show the fascinating landscape with volcanic craters and exciting wildlife. The cruise is packed with highlights including the rare, NZ native dolphin — the Hector's Dolphin — as well as penguins and other sea birds. Each cruise is fully narrated by the skipper who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife and history of the harbour.

The 16-kilometre stretch of wide sandy beaches along the Adriatic coast is what makes Pescara a favourite holiday resort for thousands of Italian families and an increasing number of foreign visitors. The long promenade, Viale della Riviera, is the real heart of Pescara, and a stroll along the seafront is essential for any visit to the town. Along the beach, you can also join one of the 'stabilimenti', clubs where you can find restaurants, playgrounds and umbrellas to use on the beach.