Edinburgh effortlessly balances its weighty history with contemporary energy. The Royal Mile’s weathered cobbles lead past medieval closes and modern whisky bars, while the shopfronts of Princes Street mirror the jagged skyline of the Old Town. By day, you can hike up Arthur’s Seat for panoramas that stretch to the Firth of Forth; by evening, join the animated crowds at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe or browse the shelves of independent bookshops. Scotland's compact, hilly capital is a city where every alley holds a story waiting to be uncovered.

Discover Ningbo, one of China's oldest cities and a vibrant international hub with a rich history. The birthplace of the Neolithic Hemudu culture, Ningbo translates from Mandarin as "the Serene Waves". Located on the shores of Hangzhou Bay, it is a long-established international trading port. With the Hangzhou Bridge, the longest trans-oceanic link in the world, Ningbo is now directly connected to Shanghai. Perhaps Ningbo's greatest distinction is the Tianyi Pavilion — the oldest library in all of China.

Panama City is an engaging and mysterious metropolis, a multifaceted place born out of constant cultural exchanges and, at times, conflicts. A city hanging in the balance: between South and North America, tradition and innovation, luxury and poverty, overlooked by the steel of skyscrapers and surrounded by sandy beaches and green forests. Enjoy cosmopolitan Panama, wander through handicraft markets, large malls, local restaurants, and have fun during the vibrant Panamanian nights.

It’s easy to lose yourself in Istanbul's grandiose history, but modern Istanbul is a simmering metropolis, well worth a visit in its own right. The shopping is world-class and the nightlife pulsates around not one but several districts. Even though Istanbul is no longer the capital, it’s still the country’s business and cultural centre, still the city where new trends are created.

Not without reason, Durham is regarded as a historical city with a fascinating history. With its numerous Heritage sites, Durham is considered, by many, the spiritual capital of northern England as well as one of its most beautiful and unspoilt medieval centres. The medieval city sits atop a craggy hill encircled on three sides by the River Wear. Its panoramic view of the Cathedral and Castle is a relic of the Norman conquest and described as ‘one of the finest architectural experiences of Europe’.