Dar-al-Makhzen (or El Mechouar Essaid Palace) is the official residence of Moroccan royalty. Here, not only important events – like weddings – are held, but you may even witness an official military parade. Surrounded by French-style gardens, the Royal Palace with its iconic mosaic gate is a must-see on your trip to Rabat

For divers, the outer reefs surrounding Rarotonga and Aitutaki are exceptional, offering visibility often exceeding 30 metres year-round. The dive sites feature fascinating underwater landscapes, including canyons, caves, swim-throughs, and towering drop-offs. While some areas can reach impressive depths, the most popular dive sites are typically shallower. Notable dive experiences include exploring the Alexander wreck near Rarotonga.

The splendid Badshahi Mosque ranks among the world's largest, and the city of Lahore's finest attractions. Apart from elaborate decor and architectural detail, mosque grounds contain the Tomb of Allama Iqbal, a prominent Pakistani philosopher and poet. It's beautifully illuminated at night; look over from the top floor of a restaurant in nearby Food Street.

Oudayas Kasbah near Rabat's nedina has kept its old cannons placed on a bastion. Its massive gate is entirely carved, while its blue and white walls give it a Mediterranean atmosphere. Cobbled streets lead to the El Atiqa Mosque, the oldest in the city, and on to the old semaphore platform. The view from here, or the terrace of the neighbouring Café Maure, is splendid: Rabat, nearby Salé and Bouregreg river meeting the ocean. The Oudayas Palace, further on up, which now houses the National Museum, has conserved its markedly simple and balanced original decor. The Andalusian Gardens below are a heaven of peace full of fruit trees, rose-laurels and cascades of bougainvilleas.