You’ll feel like you’ve crossed the border, but you’re not quite there yet. Of course, you’re aware that Maastricht’s central location in the Euregio means you can be in Belgium very quickly. But you don’t really feel it until you see how the city, and the countryside around it, is layered with a unique mix of foreign influences. With the Sint Pietersberg hill, the historic caves, the vineyards, Fort Sint Pieter, and Château Neercanne as backdrop, this part of the city has everything you need to capture that holiday feeling. Sint Pieter was its own municipality until 1920. This part of the city was always outside the city walls (and so had it the toughest in times of war). Then, it was mainly farmers who lived here; now, it’s mostly families, epicureans, and a few descendants of the inhabitants of that old Sint Pieter. Today, Sint Pieter is Maastricht’s most popular residential district, not just for its beautiful houses but because of its ideal location between city and green. And it still feels like its own town, with its own social life, and charm, even though it’s just a stone’s throw away from the city park. In fact, it has the best of both worlds: village and city. Nature and culture.

The 16th century Renaissance garden of the Ribera Palace embraces an Italian style little-found in Andalusia. Geometric shape, terraces, and pruned plants nod to the Roman tradition. Discover statues and grottoes tucked away in the expansive grounds. Native flora include Laurel, Rosemary, Ivy, Myrtle, Cypress, and Night jasmine.

Located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Ras Mohamed is where the Sinai Desert meets the Red Sea. You can come for a hike among dry canyons and mangroves, or just stay in the water—this is one of Egypt’s best snorkelling spots, with drop-offs, coral walls, and plenty of fish. Keep in mind it's desert heat, there’s no shade, and facilities are minimal—so come prepared with water, snacks, and sun protection.

The Ivan Meštrović Gallery is a neoclassical building originally intended to be the home of the famous artist, now housing an impressive collection of his artworks. The permanent display features beautiful architectural projects, drawings and sculptures.