Founded nearly eight centuries ago, Indonesia’s second-largest city has seen empires come and go. The founders of the Hindu Majapahit Empire arrived in the late 13th century and remained until the 17th, to be followed by Muslim rulers of Mataram, then the colonialists of the Dutch East India Company. In recent decades, Surabaya has grown into a cosmopolitan seaport and conurbation where 21st-century hotels, apartment towers, and shopping malls stand next to historic mosques and palaces.

A well preserved, colonnaded medieaval old town with its world renowned Golden Roof. Right next to this there's a brightly coloured, sparkling imperial palace, the Hofburg - baroque and monumental. A stone’s throw away is the Hofkirche, a court church containing larger-than-life bronze statues, the Schwarze Mander, standing guard around the (empty) tomb of Emperor Maximilian I., a truly breath-taking sight and unique in Europe. High above this superb architecture towers the Nordkette, a magnificent mountain range between 2300 and 2500 m.

What started out as a busy fishing port on the central Tunisian coast is now a popular touristic destination showcasing some of the finest beaches in Northern Africa. Monastir offers a vast array of activities such as water sports, fishing and horse riding along with a long list of impressive hotels and restaurants. This culturally rich and enchanting city surrounded by Bedouin architecture is great to visit year-round due to the blissful Mediterranean climate and there is plenty to do and see for all ages.

Though it might get overlooked in favour of larger, more glamorous cities, like Riyadh or nearby Doha, the discerning traveller will not want to pass up the opportunity to visit Dammam. As if the stunning desert scenery alone was not enough to enchant visitors, the city also offers heaps of fine dining, great shopping, and some of the most pleasant green spaces, parks and seaside walkways you are likely to find at a desert destination.

Referred to locally as the 'Queen of the South', Cebu, the country’s oldest city, has now become its favourite tourist destination. With a wide choice of historical sights, long stretches of white sand beaches, excellent year-round scuba and water sport activities, diverse dining options, exciting nightlife, and, of course, the famous warm hospitality, it’s no surprise that visitor numbers, new hotels, and tourist attractions are on the rise.