The St Thomas synagogue first opened its doors in 1833, which makes it the the second oldest synagogue in the United States. The building features a domed ceiling with beautiful chandeliers and mahogany pews. The white sand floors both to remind congregants of the 40 years the Jews spent wandering the desert in biblical times and also to pay homage to their Portuguese ancestors who had to muffle the sounds of their footsteps during prayer. Only four synagogues in the world still honour this Dutch-Portuguese tradition.

Embark for a fascinating boat trip on the Dyle, Mechelen's lifeblood! You will learn all about the sights you pass on the riverbanks and you will be fed interesting snippets of information and anecdotes about Mechelen's history as you go.

Durban is home to some of South Africa's finest stretches of sand. The Golden Mile in central Durban is a collection of multiple well-kept beaches fit for both swimming and surfing and equipped with all necessary amenities; Umhlanga beaches to the north are known for being cleaner and less crowded.

The Botanical Garden or 'Botanique' is steeped in history. From the Middle Ages this green oasis was the garden of the former 'commanderij van Pitzemburg', order of knights. After its abolition, in the nineteenth century the garden was turned into an English landscape garden for members of the elitist Société Royale d'Horticulture. After the First World War it opened to the public as a municipal park. In the middle of the Botanical Garden is a statue of the celebrated scientist Rembert Dodoens. In the sixteenth century he wrote a highly acclaimed herbal called the 'Cruydenboek'. These days the Botanical Garden is a quiet and very pleasant park where you can enjoy the plant life while the children let off steam in the playground.