The Royal Palace in Casablanca is the official residence of the King of Morocco, located in the quiet Hubous neighbourhood. Visitors can admire the palace from the outside, taking in its ornate gates, manicured grounds, and traditional Moroccan architecture, but access to the interior is restricted.

A day trip from Madrid offers the perfect excuse to step back in time, and few places capture Spain’s medieval legacy quite like Ávila and Salamanca, both proudly listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Your adventure begins in Ávila, a walled city that appears lifted straight from the pages of a history book. Its imposing stone ramparts, punctuated by 88 defensive towers, encircle a beautifully preserved old town. Step inside and you’ll find Romanesque gems such as the Ávila Cathedral, part fortress and part place of worship, as well as the Basilica of San Vicente, famed for its architecture and colourful stonework. Ávila sits just over 100 kilometres from Madrid, and you can easily reach it by train or coach, both options run frequently throughout the day. From Ávila, continue west to the golden-hued city of Salamanca, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. Its nickname, La Dorada, The Golden City, comes from the glow of its sandstone buildings, especially beautiful at sunset. Wander across the Plaza Mayor, often hailed as Spain’s finest square, then lose yourself among the cloisters, libraries and carvings of the historic university quarter. While Salamanca is delightful by day, it truly comes alive at night, its tapas bars and buzzing student energy make it tempting to extend your stay beyond a day trip.

The Hassan II Mosque commands a dramatic presence on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Its vast prayer hall and 210-metre minaret make it one of Casablanca’s most recognisable sights. Join a guided tour to see the detailed woodwork, marble floors, and the small glass section set over the water, and take your time walking the esplanade outside for long views along the coast.

Get a real sense of life in Colombo and experience the hustle and bustle of Sri Lanka's capital with a visit to the Pettah Market, also called Manning Market. At this busy open-air market, visitors can explore scores of shops selling everything under the sun, from fresh vegetables, spices and meats to clothing, electronics, gold and jewellery. Arrive early before trishaws and touts clog up the streets.