Heading to a local food market in a country where you don't speak the language, don't know the prices and don't know the haggling etiquette — can be quite stressful. Get a little help from a friendly local and visit a vibrant market, followed by an immersive private dining experience later in the day. There's nothing like exploring Italy's culinary heritage through a 4-course meal cooked and served by a local in their own home. Beats any restaurant. Plus, you support small businesses and connect with the locals.

Firstly constructed in the 14th century, Jiming Temple has gone through quite a few renovations over time (what we can see now was mostly reconstructed in the 1980s). It remains the most attended temple by worshippers in the region to-date. In spring, the blooming of sakura along the path dyes the temple into pink and attracts great numbers of visitors.

Corte is at the very heart of Corsica, both geographically and politically, as it was the capital of an independent Corsica during its brief existence as a sovereign nation (1755-1769). The town retains its air of grandeur from those days, with the National Palace and an impressive 15th-century church as the centrepieces.