Myanmar is famous for its gems, so anyone interested in the history behind the gem industry will find this a good place to start. The main source of these gems was from the mines in the northeast, near Mandalay. Rubies, sapphires and jade were mined from these sites. Private companies as well as state run enterprises exhibit on three floors.

Saint Anastasia Island, the only inhabited island in Bulgaria’s Black Sea, lies 6 kilometres from Burgas and is steeped in history and legend. Once a monastery and later a prison, it now features a lighthouse, a couple of small museums, and the 15th-century Church of the Assumption with its 1802 wooden iconostasis. You can explore the island’s rocky shores, enjoy sea cuisine at the restaurant, or try herbal potions at the monastery. Regular catamaran services from Burgas make it an accessible and intriguing day trip.

Dating back to 1132 under the reign of Norman King Roger II, Castello Normanno-Svevo is a true architectural testament to history. Although it endured destruction in 1156 by King William I of Sicily, it was resurrected and fortified in 1233 under the patronage of the Holy Roman emperor Frederick II. Over time, it saw various transformations during the Angevin domination, and after being held by several noble families, it eventually became a prison and barracks under the King of Naples. Encircled by a moat on all sides, except its northern border with the sea, accessible via a bridge and gate to the south, the castle primarily features Aragon walls and the prominent Hohenstaufen tower. Today, it serves as a venue for exhibitions, preserving a rich tapestry of history within its walls.