Step into the sensory whirlwind that is Marrakech's sprawling labyrinth of souks. Known as Morocco's largest and among the world's most exotic marketplaces, they offer a feast for the senses — vibrant colours, intoxicating aromas, and the ceaseless hum of haggling. While the thrill of the hunt and the art of bargaining are all part of the experience, first-time visitors may find the maze-like alleys a bit disorienting. The narrow, often-covered passageways, brimming with goods, can seem indistinguishable one from another. To help you navigate this complex web and truly appreciate what's on offer, consider taking a guided tour to get your bearings and avoid getting lost.

A trip to a hammam is an essential Marrakesh experience for rejuvenating both body and spirit. Berbers have honed their skincare rituals for centuries to keep their skin radiant in the harsh desert climate. Relish the bliss of a cleansing session with black olive soap, hair care, and thorough scrubbing with exfoliating mitts. For a top-tier experience, the Royal Mansour hosts Marrakesh's premier hammam. Here, luxury meets tradition: you'll recline on heated marble while water from intricately designed silver buckets is poured over you. They use premium Moroccan ingredients in their signature rhassoul scrub, featuring a blend of rose, basil, and other natural elements. Diverse treatments are available, and advance booking is a must.

Until the 16th century, Colmcille's monastery defined the island. In Toraigh, the most remote of all the inhabited Irish isles, tradition and high spirits abound. A Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking region), this island is fiercely proud of its folklore, music and dance. A haven for artists, the beauty of this small island has inspired the imagination for generations. Other landmarks of note include the Lighthouse, the Wishing Stone, and Balor's Fort. An interesting fact is that this island traditionally elects its own king - the only place in Ireland to do so.

Constructed in the 16th century under the orders of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadian dynasty, El Badi Palace — the "Incomparable Palace" — was once hailed as a marvel of its era. Initially featuring 360 rooms, an expansive courtyard, and a 90-metre-long pool, the palace was a monument to the Sultan's affluence and influence. Adorned with a lavish selection of materials sourced globally — from Italian marble to Malian gold — the palace was envisioned as an opulent space for grand receptions and ceremonies. However, following al-Mansur's death in 1603, the palace was abandoned and gradually succumbed to decay, especially during the waning years of the Saadian rule. Many of its precious elements, particularly its marble, were harvested and repurposed in various Moroccan structures. Nowadays, El Badi stands as a significant point of interest in Marrakesh, housing various exhibitions and even showcasing the Minbar of the Kutubiyya Mosque. Though largely in ruins, the palace still whispers stories of a bygone era of wealth and grandeur.