Discover the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre with its picturesque pastel homes perched over the seaside cliffs on this guided tour through the five idyllic fishing villages of old-world Italy. Following the walking trails along the cliffs, you will see spectacular views of this unspoiled stretch of the Italian Riviera. Check out the highlights and learn about the area as you complete a 3.4-mile (5.5-km) route with your guide. If you choose the tour option without hiking, the train will be used instead to move between villages.

One of the largest Buddhist hubs in Chengdu, the Wenshu Monastery is not only a religious and cultural landmark, but also a gastronomic must-stop for any foodie visiting the city (there is an excellent vegetarian restaurant plus a tea house on-site). Stop by for a soul cleanse and a treat to feel refreshed for the remainder of the day.

Built in the mid-18th century for the Qing emperors as a retreat from the heat of the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace is a vast imperial garden centred on Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, both man-made. The lake was modelled on Hangzhou’s West Lake, with islands, bridges, and long covered walkways. Scattered around are pavilions, temples, and a recreated riverside street designed to look like a traditional market town. Later restored under Empress Dowager Cixi, it became her favoured residence. Today, it’s worth visiting not just for the palaces themselves, but for the long lakeside walks, shaded courtyards, and the sense of space that feels very different from central Beijing.