The Killhope Lead Mining Museum is a restored 19th-century Victorian lead mine where you can delve into the history of mining by mining for your own gemstones or panning for fools gold. The museum has a host of different minerals on display and is surrounded by woods and forest inviting for long walks.

The Ria Formosa wetlands gained protected status in 1987, safeguarding this crucial breeding ground for wetland birds from tourism development. Thanks to this protection, the entire coast from Faro to Cacela Velha was able to avoid any urbanisation. A boat trip to one of Faro’s islands is perhaps the best way to visit Ria Formosa.

This spectacular urban Buddhist temple (the head temple of the Jogye Order) is a highlight on any Busan itinerary. A pleasant uphill hike through quiet nature will take you to temple grounds, with beautiful ornate pavilions, Buddhist statues and worshippers, which include both temporary visitors and monks who reside here permanently. Temple grounds tend to get busy during holidays and weekends. You can either make a few hours' trip or – for full cultural immersion – book an overnight stay that includes an introduction to monastic life, complete with joining a formal dinner and pre-dawn chanting. Stays must booked in advance via the website, and there are several different programmes available. If you opt for the full experience, do mind that the (silent!) wake-up hour is at 5am.

If you like history and discovering beautiful libraries, you're in for a treat. On this fascinating tour, you start with a visit to Dublin's Trinity College Library, home to the famous Book of Kells—the lavishly illustrated manuscript of the Gospels dating back to AD 800 and widely considered among the most important of all of Ireland's ancient treasures. Then, enjoy a guided tour around the grounds of Dublin Castle, and listen to fascinating stories of its years as a prison, military fortress, and the seat of the English Administration in Ireland.