Notre-Dame stands on Île de la Cité, often called the birthplace of Paris. The site has been sacred for thousands of years—long before the cathedral, there were Celtic worship spots, then Roman temples, followed by a Romanesque church. The Gothic cathedral we see today was completed in 1345 and became the heart of medieval Paris. Despite the fire in 2019 that damaged much of it, the main structure and most treasures survived. It stretches 128 metres long with two towers rising 69 metres high, still commanding the city’s skyline.

Swim with turtles, lionfish, lizardfish and other colourful sea creatures. You will be provided with top notch diving equipment; professional underwater cameras can be rented in order to capture this unique experience.

This nationally recognised Shinto shrine is considered one of Japan’s primary symbols of the country’s major religion. Take in the huge 11-metre cypress tree torii (gate) before wandering peacefully along winding paths to the wonderful inner buildings. Near the main complex, the modern Meiji Jingu Museum displays personal artefacts of the imperial couple, from manuscripts to garments. For a small fee, the Inner Garden (Jingu Naien) reveals a landscape of seasonal beauty, most famous for its June iris blooms.