Indonesia’s sprawling capital is one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing, most chaotic and exciting places. It is the gateway to a vast, vibrant and varied island nation home to dozens of fascinating cultures. Formerly the colonial capital of the Dutch East Indies—when it was known as Batavia—Jakarta has grown from its original seaport district into a huge modern conurbation of high-rise hotels and apartments, thronged shopping malls and wide, crowded avenues.

It is said that natives of Cologne who are living elsewhere always feel homesick, and visitors to this beautiful city will soon understand why. Germany’s oldest metropolis, which, of course, gave its name to the Eau de Cologne, offers a mix of magnificent and romantic churches, cutting-edge modern architecture, busy shopping streets, and world-famous museums. There is much to do and see in Cologne, and with all the frequent flights and transportation options, getting here has never been easier.

Known as one of the imperial cities of Morocco, the opulent city of Fès is the country's oldest city, and it is split into two areas – Fès-el-Bali (Old Fes) and Fès-el-Djedid (New Fes) – as some mystical fusion of an ancient Islamic past and the French-influenced present. The endless Medina, which contains 9,500 streets, sells everything from jewellery to furniture, crafts, carpets, leather goods and spices.

The majestic Faisal Mosque stands against the backdrop of the lush Margalla Hills as a symbol of a Pakistan placed firmly in the modern day, while holding on to its history and traditions. The capital city of Islamabad is a forward-thinking metropolis nestled in the green Himalayas. Usually regarded as a diplomatic city, it has become an important business and financial centre for the region, as well as an emerging travel destination. Together with its neighbouring sister city of Rawalpindi, Islamabad gives travellers in-the-know a taste of contemporary Pakistan.