The Royal Palace of the Hague, also serving as the monarch’s workplace, may not be as exuberant as its counterpart in Amsterdam, but it is an impressive city centrepiece nonetheless. Built as a farmhouse in 1533, it was reformed and repurposed several times over the years, accommodating such pivotal historical figures as Voltaire and notable monarchs such as King Willem I until its most recent extensions in 1984, which have turned it into a working palace, where political and state affairs take place daily. The palace gardens are open to the public throughout the day and make a nice spot for a picnic, where anyone can enjoy the ponds, flowerbeds and marble statues with views of the royal stables, archives and the Dome of Fagel. Look out for the hidden corridors leading to the Old Hague District in one of the corners of the gardens.

Travelling eastward from Marmaris takes you along the famous Lycian coast. Near the Dalyan River, about 80 kilometres east of Marmaris, are the spectacular rock tombs of Kaunos, and untamed scenery. The Loggerhead turtle comes here to lay its eggs on the beaches. The river’s mud is used for therapeutic clay packing, which is regarded as very health-giving. You can come here on excursion bus or dolmus taxi.

The chilling, heartbreaking exhibits of the Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum are guaranteed to leave no visitor indifferent. Atrocities commuted during Mengistu’s Derg regime are laid bare, to be processed at your own pace or with an English-speaking guide. The museum operates on donations alone; entry is free of charge.

Voted number 1 for 'Best Massage' for three consecutive years, this spa, seated on the edge of downtown Carlsbad, uses and sells the same alkaline water that helped put its city on the map. It's also aptly located on the Historic site of the original artesian well.