Italy not only attracts tourists with the beauty of its landscapes and mesmerising ancient sites. Italy's exquisite cuisine and passion for all things culinary are, arguably, an even more powerful draw. And for a truly memorable experience in Rome, consider joining a cooking class. This one, in particular, will teach you how to make your own pasta by hand with the help of an expert Italian chef.

Named during the Tang Dynasty when Taoism was at its peak, Laoshan is one of those places that is as much about the views as it is about the history. The area is dotted with iconic sites like Laoshan Jufeng Peak, Liuqing River, Taiping Palace, Yangkou Beach, and the Nine Waters and Eighteen Pools — each offering a different slice of the region’s natural beauty. From rugged mountain peaks to serene beaches, Laoshan's landscapes are a traveller’s dream. If you're planning to explore, there are a few routes to choose from. The southern route covers the towering Jufeng Peak and the peaceful Taiping Palace. The eastern route takes you to Yangkou Beach and the Qipan Stone Area, while the central route is all about the lush Nine Waters and Eighteen Pools.

First held in 1991, the Qingdao International Beer Festival has grown into Asia’s largest beer event. Every August, starting on the second Sunday of the month, the festival kicks off and runs for 16 days in the city’s Shilaoren National Tourism Resort. This sprawling 35-hectare 'Beer City' is built specifically for the occasion, where beer lovers from all over the world come together. While you can always grab a Tsingtao Beer in Qingdao, nothing compares to the carnival buzz of the festival. Expect a fun mix of live music, international brews, and plenty of opportunities to sample the local favourite—Tsingtao Beer, of course. One quirky Qingdao tradition to note: fresh beer is often sold in plastic bags. So, don’t be surprised when you see people strolling the streets with a bag of beer in hand. It's all part of the fun.

Located next to the Haci Bayram Mosque, the temple was built in AD 10 as a tribute to Emperor Augustus. Only ruins of the walls and columns still remain, making it the perfect spot for history enthusiasts.