In the historical heart of Amsterdam, rough diamonds are transformed into dazzling jewels every day. Book a free 1-hour tour and delve into the exciting world of diamond cutting at House of Gassan, where four centuries of craftsmanship and tradition are brought to life.

Security is of concern at present and trips to the Khyber Pass are best left for a better time (check official safety advice at your planned time of travel), but do seize the opportunity when the opportunity comes. The pass has long been a gateway to South Asia (part of the ancient Silk Route), travelled by merchants, explorers and conquerors, the likes of Alexander the Great and Mughals, a channel that now connects Pakistan to the troubled Afghan territories via Torkham. Michni Checkpoint is as far as most visitors can count on getting.

Often considered one of the top opera houses on the planet because of its acoustic quality, architectural magnificence and stunning beauty, Teatro Colón is perhaps the best place in Buenos Aires to enjoy some of the finer performance arts. The constantly changing program includes some of the world's best orchestras, operas and ballets.

Hortus Botanicus is one of the world's oldest botanical gardens established in 1638 as an herb garden with medicinal plants for Amsterdam doctors and pharmacists. The plants were brought here from all over the world by the traders of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). Today, Hortus Botanicus holds more than 6,000 different plants, including unique ones, like the 2,000 years old agave cactus and a 300-year-old Eastern Cape giant cycad. The garden's orangery has a beautiful cafe with a large outside terrace open to the garden. Find some peace and quiet here, especially on a drizzly day.