This small but perfectly formed city in the picturesque county of Devon has preserved many of its historic features while enjoying all the amenities and vibrancy of a modern cosmopolitan hub. Exeter is the perfect base to explore the surrounding English countryside dotted with pretty villages, quaint old pubs and tea rooms serving the famous Devon cream tea. All of this comes with the added bonus of being only a short journey to the nearby coastal resorts, fishing ports, and sandy beaches of the English Riviera and the World Heritage Jurassic Coast.

Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is the third largest of the Ionian Islands. The south and east coasts are hubs of lively resorts, while a short journey inland or west reveals the island's other side: pine-clad hills, traditional villages, and a dramatic coastline where limestone cliffs meet translucent seas. The iconic Navagio 'Shipwreck Beach' epitomises the wild beauty of the west. The island’s capital blends a spacious Italianate square with reminders of its history, watched over by the ruins of a Venetian castle.

Beirut is the perfect destination for seasoned travellers: here, East and West intertwine in intricate ways, creating a city so magnetic that few are able to resist its powerful draw. Much has changed over the latter half of the twentieth century, with Beirut rising to become glitterati central in the 60s, but falling from grace during the bloody Civil War. However, the city is alive and kicking, enticing travellers with superb gastronomy, the Middle East's most vibrant nightlife and close proximity to the ancient towns of Byblos and Baalbek.

Basel is a place of exciting contrasts. Contrasts such as masterpieces of contemporary architecture set against the well-preserved Old Town or the wonderful harmony between the city's cosmopolitan flair and vibrant traditions. And although classical modernism and street art may seem like they are worlds apart, both have a prominent place in Basel. We are in flux, constantly reshaping ourselves. So every time you come to Basel, you will discover something new.

Patras is a city of compelling layers. Its history spans four millennia, from ancient Mycenaean roots to a 19th-century golden age, all visible in sites like the hilltop Medieval Castle and the reconstructed Roman Odeon. Today, as a major university town and economic hub, it thrums with youthful energy, evident in its dynamic cultural scene and the legendary Carnival week. It’s a gateway to the Peloponnese peninsula, just a short ferry ride away from Italy and only three hours away from Athens. Choose your adventure!