Linz an der Donau is a cultural metropolis, and an oasis of green. It is a place where nature, culture and business come together to form a harmonious whole. The 2009 European Capital of Culture sports the slogan 'Linz, verändert' ('Linz, changes'), and lives up to the slogan in full. A successful location for business, the city has emerged as an outstanding destination for culture, offering dynamism and high quality of life. The capital city of Upper Austria is a showcase for theatre and music, contemporary art, history and science.

Located between the imposing Al Hajar Mountains and the salty waters of the Arabian Sea is Muscat, the cosmopolitan Omani capital. Now home to almost half the country's population, the city is an expat's darling and has a lot to offer in the way of historical sights, culture, and entertainment. Muscat has managed to remain relatively concealed from the tourist eye and retains a sense of inwardness and an unspoiled quality long lost by some of its Emirati neighbours.

Despite being Slovenia’s second largest city, Maribor has the charm of a small town where nature and city live in close proximity. Embraced on all sides by lush green hills which in winter turn white and are excellent for skiing, forests and vineyards, most within an easy walk from the centre, you can sample the cafes and restaurants and stroll through the vibrant streets of the old town. But the nearby hills are a constant reminder that nature is just a few steps away and a whole world of leisure awaits you.

Tivat feels like a town that’s caught in between — between old fishing days and shiny new marinas, between quiet corners and glamorous yachts. It’s small, but the kind of place that makes you want to stick around. Wander the cobbled streets, grab a coffee by the water, and you’ll get a sense of its easy-going rhythm. The Bay of Kotor stretches out before you, and while Tivat has its share of sleek, modern spots, there’s a certain charm in the old stone buildings and the salty breeze that still gives the place its soul.

Hyderabad is India's national treasure, full of history, culture, and amazing architecture. The century-old city never ceased to attract visitors from all over the world, with international influences first pouring in with trade merchants in search of aromatic spices, shiny jewellery, and gorgeous pearls. Today, Hyderabad is still known and loved for these goods, and many still travel here from afar to purchase them.