Historical destinations

Nestled amidst the mountains of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is a strong contender for the title of Southeast Asia's best-kept secret. Here, in the heart of the country, life moves in sync with the sun and nature, in a beautiful symbiosis of old and new. With its unspoilt natural wonders and golden temples glistening in the sun, Laos’ former royal capital has emerged as one of the most captivating and enchanting destinations in Southeast Asia. Little wonder that it draws in more than a million visitors each year.

Szczecin is an energetic city where the River Odra eventually flows into the Szczecin Lagoon. Today, it is the capital of the region of West Pomerania, which has suffered a turbulent history and now looks to an enlightened and cultural revival. A focal point is that it has managed to preserve its unique character and charm since its recent reform. Szczecin is now awakening to its full potential at an ever-increasing pace. You will feel truly inspired as you explore this enthralling city.

With over 2000 years of history, dozens of monuments, impressive medieval streets, and beautiful boulevards, Poitiers boasts a rich and fascinating heritage. But the city has more to offer than just memories: its trendy cafes and cool bars, as well as its lively student population, keep the city young and vibrant.

Rønne is the largest town on the Danish island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea, offering beautiful nature, charming squares, and half-timbered houses. Bornholm is located on the western part of the island, and the idyllic harbour today is busy with fishing boats, cargo ships, and ferries. Explore the cosy, cobbled streets and the fascinating museums and history that the island has to offer.

Like so many of the towns and cities of Egypt, Hurghada, Luxor and Marsa Alam are living history museums. The three cities are positioned as corners of a triangle in the Eastern Desert. Hurghada, a former fishing harbour, stretches 24 kilometres along the waterfront and is the perfect area for water sports. Marsa Alam is found by the Red Sea coast and tourism is just starting to make an impact. The city of Luxor, with its jaw-droppingly beautiful monuments built by the hands of ancient craftsmen, lies 240 kilometres inland on the banks of the River Nile.

Hoi An is an enchanting and unique destination. With its ideal blend of history, culture, shopping, dining, and leisure, the town continues to be a highly sought-after tourist spot year after year. Its UNESCO-listed Ancient Town is photogenic to a fault, with its collection of distinctive mustard-coloured colonial homes, intriguing food and quaint streets that remain traffic-free for much of the day drawing in cruise excursionists and backpackers alike.

Lyon is commonly referred to as the gastronomy capital. In the past, this label was associated with sauces and a petit-bourgeois small-town complex. However, with the arrival of the TGV high-speed train connecting Lyon to Paris and Marseille, as well as the winning streak of Olympique Lyonnais in various League Championships, Lyon underwent a transformation. The city now boasts daring architecture, bustling cafés, and avant-garde exhibitions, ushering in a new era.

With its stunning natural setting, culturally diverse - and, at times, turbulent - history, and modern vibrancy, Sarajevo is a busy city which now actively welcomes visitors to its eclectic streets. The Islamic, Orthodox, Catholic and Judaic influences and religious traditions live on side by side here, in the formerly contested capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina set against the misty backdrop of the Dinaric Alps.