Mount Etna rising above the horizon in Sicily Criss-crossed through the ages by Greeks, Romans, Saracens and Byzantines, Sicily has so much of archaeological and historical interest that it could be a cruise destination in its own right; you could easily spend a week just sailing round the island and exploring. In reality, though, this rugged volcanic island (the largest in the Mediterranean),...

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Reykjavik seen from the top of Hallgrimskirkja Church during a cruise to Iceland As the epicentre of Icelandic cultural life – and the world’s most northerly capital city – Reykjavik is small, but charmingly formed and buzzes with quirky chutzpah. Nearly half the country’s population reside here, but even so there are barely 123,000 inhabitants, ensuring that the city’s streets remain refreshingly uncrowded. Sun Voyager - Reykjavik harbour While...

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Traditional boats in Halong Bay in Vietnam Vietnam has become one of Asia’s rising tourism stars over the last decade thanks to an irresistible combination of awe-inspiring landscapes and mesmerising cities. The Mekong River While many Far Eastern countries can promise a similarly alluring mix, Vietnam stands out for the unmistakable Gallic legacy of French rule that still leaves its mark culturally...

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A Geisha walking through the Arashiyama bamboo forest in Kyoto The host of the 2014 Winter Olympics, Sochi, might not have been all that well-known to us Brits, but the 2018 Winter Olympics are set to launch in an even more obscure destination: PyeongChang. So, where is PyeongChang, and what can you find there? Where is PyeongChang? PyeongChang County is a city in South Korea,...

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The Sun Voyager statue seen at the Old Harbour in Reykjavik at sunset Iceland cruises are now some of the most popular sailings. Often part of Arctic voyages that also pass through Greenland and the Norwegian fjords, it is little surprise! But Iceland’s popularity isn’t just down to its neighbours – this impossibly beautiful country captivates travellers with stunning scenery, a unique history and one very famous city:...

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Local farmers walking through a rice field in Malaysia Asia has always been shrouded in mystery and magic – a place to wander among colourful culture and flavoursome festivals. And yet, with so many destinations falling under the Asian sphere, many are often overlooked for the most mainstream locations. Instead, why not make 2018 the year of discovery and find your own Asia hidden...

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