Warsaw, Poland

Palaces and parkland abound in the Polish capital. Public transport - buses, metro, trams and trolley buses - make it accessible. See the city spread before you from the monumental Palace of Culture and Science. Visit the Royal Castle and the Gothic, cobbled alleys and baroque palaces of the Old Town - destroyed by German troops but now masterfully reconstructed. The Old Town sights include the moving Uprising Monument and lovely Krasinski gardens. Walk the Royal Way to see the best of Warsaw.

Taitung, Taiwan

If you're lucky enough to visit Taitung during its annual Lantern Festival, you'll be mesmerised and delighted by 12 days of colourful paper orbs, exuberant firecrackers, lively performances and a city that unites in vibrant celebration. But there's also magic beneath the ground where revellers gather and dance. Taitung is a city of important archaeological significance. Local archaeologists have unearthed thousands of artifacts from aboriginal cultures, including over 1500 Peinan stone coffins. A visit to the Museum of Prehistory or the Beinan Culture Park will school you in Taitung's rich history.

Hsinchu, Taiwan

The city of "New Bamboo," Hsinchu sways like a sturdy reed under the cooling breeze that rolls from the Taiwan Strait. Buzzing with the activity of numerous science and technology universities, Hsinchu is forward-thinking, attracting high-tech companies from around the world—a charming juxtaposition of modernity and antiquity for the oldest city in northern Taiwan. Hsinchu's historic moat flows through central parks and green spaces, and the scholarly carvings on the Guan Di Temple contribute to the city's intellectual sensibility. For a glimpse into traditional Taiwanese technologies, visit the Craft Glass Museum to learn about Hsinchu's signature product.

Yilan, Taiwan

The natural beauty of Yilan flows like an enchanted river. The surrounding county is lush with waterfalls, lakes, rivers and botanical gardens. You can spend your holiday immersed in a watery paradise, swimming, surfing, white water rafting or simply taking in the scenery. If you prefer to soak up culture, Yilan offers museums that highlight traditional crafts and natural wonders, including Bei Guan Leisure Farm, known for its head-scratching exhibits of live crabs that live in boiling volcanic springs. A street snack from the Luodong Night Market is simply a must.

Nantou, Taiwan

Taking in the breathtaking beauty of Nantou's Sun Moon Lake is truly an ethereal experience. The turquoise basin is shaped like the sun on the east side, a crescent moon on the west, and it reads like a rippling celestial journey. After a day of hiking the seven miles of trails in the lake's surrounding mountains, hop a cable car and whiz through the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village or take a soothing dip in one of the area's many hot springs. Local farms grow juicy drupe fruits, the perfect refreshment on a steamy day.

Hualien, Taiwan

Most people come to Hualien to visit the Taroko Gorge. And with good reason—it's simply beautiful. With rope bridges over rivers, hiking trails with astounding views, and temples cut into the mountainsides, it's an unforgettable place. Feel the full power of the ocean at Shihtiping, a two-hour drive from Hualien, where the waves crash into the rocky shore.

Taichung, Taiwan

From pub-hopping to 18-story department store shopping, Taichung is a lively city at the heart of Taiwan. Tour the glass-walled botanical centre and the renowned art museum, then wander from shops to food stalls in any of the night markets. The mountains that protect Taichung from typhoons offer travellers an excellent change of pace from city life, with lakes, farms, bike paths and more to discover.

Krasnoyarsk, Russia

Known as a top spot for rock climbing, Krasnoyarsk will thrill travellers who like to take their holidays to new heights. The impressive granite formations at Stolby nature reserve are perfect for a free climb or two. Love the drama of a hand-over-hand sweat session but prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Take in a show at the Pushkin Drama Theater, or marvel at the works of one of the country's greatest artists, at the Vasily Surikov Museum. In the summer, the flower monuments are eye-catching landmarks - fun figures made completely out of colourful blooms.

Samara, Russia

Samara is a transportation and industrial hub, as well as home to one of Russia's top engineering institutions, Samara State Aerospace University, which has helped to pioneer Russia's innovative space program. Visitors can sample some of Samara's most important products: vodka, chocolate and beer. Tour a Russian brewery before taking in a show at one of Samara's many theaters and concert halls, or beef up your knowledge of Russian history with a trip to Stalin's Bunker or the Lenin House Museum. Don't miss the sunset on the beaches along the banks of the Volga.

Kaliningrad, Russia

A little extra chunk of Russia stuck between Lithuania and Poland on the Baltic Sea, Kaliningrad was known as Königsberg from its founding by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century until after World War II. It was renamed, repopulated with Russians and became part of the Soviet Union. Today, as it has been for centuries, it’s known for amber products, with most of the world’s harvestable amber still lying off its coast. The 14th century Königsberg Cathedral is a main city attraction.

St. Petersburg, Russia

It's hard to believe a city boasting so much great art and architecture is "only" 309 years old. (To put this in perspective, Newark, N.J., has been around a few decades longer than Saint Petersburg.) Towering cathedrals and ornate palaces fill Saint Petersburg, and the State Hermitage Museum, located in the Winter Palace, houses some of the world's greatest works of art.

Urgup, Turkey

The Cappadocia region's most upscale and contemporary tourist city, Urgup has a number of lovely hotels, many built in and around centuries-old cave dwellings. The city and its surrounding area are known for their mysterious fairy chimneys, early Christian rock churches and fine vineyards. A mix of ancient and modern, Urgup is a center for traditional handmade carpets, but also has a lively nightlife. Hot air ballooning is very popular, and a fantastic way to see the area's beauty from above.

Goreme, Turkey

A town literally carved into the volcanic rock, Goreme is the gateway to the Goreme National Park, a vast UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses spectacular 10th- and 11th-century cave churches. The park itself is known for its chimney rock formations and is very popular with backpackers. It’s also a great area to sample Turkish cuisine and wine.