Norway

French artist Niki di Saint Phalle’s sculpture park is filled with her whimsical artworks, set near the pretty town of Capalbio. Some of the 22 monumental, colourful figures tower above the surrounding olive trees; together they represent the major arcana of the Tarot deck.

Gelato (ice cream) was invented in Florence in the 16th-century, where it first appeared during banquets at the Medici court. For five days in late May, this festival celebrates this fact with a festival dedicated to all things gelato (including frozen cocktails).

Magical 6th-century underground cistern, once used to supply water to Istanbul’s Ottoman emperors.

See some of Sydney’s most famous landmarks – including the Opera House – from the water, with a kayak tour around the world’s most beautiful natural harbour.

The fortress-like 15th-century Monastery of Santa Maria la Real was founded on the site of a miracle. It houses a lace-like Plateresque Cloister of the Knights, rare medieval royal tombs, and an exquisite Isabelline Gothic choir in the holy cave.

When you feel the need to escape Bangkok’s oppressive traffic fumes, Lumphini Park is a lush central oasis and a fantastic place for a stroll. Go early morning and late afternoon when locals come for sports and you’ll find elderly ladies practicing sword fighting and Tai-Chi.

One of Japan’s oldest art forms, shodo calligraphy is part aesthetic pursuit, part mindfulness. Experience and appreciate the art form for yourself in a special calligraphy workshop.

Translating as The Temple of the Dragon at Peace, this Zen temple’s cryptically designed rock garden is considered one of the finest surviving examples of ‘dry landscape’ Japanese Zen temple garden design featuring distinctive larger rock formations arranged amidst a sweep of smooth pebbles. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Housed in restored Roman granaries of the ancient port city of Andriake, this new museum houses exhibits showcasing the religious, economic and social life of Lycia from 800 BC to AD 300.

The world’s largest museum dedicated solely to the art of film, home to a collection of movie treasures, a rotating roster of exhibitions featuring industry creators and an experience where you can hold a coveted Oscars statuette.