The Peloponnese is a large peninsula on the southernmost part of mainland Greece. Its history dates back to the Bronze Age. Buses and rental cars provide the best options for seeing the region's sites, such as Mycenae's ancient theater, Sparta's Archaeological Museum and the ancient ruins of Mystras, Olympia, Mycenae, Corinth and Artemis Orthia. Held by the Turks and the Venetians until Greek independence in 1821, this center of ancient Greece is also justly famous for traditional Greek dancing.

Approximately 40 miles southeast of Antalya, you will find the beautiful coastal resort of Kemer at the foot of the majestic Taurus Mountain. Enjoy a walk along the promenade and a visit a reconstructed tent city that reflects the life of the Turkish nomads. You can watch carpet weavers at work and sample Turkish specialties such as ayran (yogurt drink) and gözleme (pancakes). Close by is a cable car that lifts you right to the top of Tahtali Mountain (2,365 meters).

Though Cefalu is considered one of Italy’s finest resort towns, there’s more to do than just swim and sunbathe. The seaside spot, poised on Sicily northeastern coast, is equally celebrated for its Norman cathedral, medieval old town, archaeology museum, and seafood-heavy fare.

A bevy of universities give Austria's second-largest city its lively pace. Baroque palaces are a pleasant contrast with 16th-century courtyards and provocative modern buildings. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, teems with fine architecture, including the Burg castle complex, with its Gothic double staircase, and the graceful Uhrturm clock tower. A funicular takes visitors up the dramatic bluff. The River Mur dashes through the city, and thermal springs dot the surrounding countryside.

The picturesque lakeside town of Zell am See offers about 80 miles of local slopes, with beginner, intermediate and advanced runs all well represented. One hundred and twenty-five miles of cross-country trails offer gorgeous panoramic views. The neighboring town of Kaprun is famed for its glacier skiing.

One of Austria's most luxurious ski resorts, ritzy Kitzbühel, known as "Kitz," basks between the Hahnenkamm and Kitzbüheler Horn mountains. Every winter, Hahnenkamm's Streif slope is the site of one of the hardest downhill runs of the World Cup Ski Race. In summer, this Tirolean town sees tennis fans arrive in droves for the Austrian Open. Its winding, cobblestone medieval streets are packed with sports cars and upscale boutiques as Europe's glitterati descend on these hallowed slopes.

This former Bedouin fishing village is now a popular tourist destination—especially for serious windsurfers, who'll find some of the best conditions in the world off Dahab's beaches. Long known as a laid-back, backpacker-friendly town, Dahab is becoming more developed, yet retains a casual vibe. Finally, Dahab is also home to the Blue Hole, the world's most dangerous dive site. Only very experienced technical divers should attempt passage through "The Arch" here; if you're a novice diver, stay close to the surface. (Editor's note: Our list was compiled before political unrest prompted many countries to issue travel warnings for Egypt. If you're currently planning a trip to Egypt, please consider the risks and monitor your government's travel alerts.)

Come play in El Gouna where the turquoise Red Sea sparkles. With resorts, spas and an 18-hole golf course, El Gouna lets you unwind under the sun. Book an excursion by land or sea—quad bikes are a popular way for the adventurous to see the desert. By night, trendy bars and the open-air disco welcome you to stay up late. (Editor's note: Our list was compiled before political unrest prompted many countries to issue travel warnings for Egypt. If you're currently planning a trip to Egypt, please consider the risks and monitor your government's travel alerts.)

Wide beaches along the "Flower Coast" attract families and those commemorating the D-Day landings of 1944. Inland, cattle graze in rural idylls and pre-WWII buildings stand alongside modern architecture. Rent a car or take tours from Caen or Bayeux. The landscape around his home in Giverny inspired Monet's Water Lilies, and summer's profusion of blooms is quite lovely. Don't miss Rouen's old town and cathedral, Caen's cathedral, Bayeaux's tapestry and the ancient island-abbey of Mont-St-Michel.

The prophet Mohammed's birthplace is Islam's spiritual center and is strictly off-limits to non-Muslims. The pillars of Islam state that all Muslims with the means must undertake Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca, once in their lifetime. Those who visit the holy city are rewarded not just by proximity to landmarks and religious sites crucial to the religion, such as the Masjid Al Haram (Holy Mosque), the Mountain of Light, the Black Stone and the Well of Zamzam, but with the forgiveness of all their sins.

The holy city of Rishikesh, in the base of the Himalayas, holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for local Hindus. Sacred rivers and mountains set the scene for yoga and reflective hikes, and rafting here is an absolute must. The Beatles got in touch with their Eastern spiritual side here, writing several songs during a 1968 stint at a local ashram.