While only 60 years ago South Korea was considered a developing country, it’s now one of Asia’s economic and cultural leaders. Super-chic Seoul combines modernism with ancient history; coastal Busan serves up rugged beach spots; and Jeju Island wows with volcanic landscapes and towering mountains.

The grand story of China features a great wall, a forbidden city, and a few thousand Terracotta warriors. Settings include the sci-fi skyline of Shanghai, the jutting peaks of Zhangjiajie, and the tropical beaches of Hainan, but the tale of this ancient kingdom began long ago.

Lying in south central Turkey, the moonscaped region of Cappadocia, southeast of Ankara, is most famous for unique geological features called fairy chimneys. The large, cone-like formations were created over time by erosion of the relatively soft volcanic ash around them. Past cultures have dug into them to create dwellings, castles (like Uchisar) and even entire underground cities like Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, used as hiding places by early Christians. Nearby Kayseri is the gateway to the area.

On the Aegean's eastern, edge the Dodecanese present perfect Greek vistas of whitewashed walls, turquoise blue skies and seas. Island-hopping by ferry, hydrofoil or catamaran is a splendid way to get into the leisurely pace. Once docked, you'll find many of these twelve idyllic islands are easily explored on foot. Don't miss Rhodes' Acropolis, the ruins of ancient Kamiros and Valley of the Butterflies or Kos' Askepion ruins. Tiny Patmos is known for the cave of St. John of the Apocalypse.