1. The Luberon, South Of France
A civilised countryside dotted with Roman ruins and French architec­ture—from churches and châteaus to hamlets—not everything here has been ruined with progress. Charming roads wind through the region, leading you inevitably to great food and warm people.

2. Anatolia, Turkey
It’s a wondrous landscape with signs of early human habitation. In fact, Cappadocia, in central Anatolia, has no equal. Where else can you stay in tuff (or soft rock) caves?

3. Rajasthan, India
It’s our Valley of the Loire, magni­fied seven times! From the very green Udaipur to the very arid Jodhpur, semi-arid Jaipur to Jaisalmer-Bikaner off the dunes, there’s an astonishing range of set­tings for its amazing properties.

4. Florence, Italy
How much more civilised, and closely integrated, can heritage and life be? The crucible of the world’s best art and architecture, it’s where even a touristy arch bridge like Ponte Vecchio doesn’t fail to charm.

5. Seville, Spain
Where life continues within the historical precincts as if nothing’s changed… You flow with history here. With medieval architecture and sports like bullfighting, there’s a surprise (or vaulted ceiling) tucked away in every corner of this labyrinth of walkways.