The "Red City" of Marrakesh is a wonderful mix of European, Middle Eastern and African culture. Set in the foothills west of the Atlas Mountains, the city home to beautiful boutique hotels, intimate gardens, upscale spas and hammams, delicious restaurants and charming riads.

The oldest of all South American capitals, Quito, sits high in the Andean foothills. It was built on an ancient Incan city and is known for its colonial center filled with churches that blend European, Moorish and indigenous styles.

Known since the colonial era as Cartagena de Indias, Cartagena is made up of a charming walled Old Town, founded in the 16th century, with squares, parks, cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings. The tropical climate also gives way to spending days at the beach but the best are only accessible by boat.