DESTINATION EXPLORER
Hong Kong
One of the most marvelously atmospheric cities there is, Hong Kong stands at the crossroads of worlds.
British colonial legacy and English culture meet Chinese tradition in a marvelous mix. Glass skyscrapers rise beside incense-filled temples and small alleyways with centuries-old artisanal traditions. For the Westerner approaching the Far East, Hong Kong is in a few important ways the gateway to the Orient. And we use this word 'Orient' in the simple and beautiful understanding of its original Latin meaning of 'east' or 'rising' referring to the sun, in opposition to 'Occident' which from its Latin means 'setting'.
There is a sort of William Gibsonesque cyber-punk tonality to the night markets in the midst of this city, which — with a total of 558 — claims the most skyscrapers in the world. At every altitude, you’ll find Michelin-starred restaurants sharing space with wild street food stalls and halls, and of course the hum of the financial trade in the background of it all.
In truth, it’s also quite possibly the best-smelling city in the world, where you are never far from the scent of hot sesame oil, baked goods, and roast duck.
For all its density and energy, Hong Kong is a city with surprising pockets of calm — ferry rides across Victoria Harbour, shaded hillside monasteries, and green islands a stone’s throw from Central’s towers.
It is an odd and always precarious balance that one finds here, echoes of the past and the Hong Kongese relationship to it, meeting tension from an overbearing Chinese future. We highly recommend watching director Wong Kar-Wai's stunningly intimate portrayal of 1960s Hong Kong, In the Mood For Love, a sort of love letter to the Hong Kong that was.
Whether you’re tracing its imperial history, diving into its Cantonese culinary scene, or wandering neon-lit alleyways in search of something unexpected, Hong Kong is an experience all to its own.
The author personally remembers the thousands of fabric merchants on the mainland side, and discovering tiny shops where artisanal buffalo horn buttons for suit jackets can still be found, little flashes of Chinese craftsmanship with English tailoring sensibility.
Of all the places on this entire website, this might be my favourite.
Tokyo
Out of the once modest fishing village of Edo, Tokyo has transformed into one of the world's most dynamic metropolises, a true monster of scale.
Its evolution from the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate to the bustling capital of Japan is a testament to its resilience and adaptability, and the heartland of modern might.
There’s a cultural tapestry here woven from little islands of tradition. These are the ancient temples, and meticulously maintained gardens, and their immediate neighbourhoods.
But Tokyo is first and foremost a beacon of innovation, futuristic architecture, a pioneering fashion scene, and technological advancements that influence the world.
Culinary delights abound, from traditional sushi establishments to avant-garde eateries pushing the boundaries of gastronomy. Tokyo's markets, such as Tsukiji and Toyosu, provide fresh seafood that forms the backbone of its renowned cuisine.
The city's dedication to culinary excellence is evident in its numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, reflecting a deep respect for both tradition and innovation.
Ultimately, like every great metropolis, Tokyo is a city of contrasts and harmonies, where every corner reveals a blend of history and modernity, offering visitors an unparalleled journey through time and culture.
It's just that this particular one happens to be deeply Japanese, and therein lies everything that makes it so special.
Kyoto
Once the imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years, Kyoto remains the country’s spiritual and cultural heart. Ancient wooden temples stand among cherry blossoms, Shinto shrines guard quiet forest paths, and the delicate rustle of a kimono can still be heard in lantern-lit alleyways.
And the markets are wild. Full of pottery shops, you'll also find peculiar and delightfully eclectic home goods emporiums, and enormous crabs being grilled over hot coals.
The entire texture of this city is a sort of tone poem, where tradition is not just preserved but lived.
Kyoto’s beauty unfolds in layers. Historic charm is perhaps the most obvious of these, but beyond the famous sights, Kyoto is really a place of small beautiful inbetweens: a cup of matcha in a centuries-old teahouse, the flicker of candlelight in a Zen temple, the sound of a bamboo grove in the wind, and the oldest handmade sewing needle shop in the world, tucked away in a tiny alleyway, unchanged.
While Tokyo embodies Japan’s cutting-edge modernity and samurai past, Kyoto represents its soul and more cultural past. Whether you’re exploring its ancient streets, indulging in the refined artistry of kaiseki dining, or stepping into the hushed world of a tea ceremony, Kyoto is an experience in timelessness.
Check out our members-only section linked below for our carefully curated Kyoto itinerary suggestions and ideas to get started planning your trip with one of our expert private tour guides.
Georgian Countryside
Beyond the lively streets of Tbilisi, Georgia’s countryside reveals a land of sweeping valleys, rugged mountain peaks, and ancient villages where traditions remain untouched by time.
From the vine-clad hills of Kakheti to the dramatic landscapes of Svaneti, this is a country where hospitality is sacred, history is written in stone, and nature shapes the rhythm of life.
Georgia is one of the world’s most geographically diverse countries, packed with contrasts: subalpine meadows dotted with medieval towers, arid semi-deserts hiding ancient cave monasteries, lush vineyards rolling toward the Caucasus, and dramatic gorges sheltering hidden waterfalls. Across this landscape, traditions run deep—wine is still made as it was 8,000 years ago, feasts (supras) unfold with poetic toasts, and local artisans weave, carve, and cook just as their ancestors did.
Tbilisi
Where Europe meets Asia, Tbilisi unfolds as a city of contrasts and connections. Cradled by the Mtkvari River and framed by rolling hills, Georgia's capital feels at once ancient and modern, familiar and exotic.
This is a city where centuries-old sulphur baths sit beside Art Nouveau facades, and where winding cobblestone streets lead to contemporary galleries and wine bars.
Tbilisi’s history is one of crossroads and resilience. Founded in the 5th century by King Vakhtang Gorgasali, it has been shaped by Persian, Byzantine, Arab, Mongol, and Russian influences.
Today, that layered past is reflected in the city’s eclectic architecture and dynamic spirit, making it one of the most captivating capitals in the Caucasus.
Bratislava
Perched on the banks of the Danube, Slovakia’s capital of stands quietly in the shadow of its more famous neighbors—Vienna, Budapest, and Prague. This is a good thing, though, and, Bratislava rewards with less-travelled atmospheric streets, far fewer visitors, architectural contrasts, and a surprisingly sophisticated culinary scene.
This is a city where medieval towers overlook sleek riverside promenades, and where remnants of the Austro-Hungarian Empire sit comfortably alongside Brutalist relics of the communist era.
It’s compact, easy to navigate, and full of small surprises—from hidden courtyards to panoramic hilltop views.
Warsaw
Intentionally destroyed by the Germans during World War II, Warsaw rose again, surviving not only the Nazis, but also regressive Soviet control become a vibrant, dynamic Polish metropolis where history and modernity intertwine.
From the grandeur of its reconstructed Old Town to the gleaming skyscrapers that punctuate its skyline, this city is a story of defiance, survival, and reinvention.
As the capital of Poland’s political, cultural, and intellectual life, Warsaw has a rhythm all its own.
Here, Chopin’s music drifts through elegant parks, and traditional Polish dishes sit comfortably alongside global culinary innovations, and the most impressive examples of contemporary Polish cooking.
Athens
The cradle of democracy and in many important ways, the birthplace of Western civilization, Athens stands as a living museum of history and culture. Mirroring the majestic Acropolis watching over the city, Athens is simultaneously self-aware of this fact, but also a separate civilisation unto its own.
A magical place, make no mistake.
Wander through sun-dappled streets where mythology meets reality, where grand ruins sit side by side with bustling markets and contemporary art galleries.
Breathe deep and imagine ancient Greek life, wake up a bit sipping coffee at a lively café, dig in to some of the Mediterranean’s finest cooking, and don’t forget to bring your shopping hat.
Amsterdam
Effortlessly blending old-world charm with a more digital and modern approach to the world than many places in Europe, Amsterdam is a city of canals, creativity, and culture.
Once a mighty trading power during the Dutch Golden Age, its legacy lives on in the form of elegant gabled houses, world-class museums, and a deeply ingrained maritime spirit.
Known for its openness and innovation, Amsterdam also surprises with a quiet beauty. Whether you’re cycling through cobbled streets, relaxing in serene gardens, or discovering hidden gems tucked away in its neighborhoods, the city offers a journey of discovery.
Beyond its more famous attractions, this is a city with soul, defined as much by its small pleasures as its grand sights.
Lisbon
Poised on the western edge of Europe, Lisbon stands as a city shaped by centuries of exploration and reinvention.
Rising from its seven hills and framed by the shimmering Tagus River, it’s a place where golden light spills over cobblestone streets, terracotta rooftops, and sweeping vistas.
Wander through the melancholic strains of fado music, the grandeur of Manueline architecture, and echoes of the great Age of Discovery.
At the same time, Lisbon pulses with the energy of a modern capital—where creative cuisine, experimental art, and thriving nightlife breathe new life into its historic neighborhoods where progressive business tax laws have encouraged a thriving digital nomad scene.