Perched picturesquely on a rock 400m above sea level, the jewel in Èze’s crown is a 12th-century fortress that featured in Hitchcock’s film To Catch a Thief. We recommend wandering around the Jardin Exotique, where around 400 cacti surround the ruined fortress. But wherever you go, arresting views of the Côte d’Azur come as standard.

Sandwiched between the sea and the mountains, the town of Grasse has been synonymous with perfume since the 16th century when scent was used to mask the odors of the area’s leather products. Enjoy a private tour of celebrated perfume factories such as Parfumerie Fragonard, Molinard and Galimard to learn about the distillation process, before creating your own fragrance.

Built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is the most iconic portion of the Khmer Empire’s temple complex at Siem Reap.

Khmer dancing was almost destroyed by the Khmer Rouge’s brutal regime but the ​​masked dance tradition survived and Cosa can arrange for you to catch an unforgettable show.

Cambodia is smaller than its neighbours Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam but despite its compact size, getting around remains an adventure. Roads may have improved in recent years but bus journeys are bumpy – they call it the ‘Cambodian massage’ – so trust Cosa to arrange a private car and English-speaking guide for your trip. We will make sure you experience classic Cambodia, from sunrise over Angkor Wat to the rhythm of rural life among the rice paddies.

The towering rock of Sigiriya is where King Kasyapa built his palace in the 5th century. Cosa tip: on the hike up, don’t miss the series of dramatic frescoes painted into the rock wall.

Turquoise seas, powdery fine white sands and a hefty dose of Vitamin D. Unawatuna Beach promises all of the above, and the chance to see the famous fishermen on stilts.

Sri Lanka is what a tropical holiday should be – exotic but manageable owing to the short distances between attractions. One of the best ways to get around is by train: travelling by rail affords a wonderful window into local life while also serving up diverse landscapes, from rainforests to rice fields. The ride from Colombo – Sri Lanka’s capital – to Kandy in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Tea Country is one of the most scenic train trips in Asia.

Warsaw was virtually annihilated during World War II. However, the Polish capital’s old and new towns have both been faithfully reconstructed and today the city pulses with energy.

If outdoor pursuits are your thing, then head for the Tatras Mountains – the only alpine range in Poland and the starting point for unforgettable hiking trails.

Poland is big (larger than Italy or the UK) but largely flat so travelling around is relatively easy. Its size means the weather can vary in different regions – and it can rain anywhere, at any time of year – so our advice is to dress like an onion and pack lots of layers. Polish is the national language (although English is widely spoken in urban areas) and it’s a hard one to learn – owing to its seven-case declension system, complex genders and tricky pronunciations.

The City of Angels has long been known as the ‘Venice of the East’ due to its cornucopia of canals, and Cosa can arrange a private long-tail boat to tour them in style. As you leisurely meander through the waterways, expect to see old men sitting on the banks playing cards, while grandmothers gossip over a sweet kafae boran (Thai coffee).

Bring home the best souvenir: the ability to recreate exquisite Thai dishes thanks to an expert local chef. First up, you’ll be escorted to a market to shop for ingredients. Back at the professional cooking school, learn how to cook classics such as pad thai, which you’ll then get to enjoy – along with a cold Singha beer. Expect great food and fun. 

Paris is home to one of the world’s most fascinating cemeteries: Père Lachaise. On a private walking tour with Cosa around this city of the dead, you can take in the hauntingly beautiful burial sites of celebrated artists such as Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison, Chopin and Oscar Wilde – and discover the stories that lie behind the tombs. 

If you’re looking to see Paris in a new light, a relaxing ride along the River Seine is the way to go. Cosa can arrange for you to board a private sunset cruise right through the city centre. You’ll pass landmarks like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame while enjoying a bottle of delectable French champagne. 

Tucked between the turquoise sea and the mighty Hajar Mountains, Muscat is blessed with whitewashed buildings, beautiful beaches and one of Arabia’s best souks.

Separated from the rest of Oman by the UAE, the Musandam Peninsula is an underwater oasis. Expect to see schools of tropical fish as well as whale sharks.

Oman is not a small country (slightly larger than Italy) and with coasts and deserts, it’s a destination made for multi-centre itineraries. With Cosa, you can have your own personal driver-guide who will chauffeur you in style from place to place. Not only can you enjoy the flexibility of travelling at your own pace but your driver can help immerse you into the history and culture of this Arabian jewel. Get in touch to discuss your ideal Omani holiday. 

In Kuala Lumpur, affectionately called KL, traditional neighbourhoods like ​​Kampung Baru share space with the city’s signature skyscrapers – the gleaming twin Petronas Towers.

Arrive in Penang with an appetite as the food scene here is legendary. Cosa will take you to where the locals eat so you can try specialties such as spicy asam laksa.

The country consists of two separate regions – Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo – separated by the South China Sea, and your Malaysian trip can take in both, with a bespoke itinerary tailored to your interests. From sampling satay and laksa, two of the best-known national dishes, to experiencing the skyscraper-punctured capital of Kuala Lumpur – or lazing in Langkawi, trust Cosa to take you there. We can also suggest memorable accommodation from hotels in restored historic buildings to stylish city boltholes and luxury beach resorts.

Home to the oldest working harbour in the Southern Hemisphere, the V&A Waterfront is the place to ​​shop for authentic souvenirs, stop off for some famous Capetonian seafood and listen to live music. It pulsates with energy all day long, and well into the evening. The V&A is also the departure point for Robben Island.

One of the world’s most famous prisons lies just off the coast of Cape Town. It was here that Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his long incarceration, along with many other anti-apartheid activists. We can organise a private guided tour of this Unesco World Heritage Site that is both fascinating and moving.

The ethereal beauty of Milford Sound is unmissable from a boat but even more dramatic from the air: with Cosa you can experience both.

A catastrophic earthquake in 1931 destroyed Napier and the town was rebuilt in style. Today is a living museum of splendid Art Deco architecture.

Although New Zealand is slightly larger than the UK, its population is much smaller, at just over five million (and greatly outnumbered by the 25 million sheep). The reduced number of customers means that national public transport isn’t great so the best way of getting around is by car – remember to drive on the left! A good car ferry service from the capital, Wellington, links the North and South Islands so you can easily explore the whole country.