With its 900-plus buildings and vast dimensions, this city within a city can be rather forbidding to explore. But don’t worry. With Cosa you’ll discover that there’s more to the Forbidden City than huge walls and great halls, as remarkable as they are. We’ll take you back to the gilded age when emperors sat on the Dragon Throne.

Of course, you can buy lustrous pearls in the Pearl Market and lavish fabrics on Silk Street, but what can you find in Panjiayuan Market? Almost everything, that’s what. This is Beijing’s biggest and best flea/antiques market with over 3,000 stalls at the weekend. Whether it’s jewellery or pottery, you’ll find something you love.

Shanghai might be bigger but Beijing is still home to 21 million people. Not too surprising given that it’s been the capital of China for centuries, and the complete centre of power since the creation of the People’s Republic in 1949. From the vast open space of Tiananmen Square to crowded alleys in the markets, Beijing will captivate you at every turn. It’s a big city with masses to see but we’ll help you find your way round. We can tailor your trip to include whatever you want, so get in touch.

Bhutan’s pristine landscape is one of the best reasons to venture to this remote reclusive country. Nearly three-quarters of the land is covered by forests, much of it in national parks, while sparkling glacial lakes punctuate the route of many hikes – or rather, treks. This is high-altitude high-energy hiking but the spectacular views reward the effort, whether on day treks or along the newly relaunched Trans-Bhutan Trail. That 400-km route right across the country takes a full 30 days but don’t worry, you can also just enjoy one or two sections.

High value, low impact is the national ethos for receiving visitors. It aims to maximise the benefits but minimise the effects of mass tourism, so that both the country and its culture are protected. Sandwiched between the two most populous countries in the world, the people of this mountain idyll strive to be different. All development is driven by happiness, education is free, mountains cannot be climbed and the environment is protected as if it were a member of the family.

Coral beaches and the sparkling Andaman Sea have long attracted travellers to the island of Phuket, It’s the perfect place to relax and recharge.

Need a reboot? Recharge your mind, body and soul at Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary on Koh Samui. Their bespoke treatments will leave you feeling happier and healthier.

Buda’s main draw is Castle Hill, home to fabulous Baroque architecture and some of Budapest’s most important monuments and museums. Visit the turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, which pays tribute to the nomadic Magyar tribes who founded the country. Save time for the vast collection of art at the Hungarian National Gallery, and the dazzling golden interior of the 700-year-old Matthias Church.

Budapest may be known for its historical treasures and thermal baths but a more recent addition are the ruin bars. These atmospheric drinking dens have sprung up in derelict buildings or old factories and are now one of the city’s top draws. Of course, not all ruin bars are created equal but Cosa can take you to the best in Budapest.

Hungary’s capital was divided into separate towns until 1873 when they merged to form modern Budapest. The novelist Evelyn Waugh described this as ‘one of the most beautiful cityscapes that exists along a river’, and today Budapest remains the dame of the Danube. Its blend of history, culture and relaxation is captivating, with most sights never more than a short walk away or you could hop on continental Europe’s oldest metro. You might be tempted by the hand-painted Herend porcelain – Queen Victoria was a fan.

The Okavango Delta is one of the few water sources during the dry season, which reaches its peak in July. This oasis attracts a wealth of animals and birds from far and wide, with some of the world’s most endangered species, including both the black and white rhinoceros, finding sanctuary here.

Is there anything more delightful than having resident giraffes drop in for breakfast? At Giraffe Manor in Nairobi that’s exactly what happens every day. 

Kenya’s most beautiful beach is Diani, a long strand of icing-sugar-white sand lapped by turquoise waters. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a busy safari schedule.

The island isn’t huge (12km²) but it packs in so much that you feel like you’re in a micro-continent. This is no flat atoll – rugged hills, which rise above a coral reef and its calm lagoon, are home to both tropical and dry forests. Lower down are wetlands, mangroves and those divine white beaches. Almost half the island is left wild, designed to be enjoyed via hiking trails and horse-riding routes. No wonder this unspoilt gem sustains a vast variety of birds, including the rare orange dove.

The heart of the Austrian Alps comes complete with craggy peaks, lush valleys, ski resorts and the old royal city of Innsbruck.

The ultimate see-and-be-seen event is a highlight of the Viennese society calendar. Expect strict dress codes and elegant dancing until 5am.

Essential element

Your day begins at the beach because without the beach, there is no life in Rio. Starting your morning with an early swim, or better yet by surfing, is like listening to the opening bars of The Girl from Ipanema. This seductive overture of bossa nova prepares you for the rhythm of the day ahead.

Ultimate experience

He stands guard over you 24/7 and his outstretched arms are a symbol of the city. But it’s only when you have visitors from out of town that you go up to Corcovado and see him. I’m talking, of course, about Christ the Redeemer, the 30-metre-tall statue that crowns the Rio skyline. Instead of simply taking the train to see him, how about also climbing up inside him? That’s something most Cariocas can only dream of.