No visit to spectacular Dubrovnik is complete without strolling around the city walls. You’ll probably have the walls all to yourself on our private sunset tour.

One of the loveliest national parks in Croatia, Krka is famous for its gorgeous waterfalls that cascade through forests – and Cosa can arrange a private tour for you.

Good news: getting around crescent-shaped Croatia is a breeze. Most major cities are connected by rail – although Dubrovnik is a notable exception – while there are regular ferries to the islands. Alternatively, sit back and relax as your private Cosa driver takes you to your desired destinations. And wherever you go, you could be welcomed with a glass of Croatian wine by the friendly Croats. One caveat: just be tactful when talking about Croatia’s war of independence in the 1990s and religion (this is, after all, a predominantly Catholic country.)

Leave Lisbon’s crowds behind and see the city from a different perspective on a private river cruise. Enjoy unique views from the River Tagus of the city’s blockbuster sights such as São Jorge Castle, Se Cathedral, Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower, while sipping champagne and relishing the undivided attention of your guide.

Our favourite way to get around Lisbon is aboard one of the creaking yellow trams. The most famous is Tram 28, and Cosa can organise a private tour for you. Expect to pass the colourful Feira da Ladra flea market at Campo de Santa Clara, as well as atmospheric neighbourhoods including Graça, Alfama and Baixa. Todos a bordo.

If you’ve never seen humpback whales in real life, Cosa can arrange for you to do so at Samana Bay where these mesmerising animals migrate to mate every spring.

There’s a stretch of white sand for every occasion from barely-developed Playa Grande to pumping Punta Cana – and Cosa knows the best spots to suit your taste.

The DR may be large but, with good planning from us, it is surprisingly easy to get around. For local flavour, public transport is pleasingly reliable. Alternatively, we can arrange for an air-conditioned, chauffeur-driven car to whisk you around, remembering that this is a mountainous island: Pico Duarte is the highest peak in the Caribbean at 3101m. As to when to visit, June to November is hurricane season and, while tropical storms aren’t guaranteed, they can occur so best to avoid those months.

As the first African territory occupied by Rome, Tunisia’s landscape is dotted with ruins so come and discover this ancient heritage at sites like Carthage and El Jem.

Want to dig your toes into the sand? Head to Hammamet, a charming walled town fronted by golden shores and backed by green hills and orange groves.

You might be tempted to spend all your time in the north with its beautiful coastline and the busy capital, Tunis. But venture beyond the beach to discover the delights of the desert, although not in high summer. The best time to visit is April to June or September to November when the weather is balmy but not blistering. Whenever you come, keep in mind that Tunisia is an Islamic country so don’t forget to dress more modestly than usual, especially when visiting religious sites.

Riyadh is a modern city steeped in history and Cosa can show you both sides: the capital’s traditional souks as well as its soaring skyscrapers, and the 302-metre tall Kingdom Centre.

Jeddah, Saudi’s second city, has an old town packed with tower houses and carved balconies. For centuries it’s been a port for merchants and pilgrims going to Mecca.

Historically the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hasn’t been a mainstream tourist destination but Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud has been busy opening up the country since his rise to power in 2017. Tourist visas became available to 49 countries, women were granted the right to drive and international music festivals were held for the first time. Yet this is still an Islamic country where swearing, homosexuality, alcohol and public displays of affection are prohibited so try to avoid offending local sensibilities.

Founded in 1565 by the Knights of St John, Valletta was designed as ‘a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen’. This architectural marvel is packed with sandstone churches and grand palaces.

Pastizzi (savoury ricotta-filled pastries) are a popular local snack so why not discover how to make these traditional pasties with a private chef in a palazzo.

Compact Malta is not only easy to reach but it’s effortless to get around: on the main island of Malta, nothing is more than an hour away while it’s a painless 30-minute ferry ride to the outer islands of Gozo and Comino so that you can easily island hop. And wherever you go, you’ll be met by friendly Maltese who might well offer you a Kinnie, a bittersweet orange drink with herbs (although locals are partial to slipping in a shot of vodka).

Experience the Night Safari on a private tour with Cosa. The world’s first nocturnal zoo has around 2,500 animals ingover 86 acres of tropical rainforest.

There’s nowhere quite like Marina Bay Sands, which combines a luxury hotel, exclusive shops, gourmet restaurants and a rooftop infinity pool. Not to be missed.

The Lion State is an extremely safe destination – regularly topping The Economist’s safe cities index – and getting around is easy. Singapore has a public transport system to rival Switzerland while metered taxis are readily available. However you choose to travel, be on your best behaviour: there are laws against the likes of chewing gum, graffiti, litter and spitting. The country recognises four official languages – English, Mandarin, Tamil and Malay – but many locals speak Singlish, a colourful local slang.

Mongolia is still a land of nomads. Roughly one third of the population leads a nomadic lifestyle, just as their ancestors did. Their traditional tent-like dwellings, called gers (yurt is the name used in Central Asia), can be quickly dismantled so can be easily moved along with livestock. The painted doorway faces south, welcoming light while providing protection from the wind, and it’s customary to walk in without hesitation. Inside there are usually no walls (a family lives altogether in one open space) and you’ll likely be offered a meal, often with a bowl of fermented horse milk. There’s something rather special about sleeping in a ger, even one that’s there only for foreign visitors.

It’s baking in summer and freezing in winter, and its name means ‘waterless place’ in Mongolian. Welcome to the Gobi Desert. As inhospitable as it sounds, this huge desert is home to many animals such as wild Bactrian camels, black-tailed gazelles, even the occasional snow leopard or bear. The best way to explore the sand dunes is slowly rocking, seated comfortably between the twin humps of the gentle camels. And there’s very little chance you’ll end up taking a surprise swim.