Canada

The only fortified city in continental America, there's every possibility you'll lose your heart to Quebec, an unforgettable cocktail of old world charm and urban sophistication. During your overnight stay, an evening stroll around the quaint back streets of Montemartre and Petit Champlain is perfectly punctuated by a visit - or two - to the city's patisseries.

As it flows into the St Lawrence River, the Saguenay River winds through a majestic fjord to reveal a host of picturesque villages. Natural beauty surrounds Saguenay Harbour, this vibrant conurbation. For those who like to increase their knowledge of local culture and heritage, there are many museums to discover. ‘La Pulperie de Chicoutimi’ presents many diverse exhibits including the entire house of famed painter Arthur Villeneuve. The Bagotville Air Defence Museum presents an altogether more military experience with bilingual interpretation panels narrating the history of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Here you can view the only MIG-23 military aircraft in Canada. You might even see the current F-18 fighters in flight.

Off the east coast of Canada lies a group of large islands that make up the region of Nova Scotia. The port of Sydney is at the end of a long waterway to Canada’s ocean gateway to Cape Breton Island. Sydney is the historic capital and the largest urban conurbation of Cape Breton. The stunning coastline and panoramic vistas will make you gasp at their magnificence. But for those who enjoy a more urban experience, the city itself will not disappoint.

See the bright lights of the Big Apple, international mecca and melting pot, with expensive brownstones, colourful neighbourhoods, great museums and ambling parks. Some come just for the shopping: there's Bloomingdale's on Lex, Tiffany's on Fifth, Barneys and the unique boutiques along Madison. Or head downtown and explore the trendy shops of SoHo.