The misty hills, lush teakwood and sandalwood forests, and acres of tea and coffee plantations of Kodagu are, in a word, stunning. Also known as Coorg and dubbed "The Scotland of India," Kodagu is a postcard-perfect region of scattered villages and hamlets, which are the epitome of old-world charm. Kodagu is ideal for outdoor activities such as trekking, angling and white-water rafting, and major festivals like Keil Poldu (worship of weapons), Cauvery Shankaramana (return of the river goddess) and the Huttari (harvest) festival are a huge draw.

It’s nicknamed the Eternal City for a reason. In Rome, you can drink from a street fountain fed by an ancient aqueduct. Or see the same profile on a statue in the Capitoline Museum and the guy making your cappuccino. (Which, of course, you know never to order after 11 am.) Rome is also a city of contrasts—what other place on earth could be home to both the Vatican and La Dolce Vita?

A city with a lively history, Lviv (also spelled L’viv and Lvov) in Ukraine’s west was founded in the 13th century and has changed flags many times in the years since, having been part of Poland, Austria-Hungary and the Soviet empire. The city’s well-preserved historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has attractions like the Market Square (Ploshcha Rynok). Climb the tower at the town hall for a great city view. The Lviv Opera House is dazzling and hosts world-class performances.