Hiking trails and art galleries abound in Stellenbosch, but it's wine that takes center stage. More than 100 wine cellars, most open to the public, surround the oak-lined South African town, and tasting tours operate daily. Winter brings a four-day festival celebrating the local vintages. The historic town center houses the trading-post style shop Oom Samie se Winkel, the Neo-Gothic Moederkerk church, and museums dedicated to toys, military memorabilia, autos and early life on the Cape.

Named for the freed slaves that helped build the port town, Libreville has grown into an elegant and wealthy capital city since Gabon gained independence in 1960. The seafront boulevard is lined with expensive hotels and stores, while the Louis quarter is known for its stylish clubs, restaurants and bars. Pointe Denis, accessible by a short boat ride, is a resort island with some of the area's best beaches. The Sibang Arboretum, just outside the city, showcases the country's unique flora.

Rising around a scenic lake, UNESCO-listed Kandy is home to sacred landmarks, landscaped gardens, and cultural museums. Beyond the city, a cloudy forest and tropical plantations roll across the mountain slopes providing plenty of hiking and wildlife-watching opportunities, while upscale resorts line the Mahaweli River.