Known as the Outdoor Capital of the UK, Fort William is at the heart of a wide range of exciting activity centres. Visitors enjoy easy access to exhilarating hillwalking, mountain climbing, snow sports and water sports — as well as the gentler pleasures of a refreshing day spent fishing, walking in the country or cycling. Capture the spirit of the Scottish Highlands by taking in its stunning landscapes, tasting the area’s authentic whiskies and ales, and exploring its fascinating museums.

Glencoe, a designated National Scenic Area sometimes referred to as the Glen of Weeping, was the scene of the infamous 'Massacre of Glencoe' in 1692. The Glen has a number of viewing stops on the road through the valley, and the National Trust for Scotland has a visitor centre along the main route.

Srinigar is a modern waterworld, dominated by Dal Lake and its twisting waterways, tree-lined Nagin Lake, and the Jhelum River. Engulf yourself in local culture by embracing your sea legs and renting one of the wooden boats called shikaras for a daytime or twilight cruise. On land, stroll through the terraced hillsides of the 400-year-old Mughal Gardens, created by Emperor Jehangir for his wife, and shop for indigenous crafts like hand-woven silks and embroidered shawls.

Set in the spectacular hills of the lower Himalayas, about 31 miles from Jammu, this small town serves as a jumping-off point for one of the world's great pilgrimages. Indian spiritual legend says that those who visit the holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi will be granted any righteous wish they make. Devotees hike roughly eight miles to the shrine, which is located at 5,300 feet. Scenic helicopter flights also transport visitors to the site, which draws more than five million people annually.

The Ladakh capital city of Leh lies near the eastern parts of Jammu and Kashmir, on the crossroads of the historic "Silk Route" from Sinkiang to West Asia and to the plains of India. The humbling monasteries of Shey, Hemis, Alchi, Thikse and Lamayuru will nurture your spiritual needs, and the landscape of Leh provides for a number of adventure activities including mountaineering, white-water rafting and trekking along the Markha Valley.