Hiding in plain sight, the beautiful Dwars River Valley in the Western Cape’s Winelands has been somewhat of a blind spot on the tourist radar as visitors dash between the storied wine estates and chic restaurants of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. The Dwars River Escape Route aims to change that, offering, among other things, a guided mountain biking trail through historic villages and a gorgeous landscape.

As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence offers incredible sights at every turn, from marble basilicas and ancient churches to sculptures by masters like Michelangelo. It’s the kind of place where you could wander down a cobblestoned side street and stumble upon a 15th-century palazzo—making it a destination ripe for adventure and discovery. Moreover, if you stay at one of Florence’s best hotels, you’ll uncover a “hidden” side to the ancient city.

Africa is a continent of varied landscapes, ranging from the stunning vineyards of South Africa to the otherworldly dunes of Namibia and the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar. These are settings you have to see to believe, and the array of luxurious resorts in Africa makes it possible.

When it comes to urban charms,GoTravelDailyreaders just can’t get enough of Mexico. San Miguel de Allende, which topped our list for the past two years, may have been unseated this time around — it now comes in second — but it still draws gushing admiration. One reader called it “a unique art community in the mountains, with a mix of rich history and amazing food.” Another fan of the city praised its architectural diversity: “Gorgeous, sumptuous modern interiors are mixed with 500-year-old façades. You never know what delights you’ll find behind one of the beautifully carved doors.” Another town with a long and complex history and vibrantly colored buildings, Oaxaca (No. 5), gets raves for its sublime food scene, as well as its cooking schools. Mexico City leaped up our chart — last year’s No. 11 is now No. 4: “One of the most exciting cities in North America,” wrote one reader. “I go at least once per year, and every time I do it’s a new and exciting experience.” Another voter added, “The restaurants were excellent, from the corner taquerias to the upscale places.”