Georgina Lawrence March 11, 2016 Escaping the crowds just got that little bit easier. We’ve compiled our definitive top ten unusual destinations for getting off the beaten track, ranging from the obscure, the hard to get to and the simply overlooked. These are our hidden gems. Iran Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz Onion-domed mosques glittering gold, their minarets silhouetted against the sky, inside intricate handcrafted geometric designs – this is Islamic art and architecture at its finest. Iran is a powerhouse of culture set against the backdrop of the desert – be one of the few to appreciate its beauty. Take me there: Iran Holidays The Philippines Sunrise over Ifugao Over 7,000 islands make for innumerable adventures. From exquisite white sand beaches to an eight kilometre subterranean river, with tropical forests, volcanic craters and emerald rice terraces in between, the scenery is never short of exceptional. Take me there: Philippines Holidays Uzbekistan Samarkand Uzbekistan richly rewards those who venture to this uncommon destination. This land once hosted the caravans of the Silk Road, and the modern traveller is greeted with the same hospitality as those ancient traders once were as they wandered the same markets and mosques in the city streets. Take me there: Uzbekistan Holidays South Korea Gyeongbokgung Palace With North Korean politics dominating the news, few realise South Korea is so safe for travellers. Rich with ancient culture, a superb underrated cuisine and boasting no fewer than 12 World Heritage Sites, how it remains so little-known is a mystery. Take me there: South Korea Holidays Myanmar / Burma Fishermen, Inle Lake Myanmar/Burma Away from the tried and tester backpacker circuit of South East Asia, Myanmar remains an ideal off the beaten track adventure spot. See the glittering temples at Bagan, enough to rival Angkor Wat and the fishermen on Inle Lake. Take me there: Burma Holidays Macedonia Church by the lake If you want to be surprised, look no further than Macedonia. The small land-locked nation is packed with unexpected gems: gorgeous lakeside beaches, stylish Skopje, sleek spa towns and the House of Mother Teresa. Take me there: Macedonia Holidays Nicaragua Granada Underrated and all too often overshadowed by popular neighbour Costa Rica, Nicaragua is a a true hidden gem for travellers looking for something a little different. Cloud forests cloak the rumbling volcanoes, colonial cities ooze charm and opportunities for adventures abound. Take me there: Nicaragua Holidays Bulgaria Elenino Lake, Rila Mountains Orthodox monasteries, enchanted caves with mythical histories, and forests that echo with the plaintive cry of Europe’s remaining wolves: Bulgaria wins in the fairytale stakes. Far from the beaten path, head out on trails deep into the mountains and away from it all. Take me there: Bulgaria Holidays Mozambique Hawksbill turtle Africa is far from unusual for a wildlife holiday, but an ocean safari in Mozambique is off many people’s radar. From encounters with wild dolphins, colossal Whale sharks and graceful Manta rays, this is a marine odyssey sure to captivate. Take me there: Mozambique Holidays Oman Hiking, Bilad Sait This could be the trekking world's greatest secret. The wild Hajar Mountains and rugged, dramatic cliffs are the ideal backdrop for a week trekking through deep gorges, narrow but beautiful wadis and along soaring escarpments. Take me there: Oman Holidays