Kerala, India is a lush, tropical paradise that captivates travelers with its serene backwaters, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Nestled between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, Kerala boasts a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. The tranquil backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom offer a quintessential Kerala experience, where visitors can cruise on traditional houseboats through a labyrinth of canals, lagoons, and lakes.
Catania, nestled on the eastern coast of Sicily, is a city shaped by fire and stone. Built from the black lava of Mount Etna, it’s a landscape filled with energy and contrasts from its Baroque palaces to its open air fish markets. At the heart of the city stands the Piazza del Duomo, where the iconic Fontana dell’Elefante, which is carved from volcanic rock, greets every visitor who passes by.
Coimbra, set along the banks of the Mondego River in central Portugal, is a historic city known for its academic legacy and old-world charm. Once the medieval capital of Portugal, it is home to the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Ring of Kerry, a 179-kilometer circular route in County Kerry, Ireland, offers travelers a journey through rugged coastal cliffs, remote villages, and winding mountain roads. Starting from Killarney, the route moves clockwise through towns like Kenmare, Waterville, Cahersiveen, and Glenbeigh, each offering its own slice of Irish life. Though often explored by car or tour bus, cycling the route is growing in popularity, especially during spring and early autumn when traffic is lighter.
Aegina, one of the Saronic Islands of Greece, is a short ferry ride from Athens yet feels far removed from the capital’s energy. Known since antiquity as a thriving maritime and cultural center, the island still preserves echoes of its past in archaeological sites and traditional villages.
Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, Agra, India is now a cultural capital replete with famous landmarks and striking architecture. Located on the winding banks of the Yamuna River, Agra sits in India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh. The city’s most prominent draw is the magnificent Taj Mahal, the iconic white marble mausoleum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site visited by millions of people each year. Built in the 17th century by Emperor Shaj Jahan, the Taj Mahal is a grand testament to the stunning beauty of the Mughal Empire’s Indo-Islamic architecture. Decorated with intricate design, calligraphy, and precious stones, the mausoleum's surroundings include a verdant garden and glittering reflective pool. Agra's other notable sites include Agra Fort and Delhi Gate (both made of striking red sandstone), the Shish Mahal (also known as Glass Palace), Itmad-ud-Daula (affectionately called the “Baby Taj Mahal”), and Aram Bagh (beautiful Persian-style gardens). Agra is a must-see destination for any trip to India!