Raise a glass and toast Würzburg, an enchanting, Franconian wine-producing area on the Main River, and one of Germany's oldest cities. Wine bars and cellars abound here, but there's also plenty of wonderful history and striking Baroque and rococo architecture to behold.
Azerbaijan, often called the “Land of Fire,” sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia along the Caspian Sea. Its capital, Baku, blends futuristic architecture with centuries-old history.
Aizuwakamatsu in Fukushima Prefecture is a city where samurai history is tangible. Once a stronghold of the Aizu domain, it played a pivotal role in the late Edo period and the Boshin War.
Swakopmund, on Namibia’s Atlantic coast, is a town where desert meets ocean in striking contrast. Founded by German colonists in the late 19th century, its streets are lined with colonial-era buildings painted in pastel colors, giving the town a distinctly European feel.
Las Palmas (officially Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) is the capital of Gran Canaria island as well as co-capital (along with Santa Cruz de Tenerife) of the Canary Islands.
It is a major cruise-ship port known for duty-free shopping and sandy beaches, including Playa de Las Canteras, considered by many to be one of the best urban beaches worldwide. A variety of museums will delight history buffs, and of course, swimming and surfing as well as beach sports are quite popular.
The city also hosts several annual festivals. The Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is known worldwide, held each February, and includes a six-kilometer parade. Other events include the Canary Islands Music Festival, a World of Music Arts and Dance Festival, an International Film Festival and more.