This Sicily harbor city is divided from Italy proper by the Strait of Messina. Visitors marvel at the Gothic, bell-towered Norman Messina Cathedral.

Oviedo, the capital of Asturias in northern Spain, offers a rare mix of medieval heritage and everyday life that feels rooted rather than staged. The city’s historic center is home to some of the oldest pre-Romanesque buildings in Europe, including the UNESCO-listed Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo. Cider, not wine, defines the local table. Oviedo is surrounded by apple orchards, and the traditional drink, sidra natural, is poured from a height by skilled escanciadores.

Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, sits where the Blue and White Nile rivers meet, creating a unique landscape of waterways, islands, and riverbanks.

La Digue, the fourth-largest island in the Seychelles, offers a quintessential tropical paradise experience. Known for its idyllic beaches and charming laid-back atmosphere, La Digue is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a serene escape. The island’s most iconic beach, Anse Source d'Argent, is renowned for its stunning granite boulders and crystal-clear waters, making it one of the most photographed beaches in the world.

In Cyprus, travelers are immersed in a culture that draws on Europe, the Middle East, and 9000 years of constant invasion. Crusader castles rub shoulders with ancient vineyards, frescoed monasteries overlook citrus orchards, and sandy, sun-soaked feet tread Roman mosaic floors.