Lagos sits on the southern edge of Portugal’s Algarve where a lively old port town meets wide Atlantic skies. Just a short stroll from the heart of town, the coast drops away into a spectacle at Ponta da Piedade, where golden sandstone cliffs rise out of the Atlantic and have been shaped into stacks, natural arches and grottoes over millennia. At the top, the Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse watches over this dramatic shoreline and offers a great backdrop for photos as the sun sets into the ocean.
Nestled in the foothills of the Dolomites, the picturesque town of Belluno offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. Known as the "gateway to the Dolomites," Belluno is surrounded by rugged mountains, making it a prime destination for hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The town’s position along the Piave River also offers stunning views and opportunities for riverside walks.
Slovakia is a country shaped by mountains, castles, and centuries of shifting borders. Tucked in the heart of Europe, it offers visitors a chance to explore medieval towns, alpine peaks, and deep-rooted traditions still practiced in daily life. Bratislava, the capital, sits along the Danube River and is one of the few national capitals that borders Austria and Hungary.
Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, sits along the banks of the Danube River and has long served as a cultural meeting point in the Balkans. Its centerpiece is Petrovaradin Fortress, a massive 18th-century stronghold nicknamed the "Gibraltar on the Danube." The fortress is known not just for its historic architecture but also for its network of underground tunnels and the iconic clock tower where the hands are reversed, meaning the large hand shows the hour.
One of the Caribbean's most lively islands, Guadeloupe will charm you with its impressive dormant volcano, stunning tropical forests, and French ambience. Actually composed of two islands, Grand Terre and Basse Terre, Guadeloupe has the honor of hosting one of France's seven Parcs National. Don't miss a chance to try Guadeloupe's famous Creole cuisine.
Center of the Caribbean's Creole culture, boasting a spirited blend of French and African influences, this island archipelago remains largely provincial. It consists of two butterfly-shaped islands. The national emblem is the raccoon, which lives in the forests of Basse-Terre, and mongooses and agoutis are also common. About 334,000 people live on the twin islands, with offshore Marie-Galante the most populous of the surrounding islands with 13,000 people. The majority of the population is drawn from a combination of African, European and East Indian descent. Recently arrived French and those who can trace their ancestry to the early French settlers make up about a quarter of the population. Most visitors require a French entry visa.