The capital of Crete, Heraklion is a Greek port city and a popular stop on Mediterranean and Greek cruises. The city is an historical marvel, replete with archaeological wonders and remnants of the region's past. Highlights include the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the Rocca a Mare Fortress, the Venetian Loggia, and just past the city limits, the Palace of Knossos.
Freiburg was founded by the Dukes of Zähringen in 1120, and the layout of streets and squares of the rapidly prospering metropolis is still impressively reflected in today's cityscape.
The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, offer far more than just sunshine and beaches. Made up of eight main islands, each with its own personality, the Canaries are a place where lunar landscapes, cloud forests, volcanic peaks, and historic towns coexist within short travel distances. On Tenerife, Mount Teide looms over a landscape of solidified lava and craters that look like a science fiction set.
Spain offers a wide range of experiences shaped by centuries of layered history and regional diversity. From the Moorish palaces of Andalusia to the Roman aqueduct in Segovia and the Gaudí-designed landmarks of Barcelona, each city reflects a different chapter in Spain’s past. In Granada, the Alhambra still stands as a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, with detailed carvings, hidden courtyards, and panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Mammoth Lakes, tucked into California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, is a year-round destination that combines alpine scenery with outdoor adventure. Known for its crisp mountain air and dramatic landscapes, the town sits near the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.