Istanbul is a city built on layers of empire. Spanning two continents, it was once the capital of three major empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. Visitors walking through the Sultanahmet district can witness this timeline firsthand, from the Roman-era Hippodrome to the Byzantine mosaics of Hagia Sophia, and the towering minarets of the Blue Mosque. At nearby Topkapi Palace, rooms still display the jeweled swords, ceremonial robes, and handwritten Qurans once used by Ottoman sultans.

Set high in the Khumbu Valley, Pheriche offers a quiet yet striking stop along the route toward Mount Everest. Surrounded by wide landscapes and rugged peaks, this small settlement sits in a windswept valley where the air is crisp and the views stretch for miles. Unlike busier stops along the trail, Pheriche gives travelers space to pause, adjust to the altitude, and take in the scale of the Himalayas without distraction.

Kazakhstan, the world’s ninth-largest country, offers travelers a striking mix of sweeping steppe landscapes, modern cities, and deep-rooted nomadic traditions.

Antigua is a city shaped by centuries of artistry, tradition, and natural forces. Set in a highland valley and surrounded by volcanoes, its streets are lined with colorful buildings, hidden courtyards, and open-air plazas. The Santa Catalina Arch is one of Antigua’s most recognizable features, originally built as a passage between two sections of a convent. Today, it frames a dramatic view of Volcán de Agua and is a popular gathering spot for both locals and visitors.

Bayonne, nestled in the heart of France's Basque Country, offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and gastronomy. This charming city, with its half-timbered houses and narrow cobbled streets, sits at the confluence of the Nive and Adour rivers, creating a picturesque setting that invites leisurely exploration. The Gothic Bayonne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offers stunning views and an opportunity to admire its breathtaking 13th-century architecture.