Oslo, Norway’s capital, stands at the crossroads of Nordic history and forward-thinking design. Originally founded over a thousand years ago by Viking King Harald Hardrada, the city has evolved from a medieval trading hub into one of Europe’s most modern capitals. Visitors can explore its layered past at the Akershus Fortress, a 13th-century stronghold still standing guard over Oslofjord, or walk through the preserved wooden homes of Damstredet.

Located in central Germany, Frankfurt is a vibrant cultural and economic hub nestled on the Main River. Museums and architectural gems abound in Frankfurt, from the Goethe House, to the picturesque timber houses of Römerberg town square, to the Museumsufer, a collection of museums lining the banks of the Main.

Toledo, high above the Tagus River in central Spain, is a city where layers of history are visible around every corner. For centuries it was an important Roman settlement, a Visigothic capital, and later a stronghold during the medieval Christian reconquest, before becoming the seat of royal power and a crossroads of cultures. Because of this long span of stories and architectural richness, the whole old town has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A popular cruise line port, Portoferraio is a spectacular spot on the Italian coast and principal town of Elba Island.

In the heart of South America, Ecuador offers a compact yet astonishingly diverse experience for travelers. From the cobbled streets of Quito’s historic center to the vibrant Afro-Ecuadorian rhythms of Esmeraldas, the country pulses with stories waiting to be discovered. Just a short drive away, visitors can stand on the equator line at the “Mitad del Mundo” and participate in engaging experiments that demonstrate the planet’s gravitational quirks.