Perched on the southern coast of Iceland, the quaint village of Vík í Mýrdal, or simply Vík, is a destination that defies expectations with its dramatic landscapes and unique charm. Known as Iceland’s southernmost village, Vík is famed for its striking black sand beach, Reynisfjara, consistently ranked among the most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world.

Samburu and Shaba Reserves are some of the most pristine reserves in Kenya, and protect a habitat surprisingly rich in wildlife. The Reserves provide the chance to see many species not found elsewhere in Kenya, such as Grey's zebra, the rare beisa oryx and the Somali ostrich.

Milford Sound, located in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, is often described as one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the country. Carved by glaciers during the Ice Age, the fjord is framed by sheer cliffs that plunge into deep waters, with iconic peaks like Mitre Peak rising dramatically above the sound.

Kings Canyon, located in Australia’s Northern Territory within Watarrka National Park, is one of the Red Centre’s most striking natural landmarks. Carved over millions of years, the canyon holds deep cultural significance for the Anangu people, particularly the Luritja, for whom the area remains a sacred landscape tied to creation stories, ceremony, and traditional knowledge.

Elvas rises from the Alentejo plains near the Spanish border as one of Portugal’s most striking fortified towns, shaped by centuries of defense, resilience, and daily life along the frontier. Encircled by an immense network of walls, bastions, and hilltop forts, the town tells a clear story of strategy and survival, from the sweeping views at Forte da Graça to the quiet streets within the historic center.