San Gimignano, a stunning medieval hilltop town in Tuscany, Italy, is often called the "Medieval Manhattan" due to its remarkable skyline of ancient towers. Encircled by 13th-century walls, the town is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a mesmerizing journey back in time. As you stroll along the cobbled streets of the historic center, you'll be enchanted by the preserved Romanesque and Gothic architecture, from charming piazzas to grand churches.
A true gem on the Caribbean coast, the port city of Cartagena (Cartagena de Indias) welcomes visitors with its charming old town, colonial buildings, and exceptional beaches. A popular cruise ship stop, many seafarers find themselves honorary Cartagenans, as they stroll shady, cobblestone lanes and gaze upon impressive churches.
France’s city of Reims, located in the heart of the Champagne region, is a place where history and celebration meet. Known for its towering cathedral, Reims played a central role in French royal tradition. Nearly every French king was crowned at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that still dominates the skyline. The cathedral’s intricate facade and famous stained-glass window continue to draw visitors from around the world.
Namche Bazaar, perched at 3,440 meters in the Khumbu region of Nepal, is often called the gateway to Everest, but it’s far more than a rest stop on the way to Base Camp. Once a trading post between Tibetan and Nepali merchants, Namche has developed into a small mountain town where yak caravans and Wi-Fi cafes exist side by side. Despite its remote location, it has a Saturday market that continues to bring traders and trekkers together, just as it did centuries ago.