Bergamo, in northern Italy’s Lombardy region, is a city of striking contrasts, divided into the historic upper town and the modern lower town. The upper town, perched on a hill and encircled by Venetian walls, offers cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and panoramic views over the surrounding plains and the distant Alps.

Who would have thought, back in the tumultuous coup and counter coup days of the 1970s, that Burkina Faso would become the cultural darling of West Africa? Unlikely as it seems, Burkina Faso has become the Utah of West Africa, hosting a biennial film festival that rivals the Sundance Film Festival for cultural clout. When it's not hosting film festivals, it's busy organizing its other biennial cultural festival.

Lake District National Park, in northwest England’s Cumbria, is a landscape of lakes, fells, and valleys that has inspired poets, painters, and travelers for centuries. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the region is famed for its literary connections.

Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city and economic hub, is located on the country’s southwestern coast along the Atlantic Ocean. It is a bustling metropolis where modern skyscrapers and commercial centers meet historic neighborhoods and lively markets.

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is a city of striking contrasts where centuries-old traditions meet rapid modern growth. Known as the “City of Rickshaws,” it is famous for its vibrant street life, colorful cycle rickshaws, and markets that seem to run around the clock.