South Central Asia offers travelers a journey through vivid contrasts, where centuries-old temples stand beside bustling modern cities, and tea-covered hills roll into dense tropical forests. In India, visitors can witness the grandeur of Mughal architecture at the Taj Mahal, then find serenity at the ghats of Varanasi, where rituals have continued for thousands of years.

Latvia invites visitors to explore a land where medieval streets meet vast forests and a lively coastline. Riga, the country’s capital, is home to one of the largest and best-preserved collections of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe. Walking through the Old Town, visitors can admire intricate facades and cobblestone streets that lead to landmarks like the House of Blackheads and St. Peter’s Church, whose tower offers panoramic views of the city.

The Olympic Peninsula occupies the far northwest corner of Washington State, where mountains, rainforest, and coastline meet within a relatively compact area.

Midway between Salzburg and Vienna, Linz boasts beautiful Baroque buildings, including Old Town Hall and the Old Cathedral, Alter Dom.

Azerbaijan, often called the “Land of Fire,” sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia along the Caspian Sea. Its capital, Baku, blends futuristic architecture with centuries-old history.