Manama pulses with stories from long ago and today. Just beyond the modern skyline lies Qal’at al‑Bahrain, a layered mound once the capital of Dilmun, used by societies from the Kassites to the Portuguese. Visitors can climb its crumbling stairways and imagine life across centuries there. Nearby, the Bahrain National Museum, opened in 1988 in a stately waterside building, displays archaeological finds from ancient Dilmun to modern-day artifacts and is one of the Gulf's first modern museums.

In Edinburgh, an ancient fortress looms, the hills are steep, and travelers delight in the hidden charms of the Old Town and New Town. Hike to find spectacular views on Arthur's Seat, shop the downhill streets of the Royal Mile, and visit Edinburgh Castle, an imposing royal fortress that defines this city's skyline.

Beijing, the capital of China, is a city where history and modern life intersect on a grand scale. Ancient landmarks like the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven reflect centuries of imperial heritage, while the Great Wall lies just outside the city, offering views of one of the most famous engineering feats in the world.

Nova Scotia covers an area of 21,425 sq. miles, and Halifax is the capital. This is an area rich in history — Gaelic is still spoken here in some areas by descendants of the early settlers. The coast is peppered with fishing villages, and inland the climate boasts sprawling valleys and rocky headlands.

Nestled in the heart of Saxon Switzerland, Bad Schandau, Germany, is a picturesque spa town that enchants visitors with its stunning natural landscapes, historic charm, and wellness offerings. Set along the banks of the Elbe River and surrounded by the towering sandstone cliffs of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, Bad Schandau serves as a gateway to the breathtaking Saxon Switzerland National Park.