On the east coast of North Island, Napier is considered the "Art Deco capital" of New Zealand and the gateway to the Hawke's Bay wine region, whose popular varietals include pinot gris and syrah.
Located on the Adriatic, Koper is a coastal port city in Slovenia. Koper is home to a variety of architectural gems dating back centuries, especially near the city's central Tito Square. Koper's marina and beaches provide spectacular views of the Bay of Trieste, while the city's variety of museums, parks, restaurants, and bars offer plenty to explore and entertain.
Panama is a country shaped by its geography and defined by its role in global history. The Panama Canal remains its most iconic feature as a 50-mile engineering marvel that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Visitors can watch ships pass through the Miraflores Locks from a dedicated observation deck or explore the interactive museum that explains how the canal changed international trade forever.
Lucca, a Tuscan city surrounded by remarkably intact Renaissance walls, offers more than just postcard views. Known for its quiet streets and grand piazzas, Lucca stands apart with its circular street layout, still following the lines of a Roman amphitheater from centuries ago. The walls, now repurposed as a 4-kilometer tree-lined park, are a favorite route for locals and visitors who explore them on foot or by bike, passing old bastions and panoramic viewpoints along the way.
Chiba, located just east of Tokyo, is a dynamic prefecture that blends modern attractions with serene coastal and rural landscapes. Known for its role as the gateway to Japan’s capital, home to Narita International Airport, Chiba also stands on its own as a destination rich in culture, history, and nature.