Situated in the French administrative region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Provence is a picturesque delight and one of France's most beloved provinces. Replete with sprawling lavender fields, lush vineyards, cobbled streets, and medieval architecture, Provence will surely capture your heart and mind.

Framed by an array of tropical flowers, "miniature" houses painted in a pastel palette will enchant you. But, a splash of watercolors is all you'll see as you zip by on a moped. It won't be long before you find the perfect spot for a beach picnic and afternoon of snorkeling.

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.

Seven miles outside of historic Athens, the Greek coastal city of Piraeus lies upon the sparkling waters of the Aegean Sea and is the largest passenger port in Europe, servicing nearly 20 million passengers per year.

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.