Essaouira, a charming coastal city in Morocco, offers an enchanting blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Nestled on the Atlantic coast, Essaouira is renowned for its well-preserved medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring a labyrinth of narrow alleys, whitewashed buildings, and vibrant blue shutters. This historic port city boasts impressive ramparts, including the iconic Skala de la Ville, which offers panoramic views of the ocean and the bustling harbor.
Da Nang, a vibrant coastal city in central Vietnam, offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, rich history, and modern attractions. Known for its stunning beaches and dynamic skyline, Da Nang is a gateway to some of Vietnam’s most iconic landmarks.
Canberra, the capital city of Australia, is a hidden gem that often surprises travelers with its rich blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Designed by American architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, Canberra is a city thoughtfully crafted around Lake Burley Griffin, which offers picturesque views and serene walks. Unlike many cities, it is home to a vast population of kangaroos, which are often spotted hopping around suburban areas and parklands.
Anguilla, a serene island in the eastern Caribbean, offers a slice of paradise with its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Known for its luxurious resorts and laid-back atmosphere, Anguilla invites visitors to unwind on its 33 stunning beaches, such as Shoal Bay East and Rendezvous Bay, which are consistently ranked among the best in the world.
Nestled in the heart of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a haven for nature lovers, art enthusiasts, and history buffs alike. This vibrant city boasts stunning scenery with the Blue Ridge Parkway, often dubbed “America’s Favorite Drive,” providing unparalleled views of the Appalachian wilderness. In autumn, the mountains burst with fiery reds and golds, creating one of the most picturesque fall displays in the U.S. Beyond its natural beauty,
A visit to the Cook Islands is not complete without seeing the beautiful island of Aitutaki, 220 km north of Rarotonga and less than an hours flight away. Aitutaki is the second most visited of the magical Cook Islands and is recommended as a "must see" extension of any Rarotonga holiday. Day trips are also popular.
Partly volcanic and (in parts) of atoll origin, its highest hill, Maungapu (124 meters) is said to be the top of Rarotonga's Raemaru Peak brought back by victorious Aitutaki warriors. Its large and spectacular lagoon (45 kms round) teems with colored fish of many varieties and many small and charming uninhabited islands (motus), are sprinkled along the fringes of the outer lagoon. This is a place of great natural beauty and tranquility, where crystal clear waters and
swaying palms provide a simple tonic to sooth away the pressures of the outside world.
With the arrival of Reverend John Williams, Aitutaki became the first island to receive Christianity back in 1821. The first Polynesian explorer was Ru from Raiatea in the Society Islands, while Captain William Bligh of "Bounty" fame is credited with being the first European to sight the island in 1789. Aitutaki was also a favorite stop for whalers in the 1950's and in 1888 the British flag was raised and Aitutaki and Rarotonga were included in the boundaries of New Zealand.