A tributary of the Rhine, the Moselle River flows through France, Luxembourg and Germany. The Moselle also lends its name to a region of France, a valley which it bisects, and a wine produced along its banks.
Nestled in the Julian Alps of Slovenia, Kranjska Gora is a charming alpine town known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. This picturesque destination offers a gateway to breathtaking natural beauty, from the snow-capped peaks of the Julian Alps to the lush, green valleys that surround the town.
Marzamemi, a small fishing village on the southeastern coast of Sicily, offers an authentic taste of Mediterranean charm. Known for its picturesque stone buildings, vibrant piazzas, and crystal-clear waters, Marzamemi captures the essence of coastal life in Sicily. The town’s centerpiece is Piazza Regina Margherita, surrounded by rustic houses and lively seafood restaurants where visitors can savor the fresh catch of the day.
British influences are quite evident in Victoria, from afternoon tea times to elegant Victorian architecture. This capital of British Columbia on Vancouver Island provides ample outdoor recreation, with its public parks and access to both the ocean and wilderness. Cyclists will be right at home here, as Victoria boasts a seemingly endless number of bike paths for exploring.
Fakarava, a hidden paradise in French Polynesia, is an ideal destination for those seeking unspoiled natural beauty and adventure. This atoll, part of the Tuamotu Archipelago, is known for its pristine coral reefs and crystal-clear lagoons.
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.