Varanasi sits along the sacred Ganges River in northern India as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is a place where daily life and rituals flow together on the long stone steps called ghats that reach down to the water. Visitors often rise early for a sunrise boat ride, watching as light spreads across the river and pilgrims make gentle offerings to the water.
Located approximately 50 miles west of Chester, along the northern Welsh coast, is the beautiful small town of Conwy. In 1283, King Edward I set out to build a series of magnificent castles, of which Conwy was one of the largest. In addition, the town was fortified with walls which still exist today, making this one of the finest surviving fortified medieval towns in the world.
Exmouth is a great base from which to join one of the many fabulous eco-tourism tours around the area. Exmouth is situated on the northern tip of the North West Cape which offers a number of nearby attractions. There is also a fantastic swimming beach at Pebbley Beach.
Chianti, nestled in the heart of Tuscany between Florence and Siena, is a world-renowned wine region that exudes quintessential Italian charm. Famous for its rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and sprawling vineyards, Chianti offers travelers an unforgettable experience of Italy’s rich viticulture and history. Visitors can explore charming medieval villages like Greve in Chianti and Castellina in Chianti, where cobbled streets, ancient stone buildings, and historic piazzas transport you back in
Bibury, often described as one of the most beautiful villages in England, is a must-visit destination in the heart of the Cotswolds. The village is famous for its idyllic setting along the River Coln and its stunning stone cottages that date back to the 17th century. Chief among these is Arlington Row, a series of picturesque weavers’ cottages that have become one of the most photographed spots in England.
Photo Credit: Photo by Paul and Jill from Wikimedia
Photo Credit: Photo by Paul and Jill from Wikimedia
Galápagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki)
Photo Credit: Photo by Paul and Jill from Wikimedia
Photo Credit: Photo by Paul and Jill from Wikimedia
Santa Fe Island, formerly known as Barrington Island, is one of the smaller of the Galapagos islands. Although relatively small and unpopulated, the island is a great day-trip option for visitors to the area.
As on many of the Galapagos islands, the principal activities on Santa Fe Island are walking, snorkeling and diving. Highlights center around endemic vegetation and wildlife, including the large Optunia Echios (an endemic subspecies of prickly pear cactus), the Barrington land iguana, Santa Fe rice rat, Barrington leaf-toed gecko, and Santa Fe marina iguana. You'll also find large colonies of sea lions, both on the beaches and in the surrounding water, and a wide variety of birds all along the cliffs.
Other Popular Destinations in Ecuador
Galapagos Islands
Off the coast of Ecuador, the iconic and biodiverse Galápagos Islands, made famous by Charles Darwin’s nineteenth-century research expeditions on HMS Beagle, beckon you. This glittering archipelago, surrounded by vivid turquoise waves, abounds with stunning beaches and spectacular wildlife, perfect for the adventurous traveler.
Quito
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you.