Riomaggiore, a charming village in Italy's famed Cinque Terre, is a gem of the Ligurian coast. With its colorful houses cascading down steep cliffs towards the azure Mediterranean, this picturesque town offers a postcard-perfect escape. Founded in the 13th century, Riomaggiore is rich in history, with medieval churches like the Church of San Giovanni Battista, built in 1340, reflecting its ancient past.
Nestled in the heart of South Africa’s Cape Winelands, Franschhoek is a charming village renowned for its exquisite vineyards and rich history. Founded by French Huguenots in the late 17th century, the village’s French heritage is palpable in its architecture, cuisine, and local culture.
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is located in the province of San Jose, which is in the Central Valley. The city is surrounded by high green mountains. There are numerous museums as well as art galleries, theaters, exhibitions, parks and garden in the city. All regions in Costa Rica are accessible from the capital city of San Jose, which makes its an ideal starting point for touring the country.
Perth is pleasantly sited on the Swan and Canning rivers, with the cerulean Indian Ocean to the west and the ancient Darling Ranges to the east. It claims to be the sunniest state capital in Australia and the most isolated capital city in the world.
ABERDEEN -- Scotland's third-largest city (pop. 187,000) is characterized by buildings of beautiful white granite. Set beside the North Sea, Aberdeen is both a university town and the capital of the Scottish oil boom. It is also one of Scotland's largest seaside resorts (though its appeal is confined to those who like their water well-chilled).
Located on the banks of the Danube, Spitz an der Donau is a charming market town in Austria's Wachau valley. Occupied since Celtic times, Spitz offers spectacular views of the Danube valley. Picturesque Renaissance and Baroque houses line quaint cobblestone streets at the foot of Tausendeimerberg (the "Hill of a Thousand Buckets), so named for its abundant vineyards. To the south, towering above Spitz is the famous fortress of Hinterhaus Castle, the thousand-year-old ruins of which are in fine condition and only a short hike away. History buffs will also want to visit the late Gothic church, St. Mauritius, which houses the wooden Apostles statues that date back to 1380, and a high altarpiece painting by Austrian artist Kremser Schmidt.