Belgium may be compact, but it offers a surprising variety of experiences shaped by centuries of shifting borders, artistic innovation, and culinary tradition. In Brussels, the Grand Place sets the stage for history and architecture in one square lined with ornate guild halls. The city is also home to the European Union’s headquarters, surrealist painter René Magritte’s former house, and a lively comic book trail that winds through murals of Tintin and other Belgian icons.
Sharm El Sheikh sits on the southern tip of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, where the sparkling Red Sea meets desert ridges and wide skies. From its beginnings as a small fishing village it has grown into one of the world’s most recognized seaside destinations, drawing travelers to explore coral reefs, seaside promenades, and desert landscapes all within easy reach.
Scotland, a land of rugged landscapes, ancient castles, and vibrant culture, offers travelers an unforgettable experience steeped in history. From the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders to the dramatic Highlands and islands, the country’s diverse scenery is a paradise.
The city of Puerto Montt sits on the coast of Chile's Lake District and is considered a gateway to some of the country's most breathtaking natural beauty, including the fjords of Patagonia and the impressive Andes mountain range. Puerto Montt often serves as a port for South American cruises.
Tampico, located on the Gulf Coast of Tamaulipas, is a port city with a layered history shaped by trade, oil, and immigration. Its downtown district is known for neoclassical buildings, many of which were constructed with imported bricks and ironwork from Europe during the oil boom of the early 20th century. One of Tampico’s most photographed structures is the Mercado Municipal, rebuilt in recent years but still functioning as a central hub for daily life.
Caracas, (ke-rä´kes), located in Northern Venezuela, is the capital and largest city of Venezuela. An extremely cosmopolitan city, it is a major industrial center, shipping through the nearby Caribbean port of La Guaira. Caracas was founded in 1567 and was the base for Spanish colonization of Venezuela. It was the birthplace of the liberators Francisco de Miranda and Simón Bolívar. Caracas retains an old section, with many examples of colonial architecture. The oil boom of the 1950s made possible massive public building projects, transforming much of Caracas into an ultramodern metropolis famed for such futuristic complexes as University City and the Centro Bolívar government center. A cultural hub, the city is the site of a large performing arts center, three orchestras, an opera, a ballet, and three major art museums.
Other Popular Destinations in Venezuela
Barcelona
Barcelona is the capital of Anzoátegui state in northeastern Venezuela, situated a short distance inland from the Caribbean coast and connected closely with neighboring Puerto La Cruz.
Ciudad Guayana
As you cruise along the Orinoco, South America's second-longest river, you will pass an imposing 17th-century fort. Just up the river is Ciudad Guayana, your gateway to Angel Falls. The falls, discovered 60 years ago by American bush pilot Jimmy Angel, are the hightest in the world. More than a half-mile hight and 15 times taller than Niagara Falls, they are undoubtedly one of the world's most breathtaking natural wonders.