Sirmione, a picturesque town on the southern shore of Lake Garda, Italy, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Known for its stunning peninsula that juts into the lake, Sirmione is celebrated for its charming medieval streets and spectacular lakeside views. At the heart of the town stands the Scaliger Castle, a 13th-century fortress surrounded by moats and offering panoramic views of Lake Garda and the surrounding landscape.
Santa Fe, New Mexico, with its adobe-style architecture, vibrant arts scene, and unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Anglo influences, is a destination like no other. Known as "The City Different," Santa Fe stands apart with its rich history and cultural diversity. A fun fact about Santa Fe is that it is the highest state capital in the United States, sitting at an elevation of 7,199 feet.
One of Japan's 60 core cities, Aomori is well-known for its beautiful landscapes. Favorite landscapes include the Hakkoda Mountains and Lake Towada. Another of the city's highlights is the Nebuta Matsuri, an annual festival known for its daily parade of giant, colorful lantern floats.
The capital of Crete, Heraklion is a Greek port city and a popular stop on Mediterranean and Greek cruises. The city is an historical marvel, replete with archaeological wonders and remnants of the region's past. Highlights include the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the Rocca a Mare Fortress, the Venetian Loggia, and just past the city limits, the Palace of Knossos.
Eluding Ottoman oppression sure makes you beautiful! Besides breathtaking beaches and lovely pools, this Greek island in the Ionian Sea offers many charms, from its Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to Venetian fortresses to cypresses waving in the ocean breeze. Corfu's Byzantine castle, Angelokastro, is located on a dramatic hilltop and offers stunning views. In Greek mythology, Odysseus was washed ashore on Corfu but soon left the island... we recommend staying awhile in this cobalt paradise.