The skyline of Erfurt is shaped by dozens of churches, monasteries, and convents thrusting their pointed steeples upward to the sky. In the Middle Ages, Erfurt was known as "Thuringian Rome" because of its religious orders. The impressive twin churches on the Domberg (Cathedral Hill), the Roman Catholic St. Mary's Cathedral (14th century) and the Roman Catholic Parish church St. Severus with a flight of 70 outdoor steps leading from the Cathedral Square up the hill to the churches.

Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history stretching back more than 2,800 years. Despite its ancient roots, it feels vibrant and modern, with wide boulevards, lively cafes, and an ever-present view of the majestic Mount Ararat on the horizon.

Ballarat is a regional city in central Victoria, known for its goldfields heritage, grand streetscapes, gardens, and strong arts scene. Located about 90 minutes from Melbourne by road or rail, it combines a historic city centre with lakes, parks, and surrounding rural landscapes. Sturt Street forms the main civic spine, lined with substantial nineteenth-century buildings, shops, cafés, and public spaces.

Toledo, seat of Lucas County, northwestern Ohio, a port on the Maumee River, at its mouth on Lake Erie; incorporated 1837. The city's extensive transportation facilities include its fine natural harbor, which is a port on the Great Lakes-Saint Lawrence Seaway and ranks among the world's leading soft-coal-shipping ports; an extensive network of railroads; and an air cargo terminal.

There's more than meets the eye in Savona, a Northwest Italy port city many cruise ship passengers are lucky enough to find themselves in. The giant Fortezza del Priamàr looms over the water, providing a unique welcome. Be sure to stroll through the city's genteel, impressive medieval center, visit the beautiful Savona Cathedral and see marvelous artistic works from centuries past at the Ceramics Museum.