Lisbon, the enchanting capital of Portugal, entices sightseers with its vibrant color, stunning Gothic architecture, and temperate weather. Easily traversed by foot or tram, the city’s distinct quarters and vivid cultural landmarks make Lisbon an excellent spot for exploration.
The Orkney Islands sit just off the northern coast of Scotland. This group of around seventy islands offers wide horizons, quiet roads, and coastlines shaped by wind and waves where visitors often arrive expecting rugged scenery and leave talking about the sense of space from the long beaches to the steep cliffs and sea stacks rising straight from the water. One striking example is the Old Man of Hoy, a tall sea stack that draws photographers and climbers alike.
China, the world’s most populous country, stretches across vast landscapes ranging from the towering Himalayas and deserts of the north to fertile river valleys and bustling coastal cities. Its rich history spans thousands of years, marked by dynasties, inventions, and cultural developments that have left a lasting imprint on art, architecture, and philosophy.
Seaside is a coastal city on Oregon’s northern Pacific shore, set between the ocean, the Necanicum River, and the wooded foothills of the Coast Range. Its broad sandy beach and compact oceanfront district have made it one of the state’s best-known coastal communities. The Promenade, a paved oceanfront walkway, follows the beach through the center of town and provides access to shops, restaurants, and public spaces.
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Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah
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Agra Fort
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Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, Agra, India is now a cultural capital replete with famous landmarks and striking architecture. Located on the winding banks of the Yamuna River, Agra sits in India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh. The city’s most prominent draw is the magnificent Taj Mahal, the iconic white marble mausoleum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site visited by millions of people each year. Built in the 17th century by Emperor Shaj Jahan, the Taj Mahal is a grand testament to the stunning beauty of the Mughal Empire’s Indo-Islamic architecture. Decorated with intricate design, calligraphy, and precious stones, the mausoleum's surroundings include a verdant garden and glittering reflective pool. Agra's other notable sites include Agra Fort and Delhi Gate (both made of striking red sandstone), the Shish Mahal (also known as Glass Palace), Itmad-ud-Daula (affectionately called the “Baby Taj Mahal”), and Aram Bagh (beautiful Persian-style gardens). Agra is a must-see destination for any trip to India!
Other Popular Destinations in India
Delhi
Delhi is a sprawling metropolis in North India that contains the country's capital, New Delhi. Life is abuzz and hectic here, with traffic going every which way. A huge population shuffles through Delhi's streets, alleys and food and spice-selling bazaars, and it's quite memorable to be a part of it all.
Jaipur
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is often called the “Pink City” for the terracotta-hued buildings that line its historic streets. Founded in 1727, it was one of India’s first planned cities, designed with wide avenues and grand public squares.