Isola Bella sits on Lake Maggiore as part of the Borromean Islands, closely tied to the ambitions of the Borromeo family who reshaped the rocky outcrop in the 17th century.
Seven miles outside of historic Athens, the Greek coastal city of Piraeus lies upon the sparkling waters of the Aegean Sea and is the largest passenger port in Europe, servicing nearly 20 million passengers per year.
Once the commercial center of the ancient world, Ephesus is an archaeological splendor and an essential stop on any visit to Turkey. The city, whose wealth and patronage support its splendid architectural program, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis.
Akita sits in the northern part of Japan’s Tōhoku region and offers travelers experiences rooted in long-held traditions, lively festivals, and scenic valleys. Its capital city blends seasonal appeal with cultural offerings, from Senshu Park, once the site of Kubota Castle, where cherry blossoms and lotuses draw locals and visitors alike, to the Akita Museum of Art, a striking building designed by famed architect Tadao Ando that displays works including pieces by Tsuguharu Foujita.
Photo Credit: Photo by Michelangelo Azzariti on Unsplash
Located in western Austria, Innsbruck is a charming European destination on the banks of the Inn River. A popular stop for skiing, Innsbruck is nestled within the Alps and offers a variety of cable cars to whisk you to the mountains for outdoor sports and spectacular views of the Innsbruck below. The city itself is home to centuries-old architecture dating back to the Medieval Period and the Renaissance, particularly in the Altstadt, or Old Town. Highlights of the city center include Hofburg Palace, St. Anne's Column, Ambras Castle, and the Golden Roof.