The Ionian Sea, a stretch of the Mediterranean nestled between Italy and Greece, offers a captivating blend of azure waters, picturesque islands, and rich history. The sea is framed by Italy's western coast and Greece's western islands, including Corfu, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos. These islands provide a gateway to some of the most stunning landscapes in the region, from the rugged cliffs of Zakynthos to the lush greenery of Kefalonia.
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.
Manaus, the capital of Brazil's Amazonas, is a major entryway to the vast and biodiverse Amazon Rainforest. Situated on both the Rio Negro and Amazon River, this city will charm you with Renaissance-style buildings and a variety of city parks, museums, and theatres.
Nestled in the northeastern corner of South Africa, the Blyde River Canyon offers a breathtaking panorama of natural beauty and geological wonder. As one of the largest canyons in the world, this verdant ravine stretches approximately 26 kilometers long and plunges to depths of over 800 meters. Its lush, subtropical foliage and dramatic rock formations create a landscape that is both picturesque and awe-inspiring.
Taiwan is an island in East Asia. In addition to the island of Taiwan, the country includes the P'eng-hu Islands (Pescadores), the small Chinmen (Quemoy) Islands off the mainland city of Xiamen (Amoy), and the Matsu group off Fuzhou (Foochow). The capital and largest city of Taiwan is T'aipei. Summers in Taiwan are warm and humid and extend from May until September; temperatures average about 28° C (about 82° F). Winters are mild and last from December until February; January temperatures average about 18° C (about 64° F). Typhoons occur between June and October.
Ancient celebrations include the Dragon Boat Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Feast of Lanterns. Taiwan has a number of notable libraries and museums. The two largest libraries, both in T'aipei, are the National Central Library and the
Taiwan Branch Library. The main museums, also in T'aipei, include the Hwa Kang Museum, with its collections of folk and modern Chinese art; the National Palace Museum, which exhibits treasures from the mainland; the National Museum of History; and the Taiwan Provincial Museum, which displays collections from local cultures.