Three hours north of Auckland, a chain of verdant islands meet glittering turquoise waters in the Bay of Islands. This subtropical paradise will astound you with its abundance of natural beauty and marine life. Sail to the Bay of Islands, and you'll find plenty to see and explore. Hike to stunning Rainbow Falls, kayak along the shores of New Zealand's lush coastline, and keep an eye out for whales, dolphins, penguins, and a variety of colorful parrots.
Nestling cozily beneath the legendary triad of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains, Interlaken, 570 meters above sea level is a wondrous health resort and an international favorite. The superb mountainous scenery and gentle climate are ideal venues for virtually every leisure activity, all year round.
Peso da Régua, often called the gateway to Portugal's Douro Valley, sits along the banks of the Douro River and is surrounded by steep, terraced vineyards. The town has long been central to the production of the world-famous Port wine, and visitors can explore the rolling hills covered with neatly arranged grapevines that climb dramatically from the river’s edge. The town itself offers a quiet riverside charm, with narrow streets, historic buildings, and scenic viewpoints.
Punakha sits in one of Bhutan’s most fertile valleys, cradled where the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers meet. For centuries it served as the kingdom’s capital and remains a place rich with stories woven through its fields, temples, and riverbanks. The city’s low elevation brings warmer weather than much of Bhutan’s highland regions, and rice paddies fill the landscape with vivid green during planting and golden hues at harvest.
Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Whitefish, Montana, is a gateway to breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor adventures. The charming town serves as a perfect base for exploring the nearby Glacier National Park, renowned for its stunning glaciers, pristine lakes, and extensive hiking trails. Whitefish itself is a vibrant community, where the scenic backdrop is matched by a bustling downtown filled with boutique shops, local restaurants, and cozy lodges.
Cut length wise by the Turkish/Greek border, the island of Cyprus leads two lives. The Turkish side is traditional and Islamic, while the Greek side is a very modern vacation destination. Limassol is Greek Cyprus's largest city. In the 12th century, it was headquarters for invading crusaders. Nearby Kourion contains an ancient Greek city with a sanctuary of Apollo overlooking the sea.