On Cook Strait sits Wellington, New Zealand's charming windy city. Must-sees here include the waterfront, the lovely beaches, and the Wellington Cable Car that takes riders to botanical gardens. For cultural exposure, visit The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, with its Maori national treasures and art gallery. Wellington Zoo is another key attraction, and features Tahi, a one-legged kiwi, as its mascot.

Benguerra Island, part of Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago, is a tropical paradise known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and rich marine life. Accessible by boat from Vilankulo, the island offers a secluded retreat where visitors can enjoy sun-soaked sandbanks, coral reefs, and the gentle sway of palm trees. Its small size and limited development help maintain an intimate atmosphere that feels far removed from bustling tourist hubs.

Portovenere, in the region of Cinque Terre, is a characteristic medieval village situated at the far west of the gulf. With its colored, narrow high houses, the Genoese Castle, the St. Pietro Church on the steep cliff, it unites history with charm.

Urfa proudly exhibits the legacy of all civilizations that have prospered in this region. In the second millenium B.C., it was a city of a Hurrite state. Tradition relates that Abraham was born in a cave near the area where the Mevlid Mosque now stands.

Cusco once served as the heart of the Inca Empire, and that legacy still shapes every corner of the city even as it serves as a gateway to Machu Picchu. Outside the historic center, the ruins of Sacsayhuamán overlook the city from a nearby hilltop. This ceremonial complex is best known for its massive zigzag stone walls, some weighing over 100 tons. During the Inti Raymi festival in June, thousands gather here to reenact ancient Andean rituals.