Braga, one of Portugal’s oldest and most vibrant cities, blends deep religious heritage with a youthful, energetic spirit. Founded over two millennia ago by the Romans as Bracara Augusta, the city has long been a center of faith and culture, earning it the nickname “the Rome of Portugal.”
Šiauliai, often referred to as the "City of the Sun" due to its high number of sunny days, is a vibrant gem in northern Lithuania. The city's most iconic landmark is the Hill of Crosses, a profound site of pilgrimage adorned with thousands of crosses placed by visitors over the decades. This unique and moving monument, which has been recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance, symbolizes the resilience and spirit of the Lithuanian people.
Sigiriya, in central Sri Lanka, is an ancient rock fortress and one of the country’s most iconic archaeological sites. Rising nearly 200 meters from the surrounding plains, the massive granite column is crowned by the ruins of a royal palace built in the 5th century CE by King Kasyapa.
Tree-lined avenues, grand architecture, and the imperative to live well defines Bucharest, a bustling city that is rebounding and expanding. In the 1900s, this vibrant Romanian capital was nicknamed "Little Paris" and that jubilant, raise-a-glass spirit carries over to this day.
Manompana is a small coastal town in northeastern Madagascar, located in the Analanjirofo Region along the Indian Ocean. The town sits at a low elevation and enjoys a tropical rainforest climate, with warm temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year.