Amsterdam, the 17th century capital of Holland, is often called the "Venice of the North" due to its numerous, boat-navigable canals. Truly rich in history, the oldest part of this populous, multicultural city is Sloten, which dates all the way back to the 9th century.
Saratoga Springs, New York, has long drawn visitors with its bubbling mineral springs, historic charm, and a calendar full of events that give the town a lively edge. Known as “The Spa City,” Saratoga first gained fame in the 19th century for its naturally carbonated waters, believed to have healing properties. Downtown Saratoga Springs is known for its walkable streets, filled with locally owned boutiques, cafés, and bookstores.
Pinhão, nestled in the heart of Portugal’s Douro Valley, is a small town with a big reputation for its world-renowned port wine and stunning landscapes. Surrounded by terraced vineyards that cascade down to the banks of the Douro River, Pinhão is a paradise for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Agrigento, located on the southern coast of Sicily, is a city steeped in history and renowned for its ancient Greek ruins. The crown jewel of Agrigento is the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Visitors can marvel at the remarkably preserved Temple of Concordia, which dates back to the 5th century BC and is considered one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world.
Oxford is best known for its world-famous university, but the city offers much more than historic college halls and ivory towers. Its skyline, shaped by spires and domes, hints at centuries of intellectual life. The University of Oxford dates back to at least the 12th century and includes iconic buildings like the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, and the Radcliffe Camera, a circular reading room that looks more like a cathedral than a place for quiet study.