The River Nile, most often associated with Egypt and its ancient civilizations, actually flows through eight other countries including Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Kenya. It is formed by two major tributaries, the White Nile and Blue Nile, and is considered by many to be the longest river in the world when measured from its source waters in Rwanda and Burundi.

Latvia is a republic in northeastern Europe. Riga, the capital and largest city, is also the country's chief port. The climate is dominated by marine influences in the west, with cool summers and mild winters; more continental conditions and greater climatic variation exist in the east. In Latvia, snow covers the ground from two to more than four months of the year. Summers are frequently hot, with average daily temperatures exceeding 25° C (about 80° F).

Bayonne, nestled in the heart of France's Basque Country, offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and gastronomy. This charming city, with its half-timbered houses and narrow cobbled streets, sits at the confluence of the Nive and Adour rivers, creating a picturesque setting that invites leisurely exploration. The Gothic Bayonne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offers stunning views and an opportunity to admire its breathtaking 13th-century architecture.

This Sicily harbor city is divided from Italy proper by the Strait of Messina. Visitors marvel at the Gothic, bell-towered Norman Messina Cathedral.

Padua, a hidden gem in Northern Italy’s Veneto region, is a city where medieval splendor meets a vibrant modern atmosphere. Known for its ancient university, founded in 1222, Padua is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world, having nurtured the minds of great scholars like Galileo Galilei.