In South Africa, one finds the world's strangest and most dramatic landscapes, a unique wealth of animal and plant life, a treasure of gold, diamonds and other minerals, and a kaleidoscope of fascinating cultures.

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.

One of Japan's 60 core cities, Aomori is well-known for its beautiful landscapes. Favorite landscapes include the Hakkoda Mountains and Lake Towada. Another of the city's highlights is the Nebuta Matsuri, an annual festival known for its daily parade of giant, colorful lantern floats.

This cosmopolitan city beckons with an elegant skyline dotted with numerous skyscrapers. Despite the modern look, Calgary is still steeped in the western culture that earned it the nickname “Cowtown,” as evidenced in the Calgary Stampede, a July rodeo and festival that grew out of the farming exhibitions once presented here

Santa Monica, California, a gem on the Pacific coast, offers a quintessential Southern California experience. The city is renowned for its iconic Santa Monica Pier, which features an amusement park, aquarium, and family-friendly dining. A ride on the historic Ferris wheel provides stunning ocean views and a sense of nostalgia.