Rovaniemi, located just a few kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, is widely recognized as the official hometown of Santa Claus. From late August through early April, the Northern Lights are visible on clear nights, and several local guides offer nighttime tours to remote locations for optimal viewing. During summer, the sun doesn't set for weeks, giving travelers the rare chance to hike or kayak under a sky that stays bright at midnight.

A visit to Como is like looking through a manual on the history of architecture. Its ancient walls, the Duomo with its rich Gothic-Renaissance façade, the Broletto, the Castel Baradello, the Romanesque basilicas of Sant'Abbondio and S. Fedele, the myriad of monuments created by the Comacini Masters, and the modern architectural lines, all represent foundations of the urban and tourist fabric, interwoven with unforgettable splendor.

The capital of Crete, Heraklion is a Greek port city and a popular stop on Mediterranean and Greek cruises. The city is an historical marvel, replete with archaeological wonders and remnants of the region's past. Highlights include the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the Rocca a Mare Fortress, the Venetian Loggia, and just past the city limits, the Palace of Knossos.

Loch Ness stretches over 23 miles through the Scottish Highlands, holding more freshwater than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. Best known for its elusive resident, the so-called Loch Ness Monster, the loch has sparked international curiosity since the first modern "sighting" in 1933. While Nessie remains elusive, the surrounding landscape offers clear reasons to visit with steep hillsides, forested trails, and ancient ruins framing one of Scotland’s most iconic bodies of water.

Canberra, the capital city of Australia, is a hidden gem that often surprises travelers with its rich blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Designed by American architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, Canberra is a city thoughtfully crafted around Lake Burley Griffin, which offers picturesque views and serene walks. Unlike many cities, it is home to a vast population of kangaroos, which are often spotted hopping around suburban areas and parklands.