Ankara, the capital of Turkey, sits on the Anatolian plateau and reflects the country’s layered history more quietly than Istanbul, yet with equal depth. Once an important settlement for the Hittites, Phrygians, Romans, and Byzantines, Ankara rose to national prominence in the 20th century when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk chose it as the heart of the modern Turkish Republic. Today, it functions as Turkey’s political center while preserving traces of its ancient and Ottoman past.

Eden Islet is a small volcanic tuff cone rising from the clear waters off the northwest coast of Santa Cruz Island. Though visitors cannot set foot on the rocks, the islet’s dramatic shapes and steep cliffs offer striking views as boats circle its perimeter. Guides often point out coastal mangroves and lava formations that hint at the volcanic forces that shaped this part of the archipelago.

Whether exploring ancient ruins, spotting wildlife along the dramatic coastline, or simply soaking in the calmness of this unique destination, the Shetlands provide a truly extraordinary travel experience.

Tamnougalt is a fortified village in Morocco’s Drâa Valley, near the town of Agdz, where a large palm oasis stretches along the Drâa River. The settlement is centered on a historic ksar built from rammed earth, with towers, defensive walls, and narrow covered passages. Its position within the Mezguita oasis made it an important local center for trade and administration.

Murghab is a remote mountain town in eastern Tajikistan, located in the high-altitude Pamirs of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region. It sits within a broad, dry landscape of gravel plains, mountain ranges, and sparse alpine vegetation, where trees are largely absent. Murghab is an important stopping point on the Pamir Highway, connecting eastern and western parts of the Pamirs and continuing toward Kyrgyzstan.