Catania, nestled on the eastern coast of Sicily, is a city shaped by fire and stone. Built from the black lava of Mount Etna, it’s a landscape filled with energy and contrasts from its Baroque palaces to its open air fish markets. At the heart of the city stands the Piazza del Duomo, where the iconic Fontana dell’Elefante, which is carved from volcanic rock, greets every visitor who passes by.

Potosí rises on the Altiplano of southern Bolivia and for centuries it was one of the richest cities in the world because of what lies just beyond its streets. At the foot of Cerro Rico (“Rich Mountain”), silver was discovered in the mid-1500s, and within a few decades the city became a center of mining and wealth that shaped global trade and economies.

Monemvasia, Greece, is a captivating destination that enchants visitors with its blend of medieval charm and stunning natural beauty. Perched on a small island off the coast of the Peloponnese, this fortified town, often referred to as the "Gibraltar of the East," is renowned for its well-preserved Byzantine architecture and labyrinthine streets.

Alice Springs, located in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, is a town deeply connected to the desert landscapes and Aboriginal culture that define the region. Long an important meeting place for the Arrernte people, it remains a center of Indigenous art and traditions, with galleries and cultural institutions showcasing some of the world’s most renowned Aboriginal artworks and stories.

Kazakhstan, the world’s ninth-largest country, offers travelers a striking mix of sweeping steppe landscapes, modern cities, and deep-rooted nomadic traditions.