Nestled along the Basque coast in southwestern France, St-Jean-de-Luz is a picturesque fishing town that exudes a unique blend of French elegance and Basque charm. Known for its beautiful sandy beaches and its well-preserved old town, St-Jean-de-Luz is a gem of the French Basque Country.

Sintra, located just 40 minutes from Lisbon, feels like a world apart. Tucked into the hills of the Serra de Sintra, this town has drawn kings, poets, and explorers for centuries. It was once the summer retreat of Portuguese royalty, who left behind palaces and gardens that seem pulled from a storybook. The most famous, Palácio da Pena, is perched high above the town with bold red and yellow towers that blend Romanticism with Moorish and Gothic styles.

Trabzon was founded in the 7th century B.C. by Milletain colonists. On entering the city, on a green hill descending to the sea, is a well-preserved 13th century Byzantine church, now the Avasofya Museum. The walls of this church are decorated with frescoes, some of the finest examples of Byzantine craftmanship. The higher part of the city, the old quarter, inside the still extant fortifications with its timber houses, should be visited.

Blackpool, located on England’s northwest coast, has long been a beloved seaside destination, famed for its vibrant entertainment and historic attractions. The city’s iconic Blackpool Tower, standing at 518 feet, offers panoramic views of the Irish Sea and the surrounding landscape from its SkyWalk glass viewing platform. Built in 1894, the tower houses the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom, where visitors can step back in time and waltz under its glittering chandeliers.

Mâcon is a riverside town in the Saône et Loire department of southern Burgundy, set where the Saône River curves gently through the countryside. Walking through the town naturally leads visitors from the riverfront toward its historic streets, where the past seems to linger in every corner. In the heart of Mâcon’s historic district, pedestrians find streets lined with notable sites.