Three hours north of Auckland, a chain of verdant islands meet glittering turquoise waters in the Bay of Islands. This subtropical paradise will astound you with its abundance of natural beauty and marine life. Sail to the Bay of Islands, and you'll find plenty to see and explore. Hike to stunning Rainbow Falls, kayak along the shores of New Zealand's lush coastline, and keep an eye out for whales, dolphins, penguins, and a variety of colorful parrots.
Wadi Shab is one of Oman's most beautiful wadis. Shab Village on the coast, is a picturesque fishing village overlooked by old houses and a small fort. Rocky paths, clear blue pools and banana plantations will be the backdrop for a picnic lunch.
Hovden is part of Setesdal, a region recognized for its distinctive Norwegian folk traditions and strong rural identity. Music and dance are especially important, with the Setesdal tradition of playing the hardingfele fiddle and munnharpe jaw harp included on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The area also has a long connection with metalworking. The Hovden Museum of Iron Production presents a reconstructed iron-smelting facility and explains how local ore was processed using charcoal.
Saint-Émilion, nestled in the heart of southwest France, is a living monument to centuries of craftsmanship, faith, and wine-making. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, this medieval town sits on a limestone plateau surrounded by vineyards that date back to Roman times. Visitors can explore cobbled streets that wind past centuries-old stone houses, descend into underground catacombs carved by monks, and visit the astonishing Monolithic Church.
Vágar is one of the western islands of the Faroe Islands and the main arrival point for many visitors, with the archipelago’s only airport located near Sørvágur. The island combines high mountains, freshwater lakes, steep sea cliffs, and small villages set along sheltered bays. Its landscape is particularly varied for its size, ranging from the agricultural fields around Miðvágur and Sandavágur to the rugged western coast near Bøur and Gásadalur.