Mopti, often called the “Venice of Mali,” sits at the point where the Bani and Niger rivers meet. This strategic location has made it an important trading hub for centuries, attracting merchants, fishermen, and travelers from across West Africa.

Istanbul is a city built on layers of empire. Spanning two continents, it was once the capital of three major empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. Visitors walking through the Sultanahmet district can witness this timeline firsthand, from the Roman-era Hippodrome to the Byzantine mosaics of Hagia Sophia, and the towering minarets of the Blue Mosque. At nearby Topkapi Palace, rooms still display the jeweled swords, ceremonial robes, and handwritten Qurans once used by Ottoman sultans.

Maryland, a state rich in history and natural beauty, offers a diverse array of experiences for visitors. The city of Baltimore, with its vibrant Inner Harbor, serves as a cultural hub. The National Aquarium, featuring marine life from around the globe, is a highlight, while the nearby National Great Blacks in Wax Museum offers a profound look into African American history.

Wilmington was the only open seaport in the Confederacy from 1863 until the last months of the war - nearly two years. Visit Fort Fisher which kept the port open to blockade runners. Afterwards, tour another historic treasure, the Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts. In 1865, it was commandeered as headquarters for the Union forces.

Lake Powell, stretching across the Utah-Arizona border, is one of the largest manmade reservoirs in the United States. Formed by the flooding of Glen Canyon after the completion of the Glen Canyon Dam in 1963, it covers over 180 miles in length and contains nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline, more than the entire West Coast of the U.S. Despite its modern origins, the area has long been home to the Ancestral Puebloans and later Navajo communities.