Serbia is a country where centuries-old monasteries sit just a short drive from lively cities, and where the past is never far from daily life. In Belgrade, the capital, Kalemegdan Fortress offers panoramic views where the Danube meets the Sava River. This fortress has witnessed more than 100 battles and been rebuilt many times over two millennia. Within its walls are Roman ruins, an open-air military museum, and quiet park paths perfect for wandering between centuries of layered history.

Porto Torres is a city in northern Sardinia, situated on the bay of the Gulf of Asinara. It is home to a number of historical sights: the Basilica of San Gavino, an 11th-century Romanesque church, the largest in Sardinia; the necropolis of Su Crucifissu Mannu, an archaeological site from the Neolithic age; the remains of the Roman bridge on the Rio Mannu; and the ancient megalithic edifices known as nuraghi which have become a symbol of the Sardinian region.

Salento is the sun-kissed peninsula at the southern tip of Italy’s Puglia region, where history, seaside views, and lively local customs create a destination unlike any other. Its coastline stretches between the Adriatic and Ionian seas, offering beaches with clear, turquoise water and soft sand at places like Torre dell’Orso, Punta Prosciutto, and Porto Cesareo, each with its own character and allure for visitors exploring the shore.

One of the most remote cities in the world, formerly known as Turkestan. It is situated along the ancient Silk Road near the Sino-Russian border. Sightseeing highlights include the ancient mosques and open markets. A fascinatingly colorful and ancient way of life still exists.

Osaka is a city that thrives on contrasts with centuries-old castles sit just blocks from neon-lit arcades and high-speed trains. Once known as “Japan’s kitchen” during the Edo period, Osaka played a key role in rice trading and food distribution across the country. Today, visitors can walk the grounds of Osaka Castle, originally built in the 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and take in panoramic city views from the top floor of its museum.