Samana sits on a peninsula along the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, shaped by seafaring history and a strong Afro-Caribbean cultural presence.

Porvoo, Finland, is a charming and picturesque town that transports visitors back in time with its well-preserved medieval atmosphere. Located just 50 kilometers east of Helsinki, it is one of Finland’s oldest cities, founded in the 14th century. Its most iconic feature is the Old Town, with its cobblestone streets, wooden houses painted in vibrant reds and yellows, and the majestic Porvoo Cathedral, which dates back to the 15th century.

Sirmione, a picturesque town on the southern shore of Lake Garda, Italy, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Known for its stunning peninsula that juts into the lake, Sirmione is celebrated for its charming medieval streets and spectacular lakeside views. At the heart of the town stands the Scaliger Castle, a 13th-century fortress surrounded by moats and offering panoramic views of Lake Garda and the surrounding landscape.

Stepantsminda, often still referred to as Kazbegi, is a mountain town in northern Georgia near the border with Russia. It sits in the Terek River valley along the Georgian Military Highway, one of the country’s most important historic roads through the Caucasus Mountains.

Turkmenistan is a land of striking contrasts, where vast deserts meet ancient Silk Road history. The country is dominated by the Karakum Desert, an expanse of sand and scrub that covers most of its territory, yet it is also home to oases where cities flourished as trading posts for caravans journeying between Persia, China, and beyond.