In Cyprus, travelers are immersed in a culture that draws on Europe, the Middle East, and 9000 years of constant invasion. Crusader castles rub shoulders with ancient vineyards, frescoed monasteries overlook citrus orchards, and sandy, sun-soaked feet tread Roman mosaic floors.

Located in northwest England, Birmingham has a tremendous history as an industrial city. Close to coal and iron ore supplies, it was here that Bouton and Watt harnessed steam power to run machinery. The Museum of Science and Industry resides here and provides an excellent look at England's history.

Set in the heart of the Aegean Sea, Skyros, Greek island, stands apart from its neighboring islands with a character shaped by both rugged landscapes and quiet coastal life. As part of the Sporades group, it offers a mix of pine-covered hills in the north and drier, open terrain in the south. The main town, Skyros Town, rises along a hillside crowned by a whitewashed monastery and a medieval-style castle, creating a striking view from the harbor below.

Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, is a city where time seems to have paused in the mid-20th century. Known for its remarkably preserved Italian modernist architecture, the city has earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Évora, in Portugal’s Alentejo region, feels like stepping into a story that spans more than two thousand years. Its Historic Centre was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason with its ancient walls, homes with wrought-iron balconies, and narrow streets quietly preserve traces of Roman, Moorish, and medieval life. Beyond architecture and monuments, Évora reveals lesser-known treasures that reward exploration.