The Fish River Canyon in southern Namibia is one of the planet’s most remarkable landforms, stretching across vast terrain in the Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. It is one of Africa’s largest canyons, carved over millions of years by the Fish River as it etched a deep, twisting gorge into the desert plateau. From high viewpoints like Hell’s Bend, visitors can see layers of rock dropping away to reveal ridges and ravines that seem to go on forever, all under wide, open skies.
Porto Santo Stefano features two main ports which serve as gateways to the nearby Tuscan Archipelago. Visitors can enjoy the crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Perched on the northern shore of Lake Geneva, Lausanne is a city that blends centuries of history with a strong cultural identity. It served as a Roman military camp called Lousanna before evolving into a key medieval settlement. Today, visitors can still climb the tower of Lausanne Cathedral, widely regarded as the most impressive Gothic structure in Switzerland. From the top, the view stretches over the rooftops of the Old Town to the vineyards of Lavaux and across the lake to the French Alps.
Syros, the capital of the Cyclades, stands apart from its island neighbors with its blend of neoclassical architecture, Orthodox and Catholic traditions, and year-round local life. Ermoupoli, the main town, was once a thriving 19th-century port and still displays its legacy through grand mansions, marble-paved squares, and the imposing Apollo Theater which was designed by an Italian architect and often referred to as a miniature La Scala.
Pondicherry is a coastal town in southern India that still carries traces of its French colonial past. The French Quarter, or White Town, is filled with mustard-yellow buildings, iron-laced balconies, and streets with French names. Visitors can explore this area on foot or by bicycle, stopping at spots like the 18th-century Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges, built in Greco-Roman style, or the French Consulate, which continues to operate from a colonial-era building.
Whether you are in D.C. on business or vacation, you'll find that it's a fascinating city that is full of history, art, theatre, and dramatic monuments.