Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you.
Barca d'Alva sits quietly along the Douro River, right at Portugal’s eastern border with Spain. Once the final stop on the historic Douro railway line, this riverside village remains relatively untouched by mass tourism. The surrounding landscape filled with terraced vineyards, olive groves, and almond trees form part of the UNESCO-listed Alto Douro Wine Region.
Kribi is a coastal town in southern Cameroon, facing the Gulf of Guinea in the country’s South Region. It is known for long Atlantic beaches, a fishing port and a setting where dense equatorial forest reaches close to the sea.
Tirana, the lively capital of Albania, is a city that blends historical charm with modern vibrancy. At the heart of its transformation is Skanderbeg Square, a bustling hub named after the national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg.
Imagine standing in complete stillness as thousands of tiny lights blink in perfect harmony around you. Every spring in Congaree National Park, this bioluminescent ballet plays out under the forest canopy. This is nature’s very own light show, and it lasts only two magical weeks. Time your visit right, and you’ll be part of a glowing experience few ever witness.
Often called the Eternal City, Rome stands alone as Italy's most visited destination. The third most populated city in the European Union, Rome boasts ancient sites, yet has a modern flair — an exhilarating mix of the Old World and the new.
Elegant playground of the rich and famous, Gstaad also features the most glamorous snowfields in all of Europe. Mostly between Christmas and New Year, you will find international celebrities, aristocracy, movie stars and famous heads-of-state wherever you turn. Saanenland is a true paradise for fans of all kinds of winter sports.
Skiing starts here long before the other resorts get going, with ideal conditions on the nearby Diablerets glacier which offers year round skiing. By Christmas there is powder snow right down to the valley. With 250 kms of marked ski pistes for skiers of all standards, cross-country ski tracks and the excellent Swiss ski schools; 69 mountain railways and ski lifts, Gstaad is an ideal venue for all lovers of winter sun, sport and superb scenery.
But Gstaad is not just a winter resort; as each season unfolds, the lush mountains are a sporting paradise all year round. Gstaad in summer offers the fascination of unspoilt mountain scenery, the special atmosphere of the original, cosy chalet village and an attractive programme of events and activities.
Guests can sense the sincerity of Saanen hospitality regardless of whether they are in a palatial five-star hotel or a simple village restaurant. All the features of summer sport are in abundance - hiking, climbing, swimming, tennis, fishing or golfing at the beautiful alpine golf course at Saanenmöser. Gstaad also has lots to offer culturally.
World renowned soloists and chamber music ensembles rendezvous every year at the Yehudi Menuhin Festival. The Alpengala presents major symphonic works, operas and ballet.
Other Popular Destinations in Switzerland
Lucerne
Behold beautiful Lucerne! This German-speaking area of central Switzerland on Lake Lucerne is a truly spectacular locale. Surrounded by mountains and notable for its famous Chapel Bridge, this idyllic and musical Swiss locale is wonderful any time of year.
Basel
Basel is the global center of the pharmaceutical industry, but most travelers visit for the world-famous ART Basel festival, as well as the numerous art galleries, iconic architecture and museums.