Saint-Malo, a captivating walled city on the coast of Brittany, France, invites visitors to step back in time while embracing the beauty of the rugged coastline. Known for its rich maritime history, this former pirate stronghold has retained its medieval charm, with narrow cobblestone streets, towering granite walls, and fortifications that echo tales of seafaring adventures.
Mestia is the main town of Upper Svaneti, a high mountain region in northwestern Georgia surrounded by the peaks of the Greater Caucasus. The town sits in a broad valley at about 1,500 meters above sea level, with snow-covered mountains, forested slopes, and alpine terrain extending in every direction.
Turkistan is a historic city in southern Kazakhstan and an important center of Islamic culture in Central Asia. Located in the Turkistan Region, the city developed around an oasis landscape between the Syr Darya River and the Karatau Mountains. Its best-known landmark is the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a monumental Timurid-era building and UNESCO World Heritage site.
Progreso, a coastal city in the state of Yucatán, offers travelers a relaxed atmosphere with strong ties to the sea. Founded in 1871 as a port to support trade in the region, Progreso now welcomes both cargo ships and cruise liners to its shores. Its most defining feature is the Progreso Pier, one of the longest in the world, stretching over 6 kilometers into the Gulf of Mexico.
Kylemore, Ireland, sits quietly amidst the mountains and lakes of Connemara, offering visitors a blend of history and scenic views that feels both grand and intimate. The village is best known for Kylemore Abbey, a striking structure set against the backdrop of rolling hills and reflective waters. Visitors approaching the estate are greeted by formal gardens and woodland trails, where the reflections of the abbey shimmer in the calm lake.
Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, is a city that blends modern energy with deep cultural roots. Set among rolling hills, it offers striking views at nearly every turn.
Along the banks of the Moselle River, Cochem is a charming village known for Reichsburg castle as well as its old town, with its half-timbered houses.
Other Popular Destinations in Germany
Passau
Passau sits on the confluence of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz, so it is fitting that it is known as "the Dreiflüssestadt", which means the “City of Three Rivers.” The historical center offers a cathedral, churches and museums to explore, and the embankment is perfect for a romantic stroll.
Cologne
This cultural capital and university city holds more than 2,000 years of history and is the cultural hub of Germany. Marvel at the gorgeous twin-spired Cologne Cathedral, known for its gilded medieval reliquary and sweeping river views, or lose yourself in one of Colonge's many museums for a few hours. Cologne boasts of having most pubs per person in Germany, so make sure you sit down for a refreshing regional Kölsch beer during your travels!