ABERDEEN -- Scotland's third-largest city (pop. 187,000) is characterized by buildings of beautiful white granite. Set beside the North Sea, Aberdeen is both a university town and the capital of the Scottish oil boom. It is also one of Scotland's largest seaside resorts (though its appeal is confined to those who like their water well-chilled).

Perched at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Gibraltar is a captivating destination where British and Mediterranean influences seamlessly blend. Dominated by the iconic Rock of Gibraltar, this British Overseas Territory is a haven for travelers seeking both adventure and history. The Rock itself is a limestone monolith that stands 426 meters high and offers breathtaking views over the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean.

Located northwest of Cairo on the Mediterranean coast, Alexandria is one of Egypt's most spectacular cities and an important historical, industrial, and economic center for the country.

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.

This vibrant and picturesque city sits near the German border and is the 2nd most popular tourist city in France. Its historic city center is classified a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and the Stasbourg Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Rayonnant Gothic architecture.