Menton, known as the "Pearl of France," is a sun-soaked gem nestled along the French Riviera, bordering Italy. With its charming pastel-colored facades cascading down the hillside and its deep blue Mediterranean backdrop, Menton exudes an irresistible allure. The city's unique microclimate, warmer than the surrounding area, has earned it a reputation as a haven for lush gardens.

Stretching across central Oman, the Wahiba Sands offer a dramatic desert landscape of rolling dunes that shift in color with the changing light. This vast sea of sand is home to towering ridges and open plains, creating an otherworldly backdrop for exploration.

Vis, a charming island city in Croatia's Dalmatian region, offers a serene retreat with its blend of historical allure and natural beauty. Known for its historical significance, Vis boasts remnants of its Greek and Roman past, including the well-preserved fortifications and ancient ruins. The city itself is a captivating blend of Venetian and Austro-Hungarian architecture, with quaint streets and lovely waterfronts that invite leisurely exploration.

There's more than meets the eye in Savona, a Northwest Italy port city many cruise ship passengers are lucky enough to find themselves in. The giant Fortezza del Priamàr looms over the water, providing a unique welcome. Be sure to stroll through the city's genteel, impressive medieval center, visit the beautiful Savona Cathedral and see marvelous artistic works from centuries past at the Ceramics Museum.

Mystic, Connecticut, is a small town with a big story, one shaped by shipbuilders, sea captains, and centuries of maritime tradition. Once a bustling shipbuilding center during the 18th and 19th centuries, Mystic still carries the soul of a working seaport. Today, visitors can explore its nautical past at the Mystic Seaport Museum, home to America’s last wooden whaleship, the *Charles W. Morgan*.