Padua, a hidden gem in Northern Italy’s Veneto region, is a city where medieval splendor meets a vibrant modern atmosphere. Known for its ancient university, founded in 1222, Padua is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world, having nurtured the minds of great scholars like Galileo Galilei.

This 2,000-year-old city, where the Teutonic Order founded one of its first commanderies in the 13th century, lies on the convergence of the Moselle and Rhine Rivers.

Lithuania is a republic in northeastern Europe and one of the Baltic Republics. Vilnius, the capital and largest city, is in the southeast portion of the country. The climate is dominated by marine influences in the west, with cool summers and mild winters, but conditions are more variable in the eastern portion of the republic.

Sesriem, located in the heart of Namibia’s Namib Desert, serves as the gateway to the world-famous Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, two of Namibia’s most iconic landscapes. The dramatic red dunes of the Namib Desert, some of the highest in the world, are an awe-inspiring sight, particularly at sunrise when the light casts long shadows, creating an otherworldly contrast of colors.

Rapid City is the gateway to iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial and a delightful stop for your next trip to South Dakota.