Annapolis may be best known as the state capital, but its real charm lies in its deep maritime history, walkable streets, and Chesapeake Bay lifestyle. Founded in 1649, Annapolis served as the temporary capital of the United States in 1783 and is still home to the oldest state house in continuous legislative use. A visit to the Maryland State House, where George Washington famously resigned his military commission, offers a direct link to the early days of American democracy.

Xi’an, located in central China’s Shaanxi Province, served as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road and was the capital of 13 imperial dynasties. Its long history is most famously represented by the Terracotta Army, an underground army of life-sized warriors discovered in 1974. Each figure has distinct facial features, hairstyles, and armor, designed to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife.

Agrigento, located on the southern coast of Sicily, is a city steeped in history and renowned for its ancient Greek ruins. The crown jewel of Agrigento is the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Visitors can marvel at the remarkably preserved Temple of Concordia, which dates back to the 5th century BC and is considered one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world.

A tributary of the Rhine, the Moselle River flows through France, Luxembourg and Germany. The Moselle also lends its name to a region of France, a valley which it bisects, and a wine produced along its banks.

Bradford, set against the backdrop of the South Pennines in West Yorkshire, is a city built on textiles, innovation, and resilience. As the world’s first UNESCO City of Film, Bradford blends cinema history with modern creativity. The National Science and Media Museum sits in the heart of the city, offering hands-on exhibits about photography, television, gaming, and animation. It’s also home to one of the UK's only IMAX cinemas.