Salvador da Bahia, often simply called Salvador, is a city where the soul of Brazil truly shines. As the capital of the state of Bahia and one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas, Salvador offers a rich tapestry of Afro-Brazilian culture, vibrant music, and historic architecture.
Kaohsiung sits on Taiwan’s southern coast and rises from one of the island’s busiest harbors into a city that rewards slow exploration and lively discovery. History and local belief surface at the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas beside Lotus Pond in Zuoying District. These twin pagodas that are connected to the shore by a zigzag bridge, invite visitors to walk through the dragon’s mouth and out the tiger’s, a practice locals associate with turning bad luck into good fortune.
Ancona, perched on the Adriatic coast of Italy, is a vibrant port city with a rich historical tapestry and stunning seaside vistas. As the capital of the Marche region, Ancona boasts a captivating blend of ancient and modern charm. The city’s historical heart is evident in landmarks like the Roman Arch of Trajan, which stands as a testament to Ancona’s significance during Roman times.
The island of Iona lies just off the west coast of Scotland, easily reached from Oban by ferry. This jaunt in itself is quite stunning commanding a view of the rocky peaks and green slopes of the Mull Mountains. An old village, Iona was founded in 563 AD by Columba and his disciples when they travel from Ireland to the Harbour of the Caracle, built a monastery and introduced the Christian faith here. Iona is still a major center for pilgrimages. Please note that cars are not permitted on the isle.