Šiauliai, often referred to as the "City of the Sun" due to its high number of sunny days, is a vibrant gem in northern Lithuania. The city's most iconic landmark is the Hill of Crosses, a profound site of pilgrimage adorned with thousands of crosses placed by visitors over the decades. This unique and moving monument, which has been recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance, symbolizes the resilience and spirit of the Lithuanian people.
Almaty is Kazakhstan's largest city and a major cultural and economic center in the southeast of the country. It lies at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau, where the broad urban area gives way to forested mountain slopes and alpine terrain. Tree-lined streets, parks, historic neighborhoods, modern buildings, and mountain views define much of the cityscape. Almaty is also known for its orchards and agricultural surroundings, reflected in the city's name, which is associated with apples.
Bay of Fires is a coastal region on Tasmania’s north-east coast, extending from Binalong Bay in the south to larapuna/Eddystone Point in the north. It is recognized for white sandy beaches, clear blue water, and granite rocks marked by orange lichen. The Bay of Fires Conservation Area includes beaches, rocky headlands, coastal heath, dry forest, and sheltered bays
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve in West Virginia has captured the attention of travelers with its rugged landscape and storied past. Established as a national park in 2020, this area was long known for its coal mining heritage and railroad history. Today, visitors can explore remnants of old mining towns and take in views from historic train trestles, all while experiencing some of the most dramatic river and canyon scenery in the eastern United States.
Twizel is a 40 minute drive from Mt. Cook Village. Nearby is Mount Cook National Park and Lake Ruataniwha.
Other Popular Destinations in New Zealand
Queenstown
This beautiful resort town has a little something for everyone! Whether you are into skiing and snowboarding, jet boating, whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, or mountain biking there is no end to the year around adventure sports you can take advantage of. If you love wine, Queenstown lies close to the center of a small wine producing region, including The Two Paddocks vineyard which is owned by actor Sam Neill.
Auckland
A veritable paradise on Earth, Auckland combines the best of both worlds – a thrilling urban metropolis surrounded by striking natural areas, sparkling blue water, and colorful wildlife. New Zealand’s cultural and recreational hub, beautiful Auckland has something for everyone.