The skyline of Erfurt is shaped by dozens of churches, monasteries, and convents thrusting their pointed steeples upward to the sky. In the Middle Ages, Erfurt was known as "Thuringian Rome" because of its religious orders. The impressive twin churches on the Domberg (Cathedral Hill), the Roman Catholic St. Mary's Cathedral (14th century) and the Roman Catholic Parish church St. Severus with a flight of 70 outdoor steps leading from the Cathedral Square up the hill to the churches.
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you.
Hakata-ku, a central ward of Fukuoka City in Japan’s Kyushu region, is a lively blend of history, commerce, and culture. Once an independent merchant town, Hakata played a major role in Japan’s early international trade with China and Korea, shaping its cosmopolitan identity.
Vang Vieng, nestled along the banks of the Nam Song River in central Laos, is an adventurer's paradise surrounded by stunning limestone karsts and verdant landscapes. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty, this small town has transformed from a backpacker haven into a more sophisticated destination offering a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.
This city in the Rhine Gorge is known for its winemaking, dramatic landscapes and 15-minute cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument (celebrating the German victory over France in 1871).