Oranjestad, Aruba’s colorful capital, blends Dutch colonial charm with the island’s easygoing Caribbean character. The city’s pastel-painted buildings, adorned with gables and decorative facades, recall its Dutch heritage while housing modern boutiques, cafés, and museums.
Seven miles outside of historic Athens, the Greek coastal city of Piraeus lies upon the sparkling waters of the Aegean Sea and is the largest passenger port in Europe, servicing nearly 20 million passengers per year.
Ankara, the capital of Turkey, sits on the Anatolian plateau and reflects the country’s layered history more quietly than Istanbul, yet with equal depth. Once an important settlement for the Hittites, Phrygians, Romans, and Byzantines, Ankara rose to national prominence in the 20th century when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk chose it as the heart of the modern Turkish Republic. Today, it functions as Turkey’s political center while preserving traces of its ancient and Ottoman past.
Tortola, the largest island in the British Virgin Islands, beckons travelers with its idyllic beaches and vibrant culture. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Tortola offers crystal-clear waters, lush landscapes, and a range of outdoor activities. Cane Garden Bay, one of the island’s most famous beaches, is renowned for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters.