Rocamadour is a remarkable village set against a steep limestone cliff in the Lot department of southwestern France. Its stone buildings, narrow lanes and ancient sanctuaries rise in stages above the Alzou River valley, giving the settlement a striking silhouette that has drawn visitors for centuries. Pilgrims have come here since the Middle Ages to see the Black Madonna in the Chapelle Notre-Dame and to walk the Chemin de Croix.
Fitzroy Island sits off the coast from Cairns in Queensland, Australia, rising from the Coral Sea with rainforest and beaches that draw visitors year-round. A short, scenic ferry ride from Cairns’ marlin marina brings visitors to this tropical island, part of the Fitzroy Island National Park where rainforest meets reef.
St. George, Utah, is a desert city in the state’s southwest corner, celebrated for its striking red rock landscapes, mild climate, and proximity to some of the American West’s most iconic natural wonders.
Sintra, located just 40 minutes from Lisbon, feels like a world apart. Tucked into the hills of the Serra de Sintra, this town has drawn kings, poets, and explorers for centuries. It was once the summer retreat of Portuguese royalty, who left behind palaces and gardens that seem pulled from a storybook. The most famous, Palácio da Pena, is perched high above the town with bold red and yellow towers that blend Romanticism with Moorish and Gothic styles.
Santa Margherita Ligure, a seaside town on Italy’s Ligurian Riviera, offers a blend of coastal scenery, elegant architecture, and maritime traditions. Nestled between Rapallo and Portofino, it has long attracted travelers seeking both relaxation and a glimpse of authentic Italian life. The town’s waterfront is lined with pastel-colored buildings, fishing boats, and palm trees, creating a scene that feels both timeless and lively.