Palenque, nestled in the lush jungles of Chiapas, Mexico, offers an enthralling glimpse into the grandeur of the ancient Maya civilization. The city is renowned for its well-preserved ruins, which include the majestic Temple of the Inscriptions, where the tomb of the ruler Pakal the Great was discovered in 1952.

A true gem on the Caribbean coast, the port city of Cartagena (Cartagena de Indias) welcomes visitors with its charming old town, colonial buildings, and exceptional beaches. A popular cruise ship stop, many seafarers find themselves honorary Cartagenans, as they stroll shady, cobblestone lanes and gaze upon impressive churches.

West of Vienna, the quaint town of Dürnstein lies on the banks of the iconic Danube and is the perfect destination for river cruising, sightseeing, and enjoying the best of Austrian culture. Though small, this picturesque village offers plenty to see and do.

Niger, located in West Africa, is a country of vast landscapes and diverse cultures. Much of its territory is covered by the Sahara Desert, with rolling sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and oasis towns defining the northern regions.

Calgary, set against the backdrop of Alberta’s prairie landscape and the distant Canadian Rockies, is a city where western heritage and modern innovation meet. Once a hub for cattle ranching and the oil industry, it has grown into one of Canada’s most dynamic urban centers.