ABERDEEN -- Scotland's third-largest city (pop. 187,000) is characterized by buildings of beautiful white granite. Set beside the North Sea, Aberdeen is both a university town and the capital of the Scottish oil boom. It is also one of Scotland's largest seaside resorts (though its appeal is confined to those who like their water well-chilled).

Sakkara, located just south of Cairo, is one of Egypt’s most important archaeological sites and the vast necropolis of the ancient capital of Memphis. Stretching over seven kilometers, it served as a burial ground for pharaohs, nobles, and high officials across multiple dynasties.

Alghero, located on the northwest coast of Sardinia, Italy, is a seaside city that blends history, culture, and natural beauty.

British influences are quite evident in Victoria, from afternoon tea times to elegant Victorian architecture. This capital of British Columbia on Vancouver Island provides ample outdoor recreation, with its public parks and access to both the ocean and wilderness. Cyclists will be right at home here, as Victoria boasts a seemingly endless number of bike paths for exploring.

South America is a continent of striking contrasts, where towering mountain ranges meet vast rainforests, arid deserts, and sprawling coastlines. From the icy fjords of the south to the tropical warmth of the north, each region offers its own landscapes, wildlife, and cultural expressions.