Lucca, a Tuscan city surrounded by remarkably intact Renaissance walls, offers more than just postcard views. Known for its quiet streets and grand piazzas, Lucca stands apart with its circular street layout, still following the lines of a Roman amphitheater from centuries ago. The walls, now repurposed as a 4-kilometer tree-lined park, are a favorite route for locals and visitors who explore them on foot or by bike, passing old bastions and panoramic viewpoints along the way.

Gaspé sits at the eastern tip of the Gaspé Peninsula in Québec, where the St. Lawrence River opens into the Gulf and the land feels distinctly maritime.

Hunter Valley in New South Wales is one of Australia’s oldest and most celebrated wine regions, shaped by European settlement in the early 1800s.

York, England, is a city where over 2,000 years of history comes to life. Originally founded by the Romans in 71 AD as Eboracum, York has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, from the Vikings to the Normans. Today, the city retains its medieval charm, with its historic York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe, standing proudly as its centerpiece.

Watamu, located on Kenya’s picturesque coast, is a paradise for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, Watamu is part of the Watamu Marine National Park, a protected area known for its vibrant coral reefs and rich marine biodiversity. The park is a haven for snorkeling and diving, with opportunities to see colorful fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins.