Niamey
Niamey, the capital of Niger, sits along the banks of the Niger River and serves as the country’s political, economic, and cultural center. Its riverside setting provides both scenic views and a hub for local activities, from fishing to small boat transport.
Vatnajökull National Park
Vatnajökull National Park is one of Iceland’s largest protected areas, extending across a vast landscape of glaciers, volcanoes, lava fields, mountains, rivers, and glacial plains. At its center lies Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest ice cap, whose outlet glaciers spread into surrounding valleys and lowlands. The park stretches across southeast and central Iceland and includes several distinct regions, from Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón to the volcanic landscapes of Askja and Kverkfjöll.
South Plaza Island
On South Plaza Island, sea lions breed all along the low lying northern coast. These sheer cliffs are home for swallow-tail gulls and the beautiful red billed tropic birds. The landscape is dominated by optunia cactus trees. A look under each tree reveals a land iguana patiently waiting for a succulent cactus pad to fall.
Melk
Nestled along the south bank of the Danube, this historical Austrian city bursts with charm. A favorite stop on European river cruises, the city's most famous attraction is Melk Abbey, which dates back to the 11th century. The original Benedictine structure was lost to fires and foreign invasion, then rebuilt during the 18th century in lavish Baroque style, including a library and inner church covered in magnificent frescoes and gilded fixtures.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Hol Chan Marine Reserve lies off the southern coast of Ambergris Caye, near San Pedro in northern Belize. The protected area covers coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and channels that form part of the Belize Barrier Reef. Its name comes from the Maya words for “little channel,” referring to a natural break in the reef that allows water to move between the Caribbean Sea and the shallow lagoon.
