Gokyo is a small settlement high in Nepal’s Khumbu region, set beside a chain of turquoise glacial lakes beneath the Himalaya. Its significance is closely tied to trans-Himalayan trade routes and to Sherpa culture, which has adapted over generations to life at extreme altitude.

Lalibela is the name of the township which King Lalibela, later canonized, ruled in the 12th century. At his command, eleven monolithic churches were hewn out of living rock. The churches are unique because they are not carved into rock but were freed from it entirely

This hilly Aegean island, legendary birthplace of the goddess Hera, rests along a narrow strait across from the Turkish coast. Stroll through the streets of Old Town, lined with Turkish-style houses. Visit the Archarological Museum, housing artifacts from the Hearion, and be sure to view the lighted harbor at night. Also explore the 6th century AD Eupalina Tunnel, an enormous aqueduct built through the mountains to supply the city with water.

Istanbul is a city built on layers of empire. Spanning two continents, it was once the capital of three major empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. Visitors walking through the Sultanahmet district can witness this timeline firsthand, from the Roman-era Hippodrome to the Byzantine mosaics of Hagia Sophia, and the towering minarets of the Blue Mosque. At nearby Topkapi Palace, rooms still display the jeweled swords, ceremonial robes, and handwritten Qurans once used by Ottoman sultans.

Bruges, often referred to as the "Venice of the North," is a city where medieval charm meets modern allure. Nestled in the heart of Belgium's Flanders region, Bruges is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, winding canals, and cobblestone streets that invite visitors to step back in time.