Ballachulish is a small village in the Scottish Highlands, set at the mouth of the River Laroch beside the narrow waters of Loch Leven. The surrounding landscape includes steep mountains, wooded slopes, rocky shorelines, and the broad valley of nearby Glencoe. The village is divided into several settlements, including North Ballachulish, South Ballachulish, and Ballachulish itself, giving the area a distinctive layout shaped by the loch.
One of the major rivers of the Iberian Peninsula, the Douro in north-central Spain and Portugal just might be the world's most beautiful wine region. Most of the river on the Spanish side isn't navigable, so river cruises generally travel roundtrip from Porto, on the coast of the Atlantic.
Abruzzo, a hidden gem in central Italy, offers travelers a captivating blend of medieval history, stunning natural landscapes, and authentic Italian charm. Known as "the greenest region in Europe," Abruzzo is home to three national parks, including Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga, which features some of the highest peaks in the Apennines.
Brazil's third largest city, Belo Horizonte was founded in 1897. Most of Brazil's gems and semi-precious stones are mined in this area and it is where you can find the best bargains, from aquamarines to imperial topaz. It is just 59 miles from Brazil's most historic colonial city, Ouro Preto.