Merida was once the sprawling capital of the Mayan empire and the center of their universe. Merida is now the center of a cosmopolitan universe, built on Mayan heritage, and given a unique twist by French and Mediterranean immigrants. Days are spent exploring the city's many museums and equally fascinating shopping districts. At night, local music can be heard from just about every park in the city, inviting newcomers to enjoy a romantic and fun-filled evening.
Inverness, the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands, is a city where ancient history meets stunning natural beauty. Situated at the mouth of the River Ness, Inverness is often called the "Gateway to the Highlands" and serves as the perfect starting point for exploring Scotland's rugged landscapes and rich heritage. One of the city’s most iconic landmarks is Inverness Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the River Ness.
Portovenere, in the region of Cinque Terre, is a characteristic medieval village situated at the far west of the gulf. With its colored, narrow high houses, the Genoese Castle, the St. Pietro Church on the steep cliff, it unites history with charm.
Sesriem, located in the heart of Namibia’s Namib Desert, serves as the gateway to the world-famous Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, two of Namibia’s most iconic landscapes. The dramatic red dunes of the Namib Desert, some of the highest in the world, are an awe-inspiring sight, particularly at sunrise when the light casts long shadows, creating an otherworldly contrast of colors.
Moremi Wildlife Reserve, nestled in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, is a premier destination for those seeking an extraordinary safari experience. This pristine reserve, established in 1963, offers a rich tapestry of landscapes including lush floodplains, verdant woodlands, and expansive lagoons. Its diverse ecosystems make it one of Africa's most sought-after wildlife viewing locations.
Albany is the oldest European settlement in Western Australia and was a major whaling station, and coal shipping port. There are fantastic views over the town of Albany, and the fantastic coastal scenery from the top of both Mt Clarence and Mt Melville.
Explore Cape Town, one of the world's most beautiful cities; soak up her breathtaking scenery and vibrant, cosmopolitan culture.Discover the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Mozambique's Bazaruto Archipelago and indulge in four days of idyllic relaxation.Experience the wildlife rich savanna plains on guided nature walks and open 4x4 day and night safari drives.Enjoy the flavors of the Cape Winelands with a classic Cape cuisine tasting tour of Stellenbosch and a farm to fork lunch at Babylonstoren.
The Orkney Islands sit just off the northern coast of Scotland. This group of around seventy islands offers wide horizons, quiet roads, and coastlines shaped by wind and waves where visitors often arrive expecting rugged scenery and leave talking about the sense of space from the long beaches to the steep cliffs and sea stacks rising straight from the water. One striking example is the Old Man of Hoy, a tall sea stack that draws photographers and climbers alike, while coastal paths reveal seabirds and shifting light throughout the day.
At Skara Brae, visitors walk through the remains of a stone-built village that lay buried under sand for centuries before a storm uncovered it. The houses still show beds, storage spaces, and even a simple drainage system, offering a rare look at daily life from thousands of years ago. Nearby, the Ring of Brodgar and the Stones of Stenness form part of a wider landscape of ancient sites, each placed with care across the land.
The islands carry stories from many layers of history, including a strong Norse influence that still appears in local place names and traditions. In the town of Kirkwall, narrow streets lead to St Magnus Cathedral, built from local sandstone that shifts color in changing light. The harbor of Scapa Flow has also played a major role in naval history and now attracts divers exploring shipwrecks resting on the seabed.
