One of the great cities of the world, San Francisco is a must visit for every traveler. With its year-round fresh produce and seafood, the city is a food lovers delight, featuring hundreds of international restaurants to choose from, while its destination neighborhoods like Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square and Chinatown are equally renowned for their culinary options, cultural offerings and outstanding shopping. Take a ride on one of San Francisco’s historic cable cars over Nob Hill to Ghiradelli Square for fantastic views of the city and some world-famous chocolate, cruise out to Alcatraz, take a day trip to the award-winning wineries of Sonoma and Napa, or visit Golden Gate Park, and be sure to include a walk (or run) across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

Hilo is a town on Hawaii, commonly called the Big Island, in the state of Hawaii. It’s known for Wailuku River State Park, featuring Waianuenue, or Rainbow Falls, with its colorful mist effects. The bubbling basalt-lava rock pools known as the Boiling Pots are nearby. To the south is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to rainforests and the active Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes.

Honolulu, on the island of Oahu’s south shore, is capital of Hawaii and gateway to the U.S. island chain. The Waikiki neighborhood is its center for dining, nightlife and shopping, famed for its iconic crescent beach backed by palms and high-rise hotels, with volcanic Diamond Head crater looming in the distance.

Kauai is an island in the Central Pacific, part of the Hawaiian archipelago. It’s nicknamed “the Garden Isle” thanks to the tropical rainforest covering much of its surface. The dramatic cliffs and pinnacles of its Na Pali Coast have served as a backdrop for major Hollywood films, while 10-mile-long Waimea Canyon and the Nounou Trails traversing the Sleeping Giant mountain ridge are hiking destinations.

Mo’orea is a South Pacific island, part of French Polynesia’s Society Islands archipelago. It’s known for its jagged volcanic mountains and sandy beaches. In the north, Mount Rotui overlooks picturesque Ōpūnohu Bay and the settlements around Cook’s Bay. Inland, hiking trails wind through rainforest on the slopes of Mount Tohivea. The Belvedere Lookout has panoramic views of the island’s peaks and Tahiti beyond.

Bora Bora is a small South Pacific island northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia. Surrounded by sand-fringed motus (islets) and a turquoise lagoon protected by a coral reef, it’s known for its scuba diving. It’s also a popular luxury resort destination where some guest bungalows are perched over the water on stilts. At the island’s center rises Mt. Otemanu, a 727m dormant volcano.

Papeete, on Tahiti, is the capital of French Polynesia, a group of islands in the South Pacific. Beside the port, busy Place Vai’ete fills with roulottes, or food carts, in the evenings. Nearby, the large Marché de Papeete market sells local produce, fish and handicrafts. The Robert Wan Pearl Museum focuses on the local pearl industry and sells jewelry. A red spire tops the 19th-century Notre Dame Cathedral.

Bora Bora is a small South Pacific island northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia. Surrounded by sand-fringed motus (islets) and a turquoise lagoon protected by a coral reef, it’s known for its scuba diving. It’s also a popular luxury resort destination where some guest bungalows are perched over the water on stilts. At the island’s center rises Mt. Otemanu, a 727m dormant volcano.

At the tip of New Zealand’s Northland, Whangarei will capture your explorer spirit, and a little bit of your heart with its uniquely Kiwi way of life. The Maori first came here by canoe to enjoy the region’s abundance of seafood. Today, it’s a modern city on the edge of a subtropical forest that is vibrant, verdant, and home to a thriving art community.

The only city in the world built on an active basaltic volcanic field, Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand. With a warm, costal climate, you can surf at black-sand beaches, enjoy picnics in secluded coves, or go horseback riding nearly year round. Dominating the CBD—that’s the central business district, or simply downtown—is the Sky Tower. At 1,076 feet tall it’s the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. Take a trip to the top and enjoy a meal and a panoramic view of the city below, including the busy harbor that lends Auckland the nickname “The City of Sails”.

Situated in the heart of the sunniest region of the North Island, Tauranga is a popular seaside getaway for locals and visitors alike. Initially settled by the Māori in the 13th century, the Bay of Plenty area has an abundance of things to see and do.

Located on the east coast of the North Island, Napier is a popular tourist town, and together with inland Hastings, are known as “the Bay Cities of New Zealand”. After Napier was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1931, the city rebuilt in spectacular Art Deco style that Mr. Gatsby himself would approve of. Take a stroll through the streets and you’d swear you can hear the clink of glasses and the faint notes of jazz music in the air.

A seaside town situated close to the head of Queen Charlotte Sound on the South Island, Picton is a great jumping off point for exploring the Marlborough Sounds. Like most of New Zealand, this area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Choose your own adventure and go fishing, swimming, bird watching, or visit the playful fur seal pups at their colony near the waterfall at Ohau Point. Bring your walking shoes and walk to the Snout—located between Picton and Waikawa Bay, this peninsula is still wild and untamed. There are tracks and trails for all abilities, from a few minutes-long stroll, so a full-scale hiking adventure.

“Ōtautahi.” “The Garden City.” “The Most English City Outside England.” Christchurch may go by many names, but one thing is for certain: There’s so much to see and do in this lovely, energetic city, you’re going to have to plan strategically. First, how would you like to explore Christchurch? You can go punting through the city center on the Avon River. Hop on a tram, double-decker bus, or a bike to take advantage of the excellent cycleways and paths. Or head to the Christchurch Gondola for spectacular 360° views of the city, Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, and Banks Peninsula.

Located on New Zealand’s South Island, Dunedin is sure to be a pleasant chapter in your voyage. Known both as a City of Literature, and the Edinburgh of the South, it’s no surprise that there’s a statue of Robbie Burns in the heart of town. Though a Scottish influence can be felt throughout town, Dunedin is still distinctly Kiwi.

The first thing you notice when you step ashore in Hobart, Tasmania is the crystal clear fresh air. And with the abundance of national parks, forests, lakes, beaches, waterfalls, and mountains found in this tiny island state, it’s easy to see why. The capital and most populous city in Tasmania, Hobart is filled with old world charm. Stroll along the historic waterfront—famous for its Georgian architecture—and take in the sights. Make your way to Salamanca Place filled with rows of sandstone buildings. Be sure to check out the market, if you happen to arrive on a Saturday. The buildings are filled with bars and restaurants, shops and boutiques, and galleries and craft shops—the perfect place to pick up a souvenir for your friends and family back home handmade by one of Hobart’s many local artisans.

Melbourne has the honor of being “the world’s most livable city” not to mention “Australia’s cultural capital”, a UNESCO City of Literature, the hub of the country’s film and television industry, and the unquestioned sporting capital of Australia. But don’t mistake Melbourne for a relentless overachiever, it’s got a laid-back and easy vibe that will leave you wanting more.

If you’re chasing paradise along the shores of the Sapphire Coast, you’ll find it in Eden. Set on the breathtaking Twofold Bay, Eden’s laid-back atmosphere, charming locals, and stunning natural surroundings make it a destination you’ll never want to leave. Start by making your way to the Eden Lookout, where the best views of Twofold Bay are found. In the distance, marvel at the vast hinterland, as well as Boyd’s Tower—an elaborate structure crafted from sandstone that was once used as a lookout for whale spotting.

Head Down Under to the state capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia, the one and only Sydney. With a sunny attitude and a climate to match, Sydney is a vibrant place that combines the best of the beach, with the convenience of the city. Your first stop should be the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Sydney Opera House. Snap a picture of this iconic building that is a prominent feature of Sydney’s famous skyline for the folks back home. Get out and explore the streets to shop, dine, and view spectacular architecture and heritage buildings including Parliament House, Sydney Town Hall, and the Australian Museum.

Head Down Under to the state capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia, the one and only Sydney. With a sunny attitude and a climate to match, Sydney is a vibrant place that combines the best of the beach, with the convenience of the city. Your first stop should be the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Sydney Opera House. Snap a picture of this iconic building that is a prominent feature of Sydney’s famous skyline for the folks back home. Get out and explore the streets to shop, dine, and view spectacular architecture and heritage buildings including Parliament House, Sydney Town Hall, and the Australian Museum.

You’ll find more than just kangaroos on Kangaroo Island. There are wallabies and koalas, not to mention platypus, and ring-tailed possums. And at Seal Bay Conservation Park, you can sit just a few yards from rare and magnificent sea lions, while whales play in the water and penguins and pelicans parade along the beach. Try to spy bandicoots, birds, and 45 plant species found nowhere else on earth. And you’ll see more sheep than people—at a ratio of about 136 to one. And, yes, there are kangaroos.

Adelaide, to some, is the civilized part of Australia. Pretty and leafy, with spacious green parklands, history buffs can download several walking tours around Victoria Square. Foodies will relish the vibrant culinary scene here. And everyone will be fascinated with the Aboriginal Culture Gallery at the South Australian Museum with an amazing collection of boomerangs, grouped according to purpose – hunting, fighting, ceremony. Wander through the glass houses in The Botanic Gardens and see everything from endangered plants to noisy pitta birds to water lilies that only open at night. Or visit the Cleland Wildlife Park where you can hold a koala (cute) or a snake (scary).

European explorers fell in love with Albany in the 17th century and we’re betting you’ll do the same. The beauty of its rugged coastline befits its dramatic whaling, convict and settler history, and the city retells it in exceptional ways.

Perth, once an Australian backwater, is now at the vanguard of cool, with cutting-edge art, miles of stunning beaches, and a culture that’s both relaxed and impatient for the future. Situated beside the Swan River, Perth is a magical place to explore. Start in Kings Park on Mount Eliza for the best views and an enchanting treetop walk. To indulge in some retail therapy, visit the high-end fashion boutiques of King Street. Art lovers will want to get acquainted with the center of Perth’s art scene—the Art Gallery of Western Australia which features the best collection of Aboriginal art in the country.

Perth, once an Australian backwater, is now at the vanguard of cool, with cutting-edge art, miles of stunning beaches, and a culture that’s both relaxed and impatient for the future. Situated beside the Swan River, Perth is a magical place to explore. Start in Kings Park on Mount Eliza for the best views and an enchanting treetop walk. To indulge in some retail therapy, visit the high-end fashion boutiques of King Street. Art lovers will want to get acquainted with the center of Perth’s art scene—the Art Gallery of Western Australia which features the best collection of Aboriginal art in the country.

Bali is enchanting – a lush, verdant isle where rice terraces color every available acre with the brilliant green of young shoots, and volcanic peaks said to house the gods tower above. It is a deeply spiritual place, where artful offerings of flowers and incense are ever present, and on any given day at least one of the thousands of temples scattered around the island will be hosting a colorful festival. Culturally rich, each village has its own artistic specialty – music, dance, painting, and sculpture. The beaches are tempting, but if you want the real Bali, head for the hills – the Balinese occupy that middle ground, and demons reside in the sea.

Celukan Bawang, Bali, Indonesia. In this important port, you may see numbers of the famous high-prowed Bugis schooners, the traditional trading vessels of the archipelago. They carry timber, cement and other goods

Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions meld in this island-state at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. The site of the world’s busiest port, Singapore offers the Mustafa Centre, a 24-hour mall and Sunte, the world’s largest fountain. Play evening golf on lighted fairways; experience the nightlife on Mohamed Sultan Road; or relax at an outdoor spa. Be certain not to miss the savory seafood.

This small tropical paradise, lined with coconut palms and white sand beaches and encircled by turquoise water is a perfect place to escape and explore. Gaze up at the Big Buddha, cool off in the natural pool at the base of Na Muang Waterfall and view the astonishing natural rock formations of Hin Ta and Hin Yai.

Laem Chabang is a port city municipality in Si Racha and Bang Lamung districts Chonburi Province, Thailand. It includes Thung Sukhla subdistrict and parts of subdistricts Bueng, Nong Kham and Surasak of Si Racha District and part of Bang Lamung township of Bang Lamung District all of Chonburi province.

Laem Chabang is a port city municipality in Si Racha and Bang Lamung districts Chonburi Province, Thailand. It includes Thung Sukhla subdistrict and parts of subdistricts Bueng, Nong Kham and Surasak of Si Racha District and part of Bang Lamung township of Bang Lamung District all of Chonburi province.

This tiny beach town on the southern coast of Cambodia is a palm-fringed place to relax and unwind. Island hop, dive, snorkel, or simply find a spot in the white sand and soak up the sun on Occheuteal, Sokha, Independence, Otres and Victory beaches.

Located on the edge of the Mekong Delta, this dynamic metropolis also features the ageless beauty of an ancient culture. French colonial architecture mixes with modern and Asian influences, providing a diverse backdrop for the many motorbikes, scooters, pagodas and street markets. Stroll the wide boulevards of this city, formerly known as Saigon, and visit The History Museum, which houses artifacts from two thousand years of Vietnamese history.

Located on the edge of the Mekong Delta, this dynamic metropolis also features the ageless beauty of an ancient culture. French colonial architecture mixes with modern and Asian influences, providing a diverse backdrop for the many motorbikes, scooters, pagodas and street markets. Stroll the wide boulevards of this city, formerly known as Saigon, and visit The History Museum, which houses artifacts from two thousand years of Vietnamese history.

Located on the edge of the Mekong Delta, this dynamic metropolis also features the ageless beauty of an ancient culture. French colonial architecture mixes with modern and Asian influences, providing a diverse backdrop for the many motorbikes, scooters, pagodas and street markets. Stroll the wide boulevards of this city, formerly known as Saigon, and visit The History Museum, which houses artifacts from two thousand years of Vietnamese history.

The Nguyen Dynasty founded this former capital in the 17th century on the banks of the Perfume River. Today it sits as a massive open-air museum of temples, pagodas, palaces and tombs. Explore the Imperial Citadel, then take a river cruise for a view of the Tombs of the Emperors and Thien Mu Pagoda.

When you visit Hanoi, you may get the feeling you’re in two different eras at the same time. No, there’s no secret portal for time travel here, it’s just the fascinating juxtaposition of old and new, history and progress that characterizes this friendly city. In the Old Quarter thousands of the buildings are over 100 years old and the streets are named after the wares that were traditionally sold on them such as Hang Bac (silver), Hang Ma (paper), and Hang Go (wood). But there’s no need to play rock, paper, scissors to choose where to explore, any direction will result in incredible sights and friendly locals.

When you visit Hanoi, you may get the feeling you’re in two different eras at the same time. No, there’s no secret portal for time travel here, it’s just the fascinating juxtaposition of old and new, history and progress that characterizes this friendly city. In the Old Quarter thousands of the buildings are over 100 years old and the streets are named after the wares that were traditionally sold on them such as Hang Bac (silver), Hang Ma (paper), and Hang Go (wood). But there’s no need to play rock, paper, scissors to choose where to explore, any direction will result in incredible sights and friendly locals.

Neon signs galore, dim sum, and amazing temples are a few of the favorite experiences in Hong Kong. Take is as much as you can of this thrilling city with its endless shopping and towering skyscrapers. Your agenda for Hong Kong should include Victoria Peak, an Aberdeen Fishing Village, the Man Mo Temple and Sheung Wan Dried Food and Herbal Market. Be certain to have extra room in your suitcase for the bargains you are bound to discover.

Neon signs galore, dim sum, and amazing temples are a few of the favorite experiences in Hong Kong. Take is as much as you can of this thrilling city with its endless shopping and towering skyscrapers. Your agenda for Hong Kong should include Victoria Peak, an Aberdeen Fishing Village, the Man Mo Temple and Sheung Wan Dried Food and Herbal Market. Be certain to have extra room in your suitcase for the bargains you are bound to discover.

Enjoy the contrasts of Taipei, located just 18 miles from the port of Keelung: lively clubs and ancient temples; skyscrapers and small street markets; bustling streets and peaceful gardens. As expected for a city surrounded by ocean, the seafood is spectacular. Visit the National Palace Museum to view the world’s largest collection of Chinese art treasures. And for an unsurpassed view of this city, visit a mountainside tea house.

This island off Okinawa isn’t typically what comes to mind when you think of Japan. Lush rainforests, mangrove-draped rivers, white sand beaches, and coral reefs will have you feeling like you’ve stepped off the ship into a tropical paradise during your cruise to Japan with Azamara®. With influences from Japanese, Taiwanese, Chinese, and American culture, the architecture, food, and way of life on Ishigaki are incredibly unique—from samurai-style homes, to Chinese-inspired monuments, to laid-back beach vibes.

At the mouth of the Yangtze River, this seaport is a vigorous modern metropolis with a rich Chinese heritage. Your trip to Shanghai is not complete without marvelling at the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and browsing the 600 shops of Nanjing Road. Then, be sure to stroll the ancient Yuyuan Garden, see the Jade Buddha Temple and enjoy the lively music and grand architecture of the Bund.

At the mouth of the Yangtze River, this seaport is a vigorous modern metropolis with a rich Chinese heritage. Your trip to Shanghai is not complete without marvelling at the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and browsing the 600 shops of Nanjing Road. Then, be sure to stroll the ancient Yuyuan Garden, see the Jade Buddha Temple and enjoy the lively music and grand architecture of the Bund.

At the mouth of the Yangtze River, this seaport is a vigorous modern metropolis with a rich Chinese heritage. Your trip to Shanghai is not complete without marvelling at the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and browsing the 600 shops of Nanjing Road. Then, be sure to stroll the ancient Yuyuan Garden, see the Jade Buddha Temple and enjoy the lively music and grand architecture of the Bund.

For one of China’s youngest cities, Dalian is full of history, culture, and more than a few things to see and do. A low-key change of pace from more bustling Chinese cities, it offers the ideal blend of modern history and traditional Chinese culture, all in beautiful natural surroundings. The history of Dalian is one of colonialism and conquest, having changed hands from British, Russian, and Japanese occupation over the last 100 years. You’ll find influences from all three world powers all over the city, particularly in Zhongshan Square and the nearby town of Lushun.

Tianjin is a dynamic and modern city, with an eclectic collection of colonial buildings left over from the days of foreign concessions. It is also a gateway to Beijing, to which it is connected by high-speed rail. Kublai Khan’s Xanadu is now a 21st century city of skyscrapers and freeways, adorned by the striking avant garde architecture of its Olympic venues, but remnants of Beijing’s past are much in evidence. The Great Wall still snakes across the landscape; the once Forbidden City shows off its ornate throne rooms; and temples, tombs, and enclaves of tiny residential lanes called hutongs, bring an ancient culture into focus.

Tianjin is a dynamic and modern city, with an eclectic collection of colonial buildings left over from the days of foreign concessions. It is also a gateway to Beijing, to which it is connected by high-speed rail. Kublai Khan’s Xanadu is now a 21st century city of skyscrapers and freeways, adorned by the striking avant garde architecture of its Olympic venues, but remnants of Beijing’s past are much in evidence. The Great Wall still snakes across the landscape; the once Forbidden City shows off its ornate throne rooms; and temples, tombs, and enclaves of tiny residential lanes called hutongs, bring an ancient culture into focus.

In the world’s 10th largest city, the past and present merge, as soaring skyscrapers stand guard over ancient palaces, gardens and shrines. Marvel at the four royal palaces of the Joseon Dynasty, browse the shops, galleries and teahouses of Insa-dong, see the Great South Gate and enjoy the view from Seoul Tower.

Warm oceanic climate. Island dotted coast. Brilliant night lights. Nestled between verdant mountains, Yeosu has small town charm with big city potential. This hidden gem on the southern coast of South Korea is on the verge of becoming a world-class vacation destination.

It is Pusan’s premier trading port, adjacent to the Korean Straits and Japan, that makes it an international metropolis but its beautiful sea vistas that make it a charming place to unwind. Experience the serenity of Beomeo-sa Temple, climb the Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park and rejuvenate at Hushimchung Spa.

It is Pusan’s premier trading port, adjacent to the Korean Straits and Japan, that makes it an international metropolis but its beautiful sea vistas that make it a charming place to unwind. Experience the serenity of Beomeo-sa Temple, climb the Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park and rejuvenate at Hushimchung Spa.

Fukuoka, capital of Fukuoka Prefecture, sits on the northern shore of Japan’s Kyushu Island. It’s known for ancient temples, beaches and modern shopping malls, including Canal City. Maizuru Park contains ruins of 17th-century Fukuoka Castle. The central Hakata district contains Tōchō-ji Temple, home to a 10m wooden Buddha and the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, with displays on daily life in the Meiji and Taishō eras.

Merged from five smaller cities in 1963, Kitakyushu is the gateway between the islands of Honshu and Kyushu—where the city sits on its northern tip. During WWII, the fate of the city could have been forever changed, if not for bad weather and smoke from the previous day’s bombing. It was the intended target of the Fat Man atomic bomb, but was passed over due to poor visibility in favor of Nagasaki.

This “city of water and peace” is built in one of the most sheltered harbors on the Seto Inland Sea and is much more than the painful past it both honors and defies. Reflect and ring the bell of peace at Peace Memorial Park, then ferry to the holy island of Miyajima, famed for its Itsukushima Shrine and floating torii.

Kochi Prefecture, on Japan’s Shikoku Island, is a largely rural area known for its mountains, rivers and Pacific beaches. Capital Kochi City has one of Japan’s best preserved feudal castles, Kochi-jo, established in the 1600s. The city’s centuries-old Sunday market has hundreds of vendors selling food and other wares. Summer’s Yosakoi Matsuri is a festival in which colorfully attired dance teams fill the streets.

Famous for the beef that bears it name, Kobe is headquarters for numerous Japanese and international firms, and has long been an important port. It is also a short bullet train ride from Kyoto, ancient capital of Japan from the 8th to the 19th century. Here vestiges of the past are easier to find than in many of Japan’s modern, high-tech cities: countless temples and shrines, the palaces and castles of shoguns and emperors, and narrow lanes paved in stone and lined with wooden buildings housing shops and restaurants that have been serving travelers for centuries.

Famous for the beef that bears it name, Kobe is headquarters for numerous Japanese and international firms, and has long been an important port. It is also a short bullet train ride from Kyoto, ancient capital of Japan from the 8th to the 19th century. Here vestiges of the past are easier to find than in many of Japan’s modern, high-tech cities: countless temples and shrines, the palaces and castles of shoguns and emperors, and narrow lanes paved in stone and lined with wooden buildings housing shops and restaurants that have been serving travelers for centuries.

Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest peak, overlooks this beautiful port town at the Northern end of the Izu Peninsula. One of Japan’s “Three Holy Mountains,” Mount Fuji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, and is one of Japan’s official Historic Sites. Shimizu’s mild climate makes it perfect for exploring nature, like Miho-no-Matsubara, four miles of pine grove on the town’s seashore.

It’s hard to imagine Tokyo as a tiny fishing village named Edo. Tokyo is now the largest metropolitan area in the world, an exciting city with a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, restaurants, museums, temples, and gardens to visit.

It’s hard to imagine Tokyo as a tiny fishing village named Edo. Tokyo is now the largest metropolitan area in the world, an exciting city with a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, restaurants, museums, temples, and gardens to visit.

Referred to by locals as the Emerald Isle for its rolling green mountains, Kodiak is a verdant paradise. Nearly leveled by the Good Friday Earthquake, today Kodiak has fully recovered as one of the top fishing ports in the US for salmon, halibut, crab, and more. Originally inhabited by the Alutiiq natives, Kodiak has been both a site for Russian fur trading and a naval base during World Word II. Remnants of each of these influences can still be seen today as you walk the streets of Kodiak. From the blue cupolas of the Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral to the Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park, Kodiak is a history buff’s dream. Step into the Alutiiq Museum and Archeological Repository to explore the largest collection of Alutiiq artifacts in the state, or stroll along the docks at St. Paul Boat Harbor and explore the Kodiak Maritime Museum.

In the shadows of the dormant, snow-capped Mount Edgecumbe, sits the quaint city of Sitka. The only community within Alaska’s Inside Passage to skirt the Pacific Ocean, Sitka’s lush green hills and salty ocean air stand in contrast to typical descriptions of the Last Frontier. Sharing an equally important historical connection for the native Tlingit people and Russian settlers, Sitka is both the ancestral homeland of the Tlingit and the former capital of Russian America. A walk around the city’s downtown brings you closer to its history with views of the Blockhouse, Russian Bishop’s House, St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral, and the storied Castle Hill. Sitka’s many museums, art galleries, and cultural centers all offer a more in-depth view of the city’s past and present. Stop into the Sitka Historical Museum, Sitka Cultural Center, and Shee-tka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Community House to see photographs, artifacts, traditional art, and native dance performances. Nearby, Harrigan Centennial Hall showcases regular performances by the New Archangel Russian folk dancers.

Bookended by Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts along the Gastineau Channel, Juneau is a true frontier city with a gold mining past and rugged terrain. Stretching from the 30 glaciers of the Juneau Icefield to the waterfront downtown, Juneau is unlike any state capital you’ve ever visited. Historic South Franklin Street offers plenty of spots to cozy up with a cup of locally roasted coffee or cheers over a pint of local brew. Visit the Juneau Douglas City Museum and Last Chance Mining Museum to learn about the city’s gold mining history. Watch salmon climb upstream to spawn at the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery, or soak up the sun at Marine Park. For the best view of downtown Juneau, board the Mount Roberts Tramway and ride to the top for great dining, shopping, native art, and easy access to premium hiking trails.

A drizzly little city bordered by the Tongass National Forest, Ketchikan was once a native fishing village that has evolved and grown through its years in the logging and salmon canning industries. Surrounded by lakes, rivers, and streams, the “Salmon Capital of the World” is an angler’s paradise. Cast a line on your own, or hop on a charter to reel in salmon, halibut, red snapper, even trout. Keep an eye out for Ketchikan’s other marine residents, which include orca and humpback whales, sea lions, seals, otters, and porpoises. Zipline between cedars over a lush forest of Sitka spruce, hike Married Man’s Trail to surrounding waterfalls, kayak the twist of waterways along the Misty Fjords, or board a seaplane for a bird’s eye view of it all.

Snow-capped mountains peak out from behind tall glass skyscrapers on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Nestled somewhere between eastern culture and western tradition, Vancouver is a study in nature and urbanity coexisting peacefully.

Hip, trendy, and perpetually green, Seattle is tucked into the Puget Sound on the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Founded in 1851, the city gained notoriety as a boomtown during the Yukon Gold Rush. Flanked by water on one side and mountains to the other—and evergreens as far as the eye can see—Seattle is equal parts exciting urban center and outdoor adventure hub, known as much for its cloudy skies and rainy days as it is for its other attractions. It does seem to rain a lot here, but that has little impact on how bright this city shines.

Sitting at Mile 0 of the Trans-Canada Highway, Victoria is your entrance way to the beautiful province of British Columbia. Located on Vancouver Island’s Saanich Peninsula, this picturesque city framed by the Olympic Mountains offers quaint, English architecture fringed by some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world.

One of the great cities of the world, San Francisco is a must visit for every traveler. With its year-round fresh produce and seafood, the city is a food lovers delight, featuring hundreds of international restaurants to choose from, while its destination neighborhoods like Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square and Chinatown are equally renowned for their culinary options, cultural offerings and outstanding shopping. Take a ride on one of San Francisco’s historic cable cars over Nob Hill to Ghiradelli Square for fantastic views of the city and some world-famous chocolate, cruise out to Alcatraz, take a day trip to the award-winning wineries of Sonoma and Napa, or visit Golden Gate Park, and be sure to include a walk (or run) across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

In addition to being home to a world-class zoo and aquarium, San Diego is a laid-back navy town that is the closest U.S. city to Mexico. Great Mexican/American cuisine, Spanish-inspired architecture and what some consider the best weather in North America, make San Diego a destination unto itself.

Located at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur, Cabo San Lucas is one of Mexico’s leading tourist destinations. Its unique combination of beautiful beaches, desert terrain and mountains are a nature lover’s delight. One of its most popular eco-attractions for tourists and sea lions alike is El Arco de Cabo San Lucas (or “Lands End, Cabo San Lucas”), a gorgeous rock formation found at Cabo’s southern tip. Renowned for its marine life, diving, and surfing, Cabo also features some of the best fishing on the Pacific Coast, while at night, the city turns into one of the world’s great party places—famous for celebrity sightings, fantastic restaurants and non-stop action at bars like Cabo Wabo and El Squid Roe.

Acapulco, a beach resort town on Mexico’s Pacific coast, is set on a large bay backed by high-rises and the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains. Made famous by the jet set in the 1950s and ’60s, it’s known for its high-energy nightlife, beaches and golf. From its iconic La Quebrada cliff, professional divers plunge 40m into a small ocean cove every day and night.

As Guatemala’s largest Pacific port, Puerto Quetzal is both an important cargo destination for the country and the main gateway to an array of outdoor activities and sightseeing adventures. Visit nearby Iztapa for tuna and marlin fishing, take a tour of a coffee or sugar cane plantation, or unwind at the beach in Balneario Likín, a popular Guatemalan resort town. But a definite highlight at this port is taking a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Antigua. Dating back to the 1500s, this stunning town nestled between volcanic peaks and located 4,500 feet above sea level, is renowned for its Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture, colonial churches and incredible views.

Located in southwest El Salvador, the Pacific coast town of Acajutla was founded in 1524 and is the country’s primary seaport. It’s also a gateway to canopy tours of the Apaneca forests, day trips to the Izalco Volcano and beautiful beaches like Los Cabanos, which is popular amongst surfers and divers. Follow the Route of the Flowers, which winds its way through picturesque small towns, and celebrates cultural events and cuisine, or visit Chalchuapa, home to the pre-Colombian archeological site of Tazumal. These Mayan ruins are believed to date back to AD 100, and are considered the best preserved in all of El Salvador.

With its coastline filled with beaches, islands, inlets and natural treasures, Puntarenas is a gateway to a myriad of outdoor attractions, including boat trips through the mangroves, canopy zip line tours, butterfly gardens, horseback riding, and sport fishing. Take a catamaran to the nearby Isla of Tortuga for its white sand beaches, snorkeling and swimming, go river rafting down the Corobici River, or explore the Mangrove Forest on the north side of the peninsula to see crocodiles, herons, and more. Be sure to take a stroll along the Paseo de la Turistas for shopping, souvenirs, local ceviche or a cold beverage, and pick up some Costa Rican coffee for the journey home.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cartagena is an historic city undergoing a modern renaissance. Filled with legends, romance and splendor, the walled city features Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and cultural sites. Marvel at the Castle of San Felipe de Barajas, the Palace of the Inquisition, and the Clock Tower; explore the Squares of Los Coches, Santo Domingo, and Centenario; visit the beaches of Islas del Rosario National Park; or simply relax at one of the city’s many open-air cafés, as horse-drawn carriages parade by. No matter what you do, you’ll be enchanted by Cartagena and its people.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cartagena is an historic city undergoing a modern renaissance. Filled with legends, romance and splendor, the walled city features Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and cultural sites. Marvel at the Castle of San Felipe de Barajas, the Palace of the Inquisition, and the Clock Tower; explore the Squares of Los Coches, Santo Domingo, and Centenario; visit the beaches of Islas del Rosario National Park; or simply relax at one of the city’s many open-air cafés, as horse-drawn carriages parade by. No matter what you do, you’ll be enchanted by Cartagena and its people.

Propelled by Latin rhythms, with a bold style all its own, Miami is a spicy melting pot of cultures. Immerse yourself in the colorful Art Deco district, vibrant nightlife, and beaches for sun-worshipers and water sport enthusiasts alike. Put some money on the horses at Hialeah Park, one of racings oldest and most prominent tracks, right next to a lake full of pink flamingos. Go adventuring in the Everglades, looking for ‘gators and manatees, canoeing through mangrove tunnels, or paddling a sea kayak through the “10,000 islands”. Flashy and full of life, it’s a great place to play.

The Big Apple needs little by way of introduction. Its reputation as a capital of culture is universally known, with a plethora of outstanding museums, from the Metropolitan and its incredible wealth of fine art, to Ellis Island and the Tenement Museum, sharing stories of the huddled masses who risked all to be part of the dream that was America.

The starting point for so many epic voyages, Plymouth is brimming with maritime history and bustling with trendy, modern atmosphere. Enshrined in American history as the departure point for the Pilgrim Fathers fleeing England, and the site where Sir Francis Drake set out to sail around the world, it’s easy to relive these moments at the city’s museums and memorials. To make some seafaring memories of your own, take a boat tour from the lively Barbican district to get a fresh perspective on the sweeping natural harbor.

Amsterdam has a personality all its own, including a long time reputation for tolerance. You’ll be thinking of tulips and wooden shoes, perhaps Heineken beer, and some of the city’s past inhabitants: Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Anne Frank, who wrote her famous diary hidden in a canal-side house. But do you know that Amsterdam has more canals than Venice (connecting a jigsaw puzzle of 90 islands), joined by some 1280 bridges (many illuminated by fairy lights at night)? Or that it boasts the oldest stock exchange in the world?

Warnemunde is a seaside resort neighboring the red brick 800-year-old Hanseatic city of Rostock. From here it is possible to spend the day in Berlin, capital city of a reunited Germany.

The island of Bornholm is a far-flung bit of Denmark that appears to have gotten lost in the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Poland. It boasts numerous picturesque fishing villages and 15 medieval churches, some of which are 12th century round structures with unique artwork and architecture. Take a stroll down quiet cobbled lanes in the old part of the capital, Ronne, a garden town, where backyard plots produce flowers and fruit, though they may not be easy to spot behind the fine half-timbered houses. Wednesday is market day on the main square of St. Tory, a great opportunity to chat up the locals, and see what’s on offer at their stalls.

Gdańsk is a 1,000-year-old port city on the Baltic coast of Poland, which, together with the city of Gdynia and the town of Sopot, makes up the metropolitan area Trójmiasto, “the Tricity”. Home to the Westerplatte, where World War II broke out in 1939, Gdańsk was mostly destroyed during the war, but there are still many impressive sights. Wander through cobblestone streets and mazes of red-brick buildings to discover the Upland Gate, St. Mary’s Church, the medieval Gdańsk Crane or the stunning façade of the Great Arsenal. Explore treasures of “Baltic Gold” at the Amber Museum or collections of paintings, fabrics, and furniture at the National Museum, housed in a former Franciscan monastery. Relax at a beer garden or restaurant and take in the beautiful coastline. Make your way to Gdynia, home of the Polish navy, to feast on seafood or a visit to a floating museum in the form of two ships—Dar Pomorza and Blyskawica.

Walk the cobblestoned Old Town in Klaipėda and you’ll see its German heritage in the half-timbered architecture, beginning at Theatre Square where Hitler once spoke. The old warehouses by the Dane River are now pubs and restaurants – try a traditional Lithuanian lunch of fish stew with warm black bread. There’s a museum in the remnants of Memelburg Castle with fascinating photos from WWII, the Blacksmith Museum with intriguing iron works, and the Clock Museum with, well, clocks.

Riga’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, its winding, wobbly lanes are beautiful to wander through. But the most outstanding are the avenues of art nouveau buildings some, with their adornments of femmes fatales and fiendish gargoyles, are so amazing you can’t pass without stopping.

Despite occupation at one time or another by each of its near neighbors, Tallinn is independent-minded and has creative ways of showing it – consider the Singing Revolution of 1988, the massive musical demonstration against Soviet rule that set Estonia on the path to independence. Visit St Olav’s Church, once the tallest building in the world, at least until 1625. Then pull up a chair at one of the cafés in the charming town square, heart of the city for 800 years. After your coffee, explore St. Catherine’s Passage, a quaint old lane, home to a collection of craft workshops, and check out the secret 17th C. tunnel system.

Helsinki is a successful blend of traditional and modern architecture and design, interwoven with the beauty of nature, and a few quirky, purely Finnish touches – such as a church built inside a giant chunk of granite, and a venue that is a unique combination of café, restaurant, bar, laundromat, and sauna. Classic Russian onion-domed churches share the stage with Nordic minimalism, and a large concentration of Art Nouveau buildings. Prominent globally in the fields of technology (think Nokia) and design (Marimekko and Aero), Finland has also recently topped the charts as having the world’s best educational system.

Lively, cosmopolitan Stockholm sports an appealing mix of modern Scandinavian architecture and fairy tale palaces, watched over by a Board of Beauty, responsible for preserving the city. One third of its area is devoted to green space, and another third to waterways, providing lots of room to breathe. Gamla Stan is the oldest section, retaining the medieval layout of narrow meandering paths. For the contemporary take there’s Sodermalm, known trendily as SoFo, with welcoming restaurants and pubs, specialty shops and boutiques. Stieg Larson fans hang out here, as it is the area of the city where most action in the Millennium novels takes place.

Lively, cosmopolitan Stockholm sports an appealing mix of modern Scandinavian architecture and fairy tale palaces, watched over by a Board of Beauty, responsible for preserving the city. One third of its area is devoted to green space, and another third to waterways, providing lots of room to breathe. Gamla Stan is the oldest section, retaining the medieval layout of narrow meandering paths. For the contemporary take there’s Sodermalm, known trendily as SoFo, with welcoming restaurants and pubs, specialty shops and boutiques. Stieg Larson fans hang out here, as it is the area of the city where most action in the Millennium novels takes place.

Copenhagen is known as a city of spires: the skyline of its medieval core is punctuated only by the steeples of churches and towers of palaces, though a modern building boom has overtaken other parts of the city. Today’s Copenhagen is known for its excellent quality of life and environmental consciousness – with many parks, it is green both literally and in today’s sense of the word. It is also bicycle-friendly, with bike paths lining almost every major street. After a ride or wander through the old town, stop for a local repast of Smørrebrød, traditional open-face sandwiches, or a mouthwatering Danish pastry.