Mahé, the largest island in the Seychelles archipelago, is a tropical paradise bursting with natural beauty and cultural vibrancy. As the gateway to this island nation, Mahé offers visitors a captivating blend of lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and charming local culture. The island's capital, Victoria, is a lively hub where you can explore colorful markets, such as the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, which is a great place to experience local flavors and pick up unique souvenirs.
Santa Barbara, nestled along California’s picturesque coastline, offers a charming blend of Mediterranean allure and vibrant culture. Known for its stunning beaches, the city’s Santa Barbara Beach provides a perfect spot for sunbathing and water sports with its golden sands and inviting waters. The scenic beauty of Santa Barbara is further highlighted by its Santa Barbara Harbor, where visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront or embark on a sailing adventure.
The capital of Crete, Heraklion is a Greek port city and a popular stop on Mediterranean and Greek cruises. The city is an historical marvel, replete with archaeological wonders and remnants of the region's past. Highlights include the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the Rocca a Mare Fortress, the Venetian Loggia, and just past the city limits, the Palace of Knossos.
About halfway down the Oregon coast, the picturesque Yaquina Head Lighthouse welcomes you to Newport, a town known for its Dungeness crab and glorious harbor under the graceful Yaquina Bay Bridge. The historic Bayfront offers a mixture of shops, galleries, canneries and restaurants that serve fresh clam chowder, shrimp, oysters, crab and salmon.
This thriving port city has so much to offer, including several museums, the beautiful historic quarter Porto Antico and La Lanterna. This lighthouse is Genoa's best known landmark and provides stunning views over the port and bay.
Elba Island, off the coast of Tuscany, is a Mediterranean gem known for its crystal-clear waters, diverse landscapes, and historical significance. This idyllic island is the largest in the Tuscan Archipelago and offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore pristine beaches such as Cavoli and Procchio, where turquoise waves lap against golden sands, making it an ideal destination for sunbathing, snorkeling, and diving.
Moorea, the heart-shaped island of French Polynesia, is a paradise that captivates the senses with its striking natural beauty and vibrant culture. Just a short ferry ride from Tahiti, Moorea offers a breathtaking landscape of jagged volcanic peaks, lush valleys, and pristine lagoons. The island’s iconic views are best experienced from the Belvedere Lookout, where visitors can marvel at the panoramic vistas of Opunohu and Cook’s Bays, two deep blue bays framed by towering green mountains. This vantage point is a must-see, providing an unforgettable introduction to the island’s dramatic scenery.
Moorea is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities that showcase the island’s diverse ecosystems. Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon reveals a vibrant underwater world teeming with colorful coral reefs and exotic marine life, including rays and reef sharks. For a more immersive experience, take a kayak tour to explore the secluded beaches and hidden coves that dot the coastline. On land, the island’s numerous hiking trails lead through tropical forests to ancient marae (temples), where visitors can learn about the rich Polynesian culture and history that permeates the island.
Cultural experiences on Moorea are equally enchanting. The island is home to a number of traditional Polynesian villages where visitors can experience local customs, crafts, and dance. The Tiki Village Cultural Center offers an immersive journey into the world of ancient Polynesia, with traditional tattooing, weaving, and carving demonstrations, as well as captivating performances of Polynesian dance and music. Don’t miss the chance to try some of the island’s local delicacies, such as poisson cru (raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime), which can be enjoyed at beachfront restaurants while watching the sun set over the Pacific.
Learn More About Moorea Island
Belvedere Lookout
Gaze upon a dramatic vista of the bay and mountains from this lookout point.
Tiki Village
This Tahitian cultural center features live shows.