This little town with a population of nearly 40,000 lies in the mountains southwest of Palermo. Its postcard-perfect views are only rivalled by the UNESCO-listed Norman masterpiece that is the Monreale Cathedral, Italy’s largest medieval building which holds 6,000 square metres of Byzantine art. One of the most important examples of Norman architecture in Europe, the cathedral is covered in shimmering golden mosaics and also encompasses Arab, Byzantine, and Classical elements.

Calton Hill offers one of Edinburgh's most accessible and spectacular viewpoints with a 360-degree panorama of the city, the Firth of Forth and Arthur's Seat. A UNESCO World Heritage site, its summit is dotted with neoclassical monuments, earning it the nickname "Edinburgh's Acropolis". Key structures include the unfinished National Monument, modelled after the Parthenon; the Nelson Monument with its time-ball telescope; and the Dugald Stewart Monument, a familiar city landmark. Importantly, the hill is also home to St Andrew's House, the headquarters of the Scottish Government, and the historic Old Royal High School. Today, the former City Observatory houses Collective, a contemporary art gallery. A short, gentle climb from Princes Street, Calton Hill is an unmissable stop for any traveller.

Rive Gauche Brasserie is located along the scenic Lichtentaler Allee. This elegant restaurant serves authentic French cuisine in a beautiful setting surrounded by nature.

San Xavier del Bac Mission, located 10 miles south of Tucson on the Tohono O’odham Nation, is an iconic example of Spanish colonial architecture. Known as the “White Dove of the Desert,” its striking white facade contrasts beautifully with the surrounding desert landscape. Built between 1783 and 1787, the mission blends Moorish, Byzantine, and Mexican Renaissance styles, featuring intricate carvings, vibrant murals, and a gilded retable depicting biblical stories. Still an active parish, it holds daily masses and remains a spiritual center for the Tohono O’odham people. Extensive restorations have preserved its historic beauty, making it one of the best-preserved Spanish missions in the U.S. Visitors can explore the mission’s interior, join free docent-led tours, or browse crafts and frybread sold by local artisans.