Near the Stock Palace and the Douro River is another UNESCO World Heritage site that is well worth visit while in Porto, the Monument Church of St Francis, or Igreja Monumento de São Francisco. This church built around the 14th century has one of Europe's most sumptuous and extravagant interiors. Here, all that glitter is, in fact, gold! Its interior is covered in gilded woodwork, and rumour has it that it was used around 400 to 600 kg of gold to decorate it. Hence why the St Francis Church is also known as "The Golden Church". Another highlight of this church is its impressive Tree of Jesse, a wooden sculpture carved by Filipe da Silva and António Gomes in 1718 depicting the ancestors of Jesus Christ, shown in a branching tree — considered to be one of the best in the world of its kind. Under the church, you will find the catacombs, where the Franciscan monks along with the members of Porto's noble families are buried.

In the mountains you can find the stunning canyons hidden away from the tourist trails. Canyoning is an exciting sport that will really give you a rush out of the ordinary. There are different activities offers to suit all tastes.

Embarking on the Cascade Loop is a fantastic way to experience Washington's diverse landscapes. This 440-mile National Scenic Byway takes you through a variety of terrains, including the lush forests of the Cascade Mountains, the serene waters of the Puget Sound, and the rolling hills of the Methow Valley. Along the way, you'll encounter charming towns, vibrant wildlife, and breathtaking vistas that showcase the state's natural beauty.