Rio de Janeiro — the city’s name alone conjures up images of pristine beaches, lush forests, and thrilling celebrations. Sitting on top of the Corcovado Mountain, Christ the Redeemer watches over the two-faced party capital of Latin America, split between a bustling urban landscape and an outstanding natural environment. Rio is a city like no other, known worldwide for its magnificent New Year firework display on Copacabana beach, its explosive carnival, its joyful people, and its exquisite multicultural cuisine.

It all started in 1535, when Jacques Cartier landed here, and the first trading port was created in what is now Quebec. Since then, the city has become the province's capital and a popular destination for its sights, architecture, and food. Visit the famous Château Frontenac, the world's most photographed hotel, or one of the many national historic sites, each a sight to behold in its own right. But walking through the Old Port or the Plains of Abraham is, perhaps, the best way to feel and breathe in the historical atmosphere of the city.

Charismatic seaside Catania is a young, dynamic soul, inhabiting a body of narrow alleys and ornate Baroque buildings set atop well-preserved remains of ancient Greek and Roman settlements. Mount Etna defines the cityscape both in terms of the striking panorama and the building material — Catania is even referred to as the "grey city" for the colour of lava rocks used to construct many of its buildings.

More than 26 miles of lakefront frame Chicago's stunning urban skyline. Here in the heart of the Midwest, the nation’s third-largest city boasts soaring skyscrapers and colorful neighborhoods against a backdrop of sandy beaches and beautiful parks. This cosmopolitan playground bursts with things to do. Sightseeing options range from Chicago icons — such as Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate, Grant Park’s Buckingham Fountain and Navy Pier’s Ferris wheel — to fascinating history and architecture tours.

Montpellier, one of Europe's emerging holiday gems, draws travellers with its Mediterranean proximity, enchanting medieval core, and lively nightlife fuelled by its large student community. Nestled amidst scenic landscapes, Montpellier beckons exploration, whether it's the nearby Mediterranean beaches or the adventurous allure of the Cévennes mountains just an hour's drive away.