Visit Patan

The medieval Newar city of potters and pagodas, the best-preserved of the three Kathmandu valley kingdoms.

Visit Pokhara, Nepal's adventure capital nestled beside Phewa Lake. Take a boat to the Tal Barahi Temple (a two-story pagoda on an island), hike up to the World Peace Pagoda (white stupa with panoramic Annapurna views), explore the International Mountain Museum (exhibits on Himalayan climbing history and Sherpa culture), and experience paragliding from Sarangkot (soar over the lake with mountain backdrop).

A city built on water with no cars — gondolas, Byzantine mosaics, and getting happily lost in the back canals

Visit Krakow, the historic former capital of Poland, known for its medieval Old Town, Wawel Castle, and vibrant cultural scene.

The Renaissance in one walkable city: Michelangelo's David, Brunelleschi's dome, and the Uffizi

Acclimatize in Cusco, the Inca capital where colonial churches stand on six-hundred-year-old stone foundations

A walled medieval upper town above modern Bergamo — Venetian ramparts, funiculars and Lombard charm

Visit Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage city in Guatemala. Explore the iconic Santa Catalina Arch (yellow archway with views of Volcán de Agua), see the ruins of La Merced Church (baroque facade and earthquake-damaged interior), and wander through the Central Market (vibrant local market with textiles and produce).