region

Just two hours inland from the port of Tianjin, the Chinese capital of Beijing offers a striking blend of ancient grandeur and modern energy. Dating back to the 13th century, the vast Forbidden City is widely considered China’s most significant attraction, and a scenic stroll from this royal palace through Zhongshan Park leads to Tiananmen Square, a reflection of the nation’s contemporary identity. More evidence of China’s imperial artistry is on display at the Temple of Heaven, a complex of sacred structures surrounded by lush vegetation.

While some travelers may set off to explore Hokkaido’s vibrant capital of Sapporo less than an hour away, the captivating harbor town of Otaru merits its own exploration. Steps from Ishikari Bay and the Sea of Japan, the lovely Otaru Canal is lined with shops, restaurants, and former warehouses now beautifully transformed into museums. Just beyond the canal, you’ll find Sakaimachi Street, a historic merchant district that features the Music Box Museum and the Museum of Venetian Art, along with unique boutiques that offer hands-on workshops in the creation of Otaru Glass.

Nestled between the Ou Mountains and the Sea of Japan, Akita is a prefectural capital and yet remains a peaceful haven. Take a serene stroll through the shrines and galleries of Senshu Park, built around the ruins of the 17th-century Kubota Castle, to enjoy foliage and gardens renowned for their seasonal beauty, especially during the spring cherry blossoms. Then step into the Akita Museum of Art, designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, to discover an impressive collection by famed Japanese-French painter Léonard Foujita and other contemporary artists.

When the yacht drops anchor off the Abaco Islands, head aft to the Marina for a day on the turquoise waters in the warmth of the Bahamian sun. The yacht’s custom platforms transform into Marina Beach, a resort on the water with loungers, an ocean pool, and easy access for watersports. Go kayaking or paddleboarding from the yacht, jump in for a swim, or simply relax on a chaise and sip a craft cocktail while taking in panoramic views of the sea and shore.

Situated on the island of Vågsøy, Måløy is a working fishing village with an identity strongly tied to the sea. Explore the World War II-era Måløy Fortress, a concrete bunker complex that still bears the scars of a daring British commando raid in 1941. Find one of Norway’s photographed attractions a short drive outside of the city at Kannesteinen Rock, carved into a mushroom shape by centuries of waves. Back in town, follow rugged coastal paths that wind along wave-battered rocks and through windswept landscapes, enjoying sweeping views of the archipelago and open sea.

Madagascar's largest port, Toamasina, blends historic architecture, coastal charm, and a culinary tradition that fuses African, Asian and French influences with local Malagasy spices. Stroll down the city's palm-fringed Boulevard Joffre for an introduction to local life before turning and heading only a few minutes’ walk away to the bustling market of Bazary Be, where vanilla, lychees, cloves and handcrafted goods showcase the region's rich agricultural heritage. Visit Notre Dame de Lourdes and marvel at the massive banyan trees that line the park of Place Bien Aimé.

From Soho’s buzz and Mayfair’s boutiques to Covent Garden’s theatres, there is no denying that London is one of the greatest cities on earth. Admire the masterpiece-strewn walls of the Tate Modern, enjoy the pageantry of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, or pop into Shakespeare’s Globe to see a play performed in iambic pentameter. At just 25 miles east, Tilbury serves as a gateway to it all—but for those who prefer to stay closer to port, the town has stories of its own to tell as the place where Elizabeth I rallied her troops against the Spanish Armada in 1588.

Loved by Italian urbanites yet little known outside Rome, this insider escape on the Monte Argentario peninsula is a harbor of bobbing megayachts and restaurants that rival the mainland. Steep cliffs tumble into crystalline seas and secret coves, all presided over by the 17th-century Spanish-built Fortezza Spagnola. Venture out to explore Argentario’s hidden bays and headlands, looking for Roman-built villas as you take in the view to islands in the distance, the start of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park.

Lipari, the largest of the seven Aeolian Islands, tempts with simple pleasures: a sun-soaked afternoon at Ponente Beach channeling the country’s famous dolce far niente, or a stroll along the harborfront, gelato in hand. Settled since 5,000 BC for its gleaming black obsidian, it later became a Carthaginian naval base, fell to the Romans in 252 BC, and then withstood centuries of pirate raids that left the acropolis crowned with towering walls.

Despite being forged by shipyards, textiles, and fishing from the Middle Ages onwards, coastal A Coruña (or La Coruña in Castellano) has always kept its heart in Plaza de María Pita. Named for the woman who famously rallied the city against a siege in 1589, the square remains the city’s proud center stage. Domed city hall presides over arcades of glass-fronted galleries that sparkle in Galician light, while nearby lanes tempt hungry travelers with empanadas and pulpo a la gallega paired with crisp Albariño.