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Cape Town, South Africa
The city of Cape Town and its environs truly have something for everyone. Naturalists should take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain for extraordinary views and then explore the diverse flora and fauna of the Cape of Good Hope, including baboons, ostriches and a colony of African penguins. History buffs will be moved by poignant stories of apartheid told in the District Six Museum and in the prison on Robben Island that once confined Nelson Mandela. Epicures might venture to nearby Stellenbosch to taste award-winning wines at vineyards nestled in lush valleys embraced by mountains.
Ålesund, Norway
Surrounded by fjords and the high peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps, Ålesund is famous for its unique art nouveau architecture, constructed when the city was rebuilt following a fire in 1904. This combination of natural splendor and rich heritage have solidified Ålesund’s place as a memorable Nordic destination. With its fairytale towers, turrets and gables, the picture-perfect heart of Ålesund begs to be explored on foot. A good place to start is Jugendstilsenteret, a museum celebrating art nouveau design with its interiors, displays and interactive exhibits.