port

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.

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.

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.