region

From the bustling streets of the city to a quiet lotus pond in the botanical gardens, Taipei is a harmonious blend of natural landscapes and urban jungle. Get a bird’s eye view of Taiwan’s capital from the 89th-floor observatory at Taipei 101 before descending to explore Dihua Street, where you’ll find historic architecture and local shops selling everything from souvenirs to medicinal herbs. The National Palace Museum is home to a vast collection of Chinese artifacts, including the famous jadeite cabbage from the Qing dynasty and carvings dating back to 3000 BC.

The picturesque town of Mossel Bay is the western gateway to South Africa’s Garden Route, where a highway follows a stunning stretch of coastline along pristine beaches, rugged cliffs and lush forests. A day could easily be spent road-tripping through these diverse landscapes, stopping to hike in the nature reserves or visit the region’s esteemed wineries, while the attractions within Mossel Bay are equally intriguing. The landmark St.

A charming seaside town in northern Corsica, L’Île-Rousse takes its name from the red hue of the rocky islets just offshore, one of many features in the landscape contributing to this destination’s natural beauty. Perched on the headland, the Lighthouse of Pietra offers sweeping views of the scenery. The town also boasts beautiful sandy beaches with crystalline waters perfect for sunbathing, swimming or snorkeling. The heart of L’Île-Rousse is the main square of Place Paoli, where a statue dedicated to the town’s founder stands in the shade of plane and palm trees.

Docking in Sandnes puts you just minutes from the heart of Stavanger, a city that traces its roots to the 12th century as one of the oldest communities in Norway. With one of the few urban centers in the region not destroyed by fires or World War II, Stavanger has retained a wealth of historic treasures to explore. With its plentiful music venues, international festivals and museums featuring everything from Vikings to sardines, the city is also a vibrant cultural hub.

The port city of Sasebo is adjacent to Kujukushima, an archipelago of more than 200 scenic islets in Saikai National Park. Boat trips exploring this remarkable scenery depart from Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort, which also features an aquarium and the chance to harvest your own pearls. Multiple observatories and overlooks offer views of the seascape from land. On another nearby island, Kuroshima Catholic Church stands as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site protecting the legacy of Japanese Christians who were persecuted during the Edo period.

Beppu’s renowned hot springs are so numerous that you may see plumes of mist rising from the city as you approach. Resort spas and public baths offer opportunities to soak in the soothing waters, often with views of the surrounding mountains or coastline. Bathing in mud, sand or steam warmed by the geothermal heat is also a relaxing, rejuvenating pastime. While the city’s most famous springs are too hot for bathing, they certainly merit a visit.