the capital city and chief port of Argentina, in the eastern central part of the country, on the Plata River; population 3,042,600 (est. 2008).

Nestled on the shores of the Golfo Nuevo, Puerto Madryn invites travelers to witness some of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters in South America. Renowned as the gateway to the Valdés Peninsula—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—this coastal town offers the chance to spot Southern Right Whales from the beach, a truly unique spectacle that few places on Earth can match.

Beyond its marine wonders, Puerto Madryn boasts charming streets lined with artisan shops, cafes, and welcoming locals eager to share the region’s Patagonian traditions. With opportunities for snorkeling with sea lions, exploring rugged landscapes, and enjoying fresh seafood, it’s no wonder this destination continues to captivate nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Ushuaia is the capital of Tierra del Fuego, Antártida e Islas del Atlántico Sur Province, Argentina. It is commonly regarded as the southernmost city in the world. Ushuaia is located in a wide bay on the southern coast of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, bounded on the north by the Martial mountain range, and on the south by the Beagle Channel. It is the only municipality in the Department of Ushuaia, which has an area of 9,390 km2 (3,625 sq mi). It was founded October 12 of 1884 by Augusto Lasserreand is located on the shores of the Beagle Channel surrounded by the mountain range of the Martial Glacier, in the Bay of Ushuaia. Besides being an administrative center, it is a light industrial port and tourist hub.

Puerto Montt is a port city and commune in southern Chile, located at the northern end of the Reloncaví Sound in the Llanquihue Province, Los Lagos Region, 1,055 km to the south of the capital, Santiago. The commune spans an area of 1,673 km2 (646 sq mi) and has a population of 245,902 in 2017. It is bounded by the communes of Puerto Varas to the north, Cochamó to the east and southeast, Calbuco to the southwest and Maullín and Los Muermos to the west.

Founded as late as 1853 during the German colonization of southern Chile, Puerto Montt soon outgrew older neighboring cities due to its strategic position at the southern end of the Chilean Central Valley being a gateway city into Chiloé Archipelago, Llanquihue and Nahuel Huapi lakes and Western Patagonia.

Puerto Montt has gained renown and grown significantly due to the rise of Chile as the second largest salmon producer of the world during the 1990s and 2000s. However, the Chilean salmon aquaculture crisis of the late 2000s resulted at least temporarily in severe unemployment and exposed weaknesses in the local economy. The city's cultural heritage mixes elements of Chiloé culture with German heritage although the city has attracted a significant number of newcomers from all over Chile in the last 30 years due to employment opportunities.

Surrounded by the vast Pacific Ocean and mysterious moai statues, Hanga Roa serves as the picturesque gateway to the enigmatic world of Easter Island. It is the island’s only town and the heart of local life, home to cozy cafes, art galleries, and archaeological museums that tell the story of the ancient Rapa Nui civilization.

Hanga Roa is more than just a tourist stop — it’s the cultural heart of Chile in one of the most remote places on Earth. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in local traditions, witness ceremonial dances, and taste ocean-fresh fish dishes prepared according to ancestral recipes. The sunsets over the volcanic coastline are truly breathtaking and unforgettable.

Where calm waters and picturesque shores meet with a mysterious history, Bounty Bay Passage offers a unique spot for travelers looking to feel the spirit of the sea and explore its uncharted corners. This narrow strait between islands is not only an important part of local navigation but also a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts, such as kayaking and sailing. Discover the tranquility and beauty of this place, enjoying its serene atmosphere and extraordinary views.

The strait holds not only natural significance but also cultural value. It was part of the history of famous sailors and was used as an important trade route in the past. Today, Bounty Bay Passage attracts tourists with its scenic landscapes and opportunities to relax on secluded parts of the coastline. Whether it’s beach walks or exploring the surrounding waters, this place offers not only stunning nature but also a chance to touch the sea’s history.

Papeete is the capital city of French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France in the Pacific Ocean. The commune of Papeete is located on the island of Tahiti, in the administrative subdivision of the Windward Islands, of which Papeete is the administrative capital. The French High Commissioner also resides in Papeete. It is the primary center of Tahitian and French Polynesian public and private governmental, commercial, industrial and financial services, the hub of French Polynesian tourism and a commonly used port of call. The Windward Islands are themselves part of the Society Islands. The name Papeete means "water from a basket".

The urban area of Papeete had a total population of 136,771 inhabitants at the August 2017 census, 26,926 of whom lived in the commune of Papeete proper.

Papeete is the capital city of French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France in the Pacific Ocean. The commune of Papeete is located on the island of Tahiti, in the administrative subdivision of the Windward Islands, of which Papeete is the administrative capital. The French High Commissioner also resides in Papeete. It is the primary center of Tahitian and French Polynesian public and private governmental, commercial, industrial and financial services, the hub of French Polynesian tourism and a commonly used port of call. The Windward Islands are themselves part of the Society Islands. The name Papeete means "water from a basket".

The urban area of Papeete had a total population of 136,771 inhabitants at the August 2017 census, 26,926 of whom lived in the commune of Papeete proper.

The island was formed as a volcano 1.5 to 2.5 million years ago, the result of a Society hotspot in the mantle under the oceanic plate that formed the whole of the Society Archipelago. It is theorized that the current bays were formerly river basins that filled during the Holocene searise.

Mo'orea is about 10 miles in width from the west to the east. There are two small, nearly symmetrical bays on the north shore. The one to the west is called 'Ōpūnohu Bay, which is not very populated but many travelers have come into the bay. The main surrounding communes of the bay are Piha'ena in the east and Papetō'ai to the west. The one to the east is Cook's Bay, also called Pao Pao Bay since the largest commune of Mo'orea is at the bottom of the bay. The other communes are Piha'ena to the west and busy Maharepa to the east. The highest point is Mount Tohi'e'a, near the center of Mo'orea. It dominates the vista from the two bays and can be seen from Tahiti. There are also hiking trails in the mountains. The Vai'are Bay is another small inlet, smaller than the two main bays, on the east shore. This bay has been settled a lot and has a lot of business. The main village is located just south of the bay.

Aitutaki is one of the most picturesque islands of the Cook Islands archipelago, located in the southern part of the Pacific Ocean. This small island is famous for its stunning lagoon with crystal-clear waters and numerous tiny islets (motu) surrounded by white sand. Aitutaki is often called a "paradise on Earth," and its lagoon is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Life here flows at a relaxed pace, preserving the traditions of Polynesian culture, which can be felt in the dances, songs, and crafts of the islanders.

Beyond relaxing on the beaches, Aitutaki offers travelers unique experiences: excursions on traditional canoes, snorkeling among vibrant corals, and visits to uninhabited islets. One of the highlights is a trip to One Foot Island, where visitors can get a unique passport stamp. Despite its remoteness, the island provides comfortable conditions for relaxation, harmoniously combining unspoiled nature with the warm hospitality of the locals.

Rarotonga is the most populous island of the Cook Islands, with a population of 10,572 (census 2011), out of the country's total resident population of 14,974. Captain John Dibbs, master of the colonial brig Endeavour, is credited as the European discoverer on 25 July 1823, while transporting the missionary Rev. John Williams.

The Cook Islands' Parliament buildings and international airport are on Rarotonga. Rarotonga is a very popular tourist destination with many resorts, hotels and motels. The chief town, Avarua, on the north coast, is the capital of the Cook Islands.

It’s hard to believe that hidden among tropical rainforests and sheer cliffs, Milford Sound in New Zealand offers a world of misty peaks and shimmering waterfalls dropping over 150 meters straight into the fjord’s blue waters. This corner of the South Island surprises visitors with its mystical atmosphere: rain is frequent here, yet it creates dozens of temporary waterfalls that turn Milford Sound into a living painting. Dolphins, seals, and penguins inhabit the fjord’s waters, and on clear days, you can see the reflection of the majestic Mitre Peak on the calm surface.

The best way to feel the power of this place is to take a cruise or kayak, passing by the famous Stirling Falls and the towering cliffs that rise hundreds of meters above the water. For a more intimate experience, visitors can walk the Milford Track, one of the world’s most scenic hiking trails, leading through rainforests and suspension bridges to breathtaking views of Milford Sound. Here, every rainfall becomes part of the magic that stays with you long after you leave these shores.

Where mountains and wild forests meet the Pacific Ocean, Hobart on the island of Tasmania invites you to explore a city where colonial architecture blends with contemporary art and cuisine. At the foot of Mount Wellington, you will find views over the bay where yachts sway on the waves and the fresh breeze carries the scent of the ocean. At Hobart markets, you can try the freshest seafood and the famous Tasmanian oysters, while the city streets are filled with cozy cafes and galleries showcasing local artists.

Those who love active recreation can hike the trails of Mount Wellington with views over the Derwent Bay and take marine tours to seal and seabird colonies. In Hobart, you can feel the rhythm of Tasmania: local festivals, nearby wineries, and proximity to untouched nature make it an ideal starting point to discover this unique island, where each day brings new impressions.

Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australiaand Oceania. Located on Australia's east coast, the metropolis surrounds Port Jackson and extends about 70 km (43.5 mi) on its periphery towards the Blue Mountains to the west, Hawkesbury to the north, and Macarthur to the south. Sydney is made up of 658 suburbs, 40 local government areas and 15 contiguous regions. Residents of the city are known as "Sydneysiders". As of June 2017, Sydney's estimated metropolitan population was 5,131,326, and is home to approximately 65% of the state's population.

Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australiaand Oceania. Located on Australia's east coast, the metropolis surrounds Port Jackson and extends about 70 km (43.5 mi) on its periphery towards the Blue Mountains to the west, Hawkesbury to the north, and Macarthur to the south. Sydney is made up of 658 suburbs, 40 local government areas and 15 contiguous regions. Residents of the city are known as "Sydneysiders". As of June 2017, Sydney's estimated metropolitan population was 5,131,326, and is home to approximately 65% of the state's population.

Eden Valley is a picturesque valley located in the heart of Australia, in the state of South Australia. Known for its unique natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and fertile agricultural lands, this area is home to thriving vineyards and the production of famous local wines. The landscapes of Eden Valley are enchanting both in the warm seasons and during winter, when the rolling hills are covered in greenery, and snowy peaks glisten on the horizon. It is also one of the best regions for wine tours and excursions, where tourists can not only enjoy local wines but also learn about the winemaking process.

For travelers, Eden Valley offers not just natural beauty but a wide range of outdoor activities. The region is perfect for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. Rare animals, such as koalas and kangaroos, can be spotted here, along with stunning panoramic views of the valley. Summer in Eden Valley is a time for festivals and cultural events, attracting both locals and visitors. It is a place for those seeking a blend of nature, adventure, and culinary delights without straying far from civilization.

Melbourne is the capital and most populous city of the Australian state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia and Oceania. Its name refers to an urban agglomeration of 9,992.5 km2 (3,858.1 sq mi), comprising a metropolitan area with 31 municipalities, and is also the common name for its city centre. The city occupies much of the coastline of Port Phillip bay and spreads into the hinterlands towards the Dandenong and Macedon ranges, Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley. It has a population of approximately 4.9 million (19% of the population of Australia), and its inhabitants are referred to as "Melburnians".

The city was founded on 30 August 1835, in what was the British colony of New South Wales, by free settlers from the colony of Van Diemen’s Land. It was incorporated as a Crown settlement in 1837 and named in honour of the British Prime Minister, William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne. It was declared a city by Queen Victoria in 1847, after which it became the capital of the new colony of Victoria in 1851. In the wake of the 1850s Victorian gold rush, the city entered the "Marvellous Melbourne" boom period, transforming into one of the most important cities in the British Empire and one of the largest and wealthiest in the world. After the federation of Australia in 1901, it served as interim seat of government of the new nation until Canberra became the permanent capital in 1927. Today, it is a leading financial centre in the Asia-Pacific region and ranks 20th in the Global Financial Centres Index.

Adelaide is the capital city of the state of South Australia, and the fifth-most populous city of Australia. In June 2017, Adelaide had an estimated resident population of 1,333,927. Adelaide is home to more than 75 percent of the South Australian population, making it the most centralised population of any state in Australia.

Albany is a port city in the Great Southern region of Western Australia, 418 km SE of Perth, the state capital. Albany is the oldest colonial settlement in Western Australia, predating Perth and Fremantle by over two years.

The city centre is at the northern edge of Princess Royal Harbour, which is a part of King George Sound. The central business district is bounded by Mount Clarence to the east and Mount Melville to the west. The city is in the local government area of the City of Albany.

Turquoise waters and lush jungles frame Victoria on Mahé Island, the capital of Seychelles and one of the smallest capitals in the world. Here, colorful markets with exotic fruits and spices blend with colonial-era architecture, and in the city center, you will find a miniature replica of London’s Big Ben — one of Victoria’s symbols. Nearby, visitors can explore the Botanical Garden, home to rare palm and orchid species, and see giant tortoises living in their natural environment.

A journey to Victoria is an opportunity to feel the slow rhythm of Seychellois life and enjoy a truly tropical atmosphere. Strolling along the waterfront, visiting the National Art Gallery, or tasting freshly caught fish in local cafés will bring you closer to the islanders’ culture and everyday life. Just a few minutes from the city center, white sandy beaches and turquoise waters invite you to underwater adventures among Mahé’s coral reefs.

Nosy Be is a tropical island off the coast of Madagascar, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. The island attracts tourists with its stunning nature: white sandy beaches, emerald waters, coral reefs, and lush greenery. Nosy Be is an excellent destination for those seeking to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in tranquility. Visitors can enjoy activities like diving, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beach while watching sunsets.

The island is also famous for its unique natural reserves, such as the Lemur Park, where rare animals, including lemurs and other endemic species of Madagascar, can be seen. Nosy Be is not only a place for beach relaxation but also a cultural destination: the island hosts vibrant holidays and festivals, and the local cuisine offers unique dishes blending African, Arab, and French traditions.

Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa, colloquially named the Mother City. It is the legislative capital of South Africa and primate city of the Western Cape province. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality.

The Parliament of South Africa sits in Cape Town. The other two capitals are located in Pretoria (the administrative capital where the Presidency is based) and Bloemfontein (the judicial capital where the Supreme Court of Appeal is located). The city is known for its harbour, for its natural setting in the Cape Floristic Region, and for landmarks such as Table Mountain and Cape Point. As of 2014, it is the 10th most populous city in Africa and home to 64% of the Western Cape's population. It is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, reflecting its role as a major destination for immigrants and expatriates to South Africa. The city was named the World Design Capital for 2014 by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design. In 2014, Cape Town was named the best place in the world to visit by both The New York Times and The Daily Telegraph.

Located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town, as the oldest urban area in South Africa, was developed by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) as a supply station for Dutch ships sailing to East Africa, India, and the Far East. Jan van Riebeeck's arrival on 6 April 1652 established Dutch Cape Colony, the first permanent European settlement in South Africa. Cape Town outgrew its original purpose as the first European outpost at the Castle of Good Hope, becoming the economic and cultural hub of the Cape Colony. Until the Witwatersrand Gold Rush and the development of Johannesburg, Cape Town was the largest city in South Africa.

Walvis Bay — Namibia’s Maritime Gateway

Walvis Bay, located on the Atlantic coast of Namibia, offers a rare blend of an industrial port and a natural haven. The town is famous for its vast lagoon—one of the largest in Africa—where flamingos, pelicans, and other water birds can be observed year-round. It's also one of the top places on the continent to witness marine life: visitors often take boat trips to spot seals, dolphins, and sometimes even whales. The lagoon is also popular among kite surfers and windsurfers, thanks to steady winds and wide open waters.

The city plays a key economic role as Namibia’s main port and a hub for the fishing industry. Yet, Walvis Bay attracts not only through its utility, but also through the stunning desert landscapes of the Namib, which begin just outside the town. The famous dunes and lunar scenery create a unique contrast with the ocean. This rare meeting of sea and desert makes Walvis Bay an unforgettable stop on any journey through southwestern Africa.

Dakar is the capital and largest city of Senegal. It is located on the Cap-Vert peninsula on the Atlantic coast and is the westernmost city on the African mainland. The city of Dakar proper has a population of 1,030,594, whereas the population of the Dakar metropolitan area is estimated at 2.45 million.

The area around Dakar was settled in the 15th century. The Portuguese established a presence on the island of Gorée off the coast of Cap-Vert and used it as a base for the Atlantic slave trade. France took over the island in 1677. Following the abolition of the slave trade and French annexation of the mainland area in the 19th century, Dakar grew into a major regional port and a major city of the French colonial empire. In 1902, Dakar replaced Saint-Louis as the capital of French West Africa. From 1959 to 1960, Dakar was the capital of the short-lived Mali Federation. In 1960, it became the capital of the independent Republic of Senegal.

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the 20 regions of Italy. It is one of the five Italian autonomous regions, in Southern Italy along with surrounding minor islands, officially referred to as Regione Siciliana.

Sicily is located in the central Mediterranean Sea, south of the Italian Peninsula, from which it is separated by the narrow Strait of Messina. Its most prominent landmark is Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe, and one of the most active in the world, currently 3,329 m (10,922 ft) high. The island has a typical Mediterranean climate.

The earliest archaeological evidence of human activity on the island dates from as early as 12,000 BC. By around 750 BC, Sicily had three Phoenician and a dozen Greek colonies and, for the next 600 years, it was the site of the Sicilian Wars and the Punic Wars. After the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD, Sicily was ruled during the Early Middle Ages by the Vandals, the Ostrogoths, the Byzantine Empire, and the Emirate of Sicily. The Norman conquest of southern Italy led to the creation of the Kingdom of Sicily, which was subsequently ruled by the Hohenstaufen, the Capetian House of Anjou, Spain, and the House of Habsburg. It was finally unified under the House of Bourbon with the Kingdom of Naples as the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. It became part of Italy in 1860 following the Expedition of the Thousand, a revolt led by Giuseppe Garibaldi during the Italian unification, and a plebiscite. Sicily was given special status as an autonomous region on 15th May 1946, 18 days before the Italian constitutional referendum of 1946. Albeit, much of the autonomy still remains unapplied, especially financial autonomy, because the autonomy-activating laws have been deferred to be approved by the parithetic committee (50% Italian State, 50% Regione Siciliana), since 1946.

Sicily has a rich and unique culture, especially with regard to the arts, music, literature, cuisine, and architecture. It is also home to important archaeological and ancient sites, such as the Necropolis of Pantalica, the Valley of the Temples, Erice and Selinunte.

Rome is the capital city and a special comune of Italy (named Comune di Roma Capitale). Rome also serves as the capital of the Lazio region. With 2,872,800 residents in 1,285 km2(496.1 sq mi), it is also the country's most populated comune. It is the fourth-most populous city in the European Union by population within city limits. It is the centre of the Metropolitan City of Rome, which has a population of 4,355,725 residents, thus making it the most populous metropolitan city in Italy. Rome is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, within Lazio (Latium), along the shores of the Tiber. The Vatican City (the smallest country in the world) is an independent country inside the city boundaries of Rome, the only existing example of a country within a city: for this reason Rome has been often defined as capital of two states.

Rome's history spans 28 centuries. While Roman mythology dates the founding of Rome at around 753 BC, the site has been inhabited for much longer, making it one of the oldest continuously occupied sites in Europe. The city's early population originated from a mix of Latins, Etruscans, and Sabines. Eventually, the city successively became the capital of the Roman Kingdom, the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire, and is regarded as the birthplace of Western civilization and by some as the first ever metropolis. It was first called The Eternal City (Latin: Urbs Aeterna; Italian: La Città Eterna) by the Roman poet Tibullus in the 1st century BC, and the expression was also taken up by Ovid, Virgil, and Livy. Rome is also called the "Caput Mundi" (Capital of the World). After the fall of the Western Empire, which marked the beginning of the Middle Ages, Rome slowly fell under the political control of the Papacy, which had settled in the city since the 1st century AD, until in the 8th century it became the capital of the Papal States, which lasted until 1870. Beginning with the Renaissance, almost all the popes since Nicholas V (1447–1455) pursued over four hundred years a coherent architectural and urban programme aimed at making the city the artistic and cultural centre of the world. In this way, Rome became first one of the major centres of the Italian Renaissance, and then the birthplace of both the Baroque style and Neoclassicism. Famous artists, painters, sculptors and architects made Rome the centre of their activity, creating masterpieces throughout the city. In 1871, Rome became the capital of the Kingdom of Italy, which, in 1946, became the Italian Republic.

Rome has the status of a global city. In 2016, Rome ranked as the 14th-most-visited city in the world, 3rd most visited in the European Union, and the most popular tourist attraction in Italy. Its historic centre is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The famous Vatican Museums are among the world's most visited museums while the Colosseum was the most popular tourist attraction in world with 7.4 million visitors in 2018. Host city for the 1960 Summer Olympics, Rome is the seat of several specialized agencies of the United Nations, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The city also hosts the Secretariat of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) as well as the headquarters of many international business companies such as Eni, Enel, TIM, Leonardo S.p.A., and national and international banks such as Unicredit and BNL. Its business district, called EUR, is the base of many companies involved in the oil industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and financial services. Rome is also an important fashion and design centre thanks to renowned international brands centered in the city. Rome's Cinecittà Studios have been the set of many Academy Award–winning movies.