In the city of Marbella, a resort area on southern Spain’s Costa del Sol

 The Costa del Sol ("Coast of the Sun") is a region in the south of Spain in the autonomous community of Andalusia, comprising the coastal towns and communities along the coastline of the Province of Málaga and the eastern part of Campo de Gibraltar in Cádiz. Formerly made up only of a series of small fishing settlements, today the region is a world-renowned tourist destination.

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(on the Mediterranean Sea, between Málaga and the Strait of Gibraltar, in the foothills of the Sierra Blanca) Andalusia possesses the most-varied terrain and vegetation in all of Spain. Striking contrasts exist between alpine mountains and pine forests at high elevations, arid and barren deserts, and irrigated plains that support plantations of subtropical fruits. The topography of Andalusia is divided by mountain ranges into several distinct zones, each running southwest to northeast. The Sierra Morena is the northernmost range, crossing the northern parts of the provinces of Huelva, Sevilla, Córdoba, and Jaén. In southeastern Andalusia the land rises abruptly to the Baetic Cordillera, one range of which, the Sierra Nevada, contains the highest elevations in the Iberian Peninsula south of the Pyrenees. Lying between the Sierra Morena and the Baetic Cordillera is the heart of Andalusia, the Guadalquivir River basin and its plains. The river’s lower basin, known as La Campiña, is the most densely settled and agriculturally productive part of Andalusia.

+ Extending east and west from the city of Málaga along the Mediterranean coast is the Costa del Sol, which is one of Spain’s most popular tourist rivieras.

+ The population of western Andalusia has traditionally been concentrated in the large rural towns, but in modern times the population has concentrated more in the provincial capitals.

+ Shown here, is Marbella, the Costa del Sol’s bastion of bling. which is (like most towns along this stretch of coast, a two-sided coin). Standing center stage in the tourist showroom is the "Golden Mile," an extravagant collection of star-studded clubs, shiny restaurants and upscale hotels stretching as far as Puerto Banús, the flashiest marina on the coast. where black-tinted Mercs slide along a quay populated by luxury yachts. One of the best-known resorts on the Costa del Sol. Marbella's beaches, night clubs, and luxury venues are famous around the world. It is popular on the Andalusian coast for the climate, natural settings, coast, important sports complexes, and above all the friendliness of its people.

Its northern half lies on the Andalusian plain, while its southern half is mountainous and rises steeply from the coast, along which there is a narrow strip of lowland. The Alhama Mountains separate Málaga from Granada to the east, and not far from the Cádiz boundary, to the west, the ridges of Ronda, Mijas, Tolox, and Bermeja converge to form a summit, Mount Torrecilla (at 6,296 feet [1,919 meters]). The principal rivers in Málaga are the Guadalhorce and the Guadiaro.

In the town of Aviano, at the foot of the Dolomites mountain range in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, in northeast Italy

 (at the foot of the Dolomites mountain range in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, in northeast Italy) Aviano is a town and municipality) in the Regional decentralization entity of Pordenone Findings from Aviano show that the area has been populated since the Bronze Age.

It became an agricultural area dependent on the municipality of Concordia Sagittaria. The name itself, Aviano, derives from a prediale name, that is, referring to land belonging to a landowner named Avilius or Avidius.

In the early Middle Ages Aviano was made up of parish churches and villages in correspondence with today's hamlets. Around the 11th century, on a hill overlooking the surrounding plain, a castle was built by the Patriarchate of Aquileia and given to local feudal lords. The castle was besieged several times, during the 14th century first by the Da Camino and then by the Carraresi, and in 1411 it was conquered by the Hungarian troops of Emperor Sigismund.

Most historians believe that a commercial center developed where present day Aviano is situated, with a cultural and defensive center in the castle area. Aviano was a possession of the Patriarchal State of Friuli until 1420, when it came under the influence of the Venetian Republic, like the rest of the territory of the Patriarchate of Aquileia. In 1477 and 1499 Aviano and the surrounding villages were devastated by raids of Ottoman troops in which a large part of the population was killed or taken prisoner.
With the fall of the Venetian Republic, Aviano followed the fate of the rest of Friuli and Veneto, and was part of the Napoleonic Empire and then the Austrian Empire (Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia ) before being annexed to the Kingdom of Italy in 1866 as a consequence of the Third War of Italian Independence, itself a part of the Prussian-Austrian War.

In 1911 one of the first airfields of the Italian Air Force was built in Aviano, which in the following years was enlarged and became increasingly important until it became the NATO Aviano AB base in the 1950s. At the end of the sixties the mountain area of Piancavallo became a ski and winter sports resort.
Although the village is located at the foot of the Dolomites, the municipality extends to an altitude of 2,251 metres (7,385 feet) above sea level (Cimon del Cavallo peak).

In the city of Rovinj, a Croatian fishing port on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula

From its brightly painted buildings and fishing boats that line the seafront, to the hilltop baroque church standing watch over the Old Town -- it is little or no wonder that Rovinj is one of the most-photographed coastal destinations along Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula.
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(on the western coast, of the Istrian peninsula, in the north Adriatic Sea) Rovinj, also known in Venetian and Italian as Rovigno, or Ruvèigno,) is a town with a popular tourist resort and an active fishing port. Istriot, a Romance language once widely spoken in this part of Istria, is still spoken by some of the residents. The town is officially bilingual, Croatian and Italian, hence both town names are considered official and equal.

+ Rovinj is coastal Istria’s star attraction. While it can get overrun with tourists in summer, it remains an intensely charming place. The Old Town is contained within an egg-shaped peninsula, webbed with steep cobbled streets and small squares, and punctuated by a tall church tower rising from the highest point. (Originally an island, it was only connected to the mainland in 1763 when the narrow channel separating it was filled.)

In the city of Uppasala, east-central Sweden

 "We do not even see the sun for several months in the north of Sweden."

--Alexander Ahndoril
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(in east-central Sweden) Uppsala, län (county) lies between Mälaren (lake) to the south and the Gulf of Bothnia to the north. The county's low, level surface is drained by the Fyris River. Major iron-ore deposits are found in the region around Dannemora, and there are several ironworks and steelworks. The capital and largest city is Uppsala, the “Cambridge of Sweden,” is a university town located 35 minutes by train from Stockholm. Students from across Sweden (and the rest of the world) swell the term-time population of the city, giving it a youthful, international feel. (About 20 per cent of its residents are students.)

+ It is easy to see why many Swedes choose to live in Uppsala and commute to Stockholm. Historically significant, centuries-old sights stud the townscape and its surroundings. No trip to Uppsala is complete without learning more about former resident Carl Linnaeus, one of the world’s most notable botanists and scientists. His legacy (floral and otherwise) spreads across Sweden and beyond.
The city weaves a tapestry of history and innovation. From Iron Age relics to Viking lore, its past is alive in ancient burial grounds and awe-inspiring architecture. Uppsala is also a vibrant hub of sustainability and life sciences, shaping tomorrow's world. (The capital and largest city is Uppsala.)

+ Uppsala, the “Cambridge of Sweden,” is a vibrant university town located 35 minutes by train from Stockholm. Students from across Sweden – and the rest of the world – swell the term-time population of the city, giving it a youthful, international feel. About 20 per cent of its residents are students.
It’s easy to see why many Swedes choose to live in Uppsala and commute to Stockholm. The city has plenty to offer; historically significant, centuries-old sights stud the townscape and its surroundings.

+ Today, Uppsala is considered a key innovation city in which academia and a distinct business culture unite to create a fertile breeding ground for new ideas. The city is home to many life sciences and tech companies. As for its green credentials, Uppsala was chosen as a European pilot city in the EU’s NetZeroCities initiative running from 2023 to 2025. (As for historic Uppsala, you can travel back in time to the Iron Age and the Viking era). Begin your journey into Uppsala's rich fabric of history at the heart of knowledge and culture, where Uppsala University stands as a beacon of learning since the 15th century. Explore the hallowed halls of Gustavianum, a museum preserving the university's legacy, before delving into the treasures of Carolina Rediviva, the esteemed library housing gems like the 6th-century Silver Bible. From there, continue exploring the historical depths of Old Uppsala and the royal mounds steeped in Scandinavia's abundant heritage.

In the city of Tuzla, northeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina

 In Southeast Europe, Bosnia is on the Balkan Peninsula, bordering Serbia to the east, Montenegro to the southeast, and Croatia to the north and southwest. In the south it has a 20 km (12 mi.) long coast on the Adriatic Sea.

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(in northeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, commonly called Bosnia) Settled under the Majevica mountain range on the Jala River, Tuzla is a historic cultural town, where you can enjoy the the largest square in the country. Tuzla boasts a heritage of more than 6,000 years, dating to the Neolithic period preserved in its Archaeological Park. You can also visit the Tuzla Fortress, the National Museum, and the mosques and churches reflecting the town's diversity -- and the Square of Freedom, where you can mingle with locals, enjoy the cafes and restaurants, and watch the musical fountain.
+ Modern Tuzla dates back to 1510 when it became a garrison town in the Ottoman Empire. Tuzla is also regarded as one of the most multicultural cities in Bosnia and has mintained the pluralist character of the city throughout the Bosnian War and after.

+ The city was first mentioned in 950 as a fort named Salines. The name Soli was used in the Middle Ages, when it belonged mostly to the medieval Kingdom of Bosnia. After its fall to the Ottomans in 1463, the region was controlled by the Ottomans, occupying the villages of Gornje Soli and "Donje Soli." It remained under Ottoman rule until 1878,when it was occupied by Austria-Hungary. After that, it became the part of Yugoslavia.

+ During WWII, Tuzla was included in the Independent State of Croatia and controlled by the Legion of the Croatian Home Guard. Tuzla was among the first areas in Europe to be liberated, when Tito's Yugoslav Partisans freed it from the German occupiers in 1943. After WWII, it developed into a major industrial and cultural center during the Communist period in the former Yugoslavia.

+ After Bosnia and Herzegovina declared independence in the mid-1990s and was recognized by the UN, the city was besieged by Serbian forces. (The town was not spared the atrocities of the Bosnian War.)
Early in the war, troops of the 92nd Motorised Brigade of the Yugoslav People's Army were ambushed by units of Bosnia's Territorial Defence Force, while attempting to withdraw from the city.

+ Tuzla dates back to 1510 when it became a garrison town in the Ottoman Empire. It is also regarded as one of the most multicultural cities in the country and has kept the pluralist character of the city during the Bosnian War and after.

+ The city was first mentioned as a fort named Salines. Its present name means "place of salt." During the Middle Ages it belonged to the Kingdom of Bosnia. After falling to the Ottoman Empire in 1463, the region was controlled by it until the Ottomans took control of the Usora in the 1530s, where it remained until 1878 when it was occupied by Austria-Hungary. After that, it became the part of Yugoslavia. (During WWII, Tuzla was included in the State of Croatia.)

In the the charming medieval village of Obidos, Portugal

 When the 13th-century Portuguese Queen Isabel passed through Óbidos and marveled at its beauty, her husband King Denis I, gave it to her. For centuries after, the kings of Portugal followed suit, presenting the town to their queens as a wedding gift.

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(on the Atlantic Ocean coast, where the municipality of Obidos is bounded in the northeast and east by Caldas da Rainha, in the south by Bombarral, in the southwest by Lourinhã and in the west by Peniche) With its buildings shining as brightly now as then, the walled-in town and municipality of Óbidos is quite popular with tourists -- its hillside location offers amazing views of the Estremadura area. Shown here, is the medieval castle and wall of Óbidos, a main attraction (viewed from the west of the town in the Oeste region, a historical province of Estremadura, and the Leiria district). Surrounded by a classic crenellated wall, Óbidos’ gorgeous historic center is a labyrinth of cobblestoned streets and flower-bedecked, whitewashed houses that are enlivened with dashes of vivid yellow and blue paint. It is a delightful place to pass an afternoon -- but there are plenty of reasons to stay overnight, as there is excellent accommodation here, including the hilltop castle, which is now converted into one of Portugal’s most luxurious pousadas (hotels).

+ The area of the town of Óbidos is located on a hilltop, still encircled by its fortified wall. Obidos remains a well-preserved example of medieval architecture; its streets, squares, walls and its castle, are quite popular tourist destinations. The municipality is also home to the famous Praia D'el Rey golf complex, one of the top golf resorts in Europe, and Royal Óbidos (a Spa & Golf.

+ Each July Óbidos castle hosts a traditional "Medieval Market." For two weeks the castle and the town recreate the spirit of medieval Europe. Flowing banners and heraldic flags set the mood together with hundreds of entertainers and stall holders dressed as merchants, jugglers, jesters, wandering minstrels, soldiers and more. Visitors can shop at the traditional handcrafts fair or watch medieval shows, horse displays, and a costumed parade that winds its way through the streets. There are also displays of jousting knights and armed combat.
Spit roasted hog, hearty soups, rabbit, lamb, cod, quail, sausages, and other grilled meats are just some of the many medieval style meals on offer from dozens of "taverns" and stalls spread throughout the market. (Drinking from pewter tankards and eating from wooden trencher all adds to the experience.)

+ If you are looking for a fairy-tale destination in Portugal, look no further than Óbidos, a charming medieval village surrounded by ancient walls. Óbidos is a treasure trove of history, culture, and art, where you can explore the cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and colorful flowers that adorn the village. You can also visit the impressive castle, which dates back to the 12th century and was once a royal residence.

In the city of Kotar, Montenegro

 “When the pearls of nature were sown on this soil, an owerflowing handful was gathered. The most beautiful contact between the earth and sea took place at the Montenegrin littoral.”-- Lord Byron

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(in Kotor Montenegro) Wedged between mountains and a corner of the bay, atmospheric Kotor (shown here) is perfectly at one with its setting. Hemmed in by staunch walls snaking up the surrounding slopes, the town is a medieval maze of museums, churches, cafe-strewn squares, and Venetian palaces, and pillories. It’s a dramatic and delightful place where the past coexists with the present; its cobblestones ring with the sound of children racing to school in centuries-old buildings, lines of laundry flutter from wrought-iron balconies, and hundreds of cats – the descendants of seafaring felines – loll in marble laneways. Come nightfall, Kotor’s spectacularly lit-up walls glow as serenely as a halo. Behind the bulwarks, the streets buzz with bars, live music -- from soul to serenades -- and castle-top clubbing.

+ Spend a blissful day while you are here, walking all around the medieval town of Kotor; see monuments built in the Venetian period overlooking the Adriatic sea, visit churches and missionary establishments, stroll through the local market to the clock tower and have a taste of the coastal cuisine. Explore the Kotor Old City by taking the colorful walking tour through the urban heart of medieval town of Kotor. This tour provides a great introduction for first-time visitors! Located on a beautiful bay (shown here) on the coast of Montenegro, Kotor is a city that is steeped in tradition and history, with remarkable scenic views. If you stop in Kotor by a cruise ship or you are just passing by, but you are intrigued by the incredible beauty of this walled gem on the very seashore, but also close to the high mountains and have limited time for discovering the amazing beauties of it, this tour is one of the best options. The sea gates,The Square of Arms, Clock Tower, Flour Square (with Pima and Buca palaces), St Tryphon Cathedral, The Boka Navy Square,The St Luke Square, St Luke and St Nikola,St Mary of the River, Northern Gate with Skurda river are some of highlights of this magical tour.

+ Montenegro, located in the Balkans at the southern end of the Dinaric Alps, is bounded by the Adriatic Sea and Croatia (southwest), Bosnia and Herzegovina (northwest), Serbia (northeast), Kosovo (east), and Albania (southeast). The country's administrative capital is Podgorica, though its cultural center is the historical capital and older city of Cetinje. For much of the 20th century Montenegro was a part of Yugoslavia.

+ The country’s names (both Montenegro [from Venetian Italian]) and Crna Gora --- denote “Black Mountain,” in reference to Mount Lovćen ([1,749 meters]), its historical center near the Adriatic Sea, and its stronghold in the centuries of struggle with the Turks. (Alone among the Balkan states, Montenegro was never subjugated.)