In the city of Guimarães, a municipality located in northern Portugal, in the district of Braga

 “If there is one portion of Europe which was made by the sea more than another, Portugal is that slice, that portion, that belt. Portugal was made by the Atlantic.” – Hilaire Belloc

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(in the birthplace of Portugal) Guimarães is a city and municipality located in northern Portugal, in the district of Braga. Its historic town center has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, in recognition for being an "exceptionally well-preserved and authentic example of the evolution of a medieval settlement into a modern town" in Europe. The Nicolinas (Portuguese: Festas Nicolinas) are a series of festivities to honor Saint Nicholas that occur in the city. Held between November 29th and December 7th, they celebrate the old traditions and camaraderie of the inhabitants of es is also referred to as the capital of the Ave Subregion (one of the most industrialized subregions in the country), which is located in the historical Minho Province. Guimarães, along with Maribor, Slovenia, was the European Capital of Culture in 2012.

+ Guimarães has a significant historical importance due to the role it played in the foundation of Portugal. The city is commonly referred to as the "birthplace of Portugal" or "the cradle city," because it was in Guimarães that Portugal's first King, Afonso Henriques was born, and also due to the fact that the Battle of São Mamede -- which is considered the seminal event for the foundation of the Kingdom of Portugal – was fought in the vicinity of the city.

+ The History of Guimarães is associated with the foundation and identity of the Portuguese nationality. Guimarães, as well as other settlements, precedes the foundation of Portugal and because of its role in the foundation of the country it is known as the "cradle of the Portuguese nationality." In 1128, major political and military events that would lead to the independence and the birth of a new nation took place in Guimarães. For this reason, in one of the old towers of the city's old wall it is written "Aqui nasceu Portugal" (Portugal was born here).

+ According to archeological findings in Citânia (Castro) of Briteiros and Sabroso and Penha's archeologic site, the area in which Guimarães is located has had permanent settlements since the late Chalcolithic period. There is also evidence of Roman occupation, and a stone dedicated to the Roman emperor Trajan found in Caldas das Taipas suggests that this was already a spa town in Roman times.

+ Until the 19th century the structure of the city did not suffer many transformations besides the construction of a few more churches, convents, and palaces. It was by the ending of the 19th century that new urbanistic ideas of hygiene and symmetry that the village, which was promoted to a city by Queen Maria II on 23 June 1853, had its greatest changes.

+ The promenade is adorned with romantic French-style gardens, and in the background of the image, another of the emblematic images of the city, the Igreja de São Gualter

In the island of Capri on the Amalfi Coast in Italy

 "Capri on the Amalfi Coast in Italy is my ultimate holiday destination."

-- Vidal Sassoon
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(in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the Sorrento Peninsula, on the south side of the Gulf of Naples in the Campania region of Italy) Capri is a dreamy island where ancient Roman emperors, famous writers,, and glamorous celebrities have all found inspiration and relaxation. Visitors can explore the ruins of Villa Jovis, the lavish residence of Emperor Tiberius, or admire the views from Villa Lysis, the poetic retreat of Jacques d'Adelswärd-Fersen. One can also take a chairlift to the top of Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island, and enjoy a vista of the sea and the sky. Or, you can hop on a boat and cruise around the island, to find the enchanting caves and grottos that dot the coastline, like the famous Blue Grotto. (Capri is a place to indulge in the beauty of nature, the charm of history, and the elegance of culture.)

+The rough cliffs and crystal clear waters of this small island seem to be created straight from dreams and mythology. It's rumored to be where the seductive sirens sang to Odysseus and his sailors in Homer's "The Odyssey," and one can see why their offer was so tantalizing. From bright green trees and gardens to colorful marinas and squares, Capri is a paradisiacal destination every bit as beautiful as artistic renderings make it out to be. The small getaway in the Bay of Naples has been a hot spot for royalty and celebrities since the Roman times. Thus, it is flush with world-class restaurants, breathtaking hikes, five-star hotels, and chic shops. Whether you're visiting for a daytrip or for a month-long vacation, you'll be smitten with the laid-back charm of Capri and yearn to return as soon as possible.

A popular way to see the natural wonders of this southern Italian island is by boat. Popular attractions such as the Blue Grotto, Green Grotto, and Faraglioni can be seen during a short trip circumnavigating the island. But you can easily stay on land to have a good time as well. Two walkable and attractive towns, Capri and Anacapri, have shops, historical attractions, and restaurants littered within their winding streets. And two attractive beaches sit on either side of the island at either Marina Grande or Marina Piccola. If you are a history buff, you can visit multiple museum complexes showcasing Capri's storied past. And if you enjoy getting outside and finding the perfect view, you can either take the chairlift up Mount Solaro or take a hike to the Natural Arch.

+ Since the second half of the 19th century, Capri has gradually become one of the most popular resorts in southern Italy, famous for its magnificent scenery and the mild climate in which vegetation flourishes. The flora is among the most varied in Italy, and large numbers of migratory birds rest here for days. There are fine bathing beaches and numerous hotels and villas, and Capri is connected with Naples and Sorrento by frequent steamer and hydrofoil services.

In the valley of Luberon, a massif in central Provence in Southern France

 Whether you are cruising the clifftop roads, sunbathing on the beaches, or browsing the weekly markets, Provence and the Côte d'Azur are sun-drenched, and seductive.

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(in southeastern France) Provence is a geographical region and historical province of France that extends from the left bank of the lower Rhône river to the west, to the Italian border to the east, and is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the south. It largely corresponds with the modern administrative region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and includes the departments of Var, Bouches-du-Rhône, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, as well as parts of Alpes-Maritimes and Vaucluse. (The largest city of the region and its modern-day capital is Marseille.)

+ The Romans made the region the first Roman province beyond the Alps and called it Provincia Romana, which evolved into the present name. Until 1481 it was ruled by the counts of Provence from their capital in Aix-en-Provence, but it then became a province of the kings of France. While it has been part of France for more than 500 years, it still retains a distinct cultural and linguistic identity, particularly in the interior of the region.

+ With the establishment of Greek colonies (among them Massilia [modern Marseille]) in the area by the beginning of the 6th century BCE, Provence was first oriented toward the civilization of the Mediterranean. In 125 BCE the Massiliots appealed to the Romans for help against a coalition of neighboring Celts and Ligurians. The Romans defeated the coalition but maintained its occupation of the region. Thus, by the end of the 2nd century BCE, Provence formed part of Gallia Transalpina, the first Roman province beyond the Alps, from which the area took its name. By the 4th century CE, Arles, an important meeting place for merchants, was the seat of the prefecture of all Gaul, and Marseille was the main center of Greek studies in the west.

+ The main lavender fields of Provence are centered between the Luberon and Verdon plateau regions to the north of Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, and to the east of Avignon. The flowering period for lavender starts in mid-June and lasts until the end of August. There are a large number of fields, scattered over four French départements called les Alpes de Haute-Provence, les Hautes-Alpes, le Vaucluse and la Drôme. The best places to see lavender in Provence are grouped into four areas: Plateau de Valensole Lavender Fields, Pays de Sault, Luberon Lavender Fields, and Drôme Provençale.

+ With quaint villages and rolling vineyards, Provence is perhaps the best place in the world to see fields upon fields of lavender. This charming region is known for being stunningly beautiful. It is also known for its cuisine that incorporates lavender into its oils, honey. and great sorbets.

+ The Luberon Valley is the locals’ favorite, with its hilltop villages and beautiful scenery. Should you want to see authentic Provence, along with lavender fields, Luberon Valley is a great choice.

In the city of Cagliari, capital of the island region of Sardinia

 "There is not in Italy what there is in Sardinia, nor in Sardinia what there is in Italy." -- Francesco Cetti

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(in Sardinia) The city of Cagliari, capital of the island region of Sardinia, lies at the northern extremity of the Gulf of Cagliari, on the south coast of the island. Known to the Greeks as Cardlis and to the Romans as Caralis, the main Carthaginian stronghold in Sardinia was occupied by the Romans in the Second Punic War. In imperial Roman times Caralis became the most important town on the island, mainly due to ts fine sheltered harbor -- where a detachment of the fleet of Misenum was stationed. It was also the chief point of the Sardinian road system. Though it was independent in the European Middle Ages, it later fell to the Pisans and the Aragonese before passing, with the rest of Sardinia, to the house of Savoy in 1718.

+ Long the military headquarters of the island, Cagliari had important Italian naval and air bases until they were destroyed by heavy Allied bombing in World War II. The harbor has been rebuilt and is now Sardinia’s principal port.

+ Cagliar is an autonomous region of Italy, with about 155,000 inhabitants, while its metropolitan city (including Cagliari and 16 other nearby municipalities) has about 420,000 inhabitants. According to Eurostat, the population of the functional urban area (the commuting zone of Cagliari), rises to 476,975.

+ The best way to arrive in Sardinia’s historic capital is by sea, the city rising in a helter-skelter of golden-hued palazzi, domes and facades up to the rocky centerpiece, Il Castello. Cagliari is the most Italian of Sardinia’s cities. Vespas buzz down tree-fringed boulevards and locals hang out at busy cafes that are tucked under arcades in the seafront Marina district.

+ An ancient city with a long history, Cagliari's historical sites include the prehistoric Domus de Janas, a large Carthaginian era necropolis, a Roman era amphitheater, a Byzantine basilica, three Pisan-era towers and a strong system of fortification that made the town the core of Spanish Habsburg imperial power in the western Mediterranean Sea. Its natural resources have always been its sheltered harbor, the often powerfully fortified hill of Castel di Castro, the modern Casteddu, the salt from its lagoons, and, from the hinterland, wheat from the Campidano plain and silver and other ores from the Iglesiente mines.

+ Cagliari was the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia from 1324 to 1848, when Turin became the formal capital of the kingdom (which in 1861 became the Kingdom of Italy). Today the city is a regional cultural, educational, political, and artistic center, known for its diverse Art Nouveau architecture and several monuments. It is also Sardinia's economic and industrial hub, having one of the biggest ports in the Mediterranean Sea, and an international airport; it is also the seat of the University of Cagliari, since 607, and of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cagliari, since the 5th century CE.

In the seaport city of Côte-d’Azur or French Riviera, southeastern France

 With its mix of real-city life, old-world opulence, year-round sunshine, vibrant street life, and stunning seaside location, no place in France compares with Nice.

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(At the eastern edge of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur coastline) Nice, which is often referred to as the “Queen of the French Riviera,” is a city that dazzles with its coastal charm and artistic heritage. As one of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean, its allure is undeniable. The Promenade des Anglais, with its palm trees and azure waters, is a sight to behold, offering quite a blend of urban sophistication and beachside relaxation.

+ Venture into the Old Town where you will be greeted by a maze of narrow alleys filled with vibrant markets, quaint cafes, and historic structures. The Cours Saleya, famous for its flower market, is a sensory delight, with colors and fragrances that captivate the soul. The city is a popular hub for art lovers, boasting museums dedicated to greats like Marc Chagall and Henri Matisse. As evening descends, the city comes alive with its vibrant nightlife, from jazz clubs to beachfront bars. As you soak in the Mediterranean vibes, it becomes evident that visiting Nice is an experience that combines culture, history, and the quintessential Riviera elegance.

+ Nice is also the capital of the French Riviera; in addition to many museums and beaches, you will find beautiful sights, green parks, and a long seaside promenade The deep blue waters of the Cote d’Azur are the dramatic backdrop for the cultural capital of the French Riviera, set on the Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels). Stroll, bike, or rollerblade the famous Promenade des Anglais, a palm-tree-lined, four-mile stretch that runs along the sea shore. A hike up Castle Hill offers incredible panoramic views, while a walk through the pretty streets of Old Town delivers on fine cafés, a famed flower market, and busy brasseries serving delicious Provençal food. It is easy to see why Nice was a haven for painters like Marc Chagall and Matisse, and if you need a break from Nice’s endless sun, you can visit local museums highlighting their work. Don’t pass up the chance to experience the French Riviera’s glitz and glamor by taking day trips to Saint Tropez and Monaco (offering night-long clubbing,

+ This seaport city, Mediterranean tourist center, and capital of the Alpes-Maritimes départment of the Provence–Alpes–Côte-d’Azur région of France is located on the Baie (bay) des Anges, 20 miles (32 km) from the Italian border. Sheltered by beautiful hills, Nice has a great climate and is the leading resort city of the Côte d’Azur, or French Riviera.

+ Tourism is one of the city’s main economic activities. Apart from the beaches and yachting harbor, tourism is stimulated by Nice’s cultural facilities, shops, and architectural heritage; in addition, numerous events and festivals are organized each year, notably the Carnival of Nice, which dates from 1873, but also including the open tennis tournament.

In the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, the pilgrimage town of Lourdes, France

 In 1858, Lourdes rose to prominence in France and abroad due to the Marian apparitions to the peasant girl Bernadette Soubirous (who was later canonized for her virtuous life). Shortly thereafter, the city and its Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes became one of the world's most important sites of pilgrimage and religious tourism.

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(in southwestern France) The sprawling pilgrimage town of Lourdes, in the Hautes-Pyrénées départment of the Occitanie région is found southwest of Toulouse. Situated at the foot of the Pyrenees and now on both banks of a torrent, the Gave de Pau, the town and its fortress formed a strategic stronghold in medieval times. During the Hundred Years’ War the French captured it from the English in 1406 after an 18-month siege. The medieval castle, on the right bank of the Gave de Pau, has an interesting 14th-century keep.

+ The contemporary importance of Lourdes dates from 1858. In that year, from February 11 to July 16, Bernadette Soubirous, a 14-year-old girl, had numerous visions of the Virgin Mary in the nearby Massabielle grotto, on the left bank of the stream. The visions were declared authentic by Pope Pius IX in 1862, and veneration of Mary as Our Lady of Lourdes was authorized. The underground spring in the grotto, revealed to Bernadette, was declared to have miraculous qualities, and Lourdes became a major pilgrimage center. The basilica, built above the grotto in 1876, eventually became overcrowded by the increasing number of pilgrims, and in 1958 an immense prestressed concrete underground church, seating 20,000, was dedicated. Lourdes is visited by millions every year, and tourism plays a dominant role in the local economy.

+ Bernadette, christened Marie-Bernard, was born on January 7, 1844, in Lourdes. On February 11, 1858, she went to gather twigs for firewood by the banks of the Gave de Pau. Bernadette heard the roar of a great wind, but the trees were still. Looking up, she saw in a nearby grotto a vision she later described as “a lady, young and beautiful.”

+ Bernadette continued to have visions, always in the grotto. During the ninth vision she uncovered a trickle of water that proved to be a spring. A few days later a blind stonecutter bathed his eyes in the water and reported a miraculous cure. Thousands of people began gathering there, and more such cures were attributed to the use of the water.

+ Bernadette took final vows as a nun with the Sisters of Charity at Nevers, France, in 1878. On April 16, 1879, Bernadette died of tuberculosis and was buried in the convent chapel. She was beatified in 1925 and was canonized as Saint Bernadette on December 8, 1933. Her feast day is February 18.

+Today, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes (shown here) stands near the site of Saint Bernadette’s visions:

In the capital city of Serbia, Belgrade

 Belgrade is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe and the world. It lies at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers in the north-central part of Serbia.

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(in the capital city of Serbia) Belgrade is located at the convergence of three historically important routes of travel between Europe and the Balkans: an east-west route along the Danube River valley from Vienna to the Black Sea; another that runs westward along the valley of the Sava River toward Trieste and northern Italy; and a third running southeast along the valleys of the Morava and Vardar rivers to the Aegean Sea. To the north and west of Belgrade lies the Pannonian Basin, which includes the great grain-growing region of Vojvodina. Belgrade is designated as a city that never sleeps. The city boasts popular nightlife destinations with floating clubs on its river that feature some great parties and lots of fun. It is also home to some great Museums that unravel the history of this crown jewel. (Top attractions include Belgrade Fortress, Saint Sava Temple, and Nikola Tesla Museum.)

+ Diverse, welcoming, and a a lot of fun -- everything you never heard about Serbia is true. Best of all, this landlocked country in the heart of the Balkans is still delightfully off the tourist trail. While the feisty Serbian spirit is embodied in Belgrade’s world-class nightlife and Novi Sad’s epic EXIT Festival, look beyond these historic metropolises and you’ll discover a crucible of cultures and unsullied outdoors ripe for exploration. Outspoken, adventurous, proud, and audacious, Belgrade's gritty exuberance makes it one of Europe's most fascinating cities. While it hurtles towards a brighter future, its chaotic past unfolds before your eyes: socialist blocks are squeezed between art nouveau masterpieces, and remnants of the Habsburg legacy contrast with Ottoman relics and socialist modernist monoliths. This is where the Sava and Danube Rivers meet, an old-world culture that at once evokes time-capsuled communist-era Yugoslavia and new-world, EU-contending cradle of coolness. From 1921 Belgrade was the capital of the three successive Yugoslav states, including the rump Yugoslavia. The city’s rapid population growth since World War II resulted primarily from the migration from rural areas of Serbia as a consequence of industrialization. Most of the inhabitants are Serbs; the largest non-Serb groups are Croats and Montenegrins.

Since World War II Belgrade has become an industrial city that produces motors, tractors and combines, machine tools, electrical equipment, chemicals, textiles, and building materials. It is the largest commercial center in Serbia. A number of international railroad lines pass through Belgrade, which is also served by highways and by river vessels traveling up the Danube from the Black Sea or arriving from western Europe via the Main-Danube Canal. Nikola Tesla Airport is located west of the city at Surčin.

+Shown here is Belgrade's city center: