Silk & Sands Passage

As the seat of Parliament of South Africa and the oldest city in the country, Cape Town holds great political and cultural significance. A newer addition to Cape Town, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa has made a splash in the global art world as the first major institution to dedicate its exhibits exclusively for artists from across Africa and the diaspora. Hike the trail at Lion's Head for an invigorating trek through nature. Greenmarket Square is a quintessential marketplace to immerse yourself in the local life and admire energetic vibes, with street musicians keeping things lively and cobblestone streets offering a glimpse of the street's far-reaching history.

On the northernmost tip of St. Vincent and The Grenadines lies the tranquil and relaxing Bequia. From Port Elizabeth, the golden sands, calm azure waters and laid-back atmosphere beckon you and your fellow explorers to savor every moment amid such breathtaking beauty. With the trade winds providing almost year-round breezes, Bequia offers great conditions for windsurfers. In the calm beach shallows, opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding invite you and your companions to revel in the maritime life of the island. With nearly 30 dive sites around Bequia, the thrill of adventure and exploration calls beyond the shoreline. Gather your new friends for a stroll along Belmont Walkway, where the path leads to the local favorite, Gingerbread. Here, you can treat your taste buds to homemade nutmeg ice cream. Venture out to the cliffs, where you find the Moonhole homes, a small enclave built entirely from scavenged materials built to be ecologically friendly.

When you think of the quintessential whitewashed houses of Greece with blue domes and windmills sprinkled throughout the landscape, it's Santorini that comes to mind. This island of the Cyclades contains lush scenery, a quaint charm and cosmopolitan feel all at once.

Just 300 steps down from the northern city of Oia you will find Amoudi Bay, an exquisite vista of vibrant red cliffs and the caldera that demand you stop and take in the view. In the little village of the bay you will find the Greek island life thriving amid the local tavernas serving the catch of the day.

Discover one of the most prominent excavations of prehistoric settlements in the Aegean at the Akrotiri archaeological village. Ruins from the ancient city date back as far as 1700 BCE before it was buried by a volcanic eruption. But the first inhabitants date even further back to the Late Neolithic period (fourth millennium BCE).

For the wine lovers who are curious about the history and process of their favorite drink, the Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum is a must-visit. Nestled within a natural cave six meters underground, a tour of the museum and tasting of the vineyard's Volcan wines is an experience like none other.

A visit to Santorini is not complete until you sample the local fare - fava me koukia. Mashed fava beans are prepped with lemon, parsley, dill and fennel for a delectable Greek dish popular among the islanders. Or opt for tomato gefthedes (tomato fritters) for another savory selection.

Athens is still as iconic as ever. Winding pathways from ancient times transformed into modern-day roads and streets lead you to the monumental gateway of the Acropolis and other archaeological sites. It is a land soaked in history and mythology, but not stuck in the past.

As you wend through back alleys, passing the street art and getting serenaded by street musicians, you are never lost. You are simply taking a journey to an unknown destination. You may find yourself at the likes of the Church of Agioi at the southeast corner of the Holy Apostles Ancient Agora, a less-crowded historical site away from the flocks of tourists.

Try your hand at haggling with local vendors at the Plaka or Monastiraki flea market. There are so many handmade wares and trinkets to peruse and purchase. Keep an eye out for the more risqué souvenirs if you want a good laugh.

Aside from venturing through the cradle of Western Civilization, you can explore the port of Piraeus. It is the biggest port in Greece and one of the most important ports of the Mediterranean. Centuries of history have transformed this seaside town from a wartime fortress to a major shipping and transportation center.