With ferries connecting bustling Vancouver with the wilderness of Vancouver Island in less than two hours, these two destinations can be visited as part of the same trip. While it is possible to take a day trip to Vancouver Island, you may feel pressed for time. Splitting your vacation across the two is the perfect solution. 

Culture

Vancouver is the most ethnically diverse city in Canada. You can explore historic and modern art at the Vancouver Art Gallery, where special attention is paid to the achievements of First Nations artists. On the other hand, the UBC Museum of Anthropology displays preeminent First Nations artworks, sculptures, and artifacts.

Victoria, the capital of Vancouver Island, is not without its share of museums and galleries. The Royal BC Museum explores natural and human history through its three permanent galleries: Natural History, Becoming BC, and the First Peoples Gallery.

Greek island hopping is a trip of a lifetime for travelers who appreciate excellent food, sandy beaches, and rich cultural history. Where to start if you can only visit one? The following Greek islands are perfect for first-time visitors as a sole destination or as part of an island hopping itinerary. You’ll see that each isle is characterized by its own unique offering. 

Milos – Best for Beaches 

Milos is located within the Cyclades group of Greek islands. Both the Venus de Milo and the Asclepius of Milos were discovered on this horseshoe-shaped island. Milos consists of volcanic hinterland fringed with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear aquamarine water. 

There are around 70 beaches and swimming coves in total, surrounded by dramatic white cliffs that have been molded by waves and wind. Some, such as Sarakiniko Beach, almost resemble the craters of the moon. This beach along with Firopotamos and Pollonia is just a selection of what awaits you on this glorious Greek island for beach lovers. 

Its principal town, Plaka, is perched high above the island and provides incredible panoramic views. The town features the iconic whitewashed buildings of Greece and benefits from sublime sunsets. 

Often overshadowed by its southern coastline, mountainous Northern Spain is alive with greenery and gastronomy. Coastal cities fuse old and new while catering to travelers seeking a mix of culture with glorious seascapes. Beyond the coast, a network of vineyards is responsible for crafting some of the best Spanish wines. Add the northern coast of Spain to your radar and explore the following areas. 

Bilbao

Straddling its namesake estuary, Bilbao is the largest city in Basque Country. This handsome city is a blend of modern skyscrapers alongside historic plazas and churches and the winding streets of Old Town. Home to the Guggenheim Museum and the Fine Arts Museum, Bilbao is one of the best destinations in Spain for art lovers. Furthermore, innumerable sculptures stud the streets. Visit the Azkuna Zentroa – a modernist cultural center with visual and performance art exhibitions housed within a former wine exchange.

La Rioja

An easy day trip from Bilbao, La Rioja is a province located at the base of the Cantabrian Mountains that is known for its wine production. Vineyards are scattered across the Ebro and Duero River Valleys with Haro and Logroño towns providing an excellent base to start your wine tour. This area claims credit for Spain’s noteworthy Tempranillo wines, full-bodied with a fruity finish.

In Central and Eastern Europe, you will find some of the most spectacular landscapes, architecture—castles, churches, and war memorials—as well as some of the most colorful, inviting cultures in the world. But what's the best way to see it all? An AmaWaterways cruise down the Danube River, of course.
 
Germany 

The journey begins with a guided tour through the beautiful medieval city of Nuremberg, where you'll see the Imperial Castle, the famous town wall, and the Market Square's legendary fountain. There's a guided tour of the city's most significant WWII sites for history buffs, including the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds and the Nuremberg Trials Memoriam and Courtroom 600 (if the courtroom is not in session).
 
Next, you can savor traditional Franconian specialties including Nuremburger bratwurst, rotbier (red beer) and lebkuchen (gingerbread). While en route to the next destination, Regensburg, you'll cruise through the man-made Main-Danube Canal.
 
In Regensburg, you'll be treated to a guided walking tour through one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities. In Regensburg, you'll see all the city's architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. And if all that walking makes you hungry, there are the old Bavarian specialties to satisfy you—beer, sausage, and pretzels. 
 
Next, take a bike tour to Walhalla, where you will see the neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. 
 
The journey continues as you cruise to lower Bavaria's city of Passau, where you'll enjoy a walking tour along cobblestone streets and see Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Then, if you're looking to work in a bit of exercise, choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress.