60 days in Europe, United States, South Pacific & Asia Itinerary

Small in size but rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, Portugal features contrasting landscapes that include long beaches, lush vineyards, verdant valleys, and rolling hills dotted with tiny settlements where old traditions still prevail. The country's serene interior, often overlooked by foreigners, remains largely unspoiled by mass tourism and offers visitors a chance to discover this less-trodden part of Europe at their own pace. Ripe for leisurely adventures on foot or by bicycle, Portugal's fertile countryside boasts well-preserved medieval castles and outstanding wineries, producing some of the world's finest ports. The country's cities offer a lively culinary scene known for its many award-winning restaurants, topping the itineraries of foodies from around the globe.

More than the country of car-packed streets seen in TV shows and movies, the United States of America is a complex and diverse home to over 300 million people living in a wide range of landscapes and climates. From its big-city skyscrapers to its sprawling natural parks, the country's ''melting pot'' combines many ethnic groups that share a strong sense of national identity despite their cultural differences. A country of road trips and big blue skies, the United States harbors orderly cities filled with restaurants, parks, museums, and innumerable sightseeing opportunities, as well as pristine natural areas perfect for a holiday in the great outdoors. To see as much as you can of this diverse land quickly, drive over some of the more than 6 million km (4 million mi) of highways leading through deserts, mountain peaks, fertile fields, and giant urban centers.

Occupying territory inhabited since prehistoric times, Pakistan saw more than its share of ancient invaders, from the Bronze Age civilizations that thrived in the Indus Valley to the armies of Alexander of Macedonia. Each culture left a deep mark on the country's cultural heritage, shaping its religious traditions, art, and cuisine. Because of continued political instability in the region, few casual travelers consider a trip to Pakistan for pleasure, yet the intrepid explorers who do will discover a land blessed with numerous natural and cultural treasures. While thriving cities lie in the country's south, the remote and rarely visited north remains a wild frontier of soaring mountain ranges, which include K2, the world's second-highest mountain.