For centuries, Assisi, Italy has been the focus of spiritual activity. The ancient city might be best known as the birthplace of Saint Francis, yet the tangled streets offer much more than a pilgrimage.

Situated in the Province of Perugia, the compact city perches in Monte Subasio National Park on the Apennine Mountains. The views from nearly anywhere in the ancient city are spectacular. Mists rise up from the olive groves early in the morning. Soon the rays of the sun pierce the air and slant across the valley below.

Walking trails wander for kilometers...

Cheap plane tickets are great to grab, especially when airfare is such a large part of the travel budget. Travelers can get more out of their vacation from accommodations to tours by starting with this pictorial introduction compiled with an artist’s perspective. The view from the hotel or the hostel and every daytrip navigated with a local map will mean so much more after exploring Panoramas of Portugal.

Portugal has a long and varied history. After being invaded and settled by groups as old as the Pre-Celts and the Romans, struggles continued with...