The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL: July seventeenth, highlighting some highpoints of nature.

Sweeping panoramas always capture a traveler's attention. Last time, we listed a few world-class, man-made pinnacles of perspective. Today, we'll enjoy some natural highs.

Mountains and water are a classic combination especially when they include a city. Notable ocean-side vantage points include Victoria Peak over Hong Kong harbor, San Francisco's Telegraph Hill, Vancouver's Grouse Mountain and Sugar Loaf in Rio de Janeiro.

High cliffs can be exceptional. The White Cliffs of Dover are world famous, as are the Sagres cliffs on Portugal's Algarve, the cliffs of Moher on Ireland's west coast and the Rock of Gibraltar. View vultures flock to the Na Pali cliffs along the north shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai and the Greek Island of Santorini. Italy has the Amalfi and Cinque Terre coastlines. Stroll along California's Big Sur coastline to sense what it's like to be on the edge of a continent.

Not all oceans are found on the coast. Though its sea dried aeons ago, Phoenix's Camelback Mountain is worth the climb up. The Grand Canyon is worth the climb down. Peak vistas on volcanic islands from Hawaii to Saint Barts to Madeira generally justify the effort of getting there. Magnificent mountain panoramas can be found around every corner in the Alps, Appalachians, Himalayas, Pyrenees, Rockies and Urals. Israel's Masada Plateau offers a unique perspective on both landscape and life. If in Norway, make sure there's a fjord in your future. Finally, visit Peru's Machu Picchu at dawn, and you'll understand why ancient Incas worshipped the sun.

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