Around the World in 80 Days

About the destination: Paris, situated on the river Seine, is the capital and largest city in France. It is one of the most iconic cities in the world and it is considered one of the most beautiful and romantic cities, so much so that is has been dubbed the City of Love. Paris offers historical sights, monuments, a pleasant atmosphere, lovely cafés, parks and museums to satisfy any traveler. A large part of this City of Light, including the River Seine, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is home to some of the greatest old building in the world such as Le Tour Eiffel, Notre Dâme, Sacre Coeur, L´Arc de Triomphe, Palace of Versailles, the Moulin Rouge or the Hotel des Invalides. There is no ending of the list of things you have to see in this city, but Le Louvre, one of the finest museums in the world of art and culture, should not be missed. Paris remains vastly influential in the realms of art and design and is home to some of the most impressive modern buildings such as La Défense, the Centre Pompidou, the Institut du Monde Arabe or the Stade de France. Paris is a city of immense vitality and beauty and it is an amazing and fascinating destination. With its history and architectural patrimony, Paris is the city everyone wants to see.

About the destination: Frankfurt-am-Main is Germany’s major finance and business metropolis and its most cosmopolitan city. Dubbed “Mainhattan” due to its glitzy skyscrapers, it is also a thriving cultural centre, with important scientific research centres and universities, a lovely opera, many theatres and a rich collection of museums. The Römerberg is the historic heart of Frankfurt. In the centre of this gorgeous square we find a copy of the statue of Justice. In the southern end we have the cute Nikolai Church and to the west we have the famous Römer, the city hall which is composed of several building, dating back to the 15th and 16th century. Nearby we find the Goethe House, Frankfurt’s most treasured museum, it conveys a sense of the Goethe family’s bourgeois opulence. Behind the Historischer Garten, the historic garden, where you can walk among Roman and Carolingian excavations, the Frankfurter Dom rises. Frankfurt's main Catholic church held crowning ceremonies for the Holy Roman Emperors. This old Gothic style church is one of the most important churches in German history. Climb the tower for a stunning view of the city. The city’s nightlife is fascinating and wide-ranging. Its traditional live jazz scene is still kicking and a slew of trendy new bars offer visitors the chance to indulge on a night around town. On top of that, Frankfurt is crammed with amazing clubs for those who can happily dance until the early hours of the morning.

About the destination: Athens takes its name after the goddess of wisdom Athena, who is celebrated by the magnificent Acropolis, which overlooks the modern, cosmopolitan city that Athens is today. Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities and it is the birthplace of western philosophy, democracy and theater. Up to this date, the Greek capital remains a major worldwide centre of culture, with its historic centre, iconic classical sites and museums filled with ancient Greece artefacts. The Acropolis, crowned by the emblematic Parthenon, has been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cars were banned from the historic centre, which has become the most striking pedestrian promenade in Europe. In this archeological Park, visitors will witness the contrasting nature of this ancient metropolis being able to visit the New Acropolis Museum, a high-tech modern structure with light and airy exhibition spaces as well as the National Archaeological Museum, the largest archeological museum in Greece built in the 19th century and devoted to ancient Greek art. The Acropolis and Mount Lycavittos, the city’s highest points, are used as orientation since they are visible from most places in the Plaka, the old historical neighborhood. The Plaka is under the Acropolis and stretches almost to Syntagma, home of to the Greek Parliament. For a taste of the hedonistic Athenian lifestyle one should visit Monastiraki, where locals go to eat, drink and mingle. The night time belongs to Psirri, a vibrant neighbourhood known for its bars, live music venues and exciting nightclubs. Southeast of the city centre, a glorious stretch of coast affords dreamy views over the glistening blue Aegean Sea. Surely few European capitals can claim sandy beaches and clean water for swimming within such easy access. Athens therefore offers the best of both worlds – a fantastic city break as well as a lazy beach holiday. Athenians are surprisingly friendly and outgoing and their enthusiasm for life’s pleasurable pursuits is so infectious that even the stiffest traveler will take time out for endless coffees and evening strolls, dine out until late and enjoy the city’s nightlife, long after the rest of Europe has gone to bed.

About the destination: Cairo, one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East, is the capital of Egypt. Cairo has been a centre of great importance to many civilisations, cultures and religions. From Pharaonic and Greco-Roman to Ottoman and European, and passing by Jewish, Christian, and Islamic, each of its identities has left a strong imprint on Cairo, thus making it one of the most fascinating cities in the world. The Giza Plateau, that includes the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, is the only remaining monuments of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the country's most famous tourist attraction. The sheer mass of the pyramids is awe inspiring. Islamic Cairo, the centre of historic Cairo, is best done on foot. Located east of downtown, it is full of charming little mosques and water fountains. The most important sites to visit are the Citadel, Mohamed Ali Mosque, Khan el Khalili, the main bazaar, some historic mosques and displays of medieval architecture, as well as some of Cairo's Turkish baths or Hammams. No visit to Cairo is complete without seeing the Egyptian Museum. Exotic atmosphere, chaotic traffic, thousands of minarets, noise, charming people, Cairo is a fascinating city. Few cities in the world surpass Cairo in number of monuments or architectural styles. Cairo is not an ordinary city, Cairo is a whole world.

About the destination: Riyadh is the capital and largest city in Saudi Arabia with population at about 5 million. The city has a rapidly growing center where you will find new high raise buildings, international restaurants, hotels, shopping centers, modern offices and many more. Although being a major a business destination, it has maintained a balance between culture, tradition and economic growth. The historical core of Riyadh, Al-Murabba, has some interesting sites worth visiting such as the King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre, home to the National Museum and the Murabba Palace. The center of Riyadh, Al-Bathaa , is the oldest part of the city. Al Bathaa is home to the bus station, post office and Batha souk. Faisaliya Tower is one of the two iconic towers of the city of Riyadh. It contains a variety of attractions, including a viewing platform, a small photography gallery and a café known as the Top. Riyadh is a luxurious and prosperous city in the heart of the Arabic world. The city’s unique urban landscape makes it a true modern wonder.

About the destination: Bangkok, one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities, is the capital of Thailand. Bangkok is hot and crowded, but it's fairly clean and offers lots of fun things to do. Bangkok has great shopping, plenty of culture, amazing temples, delicious food and a decent art scene. Most of Bangkok's sights are concentrated on the island of Rattanakosin, often referred to as the Old City. The Grand Palace is the absolute must see site. The Grand Palace complex also houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Keow, the most sacred Buddhist temple. Other famous temples in Bangkok are the Wat Pho and Wat Arun temples. Bangkok is a great place for shopping. There are many shops, shopping centers and markets to satisfy every wish. The nightlife scene in Bangkok is as varied as the city itself, from beer bars to exclusive clubs, night shopping markets, discos to hippie parties. Bangkok is a large sprawling metropolis, noisy and crowded yet peaceful and delicate. It is one of the world’s top destinations that one has to visit at least once in life.

About the destination: Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. It is a dynamic harbor city and one of Asia's major financial centers. It consists of Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, the New Territories, and more than 260 small islands. Hong Kong Island presents an impressive skyline and is the main focus of most tourists. Hong Kong is a mix of ocean, islands, modern skyscrapers, old temples and fishing villages. The heart of the city is Victoria Harbor which both divides and connects Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. The most famous view of Hong Kong is from the Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island, reached by the Peak Tram. Other main attractions to visit in Hong Kong are the Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island, the old colonial buildings of Central amidst the uniquely modern and mirrored towers, some interesting museums, the densely populated areas of Kowloon and Mong kok and the picturesque and more peaceful areas of Stanley and Aberdeen. A city full of life and soul, Hong Kong offers an electric atmosphere, a vibrant cultural life, delicious cuisine, shopping, exciting night life, and many more surprises that will amaze even the most demanding tourist.

About the destination: Osaka is a big modern city in Japan. It is the central metropolis of the Kansai region and the largest of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto trio. It is a lively and exciting place that exudes a definite charm. Its history is rich, its scenery is gorgeous, and it's well-located close to the major cultural centers of Kyoto and Nara, and just a few hours by bullet train to Tokyo. Osaka has two major city centers, Kita, north side, and Minami, south side. Kita is a large shopping and business area, Minami is Osaka's most famous entertainment district. Osaka’s major attractions are the impressive, beautifully restored, castle and the truly wonderful aquarium. Osaka has some striking modern architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene and tasty local cuisine. To experience the city’s nightlife head to bustling Dōtonbori, a street jammed with restaurants and bars. There are also some beautiful places to visit just outside of the city. Minoo is a suburb of Osaka which offers pleasant woodland, an impressive waterfall, hiking opportunities and a relaxing spa. Osaka combines historical, cultural and artistic attractions with all the delights of a modern Japanese metropolis. Japan's third-largest city offers an exciting atmosphere, with fantastic connections to some of the most historic cities in Japan.

About the destination: Singapore is a city-state and the smallest country in Southeast Asia. Singapore has the highest standard of living in Asia and is a spotlessly clean, efficient, regulated, modern city. The city has an interesting mix of old and new cultures, combining the skyscrapers of the Business District with a very interesting blend of ancient cultures in some of its districts. Singapore is one of the greenest cities so much so that the city is dubbed the Garden City. One of the main attractions are the Botanic Gardens, which includes the superb Orchid garden that is beautifully landscaped and has a great variety of orchids. The Merlion is probably Singapore's most famous landmark. This Merlion structure is located at Merlion Park, which is located in the Central Business District. There are some fascinating ethnic areas such as Little India, Arab Street, Chinatown and Geylang. These areas are definitely worth visiting if you want to experience some real Singaporean culture. Other attractions include world class museums, stunning colourful shops, Marina bay and lush parks. Besides the shopping, Singapore has great food. Being home to various ethnic groups, Singapore has created a wonderful mix of flavors and textures in their cuisine. Singapore is one of the most vibrant and modern cites in Asia with a tropical climate, with delicious food, good shopping and a vibrant night-life scene it has become one top destination on its own right.

About the destination: Perth is a suburb in Western Australia that includes both the central business district of the Perth metropolitan area, and a suburban area spreading north to the northern side of Hyde Park. Perth is split between the City of Perth and the City of Vincent local authorities. There is plenty to see in the city centre within wandering distance or on a free CAT bus. Hidden among the sprawl of the surrounding and metropolitan area are a few worthwhile attractions usually less than an hour away by car, or a bit longer on public transport. Outside of the metropolitan area are some unspoilt national parks, unpopulated coastline and other interesting locations. There is a designated area in the zoo for kangaroos where they can wander on visitors' paths and the animals are used to people so you can see them very close. To see semi-wild kangaroos visit the Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park (a cemetery, but not European style) it’s a walking distance from Whitfords Transperth Train/Metro.

About the destination: Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Hawkesbury River, Sydney is considered one of the world's most beautiful and liveable cities in the world. It has an iconic skyline, some wonderful museums, delicious restaurants, a lively atmosphere and tons of natural beauty. As with any large city there are many attractions, but the most important are the Sydney Opera House, set on the Sydney harbor, it is one of the world's most recognized landmarks, the Sydney Harbor Bridge, Sydney's main catholic cathedral, St Mary's Cathedral, the Royal Botanic Gardens and a vast array of beautiful beaches. Sydney's most famous beach, Bondi Beach has a lively promenade and it is a famous spot amongst surfers. Just outside of Sydney, we have the Blue Mountains, an unspoiled mountain range filled with Eucalyptus trees. Sydney is a city of immense vitality and it is an amazing and fascinating destination. There is something for every visitor, history, art, culture, nature, fashion, gastronomy, architecture and above all, Sydney is a city that knows how to have fun.

About the destination: Auckland is the largest metropolitan area in both Polynesia and New Zealand and a vibrant city with multicultural influence. It is located between two natural harbours, the Waitemata Harbour and the Manukau Harbour and it is dubbed the City of Sails, since it has the highest number of boats per capita in the world. In the city center, there are many galleries, museums, theatres, trendy bars, and top class restaurants which offer an extensive range of cuisine. The Skytower dominates the city’s skyline and offers a spectacular view of the city. Queen Street, the commercial hub area, starts at Waitemata Harbour and runs for nearly three kilometres in a virtual straight line. From the city centre you can walk to the Auckland Domain and the Museum, Albert Park, Parnell, a lovely historic precinct, and up to Newmarket with its many shops. From there it is not far to Mt. Eden and its impressive crater, and to Cornwall Park which is at the foot of the famous One Tree Hill. One Tree Hill, an extinct volcano cone and ancient Maori settlement offers great panoramic views of this sprawling city. Cosmopolitan and charming, Auckland is easily accessible, beautiful, and with plenty to do. It certainly is New Zealand's most vibrant city.

About the destination: Rio de Janeiro, often referred to simply as Rio, is a Brazilian municipality, capital of the homonymous state, located in the Southeast of the country. The largest international tourist destination in Brazil, Latin America and the entire Southern Hemisphere, the capital of Rio de Janeiro is the best known Brazilian city abroad, functioning as a "mirror", or "portrait" nationally, whether positive ly or negatively. It is the second largest metropolis in Brazil, after São Paulo, and the sixth largest in America. It has the epithet of The Wonderful City and the one that is born in it is called carioca. Part of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is one of the main economic, cultural and financial centers of the country, being internationally known for several cultural and landscape icons, such as sugar loaf, corcovado hill with the statue of Christ the Redeemer, the beaches of the neighborhoods of Copacabana, Ipanema and Barra da Tijuca, maracanã stadium, the bohemian neighborhood of Lapa, the forests of Tijuca and Pedra Branca, the island of Paquetá, The New Year's Eve of Copacabana, the Rio carnival, Bossa Nova and samba. It was the capital of Brazil, from colonial Portuguese until 1960, when the government's office was transferred to the newly built Brasilia. Welcome to this wonderful city, considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

About the destination: Lima is the capital of Peru and its largest city. Most people just use Lima as a gate to Cuzco, Arequipa or Amazonas, but Lima, dubbed the City of the Kings, has lots to offer visitor. It is a city with many interesting historical sites, monumental colonial architecture and old world charm.Plaza Mayor or Plaza de Armas is in the heart of the Historic Centre of Lima. It is surrounded by some of the mayor tourist attractions in Lima, the Cathedral, the Archbishop Palace and the Government Palace. In the middle of the square there is a fountain with a bronze statue. Jirón de la Unión is the pedestrian street that connects the Plaza de Armas and the Plaza San Martín. It used to be a very important street where Aristocrats live, nowadays it's mainly a shopping street, but you can find many lovely colonial buildings with wooden balconies and grilled ornate windows while you walk along. Lima is a city tied to the ocean. The Costera promenade runs along its coast and is home to numerous restaurants and cafes. Lima is also the best place to try the wonderful Peruvian cuisine, which has a huge variety of ingredients from coast, mountain and Amazon regions.Lima is big and chaotic, but with its beautiful sights, great food and cool people it is well worth a visit.

About the destination: Nicknamed the City of Angels, Los Angeles is a leading world centre of business, international trade, entertainment, culture, media, fashion, science, sports, technology, and education. Los Angeles is architecturally diverse and its attractions are spread over a large area. Downtown is a thriving urban centre, a business district and home to the Grand Avenue cultural corridor. Everyone knows about Hollywood and you have got to visit the Hollywood sign, when in Los Angeles, as well as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where Hollywood celebrates its contribution to entertainment through these celebrity stars. Experience the colourful lifestyle of the West Coast on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Here, you will find a festive atmosphere, eclectic entertainers and funky shops. By the scene at Santa Monica Beach, is the famous Pier with a perennial carnival like setting. Draws locals, as well as visitors from around the world. Located in Griffith Park on Mt. Hollywood is the Griffith Observatory. This great public observatory has state of the art facilities and excellent views of Los Angeles. If you are a shopping buff, you will love Rodeo Drive. A glamorous shopping District, Rodeo Drive is full of upscale and fashionable shops. Take a walk around Beverly Hills, you might even spot a celebrity in this neighbourhood. This city offers great weather, good shopping, lots of diversity, great cultural events, excellent dining, and friendly people. Los Angeles is cool, fake, stylized, vast and never boring.

About the destination: Vancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. Vancouver is the eighth largest Canadian municipality and one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities in Canada. Explore the cobbled streets, shopping, dining and unique architecture of Gastown, a national historic site. Vancouver houses the second largest Chinatown in North America after San Francisco. It has many unique, as well as traditional shops. Granville Island is a popular peninsula connected to Vancouver. With its colourful market, it's a draw amongst locals and visitors alike. Vancouver wouldn't be the same without Stanley Park, one of the great urban parks. It's a perfect city escape. Overlooking Vancouver city, Grouse Mountain has winter skiing and even an excellent wildlife refuge. Vancouver has grown into a cosmopolitan city nestled in the great outdoors. Enjoy the snow-capped mountains, waterfront forests, cityside beaches, Olympic history and the world’s highest suspension bridge.

About the destination: Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the provincial capital of Ontario. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. Cultured and cosmopolitan, Toronto is considered the most multiculturally diverse city on the planet. Dominating Toronto's skyline, we find CN Tower. This communication tower stands at a staggering 1,815 feet and it offers spectacular Toronto views. An important historic landmark of Toronto is the Old City Hall, dating from 1899. Canada's largest museum of world culture, the Royal Ontario Museum displays impressive artefacts and archaeological objects from around the world. Casa Loma is a magnificent castle on a hill in the north end of Toronto, admire its restored rooms and gardens. Located an hour and a half away from Toronto, we find the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls. Come visit Toronto. Walk the streets by day and by night. Savour the sights, sounds and the exhilarating tastes of every cafe, restaurant, market and festival. Revel in the renewed energy and bold new looks of the famous attractions and facilities. Experience the top theatre, international dining, shopping and a full schedule of major league sports and special events. It is all yours to discover.

About the destination: New York City is an international metropolis built on the shoulders of immigrants and their descendants. New York City is home to eight million people, and the city receives more than 50 million visitors per year. Your New York City tour should include sampling the food of hundreds of different cultures, and you can explore it easily on foot, by taxi, or via the famous subway system. A gift from the French people to the American people, the Statue of Liberty is a universal symbol of freedom and the city’s most famous landmark. Wall Street acts as the heart of big business being the home of the New York Stock Exchange. The Empire State Building looms over the Big Apple as the second-tallest building in the city, with the nearby Chrysler Building also dominates the landscape. Nearby is the headquarters of United Nations overlooking the East River and Grand Central Terminal, one of the busiest train stations in the world. No New York sightseeing is complete without a visit to Times Square. Take in its billboards, its many people, and its food, then cross over to Central Park, which comprises 850 acres of lakes and meadows, where to get away from the city buzz. You also have your pick of art and history museums, as well as the Reflecting Absence Memorial and Museum, where you can pay your respects to the victims of 9/11. Even though Manhattan houses most of the city’s landmarks, each of the districts of the city has its unique and distinctive personality worth exploring. From the historic streets of Brooklyn to Queens’s international cuisine, there is something for every type of person in the city. Most of all, New York is a city to have fun and indulge oneself. So, enjoy yourself, and get ready to take a bite out of the Big Apple. New York City has everything for everyone: architecture, art, cuisine, entertainment, shopping. It's all here.