Situated on the famous River Thames in south-central England, London, the largest city in the United Kingdom, boasts an iconic skyline and dates back thousands of years to the Roman Empire. The capital city is home to world-class Michelin star restaurants, and four World Heritage sites: the Tower of London, Kew Gardens, the Palace of Westminster, and the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. Other phenomenal attractions include Madame Tussauds; the London Eye; the West End Theatres; and premier shopping at several famous markets and iconic department stores. Visitors may also enjoy a river cruise along the Thames past the Houses of Parliament and Westminster, or visit the British Museum, Natural History Museum, Tate Modern and the Science Museum. Don’t miss a visit to the Queen's official residence at Buckingham Palace to view the world-famous changing of the guards.
Taormina enjoys an idyllic location, favourably perched on a steep mountainside with panoramic views of Mount Etna, two grand sweeping bays and a picturesque Graeco-Roman amphitheatre. Drenched in sunshine year-round, this chic resort town attracts a steady stream of celebrities and holidaying high-rollers. Despite its unashamedly touristy atmosphere, its natural beauty is undeniable. The town’s chaotic network of winding streets is strewn with luxury designer boutiques, ancient churches and flower-filled balconies adorning beautifully restored medieval buildings and intimate piazzas. Taormina is especially magnificent on clear days when you can view the exquisite flora and flora against a backdrop of snow-capped volcanoes spewing puffs of white smoke into a mesmerizingly blue sky. Make sure to spend an afternoon picnicking in the gorgeous Giovanni Colonna Park.
Giza, while technically a separate administrative district, is part of the sprawling urban city of Cairo. The area is most famous as the location of the Giza Plateau: the site of some of the most impressive ancient monuments in the world. Although there are over a hundred pyramids in Egypt, by far the most famous are the Giza Pyramids. During the Greek and Roman eras, they were marvelled at as the first of the Seven Wonders of the World, and they still exert a powerful fascination, both as an extraordinary technical achievement and as a demonstration of the might, power, and ambition of Egypt's pharaonic rulers. No tour of Egypt would be complete without a visit to this extraordinary site which has inspired the most fantastic legends since ancient times and continues to fascinate and inspire visitors.
Fringing the Gulf of Oman, Muscat is sandwiched between the desert and ocean, featuring a dramatic mix of pristine coastline, rugged mountains and hauntingly beautiful sandscapes. It is a prime example of ancient history blended seamlessly with contemporary charms. The city has done an admirable job of preserving its old-world splendour, age-old Bedouin culture and traditional values while simultaneously embracing the modern and cosmopolitan. Visit bustling markets permeated with the fragrance of frankincense; feast on shawarmas at local cafes or streetside stalls; catch a world-class performance at the Royal Opera House; or wander the streets of Mutrah at sunset for beautiful views of Arabian architecture and fishing boats against a backdrop of mountains. Muscat’s opulence and vibrance is complemented by its striking scenery.
Located along the eastern bank of the Hooghly River in the lower Ganges Delta, Kolkata is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. This 350-year-old metropolis is the heart and soul of eastern India, and is known for its crumbling colonial architecture, elegant gardens, countless temples and bustling bazaars. Celebrated as the birthplace of the early 20th-century Bengal Renaissance, Kolkata is a major centre for drama, art, film, theatre, literature, spirituality and music. Visitors can roam the streets and soak up the atmosphere of faded grandeur, or take a ride in a rickshaw to one of the many Indian restaurants serving mouth-watering Bengali cuisine. Must-see highlights include the Victoria Memorial, with its east-meets-west architecture; the Indian Museum, with its range of rare artefacts; and the Kali Temple, an important pilgrimage centre for Hindus.
The Republic of Singapore is a sovereign city-state located in Southeast Asia, off the tip of the Malay Peninsula. This former British colony comprises 63 islands and is famous for its rapid evolution, developing from a third world country to the world centre of technology, education, healthcare and innovation. Visitors are spoilt for choice with regards to unmissable attractions. The dazzling Merlion Park includes a spectacular promenade and the iconic 28-foot Merlion statue, which pays homage to the city’s humble beginnings. Futuristic and yet intrinsically tied to nature, the Gardens by the Bay is one of the most popular bucket-list items here, with its captivating treetop walk and 114-foot waterfall - indoors. Shopping comes to a global pinnacle at famous Orchard Road.
Darwin is a tropical seaport in the Northern Territory of Australia that serves as a convenient access point to Katherine Gorge, Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park. The city is a melting pot of different cultures, with more than 50 nationalities represented here. With a strong Asian influence, you can expect a kaleidoscope of cuisines and a cultural blend of Thai, Sri Lankan, Japanese, Indian, Chinese and Malaysian. Darwin's city centre buzzes with a lively tourist vibe, while unique museums celebrate the city's past and galleries showcase the region's rich indigenous art. Sail to the intriguing Tiwi Islands, take a speedboat ride or go fishing in a tinny – the local version of a small boat.
Set along Australia's southeastern coast, Sydney is one of Australia's largest cities and serves as the capital of New South Wales. No matter what you fancy – shopping, the arts, the outdoors – you’re likely to be bewildered by the scope of choice available here. First up, there are the must-sees – iconic Sydney Opera House; Harbour Bridge, where visitors can climb while hearing about Sydney history; and the Sydney Tower which provides spectacular 360-degree views of the city. Explore the photogenic waterside hubs of Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, and the Rocks district; or delve into the larger-than-life music and food scenes of the metropolis after dark. For more laid-back diversions, head down to the beach or hop on a ferry for an extensive tour of Sydney Harbour and the gorgeous Parramatta River.
