literally stands out as an oasis of calm in the frenetic Greek capital. As part of the major revamp the city had for the 2004 Olympics, 400 modern buildings were cleared from the ancient meeting place next to the Acropolis, the Agora, which was then restored and linked by walkways to the Acropolis, Hadrian’s Arch, the Academy of Plato and the Monastery of Daphne. Below the Acropolis is the Plaka, the oldest neighbourhood in Athens, and a lively place to visit.
Amsterdam Ajaccio Antigua
AUCKLAND New Zealand Auckland sits between the Pacifi c Ocean and the Tasman Sea, which is how it came to host the America’s Cup twice – in 2000 and 2003. The Viaduct Harbour area boasts outdoor restaurants ideally placed to view the hundreds of yachts attracted to this icon of sailing success. This ‘City of Sails’ is also home to New Zealand’s impressive Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum which charts the nation’s seafaring history. Take in all the sights from the revolving restaurant at the top of the Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere at 328 metres. From Auckland, you can also take a full day tour to the remarkable geysers and mud pools of Rotorua.
APIA ‘Upolu, Pacifi c Islands Step straight into a fi lm set for ‘South Pacifi c’ when you arrive in the Samoan capital, Apia on ‘Upolu. This island is home to an intriguing mix of historic churches and monuments, bustling fl ea and fi sh markets and laid- back residential districts. Around the island are some of the South Pacifi c’s best (black sand) beaches and, to prove this really is a ‘Treasure Island’, visit Vallima just outside Apia, where Robert Louis Stevenson settled.
AQABA (for Petra) Jordan Situated at the top of the Gulf of Aqaba, the Jordanian town of Aqaba boasts some excellent sandy beaches and, offshore, one of the world’s best preserved coral reefs. But the main attraction of this area is the magnifi cent fortress city of Petra, buried by sand for more than 2,000 years until it was discovered in the 19th century and excavated in the 1950s. Originally built by Bedouin, the rose red city of Petra is a genuine wonder of the world. Make your dramatic entrance by walking through the Siq (gorge) up to the imposing Treasury with its exquisite façade. Further on are temples, tombs and a huge theatre.
ARICA Chile Arica, known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ due to its pleasant climate, nestles between the ocean and desert at the northernmost tip of Chile. In the city stands the Morro de Arica, a tall, steep hill home to the famous fort of El Morr, dating back to the War of the Pacifc. Climb to the top for some spectacular panoramic views before paying a visit to the impressive gothic- style San Marcos Cathedral. Nearby you can marvel at
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the ancient geoglyphs marking the walls of the Azapa Valley and see the oldest mummies in the world at the San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum.
ARUBA Talcum-soft beaches, world class shopping, glitzy casinos, stunning sea views and tracts of desert landscape scattered with giant boulders and exotic cacti are all yours to enjoy when you visit popular Aruba, jewel of the ‘deep’ Caribbean. And you will fi nd most of these attractions without straying far from the capital, Oranjestad, a waterfront city endowed with a cosmopolitan population.
ASHDOD Israel You can choose to stay in this vibrant city to visit the Givat Yonah – an archaeological mound that affords visitors wonderful views over the city; the Corinne Maman Museum, with its unique interior which echoes the city’s ancient history; Ad Halom park, which is the furthest point north that the Egyptian army reached during the War of Independence (a war memorial and lookout tell the story) and the beautiful beaches. But while Ashdod is historic in its own right, it is your gateway to the unparalleled history and sights of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and the mountain fortress of Masada.
ATHENS (from Piraeus) Greece From Piraeus, the Acropolis – ‘High City’ – has always been a favourite attraction. With its 2,500-year-old Parthenon, temple to Poseidon and Athena, Odeon of Herodus Atticus and Theatre of Dionysus, it quite
BALI Indonesia Although it’s small – only 90 miles by 55 miles – Bali is blessed with an abundance of beauty. Famed for its stunning landscape, a chain of six volcanoes runs horizontally across the island, resulting in Bali having a mix of both black and white sand beaches. Flowers bring this idyllic isle to life in a riot of colour (and scent) from hibiscus, bougainvillea, jasmine, and frangipani. And these same fl owers adorn temples, statues and traditional dancers. A treat for all the senses, enjoy a blissful beach massage, a spot of retail therapy and a taste of delicious local cuisine.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN Brunei Although they live in one of the world’s wealthiest countries, people in the Brunei capital of Bandar Seri Begawan have been determined to retain their links with a more impoverished past. The extraordinarily elaborate, golden-domed Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque has an escalator for the exclusive use of the ruling Sultan, but it is linked to a 16th century Malay barge reconstructed on an artifi cial lagoon which is used for special royal occasions. The Sultan’s Palace is not open to visitors, but it is probably the country’s most photographed sight as, with 1,788 rooms, it is the world’s largest (and probably most expensive) palace.
BANGKOK (from Laem Chabang) Thailand Visiting the fascinating capital of Bangkok, there’s a treasury of old temples, fi ne palaces and extravagant art. For a taste of Old Asia, tour the fabulously ornate buildings of the Grand Palace, where you will see Buddha statues exquisitely worked in ivory, crystal, silver and gold. Or the Royal Barge Museum – home to the splendid vessels used in royal processions. For shoppers, Bangkok has everything from designer bargains to fi ne antiques. Barter your way around the markets of Sukhumvit Road and Siam, or browse the traditional shops on Chinatown’s Chareon Krung Road.
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