NY ALESUND Norway Just 600 miles south of the North Pole, the rugged but spectacularly scenic island of Spitsbergen is civilisation’s most northerly outpost and Ny Alesund is the most northerly settlement on it. Although about two-thirds of Spitsbergen and the handful of smaller, neighbouring islands that make up Norway’s Svalbard territory, are covered in glaciers, the Atlantic Gulf Stream which passes to the west has ensured a rich variety of plants, fl owers and birds. A ban on hunting also means there are plenty of polar bears and arctic foxes to be spotted by keen-eyed visitors.
OCHO RIOS Jamaica Errol Flynn, Ian ‘James Bond’ Fleming and Noel Coward had two key things in common: they all enjoyed the good things in life and they all chose to spend many years of their lives in Jamaica. The two were defi nitely connected. Near Ocho Rios is Dunn’s River Falls, a large colourful craft market and the Shaw Park botanical gardens. A must-see is Sir Noel Coward’s house, ‘Firefl y’, which has superb views over Port Maria while another famous former local resident, Errol Flynn, is reputed to have invented one of the most popular Jamaican excursions – rafting.
ODESSA Ukraine Just a 10-minute walk from Odessa’s dock side are the Potemkin Stairs, famed for the memorably dramatic crowd scene in Eisenstein’s fi lm ‘Battleship Potemkin’. It has long been a popular coastal resort, but it is its heritage that makes Odessa so popular with visitors. The 19th century fi ve-domed Russo-Byzantine Uspensky Cathedral is a particular feast for the eyes, along with the Italian baroque-style Opera House. This 19th century icon is home to the renowned Odessa Ballet while its ornate interior includes a remarkable ceiling decorated with scenes from Shakespeare plays. You can also visit several lavish palaces and excellent museums and see the monument to poet Alexander Pushkin’s time spent in exile in the city in the 1820s.
OLDEN Norway The peaceful village of Olden has the perfect fjordland cruise setting – nestling at the southern end of one branch of beautiful Nordfjord. A lake in the valley has been turned a rich, deep green by the minerals in the river pouring down the mountains from the vast, million-year-old Briksdal Glacier. Giant waterfalls also cascade down, making the views spectacular as you travel through the valley to the foot of the glacier – one of the offshoots of the vast Jostedal Glacier now designated as a national park. Other tours head overland to the inner Nordfjord area with its wind- blown rocks, towering mountains and verdant valleys.
OPORTO Portugal Oporto is an enchanting, historic city with Roman ramparts and Parisian-style squares. But it’s best known for its port wine – to which the city gave its name. The cathedral area is fi lled with many treasures, like the Renaissance church of Santa Clara and the densely populated quarter of Barredo, which hasn’t changed since medieval times. The narrow streets of the riverside quarter of Ribeira are delightful and dotted with fashionable bars and restaurants overfl owing with seafood.
OSAKA Japan Before World War II Osaka was an exotic maze of crisscrossing waterways. Unfortunately, most of the canals and nearly all of the traditional wooden buildings were destroyed in the bombings. Today however, the city has leapt into the architectural future with such buildings as the Imperial Hotel, the inverted U-shape of the Umeda Sky Building and the enormous Ferris wheel on top of the HEP Five complex. But just a short distance away, you’ll see the gentle side of Japan. Kyoto, the former capital, is a serene city of geometric gardens, geisha houses, cherry trees, temples and palaces. Witness the ritual of the tea ceremony or savour a teriyaki lunch in the loveliest of Japanese cities.
OSLO Norway Ships sail along the tranquil Oslofjord to reach Oslo; a spectacular city surrounded by snow-capped mountains and rolling green hills. Founded in 1050, it has been Norway’s capital since the end of the 11th century. The modern city is an eclectic mix of ancient castles, frescoed 18th century houses, vast parks and glittering lakes. Must- sees include the Viking House Museum with its display of 9th century longboats, the Munch-museet, which houses works by Edvard Munch, and the medieval Akershus Castle. Nearby, in Aker Brygge, you will fi nd some of Norway’s best restaurants serving classic dishes. Make time, too, for a stroll through Vigeland Sculpture Park.
PAGO PAGO American Samoa The South Pacifi c’s Pago Pago (pronounced Pango Pango) is both the name of the harbour which cuts fjord-like into American Samoa’s main island of Tutuila, and also for the village at its western end. The island is blessed with many natural wonders such as the Lela Lava Flow and the Cliffs of Vaitogi. You can visit Leone, where the fi rst missionary landing took place in 1830. A visit to the island wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the ‘Flowerpot Rock’ one of the most photographed landmarks on the island.
PALMA Majorca Dominated by its iconic gothic cathedral, the Majorcan capital, Palma, has been transformed in recent years into one of the most sophisticated hotspots of the Mediterranean. From the harbour fi lled with expensive yachts, wander up to the magnifi cent cathedral, which took 500 years to complete. Spreading out around this ancient structure with its impressive views, is a collection of side streets and alleys which give a sense of the city’s cultural past and Moorish infl uences. Walking from the old town you reach the thoroughfare of Passeig d’es Born with its many cafés where you can sample freshly baked spiral pastries called ensaimadas, a local speciality.
PAPEETE Tahiti The gorgeous South Pacifi c island of Tahiti has its share of beautiful coves, black sand, and lush, unspoilt mountainous landscapes full of cascading waterfalls and dramatic coastal blowholes. Yet it also has a harbour fi lled with private yachts and streets full of chic boutiques, designer label stores and pulsating bars. If you can tear yourself away from the shoreline then a visit to the Paul Gauguin museum (and botanical garden) in Port Phaeton is always popular.
PARINTINS Brazil At the centre of millions of miles of rainforest, halfway between Santarém and Manaus, on the right bank of the Amazon River, is the small town of Parintins. The locals say the key to the success of their city is the hospitality they offer and their simplistic way of life. Their lifestyleis fascinating and their incredible handicrafts make for truly unique souvenirs. The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Carmo and the Village Amazônia are worth a look.
PENANG Malaysia The reason Penang leaves such a lasting impression on visitors becomes clear when you visit its museum. Superbly laid out with some sumptuous exhibits, it portrays the rich history of the town and of the many and varied peoples and cultures which have played a part in its development: Malays, Chinese, Indian, British – even Armenians. The town centre, Georgetown, is full of interesting shops and lively markets but, although it’s also Malaysia’s top beach resort, Penang’s major attraction is Snake Temple. Look out too, for the Thai Buddhist Temple home to the fourth largest reclining Buddha in the world.
PERTH (from Fremantle) Australia The Western Australia capital of Perth has a distinctly relaxed and welcoming atmosphere with large areas of parkland leading down to Swan River. Perth is a modern city centre with many pedestrian-only shopping streets. Perth Zoo, home to much local wildlife, is worth a visit as is Kings Park. Alternatively, Fremantle has many remnants from its old convict days to explore such as Fremantle prison and the Roundhouse. You can also take a leisurely ferry trip down the Swan River between Fremantle and Perth or opt for a tasting tour of the Swan Valley wineries.
PHU MY (for Ho Chi Minh City) Vietnam In amidst the swarming streets and markets of Ho Chi Minh City, stand numerous landmarks bound in history and tradition: from museums that tell the stories of war to ornamental pagodas that are fi lled with characters from Buddhist and Taoist religions. From Phu My you can discover the fascinating tunnel network at Cu Chi, used by the Viet Cong during the war. At their height they stretched from the South Vietnamese capital to the Cambodian border.
PHUKET Thailand With its lush scenery, markets and soft white beaches, Thailand’s Phuket is one of its most popular resorts and a wonderful place to enjoy a ‘chill out’ day. Bustling Patong Beach offers the best range of shops, market stalls and places to eat but Kalim Beach, north of Patong, is removed from the main hustle but still close enough to be lively. At Phuket’s elephant sanctuary you can ride one of these magnifi cent creatures along a woodland trail.
PISA (from Livorno) Italy Founded in the 16th century by the Grand Dukes of Tuscany – the Medici Family, Livorno remains a busy port and town. Its centre, which is walkable from the port, has some pretty bars, cafés and classy shops, but many of Livorno’s visitors head straight for Pisa. There are many pieces of great architecture in the stately ‘Square of Miracles’. The Leaning Tower is this city’s most famous landmark, but be certain to visit the equally exquisite Baptistry next door.
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