Although founded in the ninth century, Madrid didn’t become Spain’s capital city until 1560. The Madrileños – those who live in Madrid – come from all over Spain and the rest of the world. Spanish is, of course, the dominant language, but most people dealing with visitors speak English. The main difference is “time". Lunch, for example, is seldom before 2 p.m., and dinner at 10 p.m. or later is commonplace. Hungry in between? Stop in a bar and sample some tapas! Many stores still are closed in the afternoons, although most offices in Madrid no longer close for siesta. Plaza Mayor, constructed during the Hapsburg era, was the hub of an empire circling the globe in the 16th and 17th centuries, and it remains a popular gathering spot. Not far away is the Royal Palace – a place for formal meetings rather than the residence of the king. Built in the mid 1700s, the neoclassical structure is open for public tours when not being used for state functions. Time for just one stop? Make it the Prado and check out works by some famous Spanish painters, such as Goya and Velázquez.

As Europe's largest city, London is host to more than 25 millions visitors a year; yet, it is never too crowded to be enjoyable. The City Center of London is only a couple square kilometers, but fans out into neighborhoods that add to its historical significance and charm. Some of the must-sees in the city include the tower and bridge of London, the London Eye, the British Museum, and changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. If you have time for shopping, Harrods is the most popular and famous upscale department store located in Knightsbridge. Catch a football match, rugby, or cricket game at one of the major venues, and at night there are great bars both upscale and trendy in and around the City and in West London. There is so much to experience in London you’ll want to schedule a return visit.

From this land, great explorers left in huge sailing boats just a few hundred years ago. Since then, things have changed. Lisbon has no longer the power it once had, that’s no news… But this has left a legacy that has been kept well alive. Long wide Avenues are full of nice café’s, shops, and street artists that keep the streets busy while the small bairros add a very meticulous feeling. Old buildings, churches, cathedrals and a Castles are just a few of its offerings. You can still find an excellent Marisqueira in Bairro Alto, a popular night hang out, or choose for a top chef design restaurant in Santos, the new design district. At Sintra you can discover a whole new world, walking the village narrow streets that resemble a little bit to Alfama, or visiting its Castle, Palaces and beautiful gardens. Lisbon is blessed with a unique light.

Istanbul sits on the Bosphorus Strait, where Europe and Asia meet. Once the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, the city is home to landmarks of astounding beauty such as Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. Istanbul is Turkey’s most populous city as well as the cultural and financial center of the country. Some of the must-see areas of the city include Sultanahmet – the Old City – where the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), and Basilica Cistern are located. Beyoğlu, Istiklal Street, and Taksim Square is the cosmopolitan area of the city where you will find funky bars and restaurants, and the best nightlife in the city. The Grand Bazaar is the ultimate Istanbul shopping experience where you will find anything from leather goods, to scarves, jewelry, hookah pipes, candy, and much more.

Hong Kong’s incredible skyline is instantly recognizable, yet when you arrive you’ll be in the thick of it, surrounded by skyscrapers reaching for the skies. Head straight for the Star Ferry, and for a few coins let it take you across the harbour for some great views.  On the Kowloon side of town, you’ll find several museums on the shore, including the city’s art museum and science museum.  Take the metro to Kowloon Walled City Park if you’d like to do more walking and to explore more of Hong Kong’s history.   Back over on Hong Kong Island, don’t miss wandering down Cat Street for some antique shopping – which make great gifts – as well as a visit to Man Mo Temple, a very vibrant stop.  Then catch the tram to head up to Victoria Peak, the highest point in Hong Kong with a very unique view at the sheer density of this bustling city.  You might want to return at night, as the view totally changes; otherwise, spend your evening back over in Kowloon exploring the food and shops at  the city’s night markets.

Florence (Firenze in Italian) is the capital of the region of Tuscany, on Italy’s northwest coast. Florence is a small city, located in the Arno River valley, and surrounded by olive-planted hills on the north and south. It extends west and slightly east along the Arno valley with suburbs and light industry. The centro storico (historic center), where visitors spend most of their time, is a tight tangle of medieval streets and piazze (squares). Most of Florence, and the majority of the tourist sites, lie north of the river, within a vintage artisan’s working-class neighborhood wedged between the Arno and the hills on the south side. While in Florence, make sure to visit the San Lorenzo Square for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience for leather goods, scarves, jewelry, and other accessories. The Duomo di Firenze is the city’s most beautiful cathedral, which is significant to the city and is also not to be missed.

With the skyline dominated by the majestic bulk of Table Mountain, and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, South Africa truly is a great place to visit with endless sights and activities to explore. Almost anything is possible in Cape Town; from guided tours, to fine dining, and clubbing to exploring the natural beauty surrounding the city. If your time is limited, taking the cable car to the top of Table Mountain is a must. For beaches and swimming, head to False Bay for the warmest waters and whitest sands. For a Cape-Town cultural experience, check out Bo-Kaap, a colourful neighbourhood located in the south-west end of the city on a hill. Here you will find vibrant buildings, charming streets, mosques, and scenic views over the city. Lovers of wine, tour the Cape Winelands around Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek.

Incredible nightlife and fascinating architecture; stunning women and sultry tangos; huge steaks and first class football; Maradona and Evita....Life is a celebration in glamorous Buenos Aires! The city is comprised of 48 distinct districts called barrios, many of which you should be sure not to miss. Palermo is a hip district to visit with many green open spaces to explore. Caminito, a pedestrian street in the La Boca district features local arts and crafts, and boat cruises on the river are also popular in the area. If dancing is your thing, Tango is big in the La Boca district or if you are more into football, catch a game and a tour at the La Bombonera Stadium. For trendy restaurants, boutiques, and bars, the Palermo Viejo district is the place to be.

Budapest is a thriving city of over two million people, as well as the capitol city of Hungary. Budapest and Vienna were twin capitals of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, making it much easier to understand the stunning architecture that fills the city. The numerous sights can occupy travelers for weeks. The most prominent structure on the skyline is the castle, which easily provides a full day of exploration concentrated on Castle Hill. A trip through the district of Watertown will take you back in time to gas-lit streets and asymmetrical houses. The National Opera house performances are sell-outs, and can be counted among the world's best. Also, take some time to visit one of the numerous bathhouses and natural spas, as Budapest is a famous spa city.

The capital of Germany is paved with cobblestone streets dating back 750 years, but at the same time it is gloriously modern. For nearly 30 years, Berlin was really two cities: East and West Berlin, with an impenetrable wall between the two.  In 1989 all that changed. The wall came down, reuniting the two parts of the city.  Since that time, Berlin has been not only reborn, but also reinvented. The action (sights, restaurants and nightlife) is now found in eastern Berlin. Much of the new city is already in place: parliament sits in the renovated Reichstag; Potsdamer Platz, once leveled to a field in the Wall's death zone, is now a bustling quarter with shops, restaurants, a theater, a film museum, and a casino; and the city's world-class collection of European art has been reunited in the Gemaldegalerie. Art lovers should check out the various warehouse art galleries and the graffiti on what is left of the Berlin Wall. This revitalized Berlin has been called the "New York City" of Europe. 

Out of all of Spain’s wonderful cities, Barcelona seems to be one of the most popular.  From coastal views to the rich art and architectural heritage, you’ll quickly see why.  Why not get some perspective on it all from the most famous site of all, the Sagrada Familia?  It is a church – or piece of art? – created by famed artist Antoni Gaudi; the design is so complex that it still isn’t finished, despite having been started in 1882.  Head down the spiral stairs and admire it from afar for a different perspective, and then reflect on your thoughts while people watching on Las Ramblas, the hive of Barcelona’s cultural district.  This is a great place to sit and enjoy a glass of sangria, a beer, or even try out some tapas with fresh local ingredients.  Beyond Las Ramblas, you can also walk the Barri Gotic, Barcelona’s old medieval town, or pay a visit to Art Montfalcon, a souvenir shop that is noteworthy for having what seems to be just about one of everything.

Bangkok is at once a modern and ancient city. The capital of Thailand, it includes historic palaces as well as some of the most extensive shopping on the planet. Don't miss the Grand Palace and adjacent temple complex, including the Chapel Royal of the Emerald Buddha. A cruise on the Chao Phraya shows the city from its river waterfront, while a stop at the National Museum gives an overview of Thailand's history. Look for Thai designers when shopping, such as Phisit Jongnarangsin, Disaya Prokobsantisukh and Nuj Novakhett. If you're in finance, you might want to check out the Bank of Thailand Museum. The Rose Garden is much more than flowers and plants (although it’s that, too). You can ride an elephant, watch a show of traditional dance, dine in a riverside restaurant or spend the night. Try to make time for the spectacular Siam Niramit show. This three-part performance tells the history of Thailand through music and art, then takes the audience through heaven and hell and finally into the earthly world of festivals and ceremonies. Think Cirque du Soleil plus Italian grand opera and classical Thai dance dressed by Las Vegas costumers and staged by Hollywood!

Athens can seem overwhelming at first. The mountains, the rocks, the historic ruins, the panoramic views of valleys and sea: nothing is small. Athens is not scrubbed and polished; it has an ancient, lived-in look as befits a city that has been inhabited for at least 4,500 years. There are ruins in unexpected places throughout the city. What first appears to be a modern street will have fenced off areas containing parts of ancient toppled columns, statues, etc. They have been sitting there for hundreds of years and are now fenced for protection; repair and restoration work is ongoing in Athens. A visit to the Acropolis is a must, and make sure to explore the shops and restaurants in the historic Plaka district. Stop in the National Archeological Museum if you have the time.

Imagine walking into a coffee shop and buying marijuana with your cappuccino, or hunting for souvenirs and ending up in a sex shop. This can happen to you in Amsterdam. But cannabis and the Red Light District are only two of the eclectic experiences that the city has to offer. Romantic canals lined by 17th century architecture criss-cross the city, ad strolling around has the feel of visiting an open-air museum. Shop for tulips, bulbs and wooden shoes at the floating Flower Market. Soak up culture in the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frankhuis. Add a windmill, a canal boat cruise and a Heineken or three. If you are in need of some fresh air and exercise, rent a bike and really explore and see the city. Head to Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s largest city park and sit and enjoy the sights. The result is a city full of luscious ingredients and as tasty as the famous Dutch appelgebak or apple pie. 

Edinburgh - the capital of Scotland - is one of Europe’s most beautiful medieval cities.  With charming cobblestone streets, elegant Georgian town homes, and breathtaking vistas from a number of vantage points, the city really does offer something for everybody.  You can find winding lanes filled with boutique shops and pubs, or take advantage of the easy access to the outdoors and go exploring in the Scottish countryside. The first stop on your list should be the Old Town, which is considered Edinburgh’s medieval heart along the Royal Mile. The Royal Mile runs from the Castle to Holyrood Palace and contains the city’s most famous sites. Also, don’t forget that Edinburgh is the City of Festivals so there’s never a dull moment, even here in this small city.  Come visit "Auld Reekie" and experience Scottish hospitality at its best.