Shopper's Paradise

Zürich is distinguished by its unparalleled selection of stores lining the world-famous shopping mile, the Bahnhofstrasse, not to mention its broad choice of leisure activities. Numerous gastronomic establishments in the surrounding region pamper food lovers with all manner of culinary delights. Almost 500 bars and clubs provide a wide variety of entertainment. Zürich is also the ideal departure point for all kinds of excursions, such as to the Rhine Falls or the chocolate factory.

Although the Jordanian capital has its fair share of ancient remnants (the city was first mentioned as Rabbath Ammon in the Hebrew Bible around the 10th century BC), it is the way Amman experiences modernity that fascinates the most. Often listed among the most progressive cities in the Middle East, Amman is a flourishing capital growing by the hour, inhabited by a culturally diverse and rather liberal populace.

Located in Texas, the fourth largest city in the U.S. is known for NASA, its annual rodeo and the largest medical complex in the world, the Texas Medical Center. However, Houston has matured into a complete and downright hip vacation destination for the savvy traveler. The city is a diverse metropolis where no ethnicity comprises a majority of the population. This mix of cultures has contributed to making Houston a city of superb cuisine and world-class culture, entertainment and shopping. It's no surprise that Houston now attracts visitors from all over the world.

Geneva nestles like a sparkling jewel on the shores of Lake Geneva. Here everything exudes luxury, quality, elegance and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. The place is buzzing with people from all corners of the world. The city has excellent restaurants, exclusive shops, beautiful parks, a vibrant cultural life and interesting museums. A practical aspect is that Geneva is geographically quite small. You can wander around the town in an hour, and it is easy to go on quick one-day excursions to the idyllic surroundings.

Known formerly as Canton, Guangzhou is the third biggest city in China because of its position, on the Pearl River. It has long been one of China's main commercial and trading centers. Today this giant metropolis is a famous cultural city with history of more than 2,200 years and is home to old temples and gleaming steel towers. As one of the fastest growing cities in Asia, Guangzhou has also seen a quick growth on tourism, attracting visitors with its cosmopolitan atmosphere, Cantonese cuisine and with its vibrant nightlife. The vast array of shopping options and the close proximity to other major Asian cities are also the reasons why visitors are attracted to this dynamic city.

The title of European Capital of Culture awarded to Lille over a decade ago was not the height of its ability, but rather a humble beginning, for in the years to follow Lille has grown to become a cultural hub second to none in northern France – and, some would argue, even beyond. There is a strong Flemish flavour in Lille, which manifests itself literally, through Lillois cuisine, and figuratively, through the ornate buildings of the charming old town (Vieux Lille).

Home of Universal Studios, Hollywood, Beverley Hills, Sunset Strip and the Walk of Fame, Los Angeles has long lured people into its glittering fantasy world. With endless sunshine, palm trees, shopping malls and beautiful people, this city is like no place you’ve ever been before, and yet is strangely familiar. Los Angeles is a wonderful, vibrant, exhilarating multi-cultural hub with a plethora of things to do and see.

The Philippine capital is Asia’s best-kept secret. The capital of the Orient’s only catholic country seems somehow out of place, vibrant with Latin American or Caribbean undertones. Music and dancing are everywhere, and the smiles and laughter rival Bangkok’s in their warmth and enthusiasm. Manila’s intense historical influences – Spanish religion and American consumerism – have led to the saying that the capital has spent “400 years in a convent and 50 in Hollywood.” The result is a city of extremes ready to delight the unsuspecting traveller.