Vibrant Cities

Once only a small fishing village, Ayia Napa has become one of the world's best travel destinations, known as a cosmopolitan resort area. Located on the eastern coast of Cyprus, it is a town of great beauty, full of history and culture, with friendly and hospitable people. Nearby Protaras is a popular resort area with some of the world's best golden beaches, crystal clear waters and lively entertainment. Whether you are looking for fascinating history, vibrant culture and nightlife, astounding natural beauty or a relaxing beach vacation, together these areas make up one of the Mediterranean's most desirable destinations.

With its characteristic canals (UNESCO World Heritage) surrounded by narrow, low and crooked 17th-century houses, Amsterdam is, without a doubt, one of the most charming capital cities in Europe. The rich cultural life and a wide range of entertainment make Amsterdam a full-scale city which has managed to retain its small-town feel. With over 50 museums, of which many are famous across the globe, this city is a real treat for art-lovers: highlights include the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum.

The majestic "City of Sails" is surrounded by water, which defines its sparkling appeal. The magnificent harbour is reminiscent of other famous waterside cities, but with its own unique charm. The site of the 2000 & 2003 America’s Cup, Auckland has a rich maritime history, shaping their identity as a seafaring nation. Auckland is relatively small geographically, which makes it a pleasure to explore on foot and with its dynamic population the city has more of a cosmopolitan, sophisticated feel to it and with an easy, friendly atmosphere.

Of all Europe’s historical capitals, Athens is probably the one that has changed the most in recent years. But even though it has become a modern metropolis, it still retains a good deal of its old small town feel. Here antiquity meets the future, and the ancient monuments mix with a trendier Athens and it is precisely these great contrasts that make the city such a fascinating place to explore. The heart of its historical centre is the Plaka neighbourhood, with narrow streets mingling like a labyrinth where to discover ancient secrets.

The heart of the Turkish Republic, Ankara, is the second largest city of Turkey after Istanbul. The city lies on the border where east between west. The European and Middle Eastern cultures merged and coloured the city's architecture, food, wine, nightlife, fashion and arts. Drop the anchor in Ankara, as its name suggests, cross the border between tradition and modernity.

With its awesome glass skyscrapers that reflect the bustle of daily life, magnificent buildings such as the Emirates Palace, its lively souqs, excellent international restaurants and long stretches of white beaches lapped by the crystal clear waters of the Gulf, Abu Dhabi is a city of outstanding contrasts. The throbbing heart of the city lies 250 metres off-shore on an island linked to the mainland by the Al Maqtaa Bridge and Mussafah Bridge. Home to the respected Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation and the Al Hosn Palace museum, along with numerous venues for the arts, the wealthy city is the cultural as well as the commercial hub of the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Sun-drenched beaches sit next to desert wilderness in Aruba, one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean. With warm and sunny weather all year round, the island seems frozen in a timeless holiday atmosphere, with turquoise ocean waters washing over Aruba's soft warm sand. Nightlife bursts with Latin music and exotic sounds, and exciting shopping and dining await at every corner. Stronger waves break against the eastern coast, deserted and swept over by wind – exploring it will lead the most adventurous visitors to spectacular vistas.