The Parthenon and the temple of Athena, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the major attraction of Athens. The Erechtheion displays the statues of the female Caryatids, though the original statues have been replaced by copies because of air pollution; the originals are in the new Museum. On the southern slopes of the Acropolis lies the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a Roman theatre with room for as many as 5,000 spectators. It is used during the annual Athens Festival for world-class ballet and music performances. The Theatre of Dionysus lies beside Herodes Atticus, and almost all the tragedies and comedies of Ancient Greece were written for this theatre.

Part of Plaka, Anafiotika is a scenic neighbourhood of Athens on the northern slope of the Acropolis. Part of this area was destroyed in the 1950s for archaeological research. Today, there are only 45 old houses remaining, on the little unnamed streets from Stratonos to the Acropolis rock. It's a great example of the typical Cycladic architecture that gives visitors the feel of Greek islands in the heart of the city.

Boat cruises on the Seine embark at the foot of the Eiffel Tower and take you through the heart of Paris, where you can admire the prestigious monuments and landmarks of the city and the stunning architecture from bridge to bridge and bank to bank. To learn history along the way, plug in your audio guide and choose your language. Come back at night for another tour, and it will be a different Paris before your eyes, yet just as magical.