As Faro is situated in the Algarve region of Portugal, not to mention being the country’s southernmost mainland city, it’s also a great place to bask in hot sunshine. Rather than just sunbathing on the beach or by a pool, though, I recommend you develop a tan by walking around the city and uncovering its breathtaking array of architecture.

Once you’ve taken care of the essentials such as organising your accommodation, booking a cheap flight to Faro (something that you can do by clicking here) and arranging a transfer to take you from the airport to your hotel, you should start planning which landmarks to visit. Here are some of the places you may wish to see.

Se Catedral de Faro

One attraction you certainly must see is the amazing Se Catedral de Faro. As you might have guessed from its name, this building is the city’s cathedral and dates back to the 13th century when it was erected on the site of a mosque.

Initially constructed under the leadership of the Archbishop of Braga D Joao Viegas, the cathedral has been rebuilt on several occasions over the years. Not only did it suffer major damage following two devastating earthquakes that hit Portugal in 1722 and 1755, but also needed substantial repairs after it was ransacked and burned by English troops led by the Earl of Essex in 1596.

Thankfully, it has since been restored and now is in amazing condition. In fact, its carvings and statues have led it to be considered one of the most valuable artistic monuments in the Algarve.

While the cathedral has an exciting blend of architectural styles and features, one part I definitely think you should check out is the Chapel of Santo Lenho, which contains gold leafing and the tombstone of archbishop Viegas. In addition, I recommend you look at the intricate 18th century tiling in the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Rosario and the baroque-style pipe organ that contains painted chinoiserie motifs.

Episcopal Palace

The Episcopal Palace should also be on your list of places to see in Faro. Thought to have been constructed during the reign of bishop D Fernando Martins Mascarenhas, this stunning building is seen as one of the best examples of cha architecture in the Algarve.

Come here and you’ll have the opportunity to take in Baroque shelving in the palace library, see 18th century rococo wall tiles and observe the interesting contrast of the pyramid-shaped tesoura roof with the straight geometric lines of the exterior facade.

Moorish Quarter

Touring the Moorish Quarter (or Mouraria, as it is known in Portuguese) will give you a great insight into one of Faro’s architectural gems. Situated next to the 15th century Praca da Rainha square, this part of the city is home a diverse blend of buildings, including several that feature tesoura roofs that were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. You should also keep an eye out for the Banco de Portugal building, which is constructed in the neo-Manueline style and has a distinctly Moorish-looking doorway, and the Cafe Alianca, which has the distinction of being the oldest cafe in Faro.

These are just some of Faro’s most fantastic architectural gems, but if you’re planning a holiday to the city let us know what landmarks you’re looking forwarding to seeing the most by leaving a comment below. We’d to love hear from you!

The main places of interest from a historical point of view are Goa’s churches, temples and forts. While there are many of these dotted all over the state, there are definitely a few that should make it on to your must-visit list. We’ve put together a bit of information about these below.

Se Cathedral

As Goa’s most impressive Christian place of worship, the Se Cathedral should be one of the first historical sites you travel to. It’s located in Old Goa (which we’ll describe in more detail in a minute), and both its exterior and interior are breathtaking. As you approach the building, you’ll be struck by its huge Corinthian columns, while inside the vaulted ceilings and beautiful paintings are just as stunning.

Another of its unique features is the Golden Bell – the largest in Goa – which is one of the five bells housed in the cathedral.

Church of St Francis of Assissi

This is another monument in Old Goa and what makes this one worthy of your time is the Archaeological Museum in the convent next to the church. There are displays that showcase artefacts recovered from the sites of former Hindu temples – many of which were destroyed during the period of Portuguese rule. In addition, there are two large bronze statues, one of which depicts the first governor of Goa, Afonso de Albuquerque. Don’t forget to explore the church as well, because in here are some amazing tombstones featuring coats of arms.

Old Goa

Old Goa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses many buildings left over from the period of Portuguese rule. What makes this location so fascinating, however, is that the city was abandoned in the 18th century and has since largely fallen into disrepair. There are the ruins of dozens of churches here, as well as the buildings mentioned above. Another notable site in Old Goa is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, where the remains of St Francis Xavier are interred.

Wandering around the former Goan capital will give you a brilliant insight into the colonial era and how the Portuguese shaped the state into what it is today.

Aguada Fort

As the best preserved example of a Portuguese fort in Goa, Aguada is a must-visit if you’re interested in this period of the state’s history. It is situated on the estuary of the River Mandovi (which flows past the current capital Panaji) and is in a reasonably good state of repair.

One of its standout features is the lighthouse, although this was added more than 200 years after the fort was initially constructed. The 5 m high and 1.3 m thick walls that surround the enclave are certainly impressive, with Aguada the only fort in Goa that was never captured by invading forces during the Portuguese rule.

Brahma Temple

Our final suggestion is one that will give you an insight into Goa’s Hindu heritage. This is the main religion in the state and although many of the Hindu temples were destroyed by the Portuguese, there are some that remain and predate European colonial rule.

Among them is the Brahma Temple that actually dates back as far as the 5th century. It is also remarkable in that it is one of the only places of worship in India dedicated to Lord Brahma.

Experience Egypt for less

Egypt isn’t always the cheapest destination to visit, and I think this where all inclusive deals here really come into their own. No matter where you’re visiting, hotels that provide this kind of package are generally considered the friendlier option to those of us trying to stick to a budget, since things like meals and drinks are included in the overall price.

In Egypt, where dining out and activities can quickly mount up into quite an expense, staying in a cheap all inclusive hotel can help make sure your spending stays within your means. Plus, it just gives you less to think about overall, which means packages like this are also great for relaxing, luxurious breaks too.

Sunshine

Travel to Egypt and you can enjoy up to 11 hours of sunshine a day – if that isn’t a reason to visit, I’m not sure what is! Sun seekers really will be in their element here, especially when staying in coastal resorts like El Gouna in Hurghuda.

This destination on the Red Sea Riviera is well known as a favourite among keen sun seekers, and it’s also got a reputation for its great all inclusive deals. Another bonus is that the accommodation here is really varied, so you’ll be able to choose between smaller, quieter lodgings and larger luxury hotels on the beach.

Excellent diving

Another top reason to pick an all inclusive holiday in Egypt is if you’re a fan of scuba diving – or you’re keen to learn. Destinations on the Red Sea, like Sharm el Sheikh, are a real haven for keen divers and beginners alike, since they offer the chance to see incredible marine life in balmy, clear waters.

If you do decide to go to Sharm el Sheikh to dive, make sure you hit Ras Mohammed National Park, its number one diving spot. There are also plenty of other water sports you can try in Sharm el Sheikh, such as windsurfing, so there’s ample scope for trying something new.

History & culture

Of course, Egypt’s fascinating history is world-famous, so it’s pretty likely you’ll be keen to discover at least a little of the country’s past and culture while you’re here, even if this isn’t the main focus of your break. One of the best places to head to is Luxor, which is perched on the east bank of the river Nile.

One of the oldest and best-known resorts in Egypt, it is a real haven for culture vultures, since it’s where you’ll find sites like the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens and the Luxor temple complexes. Add in the fact that there are luxury hotels and spas aplenty, as well as a local golf course, and it’s not hard to work out why this resort in particular is such a popular holiday destination.

It really was a simple enough idea: a month-long trip to meet up with my wife and her family in Thailand for 10-12 days, then continue on solo to Beijing, to use that as a base to explore the surrounding countryside—including Mongolia and North Korea—and the city itself, of course. And it probably would have been simple enough, except for the rainy season. Acts of God are hard to predict, sometimes difficult to deal with, and always necessary to respect. The first inkling of impending disaster came with a flash flood up-country in my wife’s hometown of Chiang Rai, Thailand. While we sat drinking expensive girlie coffee drinks and doing our internet business, the rain outside just poured…and poured…and poured. By the time we got out it was too late. Before I knew it, water was up to the car door line, and it was too late to turn around. Somehow we made it, though, without having to go wading, cars stalling out all around. One guy even asked for a jump start. Yeah, right, let’s play with electricity in a flood.

The oppressive heat and humidity continued in China, but at least Beijing seemed a bit drier than my brief stopover in Shanghai, if no cooler. I took a liking to the city right away, its hutong alleyways a link to the past that’d be hard to find almost anywhere else in China, even in places much smaller and more socially backward. Still the first main order of business was preparing for North Korea. That’s a travel bumfuzzle; you don’t just wander in, whether on a bus, train, or plane. It not only takes planning, but it takes guides; that’s the law. Still it can be done, with a fistful of dollars, and then a few dollars more… AND a lotta’ red tape. The whole thing seemed so sketchy and uncertain and bureaucratic that I felt obligated to check out the Beijing operation in advance, while I still might have some control over the monies involved, all this before I’d even gone to Mongolia, mind you, so something of an anomaly for me logistically. I managed to find their office, so I knew they actually existed, over in the Sanlitun “bar district” of Beijing nonetheless. It’s calm over there by Thai standards btw. I went to see the Great Wall with the time remaining.

That was enough to placate my concerns for the moment, so I felt free to turn my attention to Mongolia. I figured that’s where the real action is. I was mostly right. Mongolia is an unwashed traveler’s gem, waiting to be polished, and maybe one of the last great frontiers in the world. This is an area the size of Alaska perched between China and Russia at the latitude of the US-Canada border, and busy playing one off the other since time immemorial, or at least since China invented gunpowder and managed to keep the wolves at bay… for a while. The capital at Ulan Bator is just a hint of what lies out in the countryside. The last vestiges of communism have mostly disappeared and capitalism just pops up all around seemingly at random, a shopping complex here and a karaoke bar there, by some economic law of psychological value. This is especially evident with motorized vehicles, where seemingly everybody got the idea to buy a car and carry passengers for hire right at about the same time. So welcome to the world’s biggest traffic jams. Allow plenty of time to catch your flight.

Mongol culture goes much deeper than that, of course. These are a people with close cultural connections to the original Turks from out around the Altai Mountains of Central Asia and with some obvious physical resemblances to the Chinese and other north Asians. They ruled China for more than a century and a half, of course, and much of the rest of the world also, leaving an influence which persists to this day. Their hegemony allowed for the Silk Road to exist and for Central Asia to develop and diversify, a fact confirmed by the classic Mongol alphabet, which was developed by the long-lost ethnic-Iranian Sogdians, and soon to be lost by the Mongols themselves if they don’t re-adopt it as planned. The Russian Cyrillic script is the one now commonly in use. And Russia is still the prominent Big Brother and cultural influence these days, too. China is far too jealous of that big bite-size chomp that Mongolia’s independence left in China’s northern flank. Most roads lead to Russia. There’s that trans-Siberian railroad, too, but I took a plane. It’s cheaper.

Outside of Ulan Bator, the cityscape quickly devolves into the vastness of a northern plain that was likely one of the original marshalling yards for modern evolution in the inter-glacial ages when large herds of large animals would make their way across the Bering Strait and begin the long trek downward, all the while dodging the spears and arrows of the freakiest albino apes that the planet’s ever seen. Through a process of elimination I somehow decided that Tsetserleg (Hot) would be the focus of my journey, mostly just because of logistics; I had five days in Mongolia, and there just wasn’t any more time to travel than a day out, a day there and a day back, with an extra day for snafus, but much more time than I wanted to spend in Ulan Bator itself. Tsetserleg has a rep as one of the nicer provincial capitals… but that probably isn’t saying much. It also has something rather anomalous for the vast outback of northern Asia, a British B&B. I figure that was reason enough right there for the trip.

The terrain reminded me a lot of Alaska or the Yukon—except for the massive amounts of livestock—so that’s good. Travel on public transportation is a bit difficult, but not overly so. And then just when you think you’re the last lonely traveler at the end of a long lonely road, a pack of bikers on Harleys will pull up and fill the house with beer and laughter and tales of tire-wear… just like they do in Whitehorse. Tsetserleg itself was a bit disappointing, Stalinist architecture and all, but that’s no reflection on Mongolia as a whole, which is much greater than the sum of its individual parts. Still it was a pleasant sojourn, at least until the ride back. It rained the whole night before, so the ground was fairly soaked, and the road is not so good. So when the driver took the bus off into a pasture to avoid potholes, slipping and slopping and spinning up mud, there was more than a little anxiety to deal with, a pretty wild ride, actually. We made it, though. We usually do.

The main tourist attraction in Mongolia is nature, and that doesn’t convert easily to cities. So you have to get out into the outback for the full effect of Mongolia, the gers (yurts) and the cowboys and the livestock and the nomadic way of life. Still Ulan Bator is not at all bad. There are even encampments of gers there. And there are rock bands playing in the parks, too. And there are supermarkets. And then there’s Buddhism, something like a crucial link in the Mongolian historical dialectic of tribalism> empire> subservience> Buddhism> communism> independence. And it’s the Tibetan style, too, which must really bug the Chinese. Watching monks chant their chants in a replica of the temple at Lhasa was truly inspiring.

North Korea is something else entirely. If Ulan Bator is the wild wild West, then Pyongyang is the exact opposite, something so controlled and coordinated as to be almost devoid of instinct or logic. Getting there is the hardest part, though. After all the runaround and the red tape and the rigmarole and the razzmatazz, the actual being there was somewhat tame… after the Customs inspection, that is. There they confiscated all the cell phones, with almost religious fervor, as if they were the epitome of capitalist evil. Anything with GPS is strictly forbidden, so maybe that’s the deal; they don’t want anyone calling in an airstrike I guess. That makes sense. Laptops are okay in North Korea, but you’re back in the pre-Internet era with them. Most people probably don’t even realize there WAS a pre-Internet era of computers, as if that’s why they exist.

And don’t even think about Wi-Fi. Like Cuba, there is none. If you look for a connection, there is simply nothing there. Unlike Cuba, you’re not likely to be able to talk to anyone about it. None of the guides ever mentioned it. Few tourists speak Korean. In Cuba, I talked with many Cubans about many things, the most memorable quote being, “I’m fifty-five years old, and you’re the first American I’ve ever talked to.” The second most memorable was, “Why do you need Internet?” (Gulp). After spending the first evening at the Arirang Mass Games, the next day was a whirlwind of monuments and memorials and assorted minglings with the masses, in the markets and the metro. And there aren’t much in the way of markets, really, just stuffy old state-run souvenir stores and book stores full of Kim-style Communist propaganda.

But the restaurants were good, if uninspiring in atmosphere. Everything felt sterile and regimented, institutional. There were even fewer vehicles, mostly mass transit and a few private vehicles for government and diplomatic personnel. And there’s the epiphany right there. If the whole regimented system reeks of mind-control and brainwash, then the functionality of a city without private cars borders on true inspiration. These are cities truly intended to live in, something that cities rarely are. More often than not, a city is intended for commerce, and often little else, people scurrying home to fairytale suburbs at the end of the workday for the actual living of life. In Pyongyang the tallest buildings are full of apartments not offices. It’s actually quite inspiring, a city with no pollution or traffic jams, quite the contrast to Ulan Bator. Indeed Pyongyang is probably the quietest cleanest city I’ve ever been in, and something of a revelation that that would even be possible. A few days after I left, typhoon Bolaven hit, same time as Hurricane Isaac in the US, some of my tourist buddies still there. I hope they’re okay.

Back in Beijing there wasn’t much left to do locally, since I’d already visited the Great Wall, and I was saving the Forbidden City for the last day. So I went to Chengde, now only a few hours away after the completion of the new four-lane highway. We beg for high-speed Internet; they still beg for high-speed highways (hotels in China don’t have Wi-Fi btw; they have slow-ass hard-wire data ports). Chengde is on the UN World Heritage list for its Qing-era summer palace and Buddhist temples, but I’ll confess to not seeing much of them. The pollution was so bad on the day I was there I decided not to press my luck too much. I’ve still got a cough. It’s nice to see a smaller city, though, at a half million people Chengde being something of a village by Chinese standards. Back in Beijing I went to see the Forbidden City almost as an afterthought, that and to spend the hotel deposit that they refund at the end of your stay and which would all be eaten up in charges if you tried to exchange it. And it was way cool, like a magic Chinese box full of smaller nested boxes.

All in all it was a good trip, if a bit wet and unusually muggy, at least in the southern climes. Asia is a mother like no other, and it’s no longer a matter of working around China. These days China is right in the middle of it, and not a bad place from which to visit the neighbors. I’ve got a multiple-entry visa and just may use it again before it expires. They’re light-years behind with their English education, but that’s not a deal-breaker if you don’t mind learning a little Chinese language. That’s what travel is all about, right? No? The long slow cumbersome trips are quickly being replaced by fleets of fast buses and trains, so that opens up vast new possibilities. The old days of separate systems for locals and foreigners is pretty much a thing of the past, and the country is wide open for travel. My only concern is to get to Tibet before the traditional culture is all gone. Before that, though, I just might travel to the far west around Kashi/Kashgar. It’d be nice if there were a high-speed highway from there to Tibet, but I don’t think I can wait that long. C U there.

Guatemala and Belize 11 Days
The itinerary includes the volcanic Lake Atitlan, the famous Mayan ruins of Tikal and the second largest barrier reef in the World.

* shorter version of our 16-day itinerary

Maya Magic & Mystery 8 Days
A truley unique experience and a great way to celebrate the end of the Mayan Calendar.

Email us for details.

Look out for accommodation deals

High-end resorts don’t always charge top prices, especially if you can be flexible about when you travel and visit just outside the main tourist season. Some of the best resorts in the Caribbean will run promotions that give you free nights’ accommodation or a room upgrade if you book to stay for a certain length of time.

You can also find discounted room rates during specific periods, so it’s best to have a look at the offers available before committing to flights or organising other parts of your break.

If you are travelling with children, rather than as a couple, don’t despair that you’ll have to give up on your idea of an exotic trip, as there are offers like holiday deals for families in Antigua that could be right up your street. These can cut the cost of your vacation by allowing a child to stay for free, provided there are two paying adults on the booking, for instance.

Consider all inclusive

While eating out in a new place can be fun and allow you to sample the local cuisine, it can often be one of the most expensive parts of a holiday. Booking an all inclusive deal that covers the cost of your meals and drinks is an excellent way to reduce the amount you need to save up for your dream Caribbean getaway.

If you shop around, you can find excellent prices at some of the region’s top hotels, where fine dining is an important part of the experience. Most resorts on Antigua, for example, will have several restaurants and bars where you can eat during the day and evening, as well as offering room service.

While this might restrict you a little, it’s worth it if it is the difference between you jetting off to the Caribbean this year, or having to wait another 12 months until you’ve saved up a bit more cash.

Make use of the facilities

As with the restaurants, most of the Caribbean resorts will have extensive leisure facilities, some of which may be free to use as part of your package. All the best hotels on Antigua have access to its glorious beaches and, if you fancy a change of scenery, you can travel to any other part of the coastline without having to worry about paying to lie back on the sand, as all of the island’s beaches are public.

If you enjoy being active on your holidays, check whether the hotel you’re considering staying at has a water sports centre and what equipment (if any) you can borrow free of charge. Many will offer kayaks and pedalos to their guests, while you might discover you can get a discount on sailing or scuba diving courses if you go through your accommodation’s centre, rather than looking elsewhere.

Of course, one of the best ways to keep your spending to a minimum on your getaway is to enjoy the stunning seaside surroundings and glorious, sunny weather. After all, it costs nothing to hit the beach and chill out with a good book for a few hours!

Districts

I think one of the loveliest things about Lisbon is its winding, narrow backstreets and historic little neighbourhoods. It’s well worth heading out of the main tourist thoroughfares to see at least one of these (though if you’ll be here for a while, I’d recommend trying to visit more).

Among the most charming is Chiado, which has somehow held on to its 19th-century atmosphere. This was a great time for the area, when it became a favourite haunt of artists and intellectuals – and everything from the architecture to the ambience manages to evoke that past. Plus, it’s a really decent place to shop and seek out little cafes. The cafe A Brasileira is probably among the best known locally, and if you’ve got a taste for coffee, it’s the perfect spot to try bica (that’s traditional black Portuguese coffee to you and me). There are some nice churches around here too; Igreja do Loreto has a particularly impressive interior.

Treats

Portugal has some real culinary treats – you’ve probably heard of its reputation for seafood and wine. What you might not know, however, is that it is the birthplace of fantastic little custard tarts – and you can try them at their best in the riverside precint of Belem.

Pateis de Belem are one of Lisbon’s most treasured treats, and reproductions are now sold all over the country. What’s great about coming to this cafe – which has the same name as the treats – is that the recipe here is a secret and, since it’s where the tarts originated, you can really taste them at their best. They’re served warm and you’re given sachets of sugar and cinnamon to sprinkle on top. Delicious! Be warned though – once you’ve had these, none of the tarts you have anywhere else in Portugal will seem as good!

Architecture

Lisbon’s also a brilliant place to see some impressive architecture. There is a huge number of buildings to see, so I won’t attempt to list them all, but here are a few that you really can’t miss:

• Azulejos - These are painted tiles, and they’re a massive part of Lisbon architecture. Ok, so tiles might not immediately sound too exciting, but they’re an important part of the city’s character – so much so that you’ll even find impressive designs at a lot of the city’s underground stations. If you want to know more about them and see some of the most striking murals made of azulejos, head to the Tile Museum in the cloisters of the Madre de Deus church.
• Monastery of Jeronimos - This is probably the most famous piece of architecture in Lisbon, and you can visit here when you head to Pateis de Belem, since this is situated in Belem too. Built in 1502, it is an amazing example of Manueline – an architectural style dating back to the Age of Discoveries, characterised by maritime motifs and sculptural details.
• Tower of Belem - Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Belem, this tower is where sailors set off from during the Age of Discoveries. It’s for this reason that it’s so important, but also because it is another amazing example of the Manueline style.

Historical sites

One of the things I love most about travelling abroad is being able to learn a bit about other cultures and societies. Cancun is perfect if you’ve got an interest in Mexico’s past as you won’t need to go far to find examples of this ancient civilisation. In the centre of the city itself is El Castillo – or The Castle – which is an impressive pyramid featuring many carved fans, a symbol of its commercial importance in years gone by.

In an area known as El Rey, just outside the city in its hotel district, are several other Mayan structures that stand side-by-side with the more modern buildings that have sprung up along the coast. This is a great place for a seaside stroll, allowing you to admire the natural beauty of the beach and the various historical monuments.

Exciting water sports

If you’ve booked an all inclusive Cancun holiday, the package will probably give you access to a range of activities – including numerous water sports. The coast here is renowned as a diving destination, as it is on one of the largest coral reefs in the world – the Great Mesoamerican Reef – that stretches for 450 km. In addition to the natural splendour of the corals and creatures that live underwater, you can also visit a series of sculptures created by British artist Jason Decaires Taylor, who used PH-neutral stone to make his pieces and thereby encourage coral growth on them.

If you’re not quite ready to take the plunge, you’ll still be able to see a lot by going snorkelling, as there are large areas of shallow reef, while the statues haven’t been positioned particularly deep to enable snorkelers to enjoy them as well as divers. Kayaking, sailing, deep-sea fishing and surfing are just a few of your other options.

Vibrant nightlife

Once the sun sets, Cancun comes alive, so if you’re hoping to enjoy a memorable night out with your friends you won’t be disappointed. Numerous bars line the streets, nightclubs play tunes well into the small hours and live music venues host everything from jazz and rock bands to salsa and merengue performers.

If jazz is your thing, head to the Roots Jazz Club in Tulipanes, while Azucar Caribbean Bar is the place to go if you’re looking for some live Latin music. For the ultimate clubbing experience, spend a night at The City. The club regularly hosts international DJs and musicians, as well as putting on acrobatic shows and light displays. There are also plenty of quiet bars and excellent restaurants if you’re looking for something a little more peaceful.

Unrivalled luxury and relaxation

Whether you spend your time in Cancun partying, topping up your tan, sightseeing or trying every activity under the sun, you’ll want to set aside at least one day for some rest and relaxation. With over 30 spa resorts dotted around Cancun, you certainly won’t struggle to find somewhere to unwind in total luxury. Thalassotherapy, which uses sea water, marine algae and marine mud in its treatments, is one of your options, while Mayan massages that make use of practices from this ancient culture are also available.

Cancun definitely has a lot to offer but if your are seeking a peaceful place where to retire in Central America, check out homes for sale in Panama!

Here are just a few suggestions if you’re after an educational trip to Paris.

Cite des Sciences et de l’Industrie
Avenue Corentin Cariou – 19th Arrondissement

This complex in Paris has the honour of being the largest science museum in Europe, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to learn something new as you wander around this vast centre. As well as permanent exhibitions relating to the history of the universe, light and mathematics, among other things, there is a planetarium, an IMAX theatre and a variety of temporary displays.

Lectures, workshops and forums are all hosted regularly at the museum, so check to see what’s going on before you travel if you’re particularly interested in the world of science.

Marian Goodman Gallery
Rue du Temple – 3rd Arrondissement

Having opened in 1995, this is definitely not one of the old established Parisian art galleries – but you’ll still learn a lot on a visit here. The original Marian Goodman Gallery can be found in New York, and it was set up to help introduce European art to the US. What makes this gallery really stand out is the amount of information available about the artists whose work you’ll see, with Dan Graham, William Kentridge and Giuseppe Penone among those to have exhibited here.

In the main gallery on the ground floor, you can peruse the exhibitions and then head into the basement space to watch videos about or featuring the artists on display.

Le Cordon Bleu cookery school
Rue Leon Delhomme – 15th Arrondissement

If you want to learn the finer points of French cooking, you won’t find anywhere better than Le Cordon Bleu. The establishment has been training chefs for over 100 years and it now offers a host of short courses designed for foodies on a break in Paris.

You can choose to spend a few hours with the masters learning how to make the perfect macaroon or how to decide on the ideal wine to complement your dinner. Alternatively, you can spend longer in your accommodation in Paris and sign up for a course lasting several days, which will allow you to hone your bread baking skills, learn the secret to making delicious pastries or discover how to create a range of sauces.

Stade de France
Saint-Denis

You may not initially consider a stadium to be an educational place, but think again. If you’re a fan of sports, make the trip outside the centre of the city to spend an afternoon marvelling at this impressive venue. As well as seeing the arena where countless rugby and football matches have been played, in addition to international athletics tournaments, you can take the guided tour to get behind the scenes and view the range of memorabilia in its museum.

Musee des Egouts
Quai d’Orsay – 7th Arrondissement

Exploring Paris’s sewers probably isn’t the first thing you’d think of doing when you arrive in the city, but a trip underground will allow you to learn more about one of the most complex sewer systems in the world. You can find out about engineering, public works and the history of the city’s development by exploring the tunnels both on foot and by boat.

Arrival and check in at the hotel. Three course welcome dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant. Overnight.

Day 02 ZAGREB Gourmet City Tour

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning is reserved for Lower Town guided walking tour. The first tasting – štrukli – will be served in a local café just behind the corner. Strukli is a pastry filled with mixture of cheese with eggs, sour cream and salt, covered in clotted cream and baked in oven – traditional Croatian dish served in most household in wide Zagreb area. Continue by the Botanical Gardens and Marulic Square towards the Marsal Tito Square with another three important landmarks of Zagreb: The Mimara Museum, Croatian National Theatre and Zagreb University.

The second tasting – cheese and wine – in the nice wine shop and cellar beneath the Gradec Hill. Experienced staff will give you an intro into Croatian wine regions and present three most typical wines. Afternoon starts with a short funicular ride to Upper Town – totally different, enchanting Zagreb and the story returns back to 15th and 16th century. Step by step you will discover all major sights here: St. Catherine’s Square with baroque church, St. Mark’s Square with House of Parliament, House of Government and St. Mark’s Church with its picturesque roof, The Stone Gate – another remaining of strong city walls and the place where you can lit the candle and say the prayer to the Virgin Mary – one of two saints protectors of Zagreb. The third tasting – meal and wine – will take place in picturesque restaurant hidden between historical buildings and museums. The route will lead you down slope to Radiceva and Tkalciceva streets before reaching the top of Kaptol Hill with the Cathedral of St. Stephen and Archbishop’s towers and halls.

Overnight at hotel in Zagreb.

Day 03  ZAGREB – ZAGORJE & VARAŽDIN TOUR – ZAGREB

Breakfast at the hotel. Excursion to Varaždin and Zagorje area. Visit Trakoš?an, a beautiful castle built in the 13th century, one of the most famous in Croatia. After a guided tour through the medieval castle walls, wine matching food lunch will be held in a local restaurant close to Varaždin. Experience rustic examples of culinary arts through simple dishes such as polenta cooked slowly in the hearth for hours, fresh cottage cheese and slow roasted turkey served with ‘mlinci’, special baked noodle. Continue to Varaždin the pearl of Central European Baroque architecture and the ancient Croatian capital. Discover the beautiful sites of the old town fortification and the central part of the town with numerous museums and galleries with valuable art collections. After Varazdin sightseeing we will continue to village Hraš?ina region’s leading boutique wine estate. Thanks to the rich vine-growing tradition, today high quality grapevine verities are grown and high quality wines are produced in this area. Wine degustation, cellar and vineyard presentations and homemade dinner will be organized at one of the most famous vine growing estates. After dinner return to Zagreb. Overnight.

Day 04  ZAGREB – KUTJEVO

Breakfast at the hotel. The tour will lead you to one of the most developed wine producing zones on the continental area, Kutjevo. Wine matching lunch in a local restaurant. Afternoon is reserved for organized visits of several rewarded wine producing estates where dinner will be served. Overnight.

Day 05  KUTJEVO – BARANJA TOUR – OSIJEK

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Baranja county within whose eastern part territory the Municipality of Kneževi Vinogradi is situated. Traditional buildings, archaeological sites and individually protected sacral buildings are the main architectural features of Kneževi Vinogradi related to cultural heritage. Apart from traditionally built houses and barns spread around the Municipality, there is the so-called architecture in the ground, wine cellars dug into the thick strata created through centuries of sedimentation caused by the passage of winds. These unique objects together with autochthonous countryside are specific to the whole Baranja region. Protected ethnological units such as Katoli?ki surduk and Reformatski surduk ( surduk is a narrow road cut through the hills ) with about 80 wine cellars dug into the ground make famous wine roads in Zmajevac and Suza. Traditional lunch and wine presentations will be organized in one of the restaurants owned by the wine producers. Continuation to Osijek. Overnight.

Day 06  OSIJEK– ILOK – BRODSKI STUPNIK

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning visit of Osijek, a popular tourist destination for its Baroque style, open spaces and ample recreational opportunities. The most important sights in the city include the main square, Trg Ante Star?evi?a, Tvr?a the 18th century Baroque citadel and the promenade along the Drava river. Arrival to Ilok, where important cultural and historical heritage with Gothic churches are the most distinguished objects representing the borderline between the western and eastern art, as well as the relicts of Islamic architecture. Ilok is also the centre of the rich wine-growing region. The grape harvest of Ilok represents a traditional annual event in the town (end of September, beginning of October). The Ilok wines (Traminer, Burgundy, Grasevina) as well as the excellent Ilok cuisine which you wil taste during lunch are famous beyond the Croatian borders. The tour continues towards a small village Brodski Stupnik where dinner and overnight will be organized in a renowned wine estate.

Day 07  BRODSKI STUPNIK – ZAGREB

Breakfast at the hotel. After a wine presentation and lunch in Brodski Stupnik transfer to Zagreb is arranged. Arrival to Zagreb in the afternoon, farewell dinner will be served in a local authentic restaurant, overnight.

Day 08 ZAGREB- departure

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the Zagreb airport for departure flight.