Sydney is Australia''s showcase: the oldest settlement, the largest and most thriving city, the cultural melting pot. It curves around idyllic Port Jackson, where sandstone cliffs and bright islands complement the Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Wander the cobbled colonial streets of the historic Rocks quarter, or tour the mansions of Watson''s Bay.

The Great Barrier Reef city of Cairns is the northernmost city of Queensland and is located amidst endless stretches of white sandy beach, attracting visitors from around the world. Although Cairns is the scuba-diving capital of the Great Barrier Reef, you can also wander along the Esplanade, with its remarkable views over Trinity Bay, or explore the Heritage Walk with its fascinating insights into the city's history.

Discover the natural wealth of northern Sulawesi, a fertile land of cocoa and clove plantations. Tiny off-shore islands harbor pristine coral reefs teeming with hundreds of species of tropical fish. While nearby at the Gunung Dua Saudara National Park, a cross-section of endemic animal life as tarsiers, hornbills, macaques and cockatoos thrive in a geologically fascinating area of hot springs and volcanic craters.

Bustling Manila is the second largest city in Southeast Asia, with its towering skyscrapers and remarkable joie de vivre. Yet amid the big-city turmoil are oases of calm: lush tropical parks, magnificent cathedrals, dramatic Spanish forts. Choose from the cultural riches of the Metropolitan Museum and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Intramuros, Manila's famous walled city, was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century. A "must see" is the Malacanang Palace with its opulent displays of Ferdinand and Imelda's decadent indulgences.

Hong Kong is the cosmopolitan hub of the Far East. This former British colony reverted to Chinese control in 1997, yet the culture-rich atmosphere remains. See the Wong Tai Sin Temple, tour local markets and the floating village of Aberdeen. Take the Tram to the top of Victoria Peak for one of the world''s most exciting views, or cross the harbor aboard one of the famous Star Ferries. After shopping and exploring, enjoy high tea at the favored retreat of many world travelers-the Peninsula Hotel.

One of Asia's great success stories, this island republic has merged diverse cultures into a dynamic and thriving nation. Clean, modern and full of green gardens, its neighborhoods reflect the Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arab and European backgrounds of its past. After sampling the legendary shopping, retire to Raffles Hotel's famous bar and toast Maugham, Kipling and Noel Coward with a Singapore Sling.

Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka means "Resplendent Land," an apt description for this beautiful island. Sri Lanka lies fifty-five miles north of the equator, just off the southern tip of India. With its unique beauty, warm climate and near-perfect beaches, Sri Lanka is one of Asia's most adored destinations. Since the sixteenth century, the Portuguese, Dutch and British have all left their architectural and cultural marks in Sri Lanka's capital of Colombo. Yet despite its colonial architecture, Sri Lanka has always remained Oriental in spirit, with colorful bazaars, dancing elephants, graceful women in saris, and many Buddhist shrines and temples.

Along the eastern coast of Africa, you will find the most beautiful city known to man-kind. This dominating tourist attraction stands alone in superiority among the hearts of its past visitors. This friendly city is known for many of its exceptional historical architecture and the allurement of its sites. Within sight of the Algoa Bay lies Port Elizabeth, engulfed in captivating serene country sides.

Dating back to 1820, Port Elizabeth became the country's first permanent British resident. A crew of 4,000 British Settlers that arrived by sea found this city. Port Elizabeth acquired her name from the late wife Elizabeth of the Acting Governor of Cape Colony, Sir Rufane Donkin. This Gateway city to the Eastern Cape is composed of a population over one million, which appoints this city as the fifth largest by population and second largest by area. Port Elizabeth plays an imperative role in the economical growth and well-being of South Africa. This role includes the contribution of the automobile industry for transportation and things such as keeping airports well equipped, port and harbor integrating South Africa with international and national destinations.

Such a beautiful sight to see contains alluring sites such as The Oceanarium, which is known for the notorious Dolphin and seal spectacle, the dolphin research centre, underwater observation area in the aquarium, two larger tanks of sharks and stingrays, and 40 different species of bony fish. The ideal weather in this city provides the perfect atmosphere for water sports. Within this utopian city lie extraordinary findings so we won't dare expose all of its possessions.

One of the world's most scenic harbors, the "Mother City" has welcomed sailors since Portuguese navigators first rounded the Cape of Good Hope in the 15th century. Take a cable car ride to the summit of massive, flat-topped Table Mountain, the city's dominating landmark, for a panoramic view of the Cape from 3,300 feet. At nearby Stellenbosch, the university town famous for its Cape Dutch architecture, sip crisp local vintages at one of the well-known wine estates.

Walvis Bay is an outpost on the empty stretch of Southwest Africa they call the Skeleton Coast. It was named for the whales once hunted here. Behind the town is the Namib Desert with trackless dunes inhabited by hardy, exotic desert plants and, now and then, a hungry lion or a ghostly herd of elephants. There is only one road, and it leads to Windhoek, Namibia's capital.

The port of Santa Cruz has colorful markets and fine museums, but be sure to drive through the island's lush landscapes or enjoy the amazing views from the snow-capped peak of Spains highest mountain, 11,600-foot Mount Teide.

This is a city of incredible lights and sights, a place of dreamy sunsets and gorgeous scenery.The wildlife is remarkable, and the museums are outstanding.Although Funchal is quite built up, the surrounding area is remote and made up of dense jungle.