A European capital renowned for its indulgent atmosphere, Amsterdam is more than just a playground of sensual pleasures. Home of Rembrandt, Van Gogh, classic architecture, and, of course, the canals, this “Venice of the North” augments its famed 17th century glory with a thriving, cosmopolitan presence in the 21st century. Nestled in the heart of Western Europe’s financial powers, the Dutch capital has parlayed its geographic location, well-educated population, high quality of life, and tolerant attitude into an appealing package that hosts the European headquarters of over 1,800 foreign corporations. The cultural mecca is also home to one of Europe’s largest airports, seaports, and stock exchanges. These days, about 45% of Amsterdam’s population is of non-Dutch origin, and almost everyone speaks English. The city’s transportation system is as impressive as its business statistics, and Amsterdam is a dream to navigate. Compact and safe (unless you’re a pedestrian on the bike paths), the city is accessible to locals and visitors alike, who traverse the city via a superb tram system or by cycling down the many bike lanes. Amsterdam, although wet at times, boasts a pleasant climate overall and encourages cyclists and pedestrians. Plus, canals keep automobile traffic to a minimum. Reminders of Amsterdam’s rich cultural heritage can be found everywhere. The historic city center contains over 6,000 historic, protected buildings, many of them narrow, ornate mansions along the canals. As expected, the city offers a wealth of excellent museums. When the work day’s over, Amsterdam’s citizens spend their euros leisurely and late in the city’s many restaurants, cafés, and bars. Terrific cuisine from every culture imaginable satisfies hungry appetites, and nightclubs cater to a gamut of preferences. The city, a must for any serious traveler, is a mix of old and new, traditional and modern, athletic and apathetic, serious and bizarre - much like the citizens and visitors who inhabit and frequent it.

Kiel, the "City of fresh air", has numerous faces. The time when it was a member in the Hanseatic League have shaped it as much as the Christian-Albrechts-Universität, the shipyards, the Kieler Woche festival, and the construction of the Kiel Canal. The location of the war harbour here also left its mark, as 80% of Kiel lay in ruins when World War II was over in 1945. The Nikolai Church, dating from 1242, in front of which Ernst Barlachs sculpture of the "Mind Warrior" keeps guard, is located at the Old Market. Only the grave of Kiels founder, Duke Adolf IV of Schauenburg, is preserved in the vault of the former Franciscan Monastery. Meanwhile, theres a colourful assembly of offices, boutiques and shops around the former market place. A few streets down, Kiels little red-light district with its clubs, fast food stalls, and "hotels" is starting up. Like most of these areas, the "Wall" is located right near the harbour, right across the street from the Maritime Museum, which has been set up in the old fish market hall. Past the radio and TV-station NDR, you arrive at the Castle which was unfortunately completely destroyed during the war. It has since been rebuilt with a modern concert hall in a sixties style. The City Hall, the Opera, and the Ministry of Justice rise up majestically alongside the two lakes referred to as Kleinen Kiel. Offering all kinds of shopping facilities, the Holstenstraße was Germanys first pedestrian precinct and was opened in 1951. It runs from the old Market, past the Asmus-Bremer Square, up to the train station and ends at the shopping centre Sophienhof. On the way, you will pass the Ostseehalle, Kiels largest hall for concerts, events and trade fairs, located on the Europaplatz (Europe Square) which has an interesting architecture. One month before Christmas the whole shopping area turns into a giant Christmas Market. Wooden huts, decorated with strings of candle like lights, offer a various selection of arts and crafts as well as culinary delights. The Bergstraße (English: Hill Street) offers a number of discos, pubs and clubs. Here you can party every night until 3 or 4am and afterwards enjoy Kiels best French Fries at the Aurette, an oily little food stall. The Bergstraße will lead you from the downtown area to the Dreiecksplatz (Triangle Square) where another popular shopping street, the Holtenauer Street, starts.

Palma de Mallorca, or just Palma, is the capital of Mallorca and here you'll find the culture is just as rich and diverse as the land. A great way to begin your exploration of the island is to take a relaxing walk down the Paseo Maritimo, a wide palm-lined boulevard that runs along the coast by the fishing boat port, the military port and the international port, where most ships enter. You'll find plenty of shops in Palma featuring local arts and crafts: pearls, jewelry, pottery, embroidery, glasswork, and ironwork. Worked up an appetite? Try pork loin (lomo), which is an island specialty or la sobrasada, soft sausages colored orange with paprika. And if you're feeling bold (and fearless of cholesterol), try the traditional desert called ensaimada, a delicious spiral shaped bun made with pork fat. Most of the major buildings and monuments in Palma were constructed during the "Golden Age," between 1276 and 1344 under the rule of the Kingdom of Aragon. Among the most impressive is the graceful Gothic Cathedral, which was commissioned by King Jaime I of Aragon in 1230. Legend has it that on his way to recapture Mallorca from the Moors, Jaime the First's ship was struck by a terrible storm, and he vowed at that moment, to the Virgin Mary, that if he survived he would erect a church in her honor. He made good on his promise but it took a while. The Cathedral wasn't completed until 1601! You will find the people of Mallorca are quite charming, as their experiences have allowed them to perfect the art of hospitality. So relax and enjoy this unique multicultural island — you're in the hands of professionals.

The town of Savona (about 60,000 inhab.) is a commercial and industrial centre on the Ligurian "Riviera di Ponente", dates back to the 4th century BC and grew grew up on the rocky Priamar with Sabazius-worshipping Ligurians. It was then under the Rorman empire and after them became a naval and military base of the Byzantines. The town rose in 1191 to the status of free commune in direct conflict with Genoa, its main rival battling for long time for centuries. After the Napoleonic times and in 1815 was annexed to the kingdom of Sardinia. Among its famous buildings there is Palazzo della Rovere (piazza della Rovere) built in 1495 by Giuliano da Sangallo after the instrustions of Giuliano della Rovere, later to become pope Julius 11. Other interesting places are the mediaeval palazzo del Caretto, the Church of St. Andrew and the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Asumption with works of great value to be seen in the Treasury Museum Beside tbe church is the Sistina chapel built at the wish of Sixtus IV . Savona Priamar Fortress is one of the synbol of the town, it was built in tbc 16th century by the republic of Genoa. Giuseppe Mazzini was imprisoned bere where he claborated the ideas about the Italian unification. In some rooms there is a museum entitled to Sandro Pertini one of the most loved Italian presidents. In the inland of Savona you have to visit Nostra Signora della Misericordia postioned in a peaceful and interesting site. Talking then about food (after all this walking around you need something to eat after all) typical restaurants are all around with many dishes of the Ligurian cousine but if you want to go around ask for a slice of "Savonese Torta pasqualina" (Easter Pie, flour with a vegetable base) with a glass of white wine. It stand out like a meal and you are ready to continue to go walking around again.

One of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world, Venice is simply magical. The city is surrounded by water; the quiet canals are like city streets crossed by little bridges. There are no cars; it is a pedestrian haven. The piazza San Marco, one of the most beautiful squares in the world, is crowded with pigeons and people during the day, but at night becomes an open-air ballroom. Music from several orchestras wafts across the candlelit square. It is a place for lovers and lovers of art and beauty. But, the very thing that makes Venice so special is also a threat. The water has been rising and exceptionally high tides have been flooding the square and eroding the buildings. Much thought and care has been given to finding ways to preserve this special city, but we would waste no time in visiting Venice as soon as you can. It is worth a lot to see this treasure before it is too late.