The Japanese ability to mix a fast-paced world with a world of tranquility and refined ceremonies can be seen to its full effect in Osaka. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Japan’s third-largest city before taking part in a traditional tea ceremony.

In Hiroshima, due to the Second World War, the are many war monuments and memorials such as the Peace Park, the Peace Tower, and a peace museum. The original Hiroshima Castle (called Carp Castle),was destroyed in 1945 by the atomic bombing. However, it was reconstructed in the 50's and now houses a museum of the history of Hiroshima before World War II.

The Japanese seaside city of Kagoshima lies in a bay on the southwestern tip of the island. The city is sunny and friendly, it has even been voted Japan's friendliest. The very active Sakurajima volcano that sits across the bay is one of the city's main attractions. The local weather report has a special section for an 'ash forecast' as it falls regularly, coating everything, including cars, laundry and teeth. Kagoshima is often nicknamed 'Naples of the Eastern World' for its volcano and tropical climate.

The city of Nawa is located on the southern part of the Okinawa island and is the capital of the Okinawa perfecture in Japan. It has always been regarded as one of the most important cities in the prefecture and offers some great sights such as the Shuri Castle, the Shikinaen Garden and the Tamaudum Mausoleum.

The city of Xiamen, also known as Amoy, is located on the southeastern coast of China. It has been declared the cleanest city of China and attracts numerous tourists every year thanks to the beauty of its coasts. The nearby island of Gulangyu, where vehicles are not permitted is definitely worth a visit along with the city's University which has traditional architecture.

What you may not know about Hong Kong is that an astonishing 70% of it is made up of green areas and mountains, filled with historical and natural wonders. Yes, it is well-known for being a shopper's paradise, but it is also so much more. As one of the culinary capitals of the world, Hong Kong offers you the opportunity to try the best of cuisines of the Cantonese, Sichuanese, Japanes or French variety, to name a few. Time your visit to coincide with a festival in the city, such as the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival or Arts Month for a truly memorable experience.

Hanoi is the capital city of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The city is famous for its beautiful ancient architecture, hectic streets that are full of scooters vying for right of way and a rich culture that has influences from Southeast Asia, France and China. Make your way to the Old Quarter, its very narrow streets are full of farmers selling their goods and locals eating, playing chess or practicing t'ai chi. Luxury hotels cost only a fraction of the price here.

Da Nang is one of the largest cities in Vietnam and is located on the coast of the South China Sea. The city boasts an interesting mix of century old pagodas, French colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers. There are many things to see whilst in Da Nang but amongst the most popular is the Phap Lam Pagoda located right in the city centre. This Buddhist temple is surrounded by well-kept gardens, Buddhist sculptures, and a serene atmosphere. Whilst in port you should also spend some time on My Khe beach - the area is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in Da Nang.

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's largest city. Until 1975, the city was known under the name Saigon. Ho Chi Minh City is located north of the Mekong Delta on the west bank of the Saigon River. There are attractions such as the Reunification Palace, the French-built 'Notre Dame' Cathedral, as well as numerous theaters and parks. The Reunification Palace is widely seen as a symbol of the end of the war and guided tours of the palace are highly recommended. Ben Thanh Market is an ideal spot for trying authentic Vietnamese cuisine and local crafts.

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's largest city. Until 1975, the city was known under the name Saigon. Ho Chi Minh City is located north of the Mekong Delta on the west bank of the Saigon River. There are attractions such as the Reunification Palace, the French-built 'Notre Dame' Cathedral, as well as numerous theaters and parks. The Reunification Palace is widely seen as a symbol of the end of the war and guided tours of the palace are highly recommended. Ben Thanh Market is an ideal spot for trying authentic Vietnamese cuisine and local crafts.

Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka and should definitely be on your must-see list when visiting the island. The city used to be known as 'the garden city of the East' and though unlikely to reclaim this moniker, it is still a compelling place. The colonial architecture of the Fort, the lively markets of Pettah and growing number of stylish galleries and shops make Colombo an excellent start or finish to your Sri Lankan expedition. The ever-growing number of eateries serving anything from Sri Lankan to street food, is another reason travellers are starting to flood to the city.

Malé is the capital of the Maldives. The city shares its name with the island it is located on. Due to its rapid growth in population, the island has had to be extended artificially. The throbbing city of Male is a fascinating place, offering you the chance to learn about the real life in the Maldives, away from the laid-back pace in the rest of the country. Even though, the sights are here few and far between, the city's lively markets, bright buildings and alcohol-free cafes are definitely worth a visit.

Praslin is the second largest island of the inner Seychelles. It lays 45km northeast of Mahe but is nowhere near its neighbour's level of hustle and bustle. The designer resorts, velvet jungle, clear turquoise waters, silky sand and curving hills make Praslin the picture perfect island you'd imagine when you talk about the Seychelles. The island has an impressive mountain range stretching east-west along the centre. Its Vallee de Mai is home to fascinating species of local flora and fauna. Praslin is a grand choice for your Seychelles holiday.

Mahe is the largest and most developed of the 115 Seychelles islands. The island is home to the country's capital city Victoria and is about as busy as the Seychelles get. There is a large selection of resorts on Mahe, the most outstanding of which are located all along the west coast, here, you will also find the most pristine beaches. However, there are plenty of hidden gems all over the island: the rugged landscapes of the Morne Seychellois National Park or the stunning Le Jardin du Roi spice garden are just two of many.

The town of Pointe des Galets is located on the west side of the island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean and is the commercial and industrial center of the island. It was created around the harbour in the 1980s. Le Port's straight avenues and modern architecture are more interesting from an urban point of view rather than a tourist one. The harbour is the third largest naval base belonging to France. The town's marina provides a great opportunity to explore the underwater world.

Richards Bay is located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. The city has many sports facilities and a fantastic landscape with numrous bays and lagoons. Try your hand at surfing, visit the wildlife Richards Bay Game Reserve park or get an astonishing view of the beach and port from atop the Lighthouse.

With around 737 600 inhabitants, the city of Port Elizabeth is the fifth largest city in South Africa and is situated directly on the Indian Ocean. Visit the large leisure complex 'The Boardwalk Casino & Entertainment World' and the many museums that can be found there or go shopping in the huge shopping center of Greenacres.

The harbour town of Luderitz is named after a German merchant from Bremen 'Adolf Lüderitz' on behalf of whom the area in question was bought. A lot of the architecture is typical to the Art Nouveau period, which was prominent around the turn of the 20th century. Luderitz is very charming with its village feel, its churches and small bakeries. However, it is the surrounding nature that makes this place so amazing - flamingo flocks, penguin colonies and the most pristine landscapes are just 10km away from Luderitz.

Walvis Bay, 'Whale Bay' in English, is a city and bay on the west coast of Namibia. The city is home to the main sea port in Namibia and is the third largest city in the country. 67,000 people live in Walvis Bay on the Atlantic coast. In the city there is the Rhenish Mission Church, which is a National Monument in Namibia. Outside the city numerous tours and excursions are offered. Besides seals and dolphin tours, a trip to the southern lagoon is recommended. The 5,000-year-old lagoon is Namibia's oldest and largest.

Takoradi is the fourth most populated city in Ghana, located in the Western Region of the country. Takoradi, together with another city called Sekondi is part of a twin city arrangement - Sekondi-Takoradi, which is the capital of the region around it. Ever since being chosen as Ghana's first deep-water port, Takoradi has been continuously developing and growing. There are two separate areas in the city: the beautifully serene beach with hotels and restaurants and its complete opposite - the loud and crowded city centre.

The city of Banjul is on the sandbar island called St. Mary's Iceland and is the capital of Gambia. At the time of British colonial rule, a fort and the Emplacement Six-Gun Battery was built to contain the slave trade. Six-Gun Battery 203 was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The triumphal arch above the city is the landmark.

Arrecife is the capital of the Canary Island of Lanzarote and is home to nearly half the population of the island. In the 15th Century, it was still a small fishing village but it has been growing over the centuries. Local attractions include the sunken crater with a lagoon, the beaches of Papagayo, the Mirador del Rio and one of the longest lava tubes in the world.

Portugal's capital is one of Europe's oldest cities, and offers tourists a diverse and interesting cultural activities. The Torre de Belém and the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos were recorded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Lisbon has many interesting buildings, parks and museums and also hosts the annual jazz festival 'Jazz em Agosto'. Saint George castle comes highly recommended, as it offers a spectacular view of the city. In addition, you must try the Portuguese cuisine. Try one of the city's famous dishes, the cod is a particularly loved dish.

Bordeaux, in southwestern France is known in particular for the wine produced in the region, and has undergone rapid development in recent years. Bordeaux is characterized by palatial architecture and has a late-baroque arrangement of its squares and streets. Place De La Bourse square, has long been a symbol of the city and is a popular visitor spot. La Cité du Vin is a popular attraction for those looking to increase their knowledge of wine and its connections to french culture. Bordeaux also offers a wide range of public parks and gardens such as the beautiful Botanical Gardens.

Bordeaux, in southwestern France is known in particular for the wine produced in the region, and has undergone rapid development in recent years. Bordeaux is characterized by palatial architecture and has a late-baroque arrangement of its squares and streets. Place De La Bourse square, has long been a symbol of the city and is a popular visitor spot. La Cité du Vin is a popular attraction for those looking to increase their knowledge of wine and its connections to french culture. Bordeaux also offers a wide range of public parks and gardens such as the beautiful Botanical Gardens.

p> Saint Malo is a walled city in the Brittany region of north western France. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations of France. The historic city centre and fortifications are the symbol of Saint-Malo. Saint Malo’s fascinating history dates back before Roman times and developed as an important Seaport in the sixteenth century, not to mention gaining a reputation for being a haven of pirates. There’s both a range of historic landmarks and cultural gems in Saint Malo, as well as a stunning stretch of sandy beaches. The city is divided into several districts, the most popular being “Intra Muros”. This is where you’ll find many bars, restaurants and hotels. Intras Muros also boasts tall granite buildings, some restored from being bombed in the war.

Highlights of Saint Malo

• Walk along the ramparts of the city for incredible views of the sea and the harbour
• See over 600 species of marine life in the Great Aquarium
• Discover all about the long history of Saint Malo at Château de St-Malo

Rouen is located about 80 miles inland along the Seine river. It is often referred to as 'the city of one hundred steeples' as stated in one of the poems of the famous french poet Victor Hugo. Although many of the buildings were destroyed during the Second World War, many of the half-timbered houses are still worth seeing. For the architecture lovers the Basilica of Saint-Ouen and cathedral will be a treat with their breathtaking sights.

Amsterdam is a European cultural hub, known for its diverse culture and laid-back attitude. Canals criss-cross the city, and boat tours are a great way to explore. However modern the city may be today; the capital city of the Netherlands offers an abundance of historically significant sights. The Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum offer an unrivaled collection of artworks, while a visit to Anne Frank’s House is sure to provide an unforgettable insight into the dark history of WWII. Whether explored by day or by night, a trip to Amsterdam promises to offer something for everyone.

Germany's second largest city, with its 1.8 million inhabitants, is on the river Elbe. Hamburg has its dense network of waterways and significantly more bridges than Venice. The legendary entertainment district of St. Pauli, the harbour at Landungsbrücke and Miniatur Wunderland, the world's largest model railway attraction.

Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Scandanavia and Northern Europe. Along the cobbled and bike-filled streets you will find a city which is consistently ranked as being the world's happiest, which helps to make Copenhagen a welcoming and unforgettable location to visit. Nyhavn harbour with its brightly coloured buildings and numerous cafés and eateries is a popular area of the city. The iconic Little Mermaid statue is a must-see for many and is located near Nyhavn, along the waterfront at Kastellet.

Helsinki is Finland's largest city and is an architecture lovers dream. The city is considered a stronghold of classicism. The townscape is characterized by a further Nouveau architecture. The Scandanavian city has become somewhat of a 'hip' destination, offering unique boutiques, galleries and countless quirky cafés and restaurants Another attraction is the fortress of Suomenlinna, built on several islands in the early 1700's by the Swedish as a form of protection.

Estonia's capital city is located on the Baltic Sea, approximately 80 km from Helsinki. The Old Town is a maze of medieval streets and spires and has also been made a UNESCO World Heritage site, helping to preserve the oldest capital city in Northern Europe. Visiting Talinn is like stepping into a modern-day medieval fairytale. Toompea, located on Tallinn's upper side is home to numerous architectural wonders such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Visitors can also expect to find an abundance of canals and beaches in Tallinn.

The Swedish capital Of Stockholm is also Scandinavia's largest city. The city of Stockholm is actually a combination of islands connected by approximately 57 bridges. Stockholm is known as being a style capital. Located just 20 minutes away is the impressive Stockholm Archipelago, a collection of approximately 30,000 islands, which is a natural wonder not to be missed. Stockholm also plays host to unique venues such as the ABBA Museum, which provides an interactive musical experience.

Oslo, also known as the green city, is home to countless attractions and has an enchanting Scandinavian flair. Some of the attractions include, the royal palace, government buildings, the Storting parliament building as well as the town hall, where each year the Nobel Prize is awarded. For gift shopping, head over to the shopping street of Karl Johans Gate. You are sure to enjoy your stay here as Norwegian people are very open and friendly.

Norway's second city, Bergen is an old Hanseatic city, often referred to as 'the gateway to the fjords'. Bergen has been named as a Euopean 'City of Culture' and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, providing the perfect combination of historical landmarks and modern culture. The city itself is surrounded by seven mountains, a unique trait which adds to the charm of the city. The annual Bergen International Festival is one of the country's most impressive events and adds to Bergen's reputation of being a 'City of Culture'.

Torshavn, the capital city of the Danish Faroe Islands lies on the east coast of the largest island, Streymoy. With its major trade and ferry port, Tórshavn is the economic and political center of the country. The city is home to over 17,000 inhabitants. Be sure to explore the narrow streets of the Tinganes Peninsula, the oldest part of town. The cathedral and the lighthouse at Thorshavner Skansin Fort are also well worth a visit.

Akureyri is a city with an approximate population of 18,000, located in northern Iceland. The city is known for having a stunning natural landscape, which means that there are many opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities. One of the most unique opportunities which can be enjoyed in Akureyri is the chance to witness the Northern Lights between September and April. Akureyri is located at the base of the Eyjafjordur, another example of the stunning natural surroundings.

Reykjavik, with a population of approximately 120,00 may not be the biggest European capital, but it is widely regarded as an exciting destination and Icelands cultural and economic center, having been established as a city in the 18th century. Reykjavik provides the perfect base for exploring nearby landmarks such as fjords, glaciers and more. There are strong connections between the city and the Vikings, with many visible signs still remaining today, such as the Longhouse at Hofsstaðir Historic Park.

Qaqortoq is the largest city in South Greenland. Near the harbor is the oldest fountain in the country. In addition, there are some old buildings from the colonial period.

Nuuk is the capital of Greenland, which politically belongs to Denmark but is also subject to self-government. The town is the largest of Greenland with approximately 18 000 inhabitants.

St. John's is the capital and largest city in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It is considered by some to be the oldest English-founded city in North America.

Halifax, Nova Scotia is located in Canada and offers a wide range of leisure and excursions. The port city is home to numerous museums, galleries, shops and historic buildings. From here you will be able to take a trip to the fishing village of Peggy's Cove or alternatively, kayak along the coast. With a bit of luck you may even be able to spot some whales, seals and dolphins!

Boston, in north-eastern United States and is one of the most culturally enriched cities in the country. In addition to the historically important sights that can be found in Boston, there are also architecturally fascinating buildings, creating a beautiful cityscape. The Freedom Trail allows visitors to trace back through the steps of the American Revolution, while the National Historical Park also provides an insight into the rich history of the city. A trip to Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox is simply a must for all sports fans .