Varadero, Cuba

Varadero Beach is one of the world’s greatest beaches. The white sand, cool tropical breezes and tranquil Atlantic waters provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing vacation.

If you're looking for adventure, Varadero is well equipped to handle almost any water sport you can think of, from scuba diving to sailing to swimming with the dolphins. You can even play a round of golf at a championship course, or hike through the history-rich Ambrosio Cave. If you want to be pampered, Varadero has an abundance of spas to help you unwind.

Just beyond the spectacular beaches, you’ll find plenty of local excursions. Explore the ecotourism options offered on the nearby Zapata Peninsula, the largest wetland reserve in the Caribbean, or within the Varahicacos ecological reserve, where you can hike along vegetation-rich trails and gaze at the colourful array of exotic birds.

Cayo Coco, Cuba

Cayo Coco is a true tropical paradise, lined with white beaches and surrounded by aquamarine waters. Cayo Coco is separated from the Cuban mainland by a wide body of water known as the Bahìa de Perros (Bay of Dogs). It is also home to one of the largest colonies of pink flamingos in the world. 

Less than 20 years ago, these islands were known only to local fishermen and to the coast guard that protected them. Author Ernest Hemingway fished up and down the coast and wrote about it in his novel Islands in the Stream.

Remain on the islands and explore the natural wonders through bird-watching tours and snorkelling excursions over the massive coral reef just offshore. 

A short drive across the 27-kilometre causeway links these islands to mainland Cuba and takes you to a world filled with wonderful cultural experiences. Take a bicycle taxi ride on the bustling streets of Moròn, then visit the town's giant, bronze cockerel. Head a little further down the road to the provincial capital of Ciego de Avila to see a Cuban cigar being rolled.

Mykonos, Greece

The mention of Mykonos brings to mind bright white buildings, turquoise skies and golden sandy beaches.

The most popular Greek Island in the Aegean Sea is all about energy and attracts a diverse and upscale crowd that thrives on its stylish nightlife. During the day relax in the more secluded north beaches or the south beaches if you want an all day party.

The small walkways are filled with shops and restaurants to spend your days or for more active fun activities try a jet-ski, windsurf, horseback ride, parasail or just save up your energy for the evening ahead.

Athens, Greece

Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities.


The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a high rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and containing the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon.


The temple was sacred to two aspects of the Greek goddess Athena, Athena Polios ("of the city") and Athena Parthenos ("young maiden"). The "on" ending means "place of", so "Parthenon" means "Place of the Parthenos".


The Parthenon survived the ravages of time pretty well, serving as a church and then a mosque, until finally it was used as a munitions depot during the Turkish Occupation of Greece. In 1687, during a battle with the Venetians, an explosion tore through the building and caused much of the damage seen today. There was also a damaging fire in ancient times.


While the Parthenon was the most impressive temple on the Acropolis, another building, the Erechtheion was built to accommodate the religious rituals that the old temple housed. Construction of the Erechtheion began in 420 while the Peloponnesian war was interrupted by the Peace of Nikias and continued through some of the most difficult times for the Athenians at war. 


The Caryatids have become the temple’s signature feature, as they stand and seem to casually support the weight of the porch’s roof on their heads. Their identification, or the purpose for such elaborate column treatment is lost through the centuries, but it was by no means a new feature in Greek architecture.