Thomson Airlines

Cairo, Egypt More than 16 million people call Cairo home and it's chaotic, exotic, dusty and also beautiful. Perhaps the most interesting section of Cairo is Medieval (Islamic) Cairo. Medieval Cairo is a warren of streets just bustling with life. There are mosques at every corner, Coptic churches, huge medieval gates and bazaars selling everything from motorbike parts to perfumes. Highlights include the Citadel and the Khan Al-Khalili bazaar (for all your tourist trinkets). The major mosques worth visiting include: the Mosque of Mohammed Ali; the Ibn Tulun, one of the largest mosques in the world; and the Al-Azharmosque which houses the oldest university in the world (from 970AD).

Marrakech, Morocco Founded in 1070–72 by the Almoravids, Marrakesh remained a political, economic and cultural centre for a long period. Its influence was felt throughout the western Muslim world, from North Africa to Andalusia. It has several impressive monuments dating from that period: the Koutoubiya Mosque, the Kasbah, the battlements, monumental doors, gardens, etc. Later architectural jewels include the Bandiâ Palace, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Saadian Tombs, several great residences and Place Jamaâ El Fna, a veritable open-air theatre.

Oceania, Australia Australia’s capital city is iconic for a reason – it’s just beautiful. Start or finish your day on the harbour, one of the world’s most famous; the botanic gardens are good for a meander or to sit and ponder, while adrenaline junkies should enjoy a climb on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Surrounding the harbour are several popular bars and restaurants, as well another Sydney icon, the Sydney Opera House, just as beautiful inside as it is outside. Go back in time in the Australian Museum in Hyde Park, and then come back to the future at the Museum of Contemporary Art. And you can’t miss perhaps the best spot of all, Bondi Beach, where the views are so incredible you just can’t believe you’re in Australia’s largest urban area.     

Auckland, New Zealand, Coyle Park     Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanted holiday islands. Add a sunny climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping, and you’re beginning to get the picture of Auckland, our largest and most diverse city.   Auckland is a shopaholic's paradise, with everything from top-end designers to open air street markets. While you're here, enjoy the city's diverse cafes, restaurants and nighlife. Favourite downtown spots include Wynyard Quarter, the Viaduct Harbour and the Britomart precinct. Once you've seen the city, head out to one of Auckland's four distinct wine districts where you can sample local vino against the backdrop of rolling hills and sparkling ocean. 

China, Taiwan We are heading to Beijing, China, first. Beijing, one of the world’s oldest cities, is the capital of the People’s Republic of China, and the country’s political, economic, and cultural center. Located on the edge of the North China Plain, it is the second largest city in the country with a population of more than 12 million. Beijing is a city of contrasts where the ultra-modern and the historical live side by side: the latest computers and cell phones coexist with the abacus; neon discos and nightclubs stand next to ancient temples. Inhabited by cave dwellers some 500,000 years ago and rebuilt by Kublai Khan in 1215 AD, Beijing—once a capital for Mongol and Manchu—is destined to be one of the most important cities of the 21st century. Many changes have taken place for the Olympic games that Beijing hosted in 2008. 

Maldives                              After Beijing, we are flying to Maldives. The Republic of Maldives consists of 1,190 islands (approximately 200 are inhabited) in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka. It is a presidential-parliamentary democracy and has a population of fewer than 325,000, with approximately 100,000 people residing in the capital city of Malé, and an estimated 100,000 foreign workers. Beautiful atolls, inhabited by over 1,100 species of fish and other sea life, attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Tourism facilities are well developed on the resort islands. Read the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Maldives for additional information.

San Diego, Calafornia

The most difficult part of planning a San Diego vacation is deciding what to do, what to see and where to go. With infinite options for activities to try, regions to explore and attractions to enjoy, you’ll find something new each time you visit.
San Diego offers every kind of activity imaginable; from world-renowned attractions, unlimited outdoor recreation, a thriving arts and culture community, sightseeing tours and award-winning restaurants, you’re sure to find a host of things to entertain and inspire.
But perhaps the best part of a San Diego vacation is doing nothing at all. With 70 miles of beautiful beaches, countless parks and gardens, and endless opportunities for pampering at one of the areas many spas and resorts, San Diego is an excellent destination for some quality R&R.