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If the fug of central Athens is getting to you then try this little stroll for a head-clearing day. Catch the metro down to Piraeus, soak up the hustle and bustle of the big ferry port for a full five minutes before quickly heading off round the peninsula towards the quieter and more upmarket Zea Marina for a trendy coffee overlooking the yachts and fishing boats.
Then continue strolling round the bay, stopping to admire the coastal views of the seaside districts of Athens (Glyfada, Vouliagmeni) until you reach the mikrolimano (little harbour). Sadly all the traditional fishing boats have mostly disappeared but in their place is a superb range of seafood eateries and coffee bars, where anybody who is anybody can be seen hanging out with their parea (groups of friends).
As the sun begins to sink down you can then complete the loop by walking to the metro station at Faliro (past the stadium of Olympiakos football team) and hopping off again at Thisseio station to catch a moonlit stroll around the Acropolis and sip raki in Monastiraki until the sun comes up again. Bliss.
All stations are on the Greek metro map (green line) - Piraeus is the terminus so you can't miss it. Zea Marina can be found by following the brown cultural signs for Piraeus museum
It’s true that Athens should no longer be a short stay destination, but if circumstances dictate it, I recommend the following route (only because it should at least allow you to get a first impression of the diverse faces/ juxtapositions of the city).
Start early in the morning with a visit to Kolonaki square. Watch the posh (and wannabe posh) people walk by while having a coffee/breakfast in one of the numerous - though slightly overpriced- cafes.
Then again, if you'd prefer something more down to earth, rather bohemian, choose to start your day by visiting Exarheia, a neighbourhood right next to Kolonaki. Have a stroll round the nearby streets and then head towards Panepistimiou Avenue, for a short stop at the Hellenic Academy and the other nearby buildings of architectural interest.
From Panepistimiou Avenue, head towards Syntagma, to see the Greek parliament, and then keep walking down Ermou Street until you reach Monastiraki. Pass Monastiraki Square and then head towards Plaka, for a light lunch/drink in one of the kafeneia/tavernas (kafeneio Dioskuroi is highly recommended).
Take a deep breath and then start walking up the hill, for a visit to the Acropolis. On the way back, walk round Plaka for a bit longer, or visit other very interesting areas, which are all a short distance away, such as Thission, Psiri, Athens Central Market or Gazi.
A nice cold beer, a dish of Greek delicacies, the Parthenon above, the Ancient Agora below, crowds strolling by, lazy dogs and cats sleeping under the sun waiting for a treat, maybe a frappe afterwards. Dioscuri, a traditional outdoor café on the street that leads to the Acropolis has them all, and at minimal cost.
Dioscuron 13 Street, Plaka, Athens tel: 210 3219607
Metro: Monastiraki Station
A great restaurant-cum-bar-cum-gig venue overlooking the island of Gamla Stan and beyond. We visited on a Friday night and dined in a cosy alcove with a buzzy atmosphere and saw a Swedish blues band perform live in front of an arty/folky audience. The venue also plays host to comedians and magicians, which can make for an evening of random fun.
Walk up the hill from Slussen or take the Gondala lift for about £1 and walk accross the Mosebacke bridge;
www.mosebacke.se;
Mosebacke torg 3, 116 46;
tel: 08 5560 9890
No visit to Vienna is complete without a trip out to the funfair at the Prater, to take a ride on the big wheel immortalised in The Third Man. Great views over the city, and a surprisingly untacky tourist experience.
U-Bahn Praterstern
Spectacular palace and gardens. The journey to the top of the hill is rewarded by a fine cafe. The world's oldest zoo is here too, a great place to take the kids.
U-Bahn Schönbrunn
If you are visiting Zambia, Victoria Falls is not a place to miss. These incredible falls are on the border with Zambia and Zimbabwe, formerly Northern and Southern Rhodesia before independence in the 1960s, they can be seen from either side of the border.
Although you may think that going to a waterfall may not take long, I recommend that you set aside the good part of a day to visit them. There are lots of places to walk around and you will love the refreshing 'Mosi au-Tunya' (The Smoke that Thunders), the spray that is constantly thrown into the air by the falls.
Be cautious with children however, Zambian health and safety regulations are not as strict as in the UK! In some places, there are very low railings and the constant spray from the falls makes some paths slippery.
The sunset at the falls is incredible, there are beautiful scenes if you sit at the top of the falls as the sun sets. Make sure you are well protected against mosquitoes, the damp air makes it very popular with them.
On the Hilton Hotel's top floor this is one of the hippest and most elegant bars in Athens. A huge variety of cocktails and tasty finger food at somewhat high prices in Wallpaper-like surroundings. Bonus: a stunning view of the Acropolis that will impress you unless you are an Athenian and used to it.
Hilton Hotel, Athens
Temple of Poseidon, just outside Athens. The journey there is along the coast, which is great. Sounio has breathtaking views and a nice cultural trip also. I never miss a drive there when I visit Athens.
Take a KTEL (coach) from Syntagma which will take you straight there.
If you want to stay at an eco-friendly resort that offers cheap, well-designed bungalows and some of the most beautiful views in the province then you should visit Phanom Bencha Mountain Resort. The enchanting gardens, natural spring water swimming pool and all the peace and quiet you’ve ever wanted, combine to make the mountain resort one of my favourite places in Thailand.
One of the best views in Krabi, if not the whole of Thailand, can be found at the top of Wat Tham Seua (Tiger Cave Temple). It will take you 1,237 steps of sweat-drenched effort to reach the summit but you will be rewarded with spectacular 360 degree views of the area including the forests, limestone scenery and the Andaman Sea.
The best thing about staying in the Lakes is waking up to amazing views - and this place doesn't disappoint. All 12 rooms look out across the Troutbeck Valley. The bar is suitably cosy and serves real ales and there are more views from the Garden restaurant. Rooms from £45pp b&b.
Troutbeck, Windermere, Lake District, Cumbria LA23 1PL
015394 33193
www.themortalman.com
Seven simple, elegant rooms with sea views in an 18th-century house which was once a Portuguese embassy. Lots of arty stuff going on downstairs in the arts club, like jazz nights and life-drawing classes. The Frog Fish cafe in the basement serves good local seafood and organic meat.
Accommodation starting at £35pp with the full English and is a great deal.
01736 363761
www.penzanceartsclub.co.uk.
Bill Bryson called it ‘an outpost of comfort and graciousness', and it's a fantastic place to escape to: flawless setting (on a bay overlooking the Isle of Skye), fine food (local scallops and the like eaten in the bar sitting on old fish crates), romantic rooms (the master bedroom looks out over the Sound of Sleat to Skye) and a cracking atmosphere (the ebullient landlord sets the tone). Rooms from £89 B&B.
Glenelg, Kyle of Lochalsh, Ross-shire, The Highlands.
01599 522273
www.glenelg-inn.com
The view from the Panorama Bar on the top floor will give you a fine impression of just how modern and booming Warsaw is. The breakfast buffet left no wish unfulfilled, they even had Heinz baked beans in between four sorts of smoked salmon.
The best reason for staying there is that you can't miss it, good for getting back home again after a night out on the vodka. It is lit up too.
al Jerozolimskie 65/69;
www.marriott.com.pl
The view from the tower - don't miss it.
If you go into the town hall (entrance on the Old Town Square near the astrological clock) you can buy a ticket to climb the staircase that will take you to the roof. From here there are marvellous views of the square itself, including a unique view of the Tyn church, as well as views across the city in all directions from this central location.
Old Town Square
If you fancy a break from Vegas's 24-hour noise and neon, then get yourself on a tour of the Grand Canyon. The canyon is only an hour away by helicopter and you'll fly over some of Vegas's most famous sights on the way. The view as you come over the top of the canyon is unforgettable - a once in a lifetime experience.Try and book a tour for early morning and you'll see the sun rise over the desert. If you're jet-lagged the early start won't hurt you too much, so think about going at the start of your trip.There's loads of operators, so shop around for the best deal.
One company worth looking at can be found here:www.lasvegasgrandcanyontour.com
Not far from Salzburg is the village of Hallstadt, nestled in the Austrian lake district. It is situated in picture perfect scenery, a simple but beautiful place with views over lake Hallstadt.
A must-do is a trip on the funicular up to the entrance of the salt mines followed by a tour of the mines. Getting dressed in miners gear is a laugh. Beware that cars are restricted in Hallstadt (car parking is outside).
Hallstadt, near Salzburg Austria
www.hallstatt.net/besucher/index.php3?lang=en
Providing breathtaking panoramic views over the wonderful mountains in Salzburg, it winds its way up the mountain and at every turn of the road there is another gorgeous view.
At its end, the highlight of the road is waiting for you: the 3,798 metre Großglockner - Austria’s highest mountain - and the largest glacier in Austria, the Pasterze.
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