Incredible Cities

Here at Travelsphere we love exploring the world and city breaks are some of our most favoured holidays. Every city offers something new and exciting for us to explore - whether it be famous sights, historic landmarks, striking cityscapes, beautiful landscapes or mouth-watering food, there’s so much to delve into in a city. Take a look at 10 of our favourite cities to visit on a guided holiday.

Vancouver, Canada

Boasting the most idyllic of settings, nestled between the ocean and the mountains, Vancouver should be high on every travellers bucket list. Head to the city’s lively historic core, ‘Gastown’, and pop into one of the redbrick bars or souvenir shops. Vancouver possesses some of North America’s best Asian cuisine, so check out one of the vibrant restaurants in Chinatown for a taste test. No visit to Vancouver is complete without exploring Stanley Park. Visit the magnificent 400-hectare green oasis and take a walk along the scenic trails or relax on one of the beautiful beaches and enjoy the stunning views while dining at one of Stanley Parks classic restaurants.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is simply unique. The imposing city walls surround the city’s maze of narrow streets and with incredible sea views there’s no wonder the city is known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. Explore this UNESCO listed city as you meander through its streets taking in the stunning medieval and baroque architecture. Be sure to visit the iconic Rector's Palace and the Franciscan Monastery, home to Europe’s oldest pharmacy. Take the cable car from the Old Town to the peak of Mount Srd, for breath-taking views of the city and coast. For a simply unique experience, go kayaking along the coast and underneath the famous city walls.

Athens, Greece

Sitting in the shadow of the Acropolis, Athens is a feast for the senses. Step back in time as you explore the ancient citadel, home to the famous Parthenon and its imposing columns. See the historic Panathenaic Stadium, which hosted the first modern-day Olympics in 1896, and watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. No visit to Athens is complete without sampling the delicious Greek food. In Athens you’ll find famous Greek souvlaki and gyros on every street corner and you must try Greek wine, after all it’s one of the oldest wine-making regions in the world.

Istanbul, Turkey

Where East meets West, Istanbul is a dazzling blend of two continents and a history dating back to the Roman and Ottoman Empires. You’ll be wowed by the famous sights of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque and visit Topkapi Palace Museum and marvel over the priceless collections. Don’t forget to visit the trading hub of the city, the grand bazaar, and put your bargaining skills to the test. Taste baklava, a sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and honey; and learn the secrets of Turkish coffee-making.

Florence, Italy

Home to world-class art and delicious Tuscan cuisine, the romantic city of Florence entices visitors from across the world. Wander the streets and admire the elegant architecture including the majestic Duomo, visit at different times of the day to see it shine and reflect different colours. Head to one of the many museums to find incredible art and sculptures and make sure you visit the Renaissance masterpiece which is Michelangelo’s David. Browse the shops lined along the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge and walk through the pristine Boboli Gardens where you’ll be treated to breath-taking views of the city.

Sydney, Australia

The world famous Australian city of Sydney, with its spectacular harbour, immaculate beaches, glorious weather and iconic sights, shines like few others. The renowned Opera House is one of the most famous sights in the entire country, step beneath the sails on a visit or climb the nearby Harbour Bridge for exceptional views of the harbour, opera house and surrounding area. Glimmering Bondi Beach is known across the world for its white sands and impressive waves. If heading into the water isn’t for you, enjoy the striking views while sipping on a drink in one of the many bars and cafes or while tucking into some fish and chips.

Cape Town, South Africa

Located on the shores of the Atlantic, with Table Mountain as a backdrop, Cape Town occupies a spectacular setting that very few can compete with. Table Mountain is a World Heritage Site and a true highlight of the city, the views from the top are incredible, but some days the top of the mountain is shrouded by clouds, which is a natural phenomenon known as the tablecloth – another beautiful sight. While nestled at the base of Table Mountain you’ll find one of the most beautiful gardens in the world - Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

San Francisco, USA

With its mix of palm-fringed avenues, colourful architecture and buzzing vibrancy, San Francisco is a hub of activity that offers something truly special for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re looking forward to soaking up some culture or taking in spectacular scenery, the City’s enchanting personality is never far from view. Take a walk along the famous Golden Gate Bridge or down the hairpin bends of Lombard Street. Head to the famous Pier 39, for spectacular views of the bay, as well as sea-lions, attractions, shops and seafood restaurants. Why not try the favoured clam chowder while you’re here?

Kyoto, Japan

Historic Kyoto is Japan’s spiritual heart, filled with fascinating temples, ancient buildings and splendid gardens. The traditional way of life runs through the food as well, Kyoto is the ideal location to try classic Japanese cuisine and is famous for its use of tofu. Tea is essential to daily life in Japan and Kyoto is the birthplace of the traditional tea ceremony, so a visit to a traditional teahouse is an absolute must!

In contrast to Kyoto, dazzling Tokyo blends traditions with the ultra-modern and futuristic technology. A visit to these two cities gives you a fascinating insight into Japan’s past, present and future.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

An intoxicating blend of Latin America and European influences, passion oozes from every corner of Buenos Aires. With tango shows, colonial architecture, a love for football which rivals our own and the best steaks you’ve ever tasted, this city will captivate you. One of the main sights is the The Plaza de Mayo, this is the setting of many of the city’s most important events. Head to the colourful La Boca District and visit the famous Recoleta Cemetery and wander through the historic indoor market of San Telmo where you’ll find everything from antiques to great coffee.

New York City, USA

We know this was supposed to be a top 10, but we can’t talk about the best cities in the world without mentioning perhaps the most famous – New York City. Iconic sights are waiting around every corner in the Big Apple, from the bright lights of Times Square to busy Wall Street and the towering Empire State Building. Take a stroll around Central Park or sail across to the Statue of Liberty, there are so many things to see and do in the city that never sleeps.