The green oasis of tranquillity that is Alexandru Borza Botanical Garden lies just outside Cluj's Old Town. Inside, a multitude of flora species are on display, from tropical flowers to Nordic mosses sprawling over rock arrangements. There is an on-site museum of plant kingdom curiosities and even a compact Japanese Garden.

Phœnix Parc Floral de Nice is the world’s largest greenhouse. Seven different tropical climates (damp, in other words) covering seven hectares, packed with 2,500 different plants. You can walk in the shadow of an (almost) unknown palm tree here, look at a baby shark, smell a thousand flowers and listen to bird song- on the loudspeakers.

The Parthenon and the temple of Athena, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the major attraction of Athens. The Erechtheion displays the statues of the female Caryatids, though the original statues have been replaced by copies because of air pollution; the originals are in the new Museum. On the southern slopes of the Acropolis lies the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a Roman theatre with room for as many as 5,000 spectators. It is used during the annual Athens Festival for world-class ballet and music performances. The Theatre of Dionysus lies beside Herodes Atticus, and almost all the tragedies and comedies of Ancient Greece were written for this theatre.

Bavaria's beautiful capital offers a collection of famous beer halls and beer gardens. Partner with a savvy local guide for an insider look at this tradition of imbibing. You'll visit local haunts and enjoy Bavarian nibbles in the company of fellow beer aficionados. Discover Bavarian beer halls, beer culture, and bar snacks such as pretzels and German sausages. Visit the world-famous Hofbräuhaus Beer and the Oktoberfest Museum.