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Like most modern American metropolises, greater Miami is composed of several smaller cities. Here the cookie-cutter developments all tend to blend into one indistinguishable mass of peach stucco and Spanish tile. For the purposes of navigation, however, the city is essentially divided in two: Miami, the mainland city, which is businesslike in demeanor, with offices, malls, arts districts and residential subdivisions; and, connected to the mainland by causeways to the east, Miami Beach (a.k.a. South Beach), the slim, glamorous barrier island that is draped in Deco hotels and where life is lived as if it were one big party. Carolina A. Miranda: Miami: 10 Things to Do... read more

Maybe it is the cobblestone byways that meander through Vilnius and appear more suited for horses than horsepower. Perhaps it is the unexpectedly historic architecture or the hulking castles that whisper of medieval derring-do. While modernity certainly intrudes — it would not be a European capital without its Prada and Ermenegildo Zegna stores, now would it? — somehow or other, this Lithuanian city, despite its many recent changes, often has the feel of an old-world diorama sprung to life. New York Times, 29 April 2007 Vilnius' old town is charmingly medieval and surprisingly well maintained which makes it one of Europe's most attractive town centres. With its medley of architectural styles, cobblestone streets, brown-brick facades and more than 60 churches, it offers a near-perfect glimpse into the past. Like most medieval towns, Vilnius was developed... read more

Cusco The former capital of the Inca Empire and current gateway to Machu Picchu, the city of Cusco is a definite highlight of South America and breathtaking not only because of its high altitude of 3,400m. The city offers a fascinating and unique blend of pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial history. Whilst the Spanish conquistadors razed most Inca buildings after their conquest of the city in 1533 they built upon the very foundations of Inca Cusco. Many perfectly constructed Inca stone walls still stand and are one of Cusco's most striking features. The old city is pleasant for strolling if for no other reason than to see the Inca stone walls that serve as foundations for Spanish colonial churches and palaces. In its full glory five centuries ago, it was the richest and most important city in ... read more

At 2,380 meters above sea level and surrounded by three impressive volcanoes, Arequipa is Peru's second most popular city among visitors (after Cusco). The Plaza de Armas is not only one of the liveliest but also one of the grandest and most beautiful of Peru. The cathedral dominates one side of the plaza whilst elegant colonial arcades complete the square. Look up and you see the ice-covered cone of El Misti, an ice-capped, dormant volcano towering over the city. Little remains of the original Inca city, but it is still gorgeous. The colonial architecture is a heady blend of Spanish, Moorish and mestizo influences. Francisco Pizarro, leader of the conquistadors, called Arequipa Villa Hermosa (Beautiful City). With its ornate buildings and perfect climate – 360 days of sunshine per year – it is not h... read more

Trujillo The colonial city of Trujillo in northern Peru is known as the "Capital of the everlasting Spring." The city centre contains many examples of colonial architecture and most of them are surprisingly elegant and ornamented. Most of the buildings have been well preserved and are painted in vivid colours. Trujillo is close to two major sites of pre-Columbian monuments: Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the ancient world, and the very impressive Temples of the Sun and Moon. Temples of the Sun and the Moon This major archaeological complex sits south of Trujillo and is considered to be the former capital of the Moche State. Its main sights are the Huacas del Moche which were built at the time of the Moche culture (100 BC - 650 AD). The first of two temples, Huaca ... read more