Sydney is Australia''s showcase: the oldest settlement, the largest and most thriving city, the cultural melting pot. It curves around idyllic Port Jackson, where sandstone cliffs and bright islands complement the Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Wander the cobbled colonial streets of the historic Rocks quarter, or tour the mansions of Watson''s Bay.

Australia's "Garden City" rejoices in its greenery, from the Fitzroy Gardens to the magnificent Royal Botanical Gardens. Hiding behind the sky-scrapers along the Yarra River are the graceful 19th-century mansions of the city's Gold Rush years. Sample one of the sixty different international cuisines, which make Melbourne the food capital of Australia.

The city of Adelaide is sophisticated and cosmopolitan with a population in the millions. Pride in its heritage and traditional values are prevalent here. There is also a comfort and convenience about Adelaide that is rarely found in cities of its size. The streets contain many lively cafes and restaurants that reflect the huge diversity of its ethnic communities. Visitors of all nations can feel at home here.

Albany, Australia is home to the first deepwater port in Western Australia, Princess Royal Harbor, which happens to be the largest natural harbor on the entire south coast of the Australia mainland outside of Melbourne. Albany has become popular with retirees, with inhabitants enjoying the fresh air, clean beaches, and fine views over the Southern Ocean, while still proving a thriving regional center. Albany's many industries consist of tourism, fishing and agriculture. In addition to the quality of life the residence enjoy, Albany is a clean power society. The Western Power Wind Farm provides 75% of the town's electricity usage with its 12 turbines driven by the strong southerly winds.

In the Far West of Down Under, the twin cities of Fremantle and Perth are like David and Goliath. Fremantle is a quaint colonial town of terraced houses, and a bay that was heaven for America's Cup yachts. Perth has bloomed into a sky-scrapered metropolis, though life remains peaceful on "Millionaires' Row," and in flower-filled Kings Park.

Tiny Broome sits in the windswept "Far Corner" of western Australia, on the scenic, arid shores of the Indian Ocean. It became famous early in the century for its pearls and mother of pearl, some of Australia's finest. Pearls are still important here, but tourist attractions -- including the dramatic pearl fishermen's cemetery, and superb ten-mile-long Cable Beach - are Broome's greatest wealth.

One of the last traditional Indonesian cities that evokes old colonial Asia, Surabaya remains delightfully untouristed and little changed from the thirties. You'll discover old neighborhoods of typical Dutch colonial homes, while in Islamic enclaves throughout the city, men in fez-like hats gather around mosques with minarets. Visit the Surabaya Zoo exhibiting a family of Komodo dragons. Or travel across the narrow straits from Java to the island of Madura and a bygone way of life, where a centuries-old style of bull racing still continues to be used as a method of breeding selection for the island's important cattle industry.

From Semarang, travel through the lush jungles of Java to the astounding temples of Borobudur, the largest Buddhist monument on earth built in the 8th century. Here view a complex of dramatic carved towers that were forgotten for almost 800 years! Topped by graceful stupas, the winding pathways display carved panels depicting the life of Buddha.

Sumatra's third largest city, Padang still has a small-town feel. It is a gateway to the island's interior and Bukittinggi, the homeland of the gentle, sophisticated Minangkabau people. Visit a 140-year-old clan house, which houses a museum of traditional wedding and dance costumes, musical instruments and weapons.

One of the most beautiful of the Seychelles islands, Praslin has a coastline of granite bluffs, carved by wave erosion into fluted columns and fantastic forms like abstract sculpture. In the national park, visit a grove of huge, ancient Coco-de-Mer palms, found nowhere else on earth. A single frond can roof an entire house.

East Africa's history is on view in Mombasa. The old Dhow Harbor was a center of trade among the old Swahili towns of the Indian Ocean. The Portuguese Fort Jesus looms above, surveying Old Town's Arab-style craft bazaars. Herds of elephant, giraffe and other game are to be found just inland, in game reserves like Taita Hills and Shimba Hills.

For many centuries, traders from Europe, India, the Orient and Arabia were lured to these shores. It was from here that explorer David Livingstone set off on his last expedition into the heart of the continent. Today, as you walk along the winding streets of the old Stone Town, lined with whitewashed coral rag houses, you can see reminders of this rich history all around you. Visit the Palace museum, former residence of the Omani Sultans, and the cathedral that now stands on the site of the notorious slave market.

African and Oriental cultures merge harmoniously in the cosmopolitan city of Durban. Zulu rickshaw drivers beckon passengers along Durban's Marine Parade. Silks and gold-threaded saris tempt visitors at the Oriental Arcades. In addition to golden beaches, Durban offers a fascinating history. It is also gateway to Zululand, where the drumbeat of tribal dancing is testimony to the enduring traditions of the Zulus. A visit to Shakaland is an experience of tribal customs.

Along the eastern coast of Africa, you will find the most beautiful city known to man-kind. This dominating tourist attraction stands alone in superiority among the hearts of its past visitors. This friendly city is known for many of its exceptional historical architecture and the allurement of its sites. Within sight of the Algoa Bay lies Port Elizabeth, engulfed in captivating serene country sides.

Dating back to 1820, Port Elizabeth became the country's first permanent British resident. A crew of 4,000 British Settlers that arrived by sea found this city. Port Elizabeth acquired her name from the late wife Elizabeth of the Acting Governor of Cape Colony, Sir Rufane Donkin. This Gateway city to the Eastern Cape is composed of a population over one million, which appoints this city as the fifth largest by population and second largest by area. Port Elizabeth plays an imperative role in the economical growth and well-being of South Africa. This role includes the contribution of the automobile industry for transportation and things such as keeping airports well equipped, port and harbor integrating South Africa with international and national destinations.

Such a beautiful sight to see contains alluring sites such as The Oceanarium, which is known for the notorious Dolphin and seal spectacle, the dolphin research centre, underwater observation area in the aquarium, two larger tanks of sharks and stingrays, and 40 different species of bony fish. The ideal weather in this city provides the perfect atmosphere for water sports. Within this utopian city lie extraordinary findings so we won't dare expose all of its possessions.

One of the world's most scenic harbors, the "Mother City" has welcomed sailors since Portuguese navigators first rounded the Cape of Good Hope in the 15th century. Take a cable car ride to the summit of massive, flat-topped Table Mountain, the city's dominating landmark, for a panoramic view of the Cape from 3,300 feet. At nearby Stellenbosch, the university town famous for its Cape Dutch architecture, sip crisp local vintages at one of the well-known wine estates.

Walvis Bay is an outpost on the empty stretch of Southwest Africa they call the Skeleton Coast. It was named for the whales once hunted here. Behind the town is the Namib Desert with trackless dunes inhabited by hardy, exotic desert plants and, now and then, a hungry lion or a ghostly herd of elephants. There is only one road, and it leads to Windhoek, Namibia's capital.

The capital of Senegal on the tip of Western Africa is a modern town with a charming colonial center known for its handicrafts, textiles, silver-work and beaches. Watch the local fishermen or take a trip to see the beautiful African hinterland.

The capital of Gran Canaria is a delight for strollers with areas such as Ciudad Jardin, where beautiful gardens surround the Canarians' homes, and the old quarter of Vegueta, where Christopher Columbus stopped in 1492. Explore the island's beautiful landscape; the highlight is a visit to the Guanches' caves, where the island's primitive inhabitants once dwelled.

At the northeastern tip of the Canaries, Lanzarote offers some of the most unusual scenery to be found, with its unique "lunar" landscape of the Timanfaya National Park. Wander in the well-preserved colonial town of Tequise, the island's former capital, or visit the unusual house of the island's famed artist, the late Cesar Manrique, who designed it as part of the volcanic landscape.

The economic capital of Morocco and the second largest city in Africa, Casablanca is an exotic blend of African, Arabian and European cultures. White-washed houses and peaceful mosques line the narrow streets of ancient Medina, the original Arab Section. Nearby, souks hum with the activity of contented shoppers bargaining for fine leather and handicrafts. The Ain Daib quarter in the southern part of the city boasts a strand of oceanfront resorts and restaurants set along the beach. Visit the mysterious "pink" city of Marrakech with its famed market and snake-charmers.

Barcelona is the cultural heartland of Spain, yet its first language is Catalan, the native tongue of the proudly independent Catalonia region. Stroll down the shady, tree-lined Ramblas between street musicians and elegant bistros. Then perhaps visit the venerable Gothic cathedral, Picasso Museum or enjoy the architectural genius of Antonio Gaudi's Church of the Holy Family.