For accommodation, stay at the Harbour Rocks Hotel. This 4-star hotel is in close proximity to other attractions such as the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanical Gardens, Sydney Aquarium and Darling Harbour. Wotif.com showed rates as low as A$149/night.

Let’s start the day by perusing the stalls at an open air market for art and souvenirs.  The Rocks Market which occupies a closed-off portion of George St from Dawes Point Park down to Hickson Rd. Over 150 stalls can be found under the distinctive yellow sails every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

Next we’ll head to Australia’s oldest Observatory. Built in 1858, Sydney Observatory was essential to ship navigation, meteorology, timekeeping and for studying the southern hemisphere. The Observatory became a museum in 1982. The historic lens telescope in the south dome dates from 1874 and is the oldest regularly used telescope in Australia. In contrast, the mirror telescope in the north dome is fully computer controlled and incorporates the latest technology. The observatory is open daily from 10a to 5p and admission costs A$7.

You may have seen the breathtaking view of the Harbour Bridge from the Observatory. Now let’s head there for a closer inspection. The Harbour Bridge is fondly known as the “Coat Hanger” and is visible from many parts of the Rocks. It is possible to walk over the bridge through a pedestrian walkway. We’ll enter on the western side on Fort St near Observatory Hill. Once on the bridge, let’s climb up the the Bridge Pylon to the Pylon Lookout. For A$9.50 admission fee, the Pylon Lookout offers fantastic views of the city, harbour, and the Opera house.

It’s time to rest our feet and have an oyster & champagne lunch. Let’s head to the Sydney Oyster Cove located on the east side of Circular Quay. This casual spot offers everything from oysters to salmon to lobster. It is also possible to create your own seafood platter for a customized meal. Opt for alfresco dining where you can take in views of both the harbour and the city.

After lunch let’s head to The Sydney Opera House. One of Sydney’s most beautiful and unusual buildings, the Opera House is world famous. It is possible to walk around the building, and some of the foyer areas free of change. For A$35 (or A$29 online), a guided 1-hr tour is available for those interested in seeing the inner workings of the Opera House.

Located a short walk around the water’s edge from the Sydney Opera House, is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful settings you will see anywhere. The Royal Botanics Gardens have more than one million specimens and there is even a hop-on hop-off “train” for speedy access to different parts of the gardens. Entry to the gardens is free and closes at sunset.

Tonight let’s have dinner and enjoy a jazz concert at The Basement Club. Recognized as Australia’s number one jazz venue, The Basement delivers a wide range of styles with bands play almost every night. The dining room offers modern Australian cuisine with a flare of Asian influence. Booking ahead is a must.

View 1-Day Brisbane in a larger map

The home base of this itinerary is situated in two of the oldest and grandest buildings in Brisbane. Formerly the Treasury Building and the Lands Administration Building, these historical structures have been restored and converted into the 5-star Treasury Hotel & Casino. In addition to packaged deals on the hotel’s website, I found A$185/night on wotif.com.

The first stop on this itinerary is the Brisbane City Hall located by the King George Square. City Hall’s 92-meter (~300-ft) clock tower was once Brisbane’s highest point, complete with an observation platform offering a panoramic view of the city. Access to the observation platform is open to public daily from 10:00a to 3:00p. Before leaving the City Hall, take a tour through the Art Gallery & Museum (now Museum of Brisbane) and brush up on Brisbane’s history. Admissions to the Clock Tower & the Museum are free.

Next we’ll head to the Queen Street Mall. Considered the center fashion and retail in Queensland, this pedestrian mall houses over 700 retailers and sees over 26 million visitors each year. On Wednesdays a Farmer’s Market is open on Reddacliff Place, where Queen Street meets the river. As you stroll down Queen Street, stop at one of the many open air cafes for lunch. From your perch, make sure to take note of the victorian-era building facades along Queen Street. Many of these buildings were preserved and restored during the development and construction of the mall.

After lunch we’ll cross the Brisbane River and make our way to The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA). GoMA is Australia’s largest gallery of modern and contemporary art, and focuses on the art of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Here you’ll also find the Australian Cinematheque, where film screenings are held. Admission to the GoMA is free though certain exhibitions may require an entry fee.

A great way to take in Brisbane’s South Bank water front is a stroll the Clem Jones Promenade. Along the promenade one finds the Wheel of Brisbane, the South Bank Arbour, and a swimming lagoon with  a man-made sandy beach. The sand surrounding the beach is sourced from Moreton Bay and topped up each year in order to maintain its pristine condition.

Cross the river toward the Botanic Gardens. The gardens is open daily (closes at 5p during winter months from April – August), with free guided tours daily at 11a & 1p. Follow the main path that leads through the center of the gardens to Albert Street at the northern end of the gardens. Here you’ll find many tall palm trees, a lily pond, shaded pagodas and benches, tropical plants and flowers.

Restaurant II awaits as you exit the gardens. Cozy up in one of the lounge seats and select a wine to unwind with. One of the top 10 dining establishments in Brisbane, Restaurant II’s wine list offers selections from all over Australia and New Zealand as well as wines from abroad. While they don’t offer tasting flights, feel free to ask for a sample pour if you are unsure what to order.

A visit to Brisbane would not be complete without visiting a live music venue. Take a taxi to Fortitude Valley, a neighborhood known for its night life. Tonight we’ll end the evening at The Troubadour. Opened in 2003, this boutique music venue presents local, interstate and international acts regularly. The venue is open Tuesday – Sunday. Be sure to check its events calendar and purchase tickets in advance as  featured acts can sell out.

View 1-Day San Francisco in a larger map

The hotel choice for this itinerary is the Galleria Park Hotel located in downtown San Francisco. This 3.5-star hotel is a few blocks from Union Square, Chinatown, and offers easy access to the rest of the city. I found rates as low as $90/night on hotels.com. I should also mention that, just like the rest of San Francisco, the hotel is pet-friendly.

Get an early start today and take a 20-minute stroll down 3rd street to Butler and the Chef. The restaurant is tucked away in South Park, a small, oval-shaped park situated in the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood. South Park was originally constructed in 1855, modeling after a square in London, as the center of an exclusive residential community. The area flourished during the dot-com boom of the late 1990s, sometimes described as “ground zero” of the dot com, with many start-up Internet companies based in the area. Today the area is still home to many Web-related companies.

After a breakfast of cappuccino and the Niman Ranch Ham Benedict, head up 3rd Street toward the Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). It is the only museum in the western United States devoted to collecting and exhibiting the full scope of modern and contemporary art according to the museum’s website. Annually, the museum hosts more than twenty exhibitions and over three hundred educational programs. Make sure to head to the 5th floor open-air space. The Rooftop Garden offers dramatic views of both the San Francisco skyline and sculptural works in the museum’s collection.

For lunch, head to Yank Sing on Stevenson Street to enjoy Chinese-style tapas better known as dim sum. Dim sum consists small plates that include meat, seafood, vegetable, desserts and fruits. While not the cheapest dim sum joint in town, I’ve found Yank Sing to be consistently good. Be sure to order the Peking Duck & Shanghai dumplings. The dumplings rival those from Shanghai Dumpling King’s, which some consider to be the best in San Francisco.

Our next stop is the Ferry Building at Market and Embarcadero. The Ferry Building is both a ferry terminal and a marketplace. From outside the buidling, take in the magnificent view of the Bay Bridge, Treasure Island, Yerba Buena Island, and the Berkeley hills across the bay. Inside the building, you’ll find 40 or so fixed merchants offering local artisan products. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays, the Ferry Building also houses the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. Started as a one-time event in 1992, the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market’s popularity led to the opening of a year-round market in May 1993. Today as many as 15,000 shoppers visit the market every Saturday.

As the day winds down, let’s make our way to Union Square. This one-block plaza and nearby area is one of the largest collection of department stores, upscale boutiques, tourist trinket shops, art galleries, and salons in the Western United States. Take refuge at one of Rulli’s Caffe’s patio tables. The location offers the perfect vantage point to people watch and enjoy the liveliness that San Francisco offers.

Tonight we’ll expand our palate with French Vietnamese dishes at Le Colonial located on Cosmo at Taylor. This sexy restaurant is decorated with spinning ceiling fans, tropical plants, rattan furniture, and French Colonial decor. The menu is an imaginative mix of traditional Vietnamese flavors and Western ingredients. Make sure to try my 2 favorite dishes: tender wok-seared beef tenderloin with watercress onion salad and coconut curry with black tiger prawns.

Before heading back to the hotel, take a detour through The Hidden Vine. This unique wine bar is tucked away in the same alley as Le Colonial. Voted the Best Wine Bar by CitySearch since 2005, this hidden gem offers oenophiles a lovely, casual atmosphere. The space is decorated in comfortable furniture, candles and fixtures reminiscent of an old English study. With 30 wines by the glasses featuring reds and whites from mostly small producers, this just the place to end the night.

Located in downtown Bloomington, Reality Bites is a great joint to meet friends and coworkers after a day in the office. The establishment offers small plates, wine flights, and local beers on tap.

DESTIHL is a restaurant and brewery located in the Shoppes at College Hills. A casual spot with an urban feel to it. You’ll find a variety of American dishes from Meatloaf to Jambalaya to Porkchops. Make sure that you sample the beer selection brewed on site.

Despite being a chain, head to Biaggi’s for an authentic Italian cuisine. The establishment’s ambiance is upscale and appropriate for business meals. Prices on dishes & wines are quite reasonable. Make sure you try their signature tomato soup.

View Larger Map

The Grant Hyatt Taipei was my launching pad during my most recent trip. A government-sponsored economic stimulus package brought the rates down to NT$3600/night (~US$103) at this 5-star hotel. The hotel’s regular rate is NT$5500 or ~US$158 per night.

Skip having breakfast at the hotel. Instead, head out to a street market just a few blocks away. This bustling area filled with locals picking up ingredients for tonight’s meal, here you’ll find fresh produce, meat, and a variety of sundries for sale. for about US$1 or NT$30, pick up a cup of hot soy milk and shāobǐng youtiao or chinese donut wrapped in roasted flatbread for breakfast.

With breakfast in hand, make way toward the National Dr.Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. Completed in 1972, this landmark was in memory of the national founding father of the Republic of China, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen. In addition to serving as a place of remembrance, the hall contains a library with 1.4 million books as well as five large exhibition halls with various displays, capable of holding more than 2,500 people.

Next head west on Jhong Xiao (Jhongsiao) E. Rd toward SOGO department store. This stretch of road is one of the major shopping area in Taipei’s east district. Here you’ll find boutiques presenting an array of brand clothes, jewelry, shoes and leather items. Today’s shopping ends at SOGO. Considered the shopper’s paradise, SOGO is Taiwan’s leading department store in terms of overall revenue and popularity.

The next stop in today’s journey will require a ride on the MRT, Taipei’s subway system. Access the station entrance directly either from inside SOGO or right out front. Purchase 2 NT$20 single journey tokens (use one now, and another for the next stop on today’s itinerary) and hop onto the Nangang line in the direction toward Yongning. Exit at the Taipei Main Station and to the National Taiwan Museum.

The oldest museum in Taiwan, the National Taiwan Museum was set up by the colonial government of Japan in 1908 to commemorate the inauguration of the North-South Railway. The museum had a collection of over 10,000 items in its initial stages. Today, the museum features specimens of Taiwan’s indigenous animals and plants as well as cultural artifacts. Its elegant architecture, abundant collections and unique geographical position have made the museum an important landmark in Taipei. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an admission fee of NT$20.

Back to the MRT. With the remaining NT$20 token, hop on the Danshui line toward Xindian. Exit at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. This famous monument was erected in memory of Chiang Kai-shek, one of the most influential leader in the history of the Republic of China.

Enter through the imposing gates into the 250,000 square meter park that house the monument, the National Theater, and National Concert Hall. The CKS monument is the symbol of both Taipei and the Republic of China. The memorial consists of a large bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek, watched over by two motionless honor guards who are replaced every hour. Downstairs, there is a museum of Chiang’s life, complete with his sedans and uniforms. Even if you are not into memorials, the gardens, with their Chinese style ponds, are definitely worth a visit.

Take a taxi back to the hotel and rest up before heading out this evening. Authentic Taiwanese cooking is on the menu tonight. Popular with Taiwanese diners, Shin Yeh serves classic Taiwanese cuisine with a touch of Japanese influence. This is one of the only restaurants in Taipei that serves rice congee with sweet potato (a breakfast staple) at all hours of the day. You cannot go wrong ordering anything from the menu. Make sure to book ahead as the wait time for walk-ins can be long. Save room for dessert. The peanut powder covered mochi is not to be missed.

After dinner, take a leisurely stroll toward the Tong Hua Night Market. One of the many night markets in Taipei, this one features food stalls plus more than 100 vendors selling clothes, shoes, accessories and other knickknacks. While not as large as the “must-go” famous Shilin night market, the experience is just as memorable.

View Larger Map

The home base of this trip is the Hotel Delavigne, a charming 3-star Parisian hotel located on a quiet street at the edge of the Latin Quarter. Conveniently located in between 6th and 5th arrondisements, the hotel offers easy access to the metro and everything Paris has to offer. Booking.com shows rates starting at €145/night.

Begin the day by taking a stroll through Jardin du Luxembourg, the 25 hectares of green oasis in the middle of Paris. Here visitors will nearly 200 statues, including a smaller version of the Statue of Liberty. The French Senate is housed in Palais du Luxembourg, found in the northern part of the park. At the center of the park one will find the Grand Bassin, an octagonal pond surrounded by lawns and alleys. I once sat on one of the many chairs by the pound, watching a group of finches playing in a pool of water formed after an afternoon thunderstorm. Grab a seat. It’s a great place to people watch.

Next stop on today’s journey is the Panthéon. Originally commissioned as a church, the building was converted into a mausoleum honoring historical figures after the French Revolution. Take the guided tour and climb to the dome for an excellent view of Paris. The admission is 7.5 euros for adults.

For lunch, pop into Jardin des Pâtes‎ on Rue Lacépède. A cozy eatery with menu made up of homemade pasta dishes. Even a simple pasta with bolognese sauce is to die for. A meal here won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

The first stop after lunch is Arènes de Lutèce‎, the only surviving above-ground ruins of the Gallo-Roman era in Paris. This ancient Roman theatre was built around the 2nd century AD and rediscovered in 1869 during the building of Rue Monge.

Continue west toward Rue Mouffetard. One of Paris’s oldest and liveliest neighborhoods starting at Place de la Contrescarpe. Rue Mouffetard is a remnant of an old Roman road with buildings date from the 12th century. In addition to housing a market every morning, the street offers a wide variety of shops. Make sure to stop in La Fontaine for wine tasting. Here one can find quality wines at attractive prices.

If there’s still time left in the day, catch the metro to see the Catacombs, Paris’ famous underground ossuary. From the Censier – Daubenton‎ metro station, catch the M7 line to Place d’Italie‎ and change to the M6 line. Exit at Denfert-Rochereau‎ metro stop and find the Catacombs at 1, Place Denfert-Rochereau.

The entrance fee to the Catacombs is 7 euros for adults. The mile-long walk through the underground underground tunnels and chambers is not for the faint of heart. There are thought to be around six million skeletons in the catacombs. Skulls and stacks of bones are arranged along the walls, with piles reaching as high as 5 feet.

After a long walk, the metro serves as the perfect transport to take you back to the hotel. Take the M4 to Odeon then the 2 blocks to the hotel. Rest up before heading to Le Petit Prince de Paris for a pleasant restaurant experience. The service is superb and the atmosphere is relaxed. The 3-course menu offers authentic French dishes at very reasonable prices.

One can spend many days discovering Munich… think BMW, beergarden, lederhosen, traditional Bavarian dishes… Mmmm. So far I’ve spent over a month in Munich, over 3 or 4 trips and it’s one of my favorite cities to visit and work in. This will be first of many 1-day itineraries for this fabulous city and I’ll start with the city center or better known as Marienplatz.

View Larger Map

Stay at the 3-star Hotel Schlicker near the city center. Do not be turned off by the McDonalds and a Burger King next to the hotel. This boutique hotel is a stone’s throw away from Marienplatz and the underground. A double room starts at 117 euros. Only book a single if you are traveling solo as single rooms are usually equipped with a twin bed.

Start the day at Munich’s oldest open air market a block away from the hotel. Since 1807, the 22,000 square meter Viktualienmarkt is the site of 140 stalls and shops offering gourmets and delicacies including wine, flowers, exotic fruit, game, poultry, spices, cheese, fish, juices and more. While perusing through the market, keep an eye on the time.

Reach the Glockenspiel in the center of Marienplatz by 11:55a and keep your eyes on the clock tower of the ornate New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus). As the clock strikes 12, the automated clockwork figures begin to move to the chime. For the next 12 to 15 minutes, enjoy these handmade figurines enact scenes from the 16th century. The end of the spectacle is marked by the 3 chirps of a small golden bird at the top of the Glockenspiel.

Next walk up Dienerstrasse to Dallmayr Haus, the oldest gourmet shop in Munich. Dating back to the 17th century, this delicatessen offers freshly ground coffee, delicious cheese, freshly baked goods and other Bavarian delicacies. Grab lunch at the cafe attached to the shop.

After lunch walk over to Frauenkirche. Built in the medieval era the “Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady” is the largest church in the city. The church’s distinctive twin dome towers are the models for many towers throughout Bavaria. Step inside the church to find an example of a tomb monument for a Habsurgian ruler at the entrance. Climb the stairs for a view of Munich and the Bavarian Alps, visible on a clear day.

Follow the cobblestone streets back toward the Glockenspiel. From the square, take a leisurely stroll down Kaufingerstrasse toward Karlstor. Many people consider this pedestrian-only promenade THE shopping street of Munich as the street is filled with retail stores both large and small.

Stop in the Augustiner Restaurant for a little break. Sit outside in the beer garden behind the building if weather permits. Order up a pilsner and a pretzel. Established in 1328, the Augustiner brewery is Munich’s oldest brewery and produces some of Munich’s most popular brands of beer. Consider taking the beer in a “mass” (basically a 1-litre glass jug) for the true biergarten experience.

The afternoon ends at the medieval gate that marks the entrance to the old city. One of the three remaining gates from the 14th century, Karlstor was part of the defense walls that at one time completely surrounded Munich. It’s not surprising that Karlstor does not show its old age, as this 700 year old landmark has been refurbished over the years.

Classical Bavarian dish is on my menu tonight. Head to Haxnbauer on Sparkassenstraße. Haused in a historical building built in the 14th century, this dining destination is well known for its “schweinehaxen” or roasted pig knuckles. The perfect schweinehaxen has crispy skin, fatty, juicy, and full of flavor. Of course the dish is not complete without a side of sauerkraut.

The day wouldn’t be complete without at stop at the Hofbräuhaus. One of the must-see tourist spots, Hofbräuhaus can accommodate 3,500 beer drinkers and diners simultaneously, with 100 waiters and waitresses serving up to 30,000 guests on busy days. Make yourself comfortable at one of the communal tables and wrap up the evening with the lederhosen-clad house band, live music, and hundreds of your closes friends… the ingredients for an unforgettable night out.

View Larger Map

Stay at Hotel Alexandra. This well priced 4-star hotel was fully renovated in January 2008 and offers superb location in the heart of Barcelona’s city center. Booking.com shows rates at as low as €110/night

Hang a right from the hotel then head north on Passeig de Gràcia. Walk one block to Carrer de Provença to Casa Milà. Officially completed in 1912, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features a wavy façade with large pores reminiscent of honeycombs. Visit the roof top to take a closer look at the surrealistic colorful chimneys and enjoy the view of the surrounding neighborhood.

Turn around and head south on Passeig de Gràcia toward Casa Batlló, another remarkable building designed by Gaudi. The local name for the building is Casa dels ossos (House of Bones) as its façade features a skeletal quality. The audio guided tour of the ornate building costs 16.50 euros and takes about 1 hour.

Continue on Passeig de Gràcia toward Plaça de Catalunya. Many cafes line Passeig de Gracia and Rambla de Catalunya, offering a variety of tapas. Stop at La Tramoia for lunch. This popular lunch spot is situated on a lively corner with fantastic views over La Rambla and the Gran Via.

Head to Plaça de Catalunya to board the Barcelona Bus Turístic. The double-decker bus serves as the main transport this afternoon. The 1-day bus ticket costs 21€ and offers a convenient way to see Barcelona’s most interesting and attractive sights. Buses leave from Plaça de Catalunya every 5 to 25 minutes and passengers can hop on & off at any of the tour stops.

Hop off the bus at the 3rd stop of the tour. Here La Sagrada Familia comes in full view. The construction of this Roman Catholic church began in 1882 and continues to today. One of Antoni Gaudi’s most famous work, the architect worked on the project for over 40 years, devoting the last 15 years of his life entirely to the endeavor. A museum inside the church details the history and development of the Sagrada Familia and gives fascinating insights into Gaudi himself. Ride the 65 meter elevator up one of the spires of the church to take a closer look at the construction.

After the tour of La Sagrada Familia, hop on the next Turístic bus. The second stop from La Sagrada Familia is Park Güell. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Park Güell is a garden complex inspired by the English garden city movement and designed by Gaudi. The serpentine bench on the terrace offers a resting area where visitors can take in the most complete view of Barcelona and the bay. Stop at the cafe at the rear of the terrace for an afternoon snack and take in the sights in the shade.

Take in sights of the rest of the city on the Touristic bus ride back to Plaça de Catalunya. Dine at Cinc Sentits tonight. This contemporary Catalan eatery offers 2 tasting menus that change with the seasons and reflect what’s in season. A third surprise menu can be requested. The omakase or “trust the chef” menu includes wine pairings of the chef’s choice.

Book a room at The Curtis Hotel, a trendy, 3.5 star boutique hotel in downtown Denver. Hotel.com shows rates as low as $84/night.

View Larger Map

From the hotel, head up 15th street toward the Millennium Bridge. The bridge connects the Riverfront Park and the 16th Street Mall. Take the glass elevator to the top for a great view of downtown. Next head to the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver. Founded in 1996, MCA DENVER was formed to provide the city with its first contemporary art museum. General admission is $10 per person.

For lunch, head to Wynkoop Brewery for burgers and beer. Wynkoop is one of Denver’s most popular brewpubs and offers free brewery tours on Saturdays between 1 – 5 p.m.

After lunch, head to Union Station. At its height, 70 trains a day at one time passed through Denver. Not quite as many trains pass through Union Station these days, but the beautiful building (originally constructed in 1881) still attracts visitors with its Breaux Arts-style design, expansive interior and stone clock tower.

Continue down on 16th street. The 16th Street Mall is a 16-block long pedestrian and transit mall that serves as the retail core of Downtown Denver. There’s a free shuttle service aptly named the 16th Street MallRide that runs up and down 16th street. Make sure that you stop and check out the following landmark shops and sites along 16th street: Oxford Hotel, Rockmount Ranch Wear, Tattered Cover Book Store.

Before heading back to the hotel, stop by Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret’s box office to check for tonight’s show times and buy tickets to a show. This classy speakeasy features Burlesque acts, drag shows, circus acts, films, big bands and jazz combos several nights a week. Located in the D&F Tower (Daniels & Fisher), modeled after The Campanile (St. Mark’s Bell Tower) at the Piazza San Marco in Venice and its four clocks (one for each side) are a whopping 16 feet high.

Tonight we’ll dine at Red Square Euro Bistro near Larimer Square. Voted Best of Citysearch for Conversation Bar 2005, you’ll find contemporary European cooking and traditional Russian fare here. With a full belly and a vodka buzz, we’re off to Lannie’s for tonight’s show…

Looking for more to do? Check out the Itinerary Maker online at denver.org.

Book a room at Town House 70 and request the Luxury Weekend promotion. A junior suite is available at a special rate of 119 euros per night. This boutique hotel is centrally located and serves as a great launch point for a day in Turin.

View Larger Map

Start the day in the hotel’s communal breakfast room. The buffet-style breakfast bar offers bread, charcuterie, eggs, and cheese. Of course an Italian breakfast wouldn’t be complete without a shot of espresso.

After breakfast, head north on Via 20 Settembre toward Porta Palatina to see the remains of the ancient Roman city. The Palatine Gate with its two towers rises up next to the Roman walls was one of the entrances to the city and represents one of the best preserved examples of a Roman gate.

Next destination is the Egyptian Museum of Turin. Established in 1824, the museum is the second largest in the world after the Cairo Museum. The museum houses over 30,000 items, the most notable being a 3000 year old figure of Rameses II wearing the blue crown which was used only in battle.

Now it’s time to experience the main thoroughfare in Turin city center. Via Po offers an endless line of café’s, shops and bookstores. Stop at Caffé Florio for lunch. Founded in 1780, it was called ‘The café of the pony tails and the Machiavellians’ because it was the meeting point of may aristocrats, officials and members of the government. Be sure to try Florio’s famous gianduia, cream and hazelnut ice-cream.

Via Po leads to the river Po. Cross the Piazza Vittorio bridge to reach the Gran Madre di Dio church. It was built between 1818 and 1831 to commemorate the return of Vittorio Emanuele I to Turin on the 20 May 1814. The church now houses the remains of 5000 men who fell in the first world war.

Retrace your steps back on Via Po toward Mole Antonelliana. The Mole is the tallest building in Turin and was originally commissioned as a Jewish synagogue. Today the Mole is home to Italy’s National Cinema Museum. Pay the entrance fee of € 6.80 to gain access to both the museum and the panoramic lift. Then take the 59-second journey in the all-glass lift to the viewing platform. From the viewing platform one can take in the fantastic views of Turin and its surroundings.

Returning to the ground level, enjoy a fascinating tour of the museum’s collections, which cover all kinds of movie history, technology, exhibits, and several continuously playing films and programs.

The visit to Turin wouldn’t be complete without tasting the region’s wines. The last stop of the day is Le Vitel Etonné. This wine bar and restaurant features wine and dishes local to the Piedmont region. A bottle of Barbera d’Alba paired with the classic vitel tonne (braised veal with a sauce of mayonnaise, tuna, anchovies and capers) should do the trick.