Treasure of Italy - Valerie Oyler

About the destination: Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia. It's surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Hawkesbury River, making Sydney one of the most beautiful and livable cities globally. The city boasts an iconic skyline, impressive museums, delectable restaurants, a vibrant atmosphere, and abundant natural beauty. Like any large city, Sydney is home to numerous attractions. The most notable include the Sydney Opera House, a globally recognized landmark situated on the Sydney harbor, the Sydney Harbor Bridge, St Mary's Cathedral - Sydney's primary Catholic cathedral, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and a plethora of stunning beaches. Bondi Beach, Sydney's most famous beach, features a bustling promenade and is a popular spot among surfers. Just outside of Sydney, you'll find the Blue Mountains, a pristine mountain range filled with Eucalyptus trees. Sydney is a city brimming with vitality and serves as an exciting and captivating destination. It offers something for every visitor, whether you're interested in history, art, culture, nature, fashion, gastronomy, or architecture. Above all, Sydney is a city that knows how to have a good time.

About the destination: Situated on Port Phillip Bay and straddling the Yarra River, Melbourne is the capital and the most populated city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populated city in Australia. Known for its trendy and vibrant ambiance, it is recognized as the cultural, culinary, sports, fashion, and shopping hub of Australia. The city is adorned with numerous architectural marvels, including its modern and lively skyline. Some of the main attractions in Melbourne include the beautiful Botanical Gardens, the Royal Exhibition Building - a UNESCO World Heritage site, the grand Anglican cathedral of Saint Paul's, and one of Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks, the Shrine of Remembrance. St Kilda, Melbourne's bohemian neighborhood, is known for its sunny beaches and a thriving restaurant, bar, and nightlife scene. Just outside Melbourne, you can find the breathtaking Twelve Apostles, unique rock formations along the coast. Vibrant and cosmopolitan, Melbourne is the proud cultural capital of Australia. Ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world, this capital of the south-eastern state of Victoria is a delightful place to visit and an ideal base for exploring the surrounding region.

About the destination: Auckland is the biggest metropolitan area in both Polynesia and New Zealand, boasting a lively city life influenced by a variety of cultures. It's situated between two natural harbors, the Waitemata Harbour and the Manukau Harbour, earning it the nickname "City of Sails" due to its world-leading number of boats per person. In the heart of the city, you'll find numerous galleries, museums, theaters, trendy bars, and top-tier restaurants offering a wide array of cuisines. The Skytower, a prominent feature of the city's skyline, provides a breathtaking view of Auckland. Queen Street, the city's commercial center, begins at Waitemata Harbour and stretches nearly three kilometers in a straight line. From the city center, you can easily walk to the Auckland Domain and Museum, Albert Park, Parnell - a charming historic district, and Newmarket with its plethora of shops. A short distance away lies Mt. Eden with its striking crater, and Cornwall Park at the base of the renowned One Tree Hill. One Tree Hill, a dormant volcanic cone and ancient Maori settlement, offers stunning panoramic views of the expansive city. With its cosmopolitan charm, easy accessibility, stunning beauty, and abundance of activities, Auckland is undeniably New Zealand's most vibrant city.

About the destination: Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. It's a compact city, nestled between the stunning Wellington Harbour and the surrounding lush green hills. Wellington is a city rich in culture, with a strong emphasis on the arts, making it the cultural hub of New Zealand. Its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the turbulent Cook Strait has earned Wellington the nickname of the Windy City. The city itself is quite compact, with most attractions within easy reach. The most significant attraction in Wellington is the beautifully renovated Parliament Buildings, situated in the historic suburb of Thorndon. The complex consists of three architecturally unique buildings: the Edwardian neo-classical Parliament House, the Victorian Gothic Parliamentary Library, and the distinctive 1970s-style Beehive building, which is considered the city's main landmark. Near the Parliament Buildings, visitors will find a variety of excellent shops, cafes, the Te Papa Museum, and Courtenay Place for entertainment. The Ferry terminals and the Caketin, Wellington Stadium, are also not far away. With landscapes filled with beaches, mountains, old Victorian townhouses, excellent lookout points, trendy clubs, parliament buildings, music, art, and so much more, Wellington truly is a delightful and beautiful destination.