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Situated in the heart of Germany, Berlin is also the heartbeat of the country presenting visitors with a youthful creative attitude in a city that is truly open for business 24/7, it is no wonder tourists are flocking to see what all the fuss is about.

Often referred to as the cultural heart of England’s great capital city, The South Bank of the Thames is buzzing with theatres, galleries, museums, stylish bars, restaurants, hotels, as well, of course, as the famous London eye.

When the huge Costa Serena jostled for a berth in the busy summertime season in Sicily, it was clear Palermo was not just another big ship whistle stop. Roderick Eime revisits.

I hadn’t been to Palermo for thirty years, and I’m pleased to report that very little has changed. Last time was as a student backpacker, this time it was almost red-carpet as we filed aboard our luxury coaches for a series of shore excursions into this 2800-year-old port.

The ancient Phoenicians and Carthaginians were the first to recognize the value of the ideal harbour, with sheltered anchorages and high cliff tops for perfect defences and look-outs. These early traders and merchants operated blissfully there for some six hundred years until the Romans turned up – and they didn’t share very well. The Romans were extremely tough on the Punici and effectively drove them out of existence as well as Sicily.

ROMAN HOLIDAY – STAYING AT ONE'S USUAL PALACE

david ellis

THERE's something rather nice about telling mates you're heading off to Rome, and rather than telling them you'll be staying at your usual pub, saying you'll be staying at your usual palace.

And for good measure, mentioning that your palace once starred in one of the big silver screen's biggest hits.