The sun always shines in Dubai, ensuring endless fun on every holiday. Spend your days lounging at the beach, dining at celebrated restaurants, shopping at al fresco districts and immersing yourself in the city’s cultural best. Our itinerary presents thrills for all ages and settings that inspire.

Look forward to a superlative cruise ship event from August 1 - 3, 2014: the Hamburg Cruise Days offer impressive ships at close quarters and live cruise feeling – a stunning three days simply packed with maritime atmosphere, delicious food and drink, and great entertainment. Six cruise ships will be calling in on Hamburg during the Hamburg Cruise Days to anchor in the port. The Blue Port illuminations by artist Michael Batz will bathe the harbour in a magical blue light, the dockside itself will become a cruise experience, creating the perfect setting for a relaxed stroll through different themed islands with culinary highlights prepared by some of the city’s best restaurants.

What does the Taj Mahal in India, the Peruvian Inka city of Machu Picchu and the Great Pyramids of Giza have in common with Hamburg? They all belong to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. On 5 July 2015, the Hamburg ensemble ‘Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District with Chilehaus’ has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, making it one of the world’s 1.031 ‘masterpieces of human creation with outstanding universal value’.

Die Adventszeit ist für jeden einzelnen von uns die schönste Zeit des Jahres. Plätzchen und Schokolade zum Frühstück sind erlaubt, der Glühwein taut die Gemüter auf und ein Meer aus Lichtern verwandelt die graue Landschaft in eine funkelnde Traumwelt. Wieso also versuchen der schönsten Zeit des Jahres zu entfliehen? Es ist doch viel einfacher – und außerdem schöner – sich der Magie der Adventszeit hinzugeben. The Advent season is the most beautiful time of the year – for each one of us and for many different reasons. Biscuits and chocolate for breakfast are totally acceptable, mulled wine lights up the hearts and minds, and a sea of light transforms monochrome landscapes into a sparkling winter wonderland. So why would anyone wish to escape to sunnier climes? In fact, it is much easier – and more heart-warming – to truly immerse yourself in the magic of the festive period. #HolyHamburg

Hamburg, die Metropole am Wasser gilt nicht umsonst als eine der schönsten Städte Deutschlands. Die Landungsbrücken sind Ausgangspunkt für Ihre atemberaubende Reise durch das Tor zur Welt, dem Hamburger Hafen, vorbei an der märchenhaftschönen, historischen Speicherstadt, gefolgt von Hamburgs neuem Wahrzeichen, der Elbphilharmonie, und der neu erbauten hochmodernen HafenCity. The metropole at the waterfront is extraordinary: the distinct maritime character, the international outlook and the cosmopolitan attitudes make the Hanseatic City of Hamburg one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Hanseatic elegance on Elbe and Alster, the historic Town Hall, the UNESCO Speicherstadt and Kontorhausviertel, the nightlife on the famous red-light district Reeperbahn and the traditional Hamburg fish market are outlining the diversity of Hamburg as a tourist destination.

STADT.KÜSTE steht für das Hamburger Leben an der Elbe: die authentischen Menschen. Die Schiffe. Der geschäftige Hafen. Die Häuser mit Weitblick. Die Strände mitten in der Stadt. Das allgegenwärtige Wasser. Sie steht für Heimatgefühl und Fernweh. Für Tradition und Moderne. Für das Raue und für das Schöne der Stadt. Für etwas, das ständig in Bewegung ist und dennoch Ruhe vermittelt. #STADT.KÜSTE

URBAN.SHORE represents Hamburg life next to the Elbe: the authentic people. The ships. The busy harbour. Buildings with panoramic views. The beaches inside the city. The omnipresent water. It stands for a sense of home and wanderlust. For tradition and innovation. For something that is constantly in motion and yet still exudes tranquillity. #URBAN.SHORE

Do you know your Gherkin from your Cheesegrater? Find out what they are and where to find them in Stella's London Story as she introduces us to Sculpture in the City; the contemporary sculpture park created around the newest towers in the oldest part of London.

Is there anything more English than a cup of tea? Watch Margot’s London Story, tea specialist at Fortnum & Mason, and learn about the traditional tea ceremony that has been the cornerstone of one of London's most beautiful department stores for more than

Go backstage with Shaun Escoffery, the star of Disney’s multi-award winning musical The Lion King. In his own London story, Shaun shares his pride in explaining what it takes to bring the Serengeti Plains of Africa to life every night in The Lion King. Discover more London stories www.visitlondon.com/story

Find out why London is the best big city on Earth to live in, visit, study in, and for business.

London is home to some of the best cuisine from around the globe...as well as the fish and chips it's famous for! From budget eats to 63 Michelin-starred restaurants and everything in between, you'll find the perfect dining experience.

Watch Marianela and Thiago, principal dancers at The Royal Ballet, as they take you on a journey of love and magic that reveals London's romantic side.

Watch William Matthews - project architect of The Shard - as he reveals what he likes most about the city in his London Story from the 69th floor of the building he helped to create.

Watch this London Story from Marcus - curator at the Tate Modern art gallery - as he shares his thoughts about London whilst standing outside his famous workplace, opposite St Paul's Cathedral on the South Bank of the Thames.

Do you want to find the best afternoon tea in London? Watch this video guide to the classic British tradition and set your mouth watering over cakes, scones and dainty sandwiches. Whether enjoying the traditional splendour of afternoon tea at The Ritz or The Landmark London; high tea at Scoff & Banter; a leisurely cruise with City Cruises; a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory inspired tea at One Aldwych; or a fashionista tea at The Berkeley, there’s an afternoon tea London venue to suit you. If you want to get more hands-on, why not make your own afternoon tea at The Cookery School, Little Portland Street. Close to Oxford Circus, this charming cookery school is the perfect place to improve your skills as you learn to bake cakes and make the perfect cucumber sandwich.