Classic London and Manchester

About the destination: Among all European capitals, London holds the most profound place in the hearts of travelers. We become familiar with London even before we realize its existence, and when we finally visit the city, it never fails to meet our expectations. The iconic red double-decker buses, the police officers and stoic guards at Buckingham Palace, the historic Westminster Abbey, and the familiar chimes of Big Ben, all of which we've heard of before, greet us with a sense of satisfaction. However, London is full of surprises. It's not just a quaint city. It's not merely a museum, even though you could spend all your time hopping from one to another. It's a bustling, sprawling metropolis, filled with traffic jams, stores, and an incredibly diverse international population. Explore the numerous monuments that span nearly a thousand years of history, from Chaucer's grave to the pub where the Mayflower's captain drank, to Piccadilly Circus, one of London's most photographed locations. But don't overlook modern London, with its vibrant theatre scene, international cuisine, political protests, the latest in music and fashion, punks and aristocrats, and everyone in between. In 1777, writer Samuel Johnson said, "When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life," and this statement still holds true. There's something new to experience every day in London.

About the destination: Manchester with its interesting museums, redeveloping city centre and notable musical heritage, is an exciting place to visit. It has a rich history and culture, and of course is home of the planet's most popular football team, Manchester United. But Manchester is above all a fun city that loves to entertain its guests. The local Gothic Cathedral is a distinctive architectural landmark of the region. Manchester's Gothic cathedral has a beguiling interior, laced with intricate wood carvings and mediaeval furnishings. Nearby there is the Chetham's Library and School of Music, believed to be the oldest public library in the world as well as Manchester's oldest building. Rich in grandiose Victorian and Edwardian architecture, the enormous neo-Gothic Town Hall on Albert Square is a spectacle inside and out, with murals of Manchester's history decorating the building's grand ceremonial hall. For art lovers, Manchester Art Gallery has a superb collection of British and European art. Undeniably, the uncrowned capital of the north is a great place to shop, drink and eat. Reconstructed after an IRA bomb attack in 1996, the Millennium Quarter is home to Manchester's mainstream shopping temples, while the Corn Exchange is a haven of fashion and style boutiques. The nightlife scene is legendary with many traditional pubs rubbing shoulders with sophisticated lounge bars and loud clubs. So while it is a city with a past, Manchester has its eyes on the future.