Odysseys Insider: Favorite Cities
on Earth

This post is part of a series in which we draw on the in-house knowledge of the travel experts here at Odysseys Unlimited. For more posts like this, click here. 

Travel is woven into the fabric of our culture, so asking our employees to choose a single city as their favorite in the entire world feels like assigning them an impossible task. 

Indeed, this question gave many employees pause. And after much consideration, our travel experts weighed in with a handful of deeply thoughtful responses that showcase the myriad reasons why travel captures the imagination.

From the gracious locals and treasure-filled medinas of Marrakech (above) to the coastal cosmopolitan energy of Sydney and everywhere in between, our employees’ favorite destinations span the globe. See which cities they can’t get enough of below.

Steven looking happy in his favorite place on Earth

Sydney, Australia

Steven C. | Information Technology

Sydney is my favorite city in the world – and that’s coming from a New Zealander living in Boston. I lived in Sydney for a couple of years in the early 2000s, during the excitement and energy surrounding the Sydney Olympics, and I quickly fell in love with the city’s balance of sophistication and relaxed coastal living.

The Sydney Opera House has always been at the center of that connection for me. Every time I return, I find myself drawn back to it – booking hotels with guaranteed Opera House views, planning ferry rides across the harbor at different times of day, and even coordinating trips around performances at the Concert Hall. One of my strongest memories is watching the harbor shift from deep blue to bright aquamarine as the light changed around the Opera House sails. It’s one of the few places in the world that feels just as magical every time you see it.

Odysseys guests spend multiple nights in Sydney on both of our Australia small group tours.

A beautiful panoramic look at Tivat, shot by Marija.

Tivat, Montenegro

Marija M. | Guest Services

My favorite city in the world is Tivat, Montenegro, located in Kotor Bay of Montenegro, a breathtaking country in Eastern Europe. This city can be visited on the optional Montenegro extension of our Pearls of Dalmatia tour, which I highly recommend.

This city is special to me for so many reasons. First, it is one of the many places I call home. I grew up in Belgrade, Serbia, and my family roots span across all of Eastern Europe, with the mountains of Montenegro being the origin point. Every year since I was born, I have spent at least a few weeks on the seaside of Montenegro with my family and friends. 

From the people and the food to the nature and architecture, there is so much to explore in Tivat and Kotor Bay. Where the historic charm and rich culture of the city meet the crystal blue water of the Adriatic Sea and the sharp and green mountain tops of the Dinaric Alps, your eyes will never tire of these views.

Montenegro remains an uncrowded tourist destination compared to other seaside locations in Europe, allowing it to retain its rich culture and timeless charm. The people are inviting and warm, the culture is very collectivist, and you will find that many people also speak English, which some may not expect.

When I think of Tivat, my mind goes to the countless days I have spent on the pebbled beaches, relaxing, swimming, and snorkeling in the crystal-clear water, all while being surrounded by the breathtaking scenery. In the mornings make sure to stop by any of the local Pekaras (Bakeries) and order some pastries, specifically Burek or Pita, and then stop at a café for a Turkish or Ness coffee. And in the evenings, nothing compares to walking through the old town, stopping at a local restaurant for dinner, and finishing the day with a delicious ice cream.

Kiki enjoying Slovenia’s capital, with the Ljubljana Castle in the background

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Kiki V. | Guest Services

My favorite city in the world is Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. The Ljubljanica River runs right through the center of Ljubljana, a location that has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The castle sits on a central hill, making it truly look like a town straight out of a storybook. The city’s official symbol adds to the whimsy here; you can find the Ljubljana Dragon on the Ljubljana coat of arms and throughout the city itself, most likely tracing back to the influence of the city’s patron saint, Saint George.

My favorite memory from my time in Ljubljana comes from my time spent there during our Pearls of Dalmatia tour. I will never forget the peaceful evening that my coworker Isabel and I had people-watching, snacking on shockingly affordable food and drinks, and watching the streets light up as the sun went down over the Ljubljanica River.

Edinburgh at sunset

Edinburgh, UK

Robbie V. | Marketing

I’ve been fortunate enough to take two separate trips to Scotland, and while golf was the reason I got on the plane the first time, Edinburgh was the reason I went back. I haven’t traveled extensively in Europe, but Edinburgh feels to me like the Platonic ideal of a Western European city. The medieval Old Town exudes history, crowded cheek-by-jowl with churches and pubs and shops and hidden twisting alleyways, all girded by the spine of the Royal Mile arrowing straight uphill from the Palace of Holyrood to the hilltop Edinburgh Castle. 

Further down the hill sits the “New” Town, built more than 200 years ago and now just as historic and walkable as its big brother. If you know where to look, you can find a little bit of everything in Edinburgh, from top-tier dining to locally beloved street food to shops and markets of all kinds. And here, looking is half the fun. Edinburgh is large enough to get lost in, but small enough that you’ll always find your way home. 

Odysseys guests spend three nights in Edinburgh on both of our small group tours to Scotland.

Cara (right, in red and white) with some of the Tour Director team from our Classic Safari: Kenya & Tanzania tour in Nairobi.

Nairobi, Kenya

Cara K. | Worldwide Services

In Nairobi, the people are always incredibly kind and willing to go the extra mile to help you experience the beauty and diversity of Kenya. I love sitting back with a cup of hibiscus tea and listening to conversations in Swahili. Learning this beautiful language has been an ongoing passion of mine for the past three years. 

When I think of Nairobi, I think of my delight in discovering just how talented (and competitive!) our team of Tour Directors can be when it comes to mini golf. And of course, of visiting the baby rhinoceroses at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Odysseys guests spend three nights in Kenya during our Classic Safari: Kenya & Tanzania small group tour.

Jamie (right) with Odysseys employee Angus (left) and TD Hung in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam 

Jamie P. | Marketing

Hoi An in central Vietnam is not only the coolest city I’ve visited on an Odysseys tour, but maybe the coolest city I’ve ever visited, period. I couldn’t get over how vibrant Ancient Town was, especially at night. The overall atmosphere reminded me of the French Quarter in New Orleans, another one of my favorite cities. 

Simply sitting at a table at an outdoor cafe and watching the world pass by, as the gorgeous Vietnamese sunset shifted into a warm and comfortable evening, was enough to cement Hoi An as a place I’m very much looking forward to revisiting. Plus, my family loved the silk scarves and lanterns I bought for them at the night markets in Ancient Town.

Odysseys guests visit Hoi An on our Journey through Vietnam small group tour.

Melissa takes in Luxor from above

Luxor, Egypt

Melissa M. | Special Interest Groups

Of everywhere I’ve been fortunate enough to travel, Luxor stands apart. Seeing the pyramids at Giza was unforgettable, but it was the tombs of Luxor that truly drew me back to Egypt. Visiting the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens was an incredible experience. I was fascinated by the Egyptians’ deep belief in the afterlife and the immense care and resources they devoted to creating these elaborate tombs. I especially loved seeing the hieroglyphs that brought their stories to life. 

Beyond these remarkable sites, the stunning temples and breathtaking views along the Nile made the city even more extraordinary. I'll never forget the hot air balloon ride that I took at sunrise overlooking the combination of ancient temples, desert mountains, and the winding Nile.

Odysseys guests spend multiple nights in Luxor on both of our Egypt small group tours.

Casey (right, in vest) spending time with the locals in Marrakech

Marrakech, Morocco

Casey B. | Worldwide Services

My favorite city in the world is Marrakech, and it comes down to the people.They are so welcoming and warm. Despite the language barrier (I don’t speak Arabic!), when in Marrakech I find myself having conversations with people all over the city, whether it’s a half-hour chat over tea with the owner of a shop, or a simple nod and smile to people I pass in the medina.  

This city itself is so vibrant! Your senses never earn a break here between the historical sites, ancient and modern architecture, winding medinas with goods of every color under the sun, intense flavors and scents of foods and tea. And at the same time, there is also this sense of ease and things just flow. In Marrakech, everything feels both very alive and very at peace.

My favorite memory is being in Marrakech over New Year with my best friend last year. We toured the city, played golf, and spent the holiday in the desert under the stars. It was a magical trip!

Odysseys guests spend three nights in Morocco on our Moroccan Discovery small group tour.

To dive deeper into the history, culture, and cuisine of destinations around the world, explore our blog for a wealth of history dives, insider’s guides, guest experiences, and so much more. And, if these types of cultural exchanges pique your travel interest, please contact us or submit an online reservation request and we’d be delighted to welcome you on one of our small group tours.