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Chris Walker and Morgan Hartley spent three months cycling through central Asia as part of an 18-month bike trip. Here is part one of five of their account, in which their trip is almost thwarted from the start.

From centuries-old restaurants and coffeehouses to trendy new bistros, Vienna’s culinary scene is like the city itself—managing to be both classic and cool at once. Whatever your personal style, you won’t want to leave without trying some of its famous desserts, including the legendary Sacher torte.

Bali’s eclectic dining scene, spanning traditional Balinese fare all the way to raw food culture and even Mexican food, means you’ll never find yourself without options. Sunny spots for pre-beach breakfasts and exotic restaurants for romantic evenings, beach bars and nightclubs, Bali will keep you busy.

Brunch is a simple combination of the words breakfast and lunch, but in Qatar, there is nothing simple about brunches, in fact, brunch is a Friday institution, when the city’s kitchens work at full throttle to produce a lavish selection of delicacies from every corner of the globe. Most of the hotels do a champagne inclusive brunch and top it all off with chocolate fondue fountains that really must be seen to be believed. They have two different fixed prices: with soft drinks and with bubbly.

Dining in one of Zurich’s classic restaurants is not only a treat for the taste buds, but also a step back into Switzerland’s past. The almost 100-year-old Kronenhalle is among the most esteemed of Zurich’s restaurants, with its fabulous food matched by the expensive decor. Alfresco dining doesn’t get better than snuggling under a blanket outside the Zunfthaus zur Zimmerleuten and indulging in an all-you-can-eat fondue session. Zurich is also home to the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant.

Along with its renowned cheese fondue, the Suisse Romande region offers a range of walks, spas, chocolates, and wines to enjoy. Dotted around this French-speaking part of Switzerland are traditional cities and towns like Gruyeres and Fribourg that serve up melt-in-the-mouth cheeses. Then delve into Romande Suisse culture with a trip to Lausanne’s Gothic cathedral, or experience the sound of the famous Swiss alpenhorn in Martigny.

Burlesque, Broadway shows, and Cirque du Soleil: Pick your flavor—any flavor—when it comes to the best stage shows in Las Vegas. More visitors than ever are buying tickets to see one of the many shows in Las Vegas, which seem to get more extravagant year after year. If you’re not sure which Las Vegas show is right for you, choose a showgirl classic like Jubilee! or a Cirque du Soleil standard such as Mystere.

AFAR chose a destination at random—by literally spinning a globe—and sent comedian Jorma Taccone on a spontaneous journey to Nairobi, Kenya.

Savoyard specialities such as fondue enchant traditionalists in Chamonix, and those looking for French cuisine head to chic Alpine restaurants. But fresh ingredients, local produce, wild herbs and freshwater fish are served across the Haute-Savoie.

If you’re after some of the world’s best art, there’s really no better place to be than France. The country is home to a wide variety of world-class museums, from stalwarts like the Louvre, the Musée D’Orsay, and the Centre Pompidou to lesser-known but equally remarkable institutions like the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Tours and the Fondation Maeght in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Whether you want to see the famously French works of the Impressionists, paintings by Italian and Flemish masters, or more contemporary pieces by the stars of today, you’ll find them all in France.

From Abu Dhabi, several day trips (or overnight trips) make easy destinations for explorers. A 45-minute morning flight takes you to Muscat, in Oman, and has you back in time for a late dinner. Or, the entire family can enjoy Sir Bani Yas Island, where animals roam free. Both Dubai and Al Ain lie within easy driving distance. Dubai’s shops, cultural activities, and architectural sights will keep you busy for a day—or longer, if you can extend your trip.

Switzerland draws influence from neighboring countries France, Germany, and Italy to produce some of the most refined dining in Europe. From traditional mountainside restaurants serving up fondue, raclette, and rösti to exquisite inner-city dining in Zurich and Geneva, the Swiss simply excel at gastronomy. Explore Switzerland’s best alpine restaurants, seafood eateries, and melt-in-the-mouth Swiss cheese hotspots—including a few Michelin-starred treats along the way.

On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, catch a performance of Devdan—Treasure of the Archipelago. The 90-minute show, inspired by Indonesia’s cultural diversity, is a kind of Balinese Cirque du Soleil. It features a fusion of traditional Indonesian dance with modern contemporary dance and aerial acrobatics. While highly entertaining, the show also offers an insightful introduction to the history and diversity of the cultures of Sumatra, Java, Borneo, and Papua.

In search of a flightless, sex-crazed, and rarely seen parrot in a land once ruled by birds.