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Jordanian royals take an Olympic break


December 22, 2005
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The Jordanian royals have been enjoying a visit to one of the world's most fascinating cities. King Abdullah II and his wife Queen Rania, who are both keen students of history, got a glimpse of Greece's glorious past when they were given a guided tour of the country's capital city, Athens. Rania was looking characteristically radiant as she strolled through the cobbled streets with Natassa Karamanlis, the wife of Greek prime minister Costas Karamanlis. The glamorous mum-of-four also caused quite a stir when she attended a state banquet in a beautifully tailored aqua-marine silk jacket.

Since she married Abdullah in 1993, the elegant royal has travelled all over the planet, but her two-day visit to the birthplace of the Olympic Games is sure to have made a lasting impression, as Athens is home to many of the world's most breathtaking sights.

The spectacular ruins of the Acropolis, which loom over the city, are probably its most famous attraction. And visitors won't want to miss the chance to walk along the marble path into the Parthenon, the awe-inspiring ancient temple that is steeped in millennia of history.

Among the bustling metropolis' other must-sees are Hadrian's Arch and the Theatre of Dionysos. But Athens is not only about archaeological treasures; many holidaymakers find their fondest memories of the Greek capital are of simply wandering through Plaka, the city's old quarter, and sipping a cup of the amazingly strong coffee preferred by locals in one of its many shady courtyards.

Photo: AFP
The fifth-century Temple of Hephaestus can be seen in the background as Rania takes a tour of the Greek capital
Photo: AFP
The Jordanian queen chats to Natassa Karamanlis as they stroll through the streets of the city

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