If you’re looking to shake it up this coming year and expand your travel horizons consider these options we’ve put together for you – 6 city breaks that could be described as off the beaten track. At the time of writing methods for travelling to these places, as well as their actual existence, is somewhat up in the air. Uncovering the hidden benefits of these cities may prove a worthwhile get away, actually finding them may also earn you world wide fame.

6. James Franco on discovering an underground lab for growing different variants of canabis, in the recent ‘Pineapple Express’ whispers in awe, ‘El Dorado’. He is making reference to a mythical city of gold. Now the basis for the rumours of a city of gold are somewhat wafer thin – Conquistadores returned from travels in the Americas with various tales and it is believed tales of the city originate with tales of a tribal chief found covered in gold dust. The legend swelled and many searched for a city of gold, all unsuccesful, however Gonzalo Pizarro y Alonso , a Spanish conquistadore in his determination to find the city of riches ended up being the first person to navigate the Amazon River to its mouth.

5. Should you find yourself in Munchkin Land look out for signs for the yellow brick road leading to Emerald City, where you will be met with lightness and song in surrounds with a distinctly green hue. Books on the city describe its architecture as being made of crystals and jewels. An esteemed Wizard located in the city was at one point proven to be a fraud, he does however offer sage common sense advice. There again are questions as to how to reach the city, some reports suggest a dream like state might be effective.

4. A somewhat more attainable location since its discovery is Machu Pichu, described as ‘The Lost City of the Incas’ this city is unique amongst the list as there is a clear set way of getting there, the city being a popular tourist spot since its ‘discovery’ in 1911. Built around 1460 but abandoned as the centre of Inca rule 100 years later, the city is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO Heritage Site. Racking up over half a million visitors a year there is a suggestion the effects of tourism are proving damaging to the city.

3. For those looking to get away from sunlight or those who enjoy mining consider Agartha, a city of underground dwellers hovering close to the prime location of the centre of the Earth. Many variations of such a city form part of various cultures, each believe to some degree such a city to be a place of tranquility and pace. The Hollow Earth Theory, purported as a necessary basis for the existence of such a city, has no scientific basis, however, there are meant to be a number of proposed entrances to the city via the Earths surface, including the South Pole, the Pyramids and various caves – the most convenient for Irish travellers would be Mount Epomeo in Italy.

2. Rivendell – located in Middle Earth, a location familiar to Lord of the Rings fans. Founded in Second Age 1697, home to Elven nobility. Maybe follow in the footsteps of Bilbo Baggins and put pen to paper here to write your memoirs or take time out to enjoy the aesthetics of the valley side fortress. Steeped in history, the city has endured various attacks. Its favourite daughter, Arwen, currently resides in Gondor, having become Queen to the new King, another city worth your travelling consideration.

1. If you find yourself and your loved one in need of a change of scenery, why not the city of Camelot, home to Arthurian legend, a city that first got mention in 12th Century French Romance writings the city has a beautiful river side location, a striking castle home to the The Knights of the Round Table, cathedral and is surrounded by plains and forests. The city suffers from a somewhat imprecise geogrpahy, however once find the hill set fort, there will be jousts to enjoy, fleeting appearances of local celebrities such as Lady Guinevere and wizard Merlin, impressive architecture and the inhabitants courtesy and chivalry.