Family amusement park with themed thrill rides, live cabaret shows, a zoo & horse riding. -Google.

This popular white-sand beach features cliffs & surfing, plus restaurants, bars & hotels. -Google. Praia da Pipa, a hippie-luxe beach hangout on Brazil‘s north-eastern coast, is a heavenly place to spend three days or even three months. As well as a buzzing town centre, it has beautiful beaches, dramatic cliffs and rainforest, and sparkling waters. READ MORE ->

One of the 10 most beautiful beaches of Brasil, Lopes Mendes beach, in Ilha Grande, deserves the title: 3 Km of very clear and thin sand and crystalline clean waters. READ MORE ->

Ilha Grande – or Big Island – is Rio’s nearby tropical retreat. The island is defined by white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, forest trails, and a distinct lack of cars and roads. In short, it is a slice of Brazilian paradise. Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, Lopes Mendes is a must-see. The white sandy beach is long and wide, flanked one side by a crystal clear sea and the other by a row of tropical palm trees. READ MORE ->

The large alpine lakes are lined by evergreens and run along what is often called the “Californian Alps;” the Sawtooth Ridge and Sierra Crest, which divide the Twin Lakes Basin from Yosemite National Park. Both the Bridgeport Twin Lakes are large. Upper Twin covers nearly 400 acres and Lower Twin more than 250. They are also easy to get to and offer legendary fishing. The boating, camping and cabin rental options at Twin Lakes are top-notch, too. The views the lakes afford, however, are what really distinguish them. READ MORE ->

Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Canada's historic gems. Québec was founded by the French explorer Champlain in the early 17th century. It is the only North American city to have preserved its ramparts, together with the numerous bastions, gates and defensive works which still surround Old Québec. The Upper Town, built on the cliff, has remained the religious and administrative centre, with its churches, convents and other monuments like the Dauphine Redoubt, the Citadel and Château Frontenac READ MORE ->

Legendary Golden Rock. One of the three most prominent, religious sites of the country. The Pagoda was built more than 2500 years ago. Legend has it, that Lord Buddha himself once presented the hermit called ‘Taik Tha‘ with a few strands of his hair. Taik Tha safely tucked the strands within the tuft of his own hair and later made a gift of those strands to the king. It was his wish that the Buddha’s hair must remain enshrined in a boulder which has the shape of the head of a hermit. READ MORE ->

One of the most interesting preserved ancient Russian cities. It is famous for its ancient architecture - elegant white-stone temples and monuments of wooden architecture. Thousands of tourists come here every year: Suzdal is one of the main pints on the route of the Golden Ring of Russia. Suzdal Kremlin was built in the XI – XII centuries to protect the city from enemies from the east, south and west. On the north side of Suzdal, the Kamenka River blocked the enemy's path. The Kremlin was surrounded by earthen ramparts over a kilometer in length, gates, towers and log walls were erected on them. The ruins of trees and moats are preserved to this day. The oldest building of the Suzdal Kremlin - the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin. It was built in the XIII century when Prince George Vsevolodovich. In the 17th century, stone buildings were erected in the center of the main square of the Kremlin. The monastery on the high bank of the Kamenka river was founded by Suzdal and Nizhny Novgorod prince Boris Konstantinovich in 1352. When the first igumen of the monastery of Euthymius was canonized by the all-Russian saints, the monastery was named Savior-Euthymius. In the 17th century, wooden monastic buildings burnt down during the Polish-Lithuanian invasion, after which the monastery became overgrown with powerful defensive towers. By the end of the 17th century, the Savior-Euthymius Monastery was one of the largest in Russia.

More than ten towers dominate the historic quarter of Caceres, delimited by Arab walls. Cobbled streets marked by medieval, fortified homes and Renaissance palaces make up the most beautiful sceneries in this city, which was declared World Heritage. The local history is closely related to one the historic, peninsular routes: 'Vía de la Plata' (the Silver Route), a Roman road that linked Seville and Astorga, used by the pilgrims who were headed to Santiago de Compostela. Pork products and shepherd recipes are the fundamental elements of the rich culinary tradition of this region, the dishes should be served with some of the excellent wines from Caceres. READ MORE ->

Rostov Veliky is one of the most old cities of Central Russia. Like in some other old cities there is a Kremlin in Rostov Veliky as well - however, the Rostov Kremlin is not a Kremlin at all, but a metropolitan courtyard, a rare example of kitsch in Russian architecture. No buildings older than the 16th century have survived in Rostov. Rostov is mainly remarkable for three ensembles of the end of the 17th century: the Kremlin, the Spaso-Yakovlevsky and the Nativity of the Mother of God monasteries, and also the unique wooden church of John the Theologian on Ishna. The city is located on the shore of the large lake Nero, which is quite unusual for Russia. Rostov is a part of the famous Golden Ring of Russia route

Guérande is famous for its salt marshes that provide one of the major ingredients of salted butter caramels. The city, surrounded by its ramparts, also deserves a stop.

Dinan is without doubt one of the most attractive and best preserved small towns in Brittany. With its 1.8 mile (3 km)-long ramparts, half-timbered houses, attractive port and cobbled streets filled with art galleries and craft shops ...

READ MORE ->

The old protected by walls town on a small island just offshore. With over 1.5 million visitors a year, the Ville-Close is one of Brittany's most visited historical monuments.

A small town in the Alsace vineyards region with well reserved full town walls dating from the early fourteenth century. A beautiful village along the wine route and surrounded by 14th century fortification. In the village center there are several very nice winegrower's houses. From the still well-preserved city fortifications there is a beautiful view of the vineyards, which are dominated by the castle Hohkönigsburg.

The deep blue UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord is surrounded by majestic, snow-covered mountain peaks, wild waterfalls and lush, green vegetation. Impressive waterfalls cast cascades of thundering water from almost vertical mountainsides. The famous falls De syv søstrene (“the Seven Sisters”), Friaren (“the Suitor”) and Brudesløret (“the Bridal Veil”) tease the cliffs with feather‐light sheer veils of mist whose mission is to create a never‐ending display of changing rainbows to fill you with delight and wonder. READ MORE ->

One of Nicaragua’s largest cities, Granada is also one of the country’s oldest and most historically important centers Revered for its colonial architecture, its streets are lined with buildings distinguished from each other by their successive shades of pastel hues. Palms rise amidst a sea of red tile roofs against the backdrop of lake shores and volcanoes. There are baroque and Moorish aesthetic influences interspersed throughout the cityscape. READ MORE ->

Set against the pictorial backdrop of three imposing volcanoes in the central highlands of Guatemala, the beautiful, old colonial town of Antigua is one of the country’s top tourist destinations.

Antigua, the capital of the Captaincy-General of Guatemala, was founded in the early 16th century. Built 1,500 m above sea level, in an earthquake-prone region, it was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1773 but its principal monuments are still preserved as ruins.

READ MORE ->

Black Turtle Cove is a mangrove estuary on Santa Cruz Island, part of Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands. Naturally protected and virtually untouched by man, Black Turtle Cove is home to some truly remarkable species of animals and plants. Its mangrove forest is one of several within the islands, though it is the most peaceful and atmospheric. If your trip to the Galapagos Islands only allows you time to visit one mangrove, this should be it. READ MORE ->

Measuring 979 meters, this famous, scenic site is the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall.-Google.

Ballybunion is flat out amazing. It is truly one of the great links courses in the world with all the beauty, intrigue, and quirks that comes with it. READ MORE ->

Nature reserve featuring salt lagoons known for pink-hued water, plus a variety of plants & birds. -Google. One of the most stunning pink lakes in the world. The local climate created by the largest salt lakes in Europe - Torrevieja and La Mata, believed to be one of the healthiest in Europe. The pink color of Lake Torrevieja, caused by the presence of algae and salt, gives it the appearance of 'science fiction.' Just like in the Dead Sea in Israel, here you can also just lie on the surface of the water.

Ullapool offers an excellent variety of accommodation and camping in the Highlands of Scotland surrounded by outstanding scenery, wildlife, and culture. READ MORE -> North of here - beaches of Clachtoll and Achmelvich, both popular for watching seals and snorkeling (if you are ready to brave Arctic cold local waters).

Glen Coe is one of the most beautiful and other-worldly places in Scotland. It's even featured in films such as James Bond's Skyfall and several Harry Potter movies. READ MORE ->

Although most of the modern residents have already managed to move into new comfortable houses, the dwelling houses cut in the caves still have their own residents. Some caves are used as warehouses and vaults, but in others, people live. The real prize is at the top. You are rewarded the most magnificent, panoramic view of the surrounding towns and endless magical fairy chimneys.

One of France’s most charming villages. It’s also the well-preserved cave village in the country. Troglodyte village, Trôo is a picturesque town dominating the peaceful and green Loir valley. Not to be missed: the delightful troglodyte houses dug into the cliff. After a walk in the charming narrow streets of the village, you must stop off at the 'speaking well' and the collegiate church. To enjoy a beautiful view of the Loir valley, the viewpoint indicator on top of the hill is the place to go with its wonderful panoramic view of the surroundings. READ MORE ->

World's largest collection of artworks by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in a 13th-century palace. -Google. Lodged inside the Palais de la Berbie (built in the early Middle Ages for the town's archbishop), this wonderful museum offers an overview of Albi's most celebrated son. The museum owns more than 1000 original works by Toulouse-Lautrec – the largest collection in France outside the Musée d'Orsay – spanning the artist's development, from his early neo-impressionist paintings to his famous Parisian brothel scenes and poster art. Of particular interest are the early portraits of some of Toulouse-Lautrec's friends and family – including his mother, the Comtesse Adèle de Toulouse-Lautrec, his cousin Gabriel Tapié de Celeyran, and his close friend, Maurice Joyant. They clearly demonstrate the artist's wry eye and playful sense of humour. There are also some delicate animal studies (especially of horses). READ MORE ->

While it is not exactly undiscovered, Albi is one of those French provincial cities that has only recently come into its own as a tourist destination. A small city standing on the banks of the river Tarn, Albi has a history rooted in the religious conflicts of the Middle Ages. The 'Albigensian Crusade' (1209-1229) was the only medieval crusade conducted not against Islam, but against Christians, specifically against the Cathars, who practiced a form of proto-Protestantism, refusing the authority of the Catholic church. In the 12th century, most of the land of 'Languedoc' was Cathar country, and the city of Albi stood at the geographical centre of the Languedoc of the time. READ MORE ->

Most of the old town is inside of defensive walls, culminating in the massive Citadel. Only small part of the wall, notably the Rivotte gate, is medieval, most of the fortifications date from the 17th to 19th centuries.

The old town was protected by walls from medieval times onwards, but it was Vauban, the great military engineer, who redesigned them in the 17th century, and gave them the form they have today. A windswept, walled city, St-Malo was founded as early as the 1st Century CE by the Gauls. It soon came to be known as Reginca or Aletum by the Romans. With its easily protected and fortified position, the area was the site of a prominent Roman fort by the 4th-Century. Although the town’s modern-day walls and fortifications were constructed around the 12th-century, Saint Malo did not gain real notoriety until the rise of privateers in the 17th and 18th centuries READ MORE ->

Dramatically sited hill town, dominated by its great 12th century cathedral. The city walls and three city gates remain largely intact. This medieval city is isolated atop a 100-metre-high limestone rock that punctuates the low, flat plains around. In the high town, encircled by eight kilometres of walls and formidable gates is France’s biggest protected historic centre. There are more than 80 historic monuments to discover in a city that was the capital of the Carolingian Empire in the early middle ages. READ MORE ->

Perched majestically on a rocky promontory overlooking the surrounding countryside, the Town of Art and History of Langres is one of the fifty most beautiful towns of France, with its medieval, Renaissance and classical heritage. Its wonderfully well-preserved fortified enclosure, with its seven doors and twelve towers, is best seen from its wall walk...which is 3.5 kilometres long! Dotted with orientation tables, this superb walk takes you around the old town and is a chance to admire some beautiful panoramic views: to the east are Liez Lake, the Marne Valley and the Vosges; to the west, the Bonnelle Valley and the Langres Plateau! Open to the public, the imposing and mighty Navarre Tower measures 28 metres in diameter and stands 20 metres tall - with walls up to 7 metres thick! It contains two rooms with vaults and casemates, along with a magnificent roof structure made of chestnut wood. READ MORE ->

Onion domes top this stone-walled 1400s monastery & former labor camp, with a cathedral & refectory. -Google.

The first wooden churches were built on the island in 1430 by the monks Savvatiy and Hermann. The first igumen of the monastery was Rev. Zosima. Having received the Tsar's diploma 'for everlasting possession of the Solovetsky Islands,' the monastery began to develop rapidly, and by the 18th century it had become one of the largest landowners in Russia. n the 16th century, the Solovetsky Monastery was surrounded by powerful walls with watchtowers, lined with gigantic boulders. Thus, the appearance of the monastery was formed, which began to be called the Solovetsky Kremlin. The Solovetsky Kremlin belongs to the largest monastery in Russia and is second only to the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery. The construction of the walls and towers of the Solovki Kremlin used stone blocks weighing, on average, from 5 to 8 tons. The weight of some blocks at the base reaches 20 tons.

Old Walled City of Shibam. Surrounded by a fortified wall, the 16th-century city of Shibam is one of the oldest and best examples of urban planning based on the principle of vertical construction. Its impressive tower-like structures rise out of the cliff and have given the city the nickname of ‘the Manhattan of the desert’. READ MORE ->

Landmark fort built between the 15th & 19th centuries, featuring an enduring church & monuments. -Google. The main sight in Novgorod is Detinets or the Novgorod Kremlin located right on Volkhov river. It’s a beautiful place full of history and there’s also a great ethnography museum, a nice souvenir shop, and an amazing restaurant situated inside one of the castles. Detinets now is a brick fortress with 9 towers. The first walls of Detinets were built in the 10th century, later it was rebuilt many times. READ MORE ->

Immense, fortified compound of churches & palaces, with museums of Russian state regalia & art. -Google. Moscow was founded by Prince Yuri Dolgoruky as the fortress intended for protection of the western borders of Suzdal principality. The new fort was surrounded by wooden walls, which laid the foundation of the Kremlin. In 1156, on Borovitsky Hill the fortress with eight-meter earth wall and powerful for the time 3-m tall and 1,200-m thick wooden wall was erected. It lasted like that until the winter of 1237-1238 when hordes of Batu Khan plundered and burned Moscow and the Kremlin. In 1339-1340 under Ivan Kalita strong fortifications followed by the Grand Duke's mansion, Metropolitan Chamber and white stone cathedrals were constructed. Moscow was becoming the political and spiritual center of Russia, and the Kremlin - the seat of the great princes and metropolitans (Kremlin became the official residence of the tsars in 1547 when the Grand Prince of Moscow Ivan IV the Terrible became the tsar). In 1367-1368 Prince Dmitry Donskoy fearing another Mongol-Tatar invasion built white-stone walls and towers around the fort. They were located at a distance of 60 m from the old oak fortifications. It was then that the name “white stoned Moscow” was coined. The area of the Kremlin reached its present-day size. READ MORE ->

Jerusalem's current walls were built under the orders of Suleiman the Magnificent between the years 1537 and 1541. Some portions were built over the ancient walls from 2,000 years ago. The Old City of Jerusalem is one of the most intense places on Earth! At the heart of the Jewish, Islamic, and Christian religions, this walled one-kilometer area in the center of Jerusalem is beyond words and cannot be missed.

The Old City is home to the Western Wall (aka Wailing Wall and in Hebrew Kotel). This is the last remaining wall of what was the Jewish Temple and is today the holiest site in the world for Jews. Above the Western Wall lies the Dome of the Rock important for Muslims as the site where the prophet Muhammad is said to have risen to heaven.

READ MORE ->

It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and holds great religious significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts millions of visitors each year

History:

The history of the Old City dates back over 3,000 years. It has seen the rise and fall of various empires and has been conquered and reconquered numerous times. Throughout its history, it has been under the control of different civilizations, including the Israelites, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Muslims, Crusaders, Mamluks, Ottomans, and British

Description:

The Old City is surrounded by ancient walls, which were built during the Ottoman period in the 16th century. It is divided into four quarters: the Jewish Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Muslim Quarter, and the Armenian Quarter

The Jewish Quarter:

The Jewish Quarter is home to important religious sites such as the Western Wall (also known as the Wailing Wall), which is the holiest site in Judaism. It is the only remaining part of the Second Temple, which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. The Jewish Quarter is also known for its narrow streets, archaeological excavations, synagogues, and the Hurva Synagogue, which has a significant historical and religious importance

The Christian Quarter:

The Christian Quarter is home to several significant Christian sites, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is believed to be the place where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected. Other important sites include the Via Dolorosa, which is the path that Jesus walked on his way to crucifixion, and the Church of All Nations

The Muslim Quarter:

The Muslim Quarter is the largest and most vibrant quarter in the Old City. It is home to the Dome of the Rock, an iconic Islamic shrine that is considered one of the holiest sites in Islam. The Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, is also located in the Muslim Quarter

The Armenian Quarter:

The Armenian Quarter is the smallest of the four quarters and is home to the Armenian Apostolic Church. It is known for its narrow streets, beautiful architecture, and the Tower of David, which offers panoramic views of the city

Fortified city first built in the 12th–13th centuries, with grand walls, 52 towers & valley views.-Google.

Since the pre-Roman period, a fortified settlement has existed on the hill where Carcassonne now stands. In its present form it is an outstanding example of a medieval fortified town, with its massive defences encircling the castle and the surrounding buildings, its streets and its fine Gothic cathedral. Carcassonne is also of exceptional importance because of the lengthy restoration campaign undertaken by Viollet-le-Duc, one of the founders of the modern science of conservation.

READ MORE ->

Itchan Kala is the walled inner town of the city of Khiva in Uzbekistan. The old town retains many historic monuments and old houses, dating primarily from the eighteenth or nineteenth centuries. The most spectacular features of Itchan Kala are its sun-dried brick walls and four gates at each side of the rectangular fortress. oday Itchan-Kala (Ichan Kala) is open-air museum. It is the old part of the city, surrounded with wall and turned into the State Historical Archaeological Museum. Here on the vast territory of 26 hectares the exotic image of the eastern city has been preserved. READ MORE ->

Xi'an was the capital city of 13 imperial dynasties, Xi'an is most famous for its Terracotta Warriors, which have become an international symbol of China's history. A well-preserved city wall, which was re-constructed in the 14th century during the early Ming Dynasty, surrounds the city.

The word Obidos derives from the Latin and means citadel. A fortification on top of the hill was established in the 8th century during the Muslim conquest. It was taken from the Moors by the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, in 1148. The castle of Óbidos and the walls of the town were remodeled in the 14th century. The small town is situated along a limestone ridge and is completely encircled by ancient town walls. Within Obidos are traditionally painted houses, a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets, and a medieval castle, which has guarded the region for over 800 years. Obidos also boasts an illustrious history, as it was traditionally given to the queen of Portugal on the day of her wedding, a tradition which began in 1214 and continued through to the 19th century. READ MORE ->

Considered to be one of best-preserved walled cities in the world. The Ancient City of Pingyao is also called 'Turtle City' because of its turtle-like city wall. First on the must-go attractions of Pingyao is ancient city wall. There are six gates along the wall. Four of them are symmetrically set on the east and west sides, looking like the four legs of the turtle. The Southern Gate and Northern Gate resemble the head and tail respectively. Looking down from the top, it is exactly like a giant turtle with the crisscrossing lanes forming the patterns on its shell. READ MORE ->

Znojmo – a marvellous, historic town in an imposing setting above the Dyje River. The historic town centre with its numerous churches, all surrounded by mediaeval city walls, has preserved its Renaissance look and is full of crooked lanes, romantic views and picturesque nooks and crannies. Znojmo is also the centre of a well-known wine region READ MORE ->

Taroudant is a fascinating and authentic Berber town in the heart of the Souss Valley, with the best preserved city walls in Morocco. Taroudant is a former capital of Morocco, built by the Saadian dynasty as a base to attack thePortuguese on the Atlantic Coast. The city walls, which are almost completely intact, were built in 1528 and reflect the glow of the setting sun, making them a favourite location for locals to hang out and promenade on summer evenings.

The ancient walled is a hard place to forget: the silent maze-like alleys, the scents of the markets, the handsome women carrying intricately woven baskets atop heads, the muezzins calling the Muslim faithful to prayer. For centuries, Harar has been a major commercial center, linked by the trade routes with Africa and Arabia. With 82 mosques, three of which date from the 10th century, and 102 shrines it is one of the most important cities of Islam. Harar was part of the Adal Sultanate, a medieval muslim state located in the Horn of Africa. In the 16th century the city was encircled with a wall including five gates. This wall, called Jugol, is still intact, and has become the symbol of the city. READ MORE ->

York is one of oldest cities in the north of England. The city was founded by the Romans. It is a home for the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe. The majority of the remaining walls, which encircle the whole of the medieval city, date from the 12th – 14th century.

Residents of the Baltic coast town of Visby, Sweden, began building their city wall in the 12th century. Approaching the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea, by ferry, you are met by the medieval, walled town of Visby - a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visby is Gotland’s only town and what a town it is; in summertime expect and get low-rise, red rose-covered cottages, tall towers, turrets and spires, shady arches and ‘twisty-turny’ cobblestone streets and olde worlde shops. The word ‘charming’ was invented for this town. READ MORE ->

Riverside nature reserve with wood & stone sculptures, plus animals from around the world. -Google.

Remains of 2km-long Roman city walls built in the 3rd century with 46 remaining towers & exhibits. -Google. This historic city is filled with ancient wonders, from Roman city walls and baths to a magnificent cathedral and delicious regional cuisine. Lugo is most famous for one thing, and that is its city walls. The walls, built by the Romans during the latter part of the 3rd century and the 4th century, are one of the finest examples of this type of Roman construction in Europe. READ MORE ->

Historic walls surround old town Cartagena with its colonial architecture, bars & restaurants. -Google. One of the unforgettable highlights of any travel to Colombia is a visit to the historic and magnificent Walled City in the heart of Old Cartagena. Strategically located in the country’s Caribbean Coast, Old Cartagena was one of Colonial Spain’s important ports. Stone fortresses and massive walls up to 20 meters thick and 11 kilometers long surround the area. This fortification was built by Spaniards in the 16th century after Cartagena was raided numerous times by pirates, most notably by Sir Francis Drake. READ MORE ->

Budva is the metropolis of Montenegrin tourism thanks to the great number of beaches and hotels that make this the most desirable tourist destination. City dates back to 500BC. Its city wall, however, is only a few hundred years old, built by the Venetians in the Middle Ages to protect the city from Ottoman invaders. Only one side of the wall faces the sea today Budva’s Old Town lies on a small peninsula and represents a treasure chest of culture heritage. Crossed with narrow streets and squares are famous buildings, the Church Sv. Trojica, housing the tomb of the exquisite writer Stjepan Mitrov Ljubisa, the Churches of Sv. Ivan, Sv. Bogorodica and Sv. Sava. READ MORE ->