Palm-lined, white-sand beach with striking granite boulders, popular for photos & sunset-watching.-Google. One of the world’s top beaches, it is one of the most photographed beaches in the world and featured in countless travel magazines. Silvery-white sand is framed by dramatic granite boulders and sparkling aquamarine water. READ MORE ->

Extensive, 10-mile-long public beach with water sports, a boardwalk & an amusement park. -Google. Enjoy swimming and sunning along the Atlantic, not to mention surfing, fishing and even kayaking and canoeing! And during the summer, you'll find free family activities including movies, concerts and fireworks! READ MORE ->

Remote beach comprised of a long stretch of sand mixed with rocks & lined with trees. -Google. Voted the most beautiful beach in Europe, it is the jewel of the island. Its turquoise waters are known around the world. A case of blue in a magnificent wooded bay. READ MORE ->

Island with a ruined castle & a sea cave. It was used for the setting of a 1991 Oscar-winning motion picture, Mediterraneo Kastelorizo is a well-kept secret, a buried hidden treasure, and a hideaway escape in the Aegean waiting for you to discover it! READ MORE ->

Santorini is actually not one island, but five islands that form a ring around the central lagoon. Santorini Island is a place where tourists bask in the gentle sun from May to mid-October; enjoy the warm clean Aegean sea. Santorini is famous for unforgettable sunsets and sunrises, the hospitality of local people, Greek cuisine, and traditional wine. The historical heritage of past civilizations, sandy beaches of volcanic black, red, and white sand, the azure Aegean Sea, and unique architecture, expressed in small houses painted in blue, blue, and white in combination with fresh flowers in pots have long become the hallmark of a heavenly holiday in Greece on Santorini Island. The island is covered with legends and myths about Atlantis. The volcanic eruption more than 3,500 years ago was a global disaster that changed the course of human history and created an unforgettable landscape.

Huge 3,000-year-old monument to Ramesses II, one of two temples relocated when Aswan dam was built. -Google. These two immense carved rock temples at Abu Simbel, a village in the ancient Upper Egyptian region of Nubia, are dedicated to 13th century Pharaoh Ramesses II and his first wife Nefertari. The two enormous rock temples of Abu Simbel were built in the 13th century BCE during the reign of the 19th Dynasty Pharaoh Ramesses II, known as Ramesses the Great, and his queen Nefertari. Their construction, including the carving of the massive rock-cut statues of the royals, took twenty years. READ MORE ->

Traverse fiords, scale daunting cliffs, swim in lakes, and chase some waterfalls. The wild, majestic area featuring rare flora & fauna, fjords, lakes & mountains across 4 national parks. -Google. Te Wahipounamu is the Maori name for the area which includes Milford Sound, one of the most beautiful places. The land covered by Te Wahipounamu is a sacred and culturally important site for Ngai Tahu. The mountains and valleys within the property are known as places of gods. The landscape in the area is an important cultural identifier for the Ngai Tahu and their ancestors. In Maori language, READ MORE ->

The hidden gem S-shaped lake with low-density tourism, scenic mountain views & locally produced sparkling wines.-Google.

The old town center has remained largely unchanged for centuries, with ancient churches, palazzi, and towers. [Cisternino] The white-washed city of Cisternino sits on the undulating plains of Puglia. It is listed as one of the most beautiful small towns in Italy. Originally founded by Greek settlers, it became the Roman town of Sturnium before being destroyed by Hannibal during his Puglian campaigns. It was re-established in the 800s by an order of Basilian monks who built a Greek Orthodox monastery here. READ MORE ->

The Pearl of Lake Como Your trip to Lake Como is incomplete without a visit to its Pearl: Bellagio, one of the most beautiful places in the region of Lombardy, Italy. READ MORE ->

In its location facing Lake Orta, the small town of Orta San Giulio is one of the top destinations for tourists visiting the Verbano Cusio Ossola province. A favorite place for romantic souls, the village is a maze of picturesque streets and narrow cobbled lanes, flanked by old stone walls with doorways topped with triangular architraves. The little squares, reminiscent of the campielli of Venice, are enlivened by the presence of craft boutiques, antique shops, and lively cafés. READ MORE ->

Small island in the Spree River, home to a unique ensemble of 5 renowned museums. -Google. A unique ensemble of buildings on Spreeinsel (Spree Island) in the heart of Berlin. It encompasses five large Berlin museums built under the Prussian rulers as well as a reception and exhibition building, the James Simon Gallery, opened in 2019. Berlin’s Museum Island is a grand work of art: five world-famous museum buildings from the time of the Prussian rulers, together with the modern James Simon Gallery, form an exciting ensemble that was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999. In 1999, READ MORE -> Museumsinsel also includes the Berliner Dom cathedral and sprawling garden grounds.

Referenced among the most beautiful villages of France, Ars-en-Ré takes place in Charente-Maritime, in the region New-Aquitaine. Located at the eastern end of the island of Ré, it is part of the arrondissement of La Rochelle and has been registered with the Villages of stones and water, label organized by the General Council. READ MORE ->

Officially one of the most beautiful villages in France, Yvoire Haute-Savoie is a floral gem on the shores of Lac Leman/Lake Geneva and oh so pretty. READ MORE -> This colorful village is more than 700 years old. The village has nonchalantly preserved its historic appearance..

Located on a natural terrace overlooking Lake Garda from the top, Tremosine sul Garda has become one of the most beautiful villages in Italy because of its structural and landscape features. Consisting of eighteen small hamlets surrounded by nature, it offers visitors a special atmosphere that does not go unnoticed. READ MORE ->

Perched high above the Lot river, the medieval village does a spectacular cliff-hanging act Once host to a prosperous river trade, and renowned for its wood-turners, Saint Cirq Lapopie is a listed site that possesses 13 listed Historic Monuments. The village has not only conserved its heritage but also retained an irresistible charm. Shops, restaurants, and cafés shelter from the sun in the shade of Gothic arches...

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This exquisite village in the destination Quimper Cornouaille occupies a long-sacred spot named after a revered Irishman who settled here in the Dark Ages, but the place’s spiritual roots go back much further. From the late Middle Ages, sail-making brought prosperity and an exceptionally handsome architectural legacy. READ MORE ->

Half-timbered buildings and the colorful frescoes painted on their facades Few tourists from outside Europe know this tiny town, but believe me, it’s a real hidden gem. Stein am Rhein is famous for its finely painted facades, the half-timbered houses, and the lovely countryside surrounding it. Stein am Rhein was originally a small fishing village built where the lower end of Lake Constance becomes the river Rhine again. The hamlet developed in the 11th century, when Emperor Henry II transferred the Benedictine St. George’s Abbey due to its strategic location. READ MORE ->

Ancient monastery built on the side of a cliff, home to 3 traditional religious disciplines. - Google Since it hangs on the west cliff of Jinxia Gorge more than 50 meters above the ground, it is called Hanging Monastery. Built in 491, it has survived more than 1400 years. The extant monastery was largely rebuilt and maintained in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). READ MORE -> The very unique temple is the combination of three religions of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism.

Nestled in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains in the heart of Alsace’s vineyards, Riquewihr sprang up between the 13th and 16th centuries, and luckily, the fairy tale town looks much like it did 400 years ago.

Situated between the peaks of the Vosges mountains and the Plain of Alsace, Riquewihr is a medieval town right in the heart of the Alsatian vineyards, classified among the «Most Beautiful Villages in France».

For centuries this magnificent town has managed to combine the quality of its architecture with the quality of its world-famous wines, from where it gets its nickname «The Gem of the Alsace Vineyards».

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Striking Buddhist complex of stupas, shrines & monasteries built on top of a tall volcanic plug. -Google. The spectacular Buddhist monastery of Taung Kalat/Mount Popa, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area to pilgrims and visitors who brave the flight of 777 steps to the summit. READ MORE ->

This scenic alpine lake, the largest lake in Glacier National Park, offers kayaking & canoeing. -Google.

This long fjord-like lake is surrounded by mountains on the north, south, and east with the Continental Divide, 14 miles away. The mountains provide a spectacular backdrop for the lake and also act as a rain block.

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Starting point for the medieval pilgrimage trail to Santiago de Compostella, Le Puy en Velay is a fascinating small city, with a remarkable heritage It was in the cathedral at Le Puy, in 1095, that Pope Urban II announced the preparation of the First Crusade. READ MORE ->

A beautiful medieval town (village ) in Umbria Actually, we might warn you that just one look at this small town – crossed by so many rivers it is known as “little Venice of Umbria” and “Village of streams” – and you will immediately be charmed. Rasiglia is also home to beautiful monuments – such as the Trinci Castle and the Sanctuary of the Madonna of the Graces, with its religious 15th-century frescoes – and is dotted of industrial archaeology sites, such as the remains of old fulling mills, grain mills, wool and dyeing factories. READ MORE ->

The most famous ensemble of fountains, the Grand Cascade, which runs from the northern facade of the Grand Palace to the Marine Canal, comprises 64 different fountains, and over 200 bronze statues, bas-reliefs, and other decorations. At the centre stands Rastrelli's spectacular statue of Samson wrestling the jaws of a lion. The vista of the Grand Cascade with the Grand Palace behind it, the first sight to great visitors who arrive in Peterhof by sea, is truly breathtaking. The Grotto behind the Grand Cascade, which was once used for small parties, contains the enormous pipes, originally wooden, that feed the fountains. READ MORE ->

The Grand Palace at Peterhof was designed to be the centerpiece of Peter the Great's 'Russian Versaille'. Around 1720, the Tsar gave up on attempts to establish his court at Strelna, mainly because the boggy ground proved entirely unsuitable for the canals and fountains that he envisioned. Moving his attentions further west to Peterhof, the Tsar began to draw up his own plans for the grounds and palace. Work had already begun on a modest palace, designed by Jean-Baptiste Le Blond, in 1714, and that building was completed in 1721. READ MORE ->

Bagnoregio means 'royal bath,' alluding to its importance as a thermal spa two millennia ago. The village of Civita di Bagnoregio is a dramatic sight crammed on top of a tufa bluff that has been banged by the wind and suffered regular landslides that continue to cause the village to slowly crumble away. The town fights against the odds to survive the elements and clings to its unlikely perch amidst an almost surreal landscape of clay formations and tufa erosions along the valley. It alternately looks eerie or enchanting, depending on the time of day, the play of sunlight or clouds, and the mist that frequently rolls in around it. Access to Civita di Bagnoregio is pedestrian-only across a 300-meter long footbridge (985 feet), that deposits you into the cluster of medieval stone homes made of hewn stone that look like they grew out of the landscape naturally.

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Old Town Square, in Czech known as Staroměstské náměstí, is the central square of the historic part of Prague. The square is one of the greatest tourist attractions of the Czech capital.

Square is one of the most significant and historic locations in Prague, Czech Republic, Located in the heart of the Old Town (Staré Město), it is surrounded by stunning medieval architecture and is a popular tourist destination.

History:

Old Town Square has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century when it served as the central marketplace for Prague. Over the centuries, it has witnessed numerous historical events and has been the site of many important gatherings and celebrations.

Description:

The square is a large open space with an irregular shape, measuring approximately 1.7 hectares. It is lined with colorful buildings that showcase a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque

The most prominent building on the square is the Old Town Hall (Staroměstská radnice), which features the famous Astronomical Clock (Orloj) on its southern wall. The clock, dating back to the 15th century, is a fascinating mechanical marvel that attracts crowds of tourists every hour to witness its intricate movement.

Another notable building is the Church of Our Lady before Týn (Kostel Matky Boží před Týnem), which dominates the square with its Gothic spires. This iconic church has been a symbol of Prague for centuries.

The square is also home to several other historical landmarks, including the St. Nicholas Church (Kostel svatého Mikuláše) and the Jan Hus Memorial, dedicated to the Czech religious reformer.

In addition to its architectural beauty, Old Town Square is known for its vibrant atmosphere. The square is always bustling with activity, with street performers, musicians, and artists entertaining visitors. It is also a popular venue for various events and festivals, including the Christmas market, which attracts thousands of visitors each year.

The main decoration of Charles Bridge is the Baroque statues and bridge towers. The sculptures are located on both sides of the Charles Bridge. To see all the statues, walk along the Charles Bridge, first in one direction and then in the other. The statues did not appear on the bridge immediately, but only from 1683. At first, there was only a crucifix on the Charles Bridge, but later, Prague architects, inspired by the Roman bridge by an angel, made other sculptures for the Charles Bridge. In total, there are 30 sculptures on the Charles Bridge (and one more in the water, on the support of the Charles Bridge), depicting the main Czech saints. Religious orders, university departments and similar organizations had the right to erect the statue on the Charles Bridge. In the 19th century, some of the statues were replaced with copies, and many of neo-Gothic sculptures were removed altogether.

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Charles Bridge, also known as Karlův most in Czech, is an iconic landmark located in the heart of Prague, Czech Republic, This historic bridge spans across the Vltava River, connecting the Old Town (Staré Město) with the Lesser Town (Malá Strana) of Prague

History:

Charles Bridge was commissioned by King Charles IV and construction began in 1357. It was completed in the early 15th century. The bridge replaced the older Judith Bridge, which was severely damaged by a flood in 1342

The bridge was originally called Stone Bridge or Prague Bridge, but it was later renamed after its creator, King Charles IV. The construction was supervised by Peter Parler, a renowned Gothic architect who also worked on St. Vitus Cathedral

Description:

Charles Bridge is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. It is approximately 516 meters long and 9.5 meters wide, with a series of 16 arches supporting its structure. The bridge is made of sandstone blocks, giving it a warm golden color.

One of the most notable features of the bridge is its 30 statues that line both sides. These statues, mostly Baroque-style, were added between the 17th and 18th centuries. The most famous statue is that of St. John of Nepomuk, a Czech saint who was thrown into the river from the bridge in the 14th century.

Charles Bridge offers stunning views of Prague Castle, the Vltava River, and the city's historic skyline. It is a popular tourist attraction and a pedestrian-only zone, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at a leisurely pace. The bridge is often filled with artists, street performers, and vendors selling souvenirs.

It is also believed that touching the statue of St. John of Nepomuk brings good luck, so you may see people rubbing it for good fortune. However, the statue has been polished to a shine due to the countless hands that have touched it over the years.

The first documented case of the name Mergentheim dates back to 1058. Since the end of the 12th century the Order of St. John has been based in Mergentheim. In the 13th century, the German Teutonic Order and the Dominican Order came to Mergentheim. In 1525, when Horneck Castle, which was the residence at the time of the DeutschmeisterDeutschmeister, was destroyed, the “Commandery Mergentheim” became their new headquarters. Two years later, the Deutschmeister also officiated as “Administrator of the Grand Masters in Prussia”, and with this Mergentheim became the residence of the Grand Masters and Deutschmeister. READ MORE ->

The most charming Bavarian town. Hainricus de Tolnze married the last heiress of the owners of Tölz´s castle. He gave Tölz its name and he is also responsible for the town´s first boom years. Situated at the crossing of two trade roads, the river Isar and the old trade road for salt from Reichenhall to Allgäu, Tölz soon became a flourishing market. In 1331 it was granted extensive 'Marktrechte', e.g. the right to hold a market, and has prospered ever since. Today the town stands out as a baroque and colorful jewel close to the mountains. Indulge in all the pleasures that Bad Tölz can offer, visit its picturesque pedestrian precinct and have a look at shops, parks, fountains, and a lot more. READ MORE ->

The West Bank city of Bethlehem, about 9km south of Jerusalem, is celebrated by Christians as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Here Mary gave birth in a cave used for animals. Here the local shepherds came to worship the baby, and here the Three Wise Men from the east came to pay homage and present their gifts. Here too, 1000 years before Christ, Bethlehem was the birthplace of David, Israel’s second king. Here David was anointed as king by the prophet Samuel after being brought in from tending his father’s sheep.

Synagogue first built in 1568 for Cochin's Jewish community, now housing antiques & other artifacts. -Google. A very famous Pardesi Synagogue in Kochi, also known as Jew Synagogue and Mattancherry Synagogue is the oldest existing synagogue amid Commonwealth countries. It was built in 1568 by Malabar Yehudan People or Cochin Jewish community on a land which was gifted by Raja Varma to the Malabari Yehuden community. READ MORE ->

Early 20th-century synagogue demonstrating elements of art nouveau & Moorish design. -Google. The newest and largest synagogue of the Jewish community in Prague is an interesting example of Art Nouveau melded with Moorish style. Its interior is richly painted in Art Nouveau style. READ MORE ->

The third-largest synagogue in Europe. The usual names are The Great Choral Synagogue of St. Petersburg and The Edmond J Safra Grand Choral Synagogue. Designed in the eastern, Moresque style. The building project was developed by the architects L. Bachmann and I. Shaposhnikov, also involving V. Stasov and N. Benois. The construction was completed in 1893. The St. Petersburg Synagogue is the second largest in Europe and the largest in Russia. The complex of the Grand Choral Synagogue includes The Great Synagogue, The Small Synagogue, mikvah (the ritual baths building, essential in Judaism) and The Synagogue of the Georgian Jews. The unique acoustics of the Great Choral Synagogue is known worldwide. READ MORE ->

Famed Buddhist monastery complex built in 1409, with numerous buildings on the side of a mountain. -Google. One of the earliest and largest Buddhist monasteries in Tibet, and stands atop of the six famous temples of Gelugpa - a branch of Tibetan Buddhism, and is now known as being one of the 'Three Great Temples', together with the Sera Monastery\ and the Drepung Monastery In the early 15th century, Tsong Khapa called for the Reformation of Religion, advocating the rooting out the previous disadvantages in religious orders and initiated the Gelugpa. This sect also became known as the Yellow Hat sect, as its disciples were always wearing yellow hats. This order went on to become the biggest sect in Tibetan Buddhism, leading to Tsong Khapa establish the Ganden Monastery. Since dharma is essential to the teachings of the sect, the whole layout of the monastery is built on its principles. READ MORE ->

Construction on this castle began in the 15th century and extended so long, you can find Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance influences within the complex. Outstanding 16th-century fortification. In 1568 the castle came into the hands of Mikolay Radziwil, who completed it in Renaissance style. READ MORE ->

St. Basil’s Cathedral is Moscow’s most famous artistic work of architecture. Also called 'Pokrovsky Cathedral' or 'The Cathedral of Intercession of the Virgin by the Moat', it is the most recognizable Russian building. The St. Basil's Cathedral history started in 1555 by the order of Ivan IV ('Ivan the Terrible') in celebration of the defeat of Kazan, the last remaining grip of the Mongol Empire on European lands. Historians claim that Ivan the Terrible blinded the St. Basil's Cathedral architect right after the construction was finished to prevent him from building another cathedral as magnificent as that. Originally its sides were wooden but during the reign of Catherine II the Great the walls were reconstructed in the same stone seen today and covered in swirling colors and designs. READ MORE ->

This section of the California Coastal Trail features amazing redwoods off Hwy 101. Length 13.0 mi · Climbing 2810 ft This isolated trail, located just south of Crescent City, climbs up to and then runs along a high coastal bluff under alders and second-growth redwoods. After three miles the trail turns inland, leaving behind the constant white noise of the surf to enter a strikingly silent old-growth redwood forest. The redwoods get increasingly impressive until the trail reaches Damnation Creek. READ MORE ->

Boasting panoramic views of the city, this landmark mountain offers hiking trails & historic graves. -Google. Striking 360-degree panorama: Gaze down upon all of Cape Town on one side, and Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. During a full moon, take an hour-long hike to the top for a striking and unique perspective. READ MORE ->

Famous outdoor observatory & lounge with panoramic views from the 125th & 148th floors. Soaring high at 555 meters, At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY is fittingly Dubai’s most iconic destination. Get ready to enjoy exclusive access to the redefined, highest outdoor observatory in the world, spread across levels 148 and 125 of Burj Khalifa.

Picturesque 1907 art nouveau synagogue featuring an intricate gilded cupola & stained-glass windows. READ MORE -> Half a day will suffice to see the synagogue in Szeged, one of the most interesting ones in Hungary (1903). With its Baroque dome, Roman columns, and Byzantine-inspired bellows, the monumental building is a hymn to eclecticism. At the entrance, two plaques honor rabbis Lipot, a reform pioneer who was the first to deliver his sermons in Hungarian, and Immanuel Loew, son of the former whose passion for botany inspired the floral motifs of the decor. On both sides of the nave, beautiful stained-glass windows count out the Jewish holidays. READ MORE ->

The magnificent Great Synagogue in Florence, one of the most beautiful in Europe, was established thanks to the money donated by David Levi, a member of the local Jewish community. His legacy culminated a long fund-raising campaign started already in the 1840, following the opening and destruction of the Florentine ghetto. The synagogue, built according to the plans of architects Marco Treves, Mariano Falcini, and Vincenzo Micheli, winners of the competition published by the Community Council in 1874. READ MORE ->

Eze is a beautiful hilltop medieval village in the south of France, between Monaco and Nice. The village is famous for its spectacular views, impressive architecture, and stunning geographical location above the French Riviera. In 1338, the House of Savoy took charge of the village Eze and fortified it. READ MORE ->

The Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra is one of the most sacred places in Russia. For centuries, many Orthodox Christians have set out on pilgrimage to the monastery. They come here to worship the relics of St. Sergius in anticipation of miracles, which can happen on this sacred land. The monastery was founded in the early 14th century by one of the most venerated saints of Russia: St. Sergius. Together with his brother he found a secluded place in the forest and decided to build a cell and a small wooden church in honor of the Holy Trinity there. St. Sergius' brother could not stand the rigors of this life and left him in solitude. Soon after, the word of St. Sergius’ isolated life spread over the lands. Some monks started searching for his guidance. St. Sergius met everybody with love and an open heart. However, he did not want to be their superior; he wanted to be their equal. He worked hard building the cells, fetching water, chopping firewood, sewing clothes, and cooking for the whole community. St. Sergius had many disciples who founded numerous cloisters later on. READ MORE ->

Home to narrow, cobblestone streets and medieval architecture - Ohrid is a vacationer’s paradise, with glimmering beaches, spectacular views, and a wealth of Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine. Nicknamed the ‘Jerusalem of the Balkans’, Ohrid is one of the oldest settlements in Europe, and was once considered to be the epicentre of religion and Slavic culture. Its history is evident in every building that lines the city’s old town. However, it is Lake Ohrid that makes the city a unique historical artefact. At three million years old, it stands as one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes ... READ MORE ->

For skiing and snowboarding, there are 120 km of slopes available. 29 lifts transport the guests. The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 1,224 and 2,924 m. The winter sport offering in Cortina includes the FREE DOLOMITES - unlimited fun for adrenaline junkies: perfect slopes for all levels and techniques, the most vertical black slope in the entire Dolomiti Superski area for those who want to put their skiing to the ultimate test, a brand new snowpark ... READ MORE ->

Part of the old city is still having impressive Moorish walls and and a fine Moorish city gate. Situated on the plain of the River Corbones, Carmona is a city which stands out due to its size and the traces left by the various cultures that have populated it during its extensive history. Its churches, palaces and city walls form part of the broad artistic heritage it houses in its historic quarter, dominated by the imposing image of its Arab fortress, the Alcazar del Rey Don Pedro. READ MORE ->

Comprised of 21 islands and islets, the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha is a paradise of indescribable beauty, and was declared a Natural World Heritage Site by Unesco. For the islands to continue to preserve their nature, the number of visitors is limited and you have to pay an environmental preservation fee to enter the island. The combination of crystal clear waters, golden sands, and marine life fascinate people from all over the world. READ MORE ->

Aquarium where visitors can interact with the dolphins, including dolphin therapy for kids. -Google.