There's a gooey time capsule in the heart of Los Angeles, left over from an era when saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, camels, and giant sloths prowled southern California. At the site known today as the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, natural asphalt has bubbled up from below the ground's surface since the last Ice Age. This murky sludge has trapped and made fossils out of thousands of creatures, as small as bees and as big as mammoths. MORE THAN 3.5 MILLION FOSSILS HAVE BEEN DISCOVERED. PALEONTOLOGISTS STILL DIG THERE 361 DAYS A YEAR. THE ONLY DINOSAURS FOUND THERE ARE BIRDS. ONLY ONE HUMAN SKELETON HAS BEEN FOUND THERE. In 1914, researchers at the tar pits discovered a 9000-year-old set of human remains of a 20-something-year-old female, dubbed 'La Brea Woman.' 'La Brea' in Spanish means 'the tar.' So when you say 'the La Brea tar pits,' you're really saying 'The the tar tar pits.' READ MORE ->

Since its inception in 1965, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has been devoted to collecting works of art that span both history and geography, in addition to representing Los Angeles's uniquely diverse population. Today LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States, with a collection that includes over 120,000 objects dating from antiquity to the present, encompassing the geographic world and nearly the entire history of art. Among the museum’s strengths are its holdings of Asian art, Latin American art, ranging from pre-Columbian masterpieces to works by leading modern and contemporary artists; and Islamic art, of which LACMA hosts one of the most significant collections in the world. READ MORE ->

Built around 1900 in the style of an Italian Renaissance palace, this museum holds collections representing every school of Mexican art until the early 20th century. A highlight is the work of José María Velasco, depicting the Valle de México in the late 19th century. READ MORE ->

This fascinating museum is a showcase of the roots, traditions and artistic skills of the Mexican people and cultures. This museum has on display the enormous cultural wealth that is a fusion of Spanish and indigenous worldview, as well as the close relationship between the artisans whose work is inspired by the lush biodiversity of Mexico. The museum has more than 3000 donated works divided into the permanent galleries: Pottery, Alfeñique, Vegetable fibers, Cerería, Toys, Maque or lacquer, Lapidary, Wood work, Masks, Metalwork, Miniatures, Gold, Paper and Cardboard, Popular painting, Leather work, Textiles, Glass and ephemeral Metals. READ MORE ->

Museum featuring contemporary exhibits about the Holocaust, other global genocides & MLK Jr.

The Templo Mayor or Great Temple (called Hueteocalli by the Aztecs) dominated the central sacred precinct of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan. Topped by twin temples dedicated to the war god Huitzilopochtli and the rain god Tlaloc it was a focal point of the Aztec religion and very centre of the Aztec world. It was also the scene of state occasions such as coronations and the place of countless human sacrifices where the blood of the victims was thought to feed and appease the two great gods to whom it was dedicated. The Templo Mayor was first constructed in the reign of Itzcoatl (r. 1427-1440 CE), improved upon by his successor Motecuhzoma I (r. 1440-1469 CE), and again enlarged during the reign of Ahuitzotl (r. 1486-1502 CE). These rulers, and others, each employed the resources and labour given in tribute by neighbouring states in order to build a more impressive monument than their predecessors. The location was chosen with purpose as the temple was a stone improvement on the original shrine the first settlers of Tenochtitlan had built in honour of Huitzilopochtli in the Aztec founding legends. As the temple grew over the years, offerings and precious goods were ritually buried within its ever-expanding layers. The pyramid was reached via a sacred Processional Way constructed along an east-west axis. The Pyramid was similarly built on an east-west axis so that when at the top of the stairway one would face the east and see both Mt. Tlaloc and, on the equinox, see the sunrise exactly between the two shrines on the upper platform. Located at the centre of Tenochtitlan the Templo Mayor was the religious and social heart of the Aztec empire. READ MORE ->

The Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) is one of the most prominent cultural centers in Mexico City. Immense murals by world-famous Mexican artists dominate the top floors of this splendid white-marble palace, a concert hall and arts center commissioned by President Porfirio Díaz. Architectural styles: Art Deco, Neoclassical architecture, Art Nouveau Built on the site of a convent and the first National Theatre of Mexico, the building’s exterior represents neo-classical and art nouveau style, while the interior is art deco. It’s best known for its murals painted by famous Mexican artists such as Siquieros and Diego Rivera.

The National Palace in Mexico City, or Palacio National in Spanish, has been the official seat of the Mexican government ever since the Aztec empire was in power from 1325 to the year 1521. The site is located along the entire eastern edge of the central plaza of the city, which is commonly referred to as the Plaza de la Constitucion or Mexico City Zocalo. In addition to being the seat of the federal government, the National Palace Mexico City also houses the Federal Treasury, the National Archives, and the president’s offices. The Palace in Mexico City also functions somewhat as a museum. Visitors can view original paintings by the Mexican artist Diego Rivera as well as displays with government artifacts. READ MORE ->

Public contemporary art museum located in Mexico City’s Chapultepec Park, that produces innovative international contemporary art exhibitions, using its collection of modern and contemporary art, as well as artworks from the collection of its founder, the artist Rufino Tamayo.

Children's museum offering a wide array of interactive exhibits, plus a planetarium & IMAX theater.

Renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo was born in, and lived and died in, Casa Azul (Blue House), now a museum. Almost every visitor to Mexico City makes a pilgrimage here to gain a deeper understanding of the painter (and maybe to pick up a Frida handbag). Arrive early to avoid the crowds, especially on weekends. Built by Frida's father Guillermo three years before her birth, the house is littered with mementos and personal belongings that evoke her long, often tempestuous relationship with husband Diego Rivera and the leftist intellectual circle they often entertained there. READ MORE ->

The Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli museum in Mexico City was designed by artist Diego Rivera to house his massive collection of Pre-Hispanic art. The name Anahuacall means 'house surrounded by water' in Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs. Rivera and his wife Frida Kahlo bought the land the museum is located on in the 1930s with the intention of creating a farm, but over time they decided to build this temple-museum here. Rivera had a huge collection of Prehispanic art - over 50,000 pieces at the time of his death (some 2000 are on display here at any time). Reportedly he was troubled to see ancient Mexican art leaving the country and wanted to collect as much of it as he could and maintain it within Mexico, and ultimately have it on display for people to enjoy. READ MORE ->

Located in Xochimilco, at Mexico City's southern extreme, the Dolores Olmedo Museum is housed in a rambling stone structure, originally dating from the Sixteenth Century, formerly known as the Hacienda La Noria. By donating her art collection to the people of Mexico, Dolores Olmedo Pati F1o (1908-2002) created a cohesive whole, where treasures of the fine arts were incorporated into colonial construction added during the Seventeenth Century, surrounded by lush gardens, shaded by singularly Mexican plant species, and inhabited by gorgeous animals like the magical peacocks--seemingly confected of living jewels and the enigmatic hairless Xoloiztcuintle dogs, a Precolumbian breed that is unique to behold and warm to the touch. Since the museum opened its doors to the public in September of 1994, its greatest treasure is its painting. The world's most important collections of works by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo are housed here permanently and are adored by the legions of visitors who flock to admire them. There is, as well, a collection of the woodcuts and book illustrations by Russo-French painter Angelina Beloff, Rivera's companion during his early years as a budding painter in Europe. READ MORE ->

USS Pampanito and her crew were successful during her 6 war patrols in the Pacific. When the war ended she returned to San Francisco. From 1945-1960 she was unused, mothballed, but maintained to be reactivated if needed. From 1961-1970 she was used as a shore side training platform, never to dive again. After that she was again unused until she became a museum and memorial in 1982. With the exception of the hatch and ladders used by visitors to enter and leave her, the submarine is virtually as she was in 1945. READ MORE ->

A collection of 20th-century automata, penny arcade games, and musical contraptions. READ MORE ->

On Pier 15 on the Embarcadero at the heart of the waterfront, the Exploratorium is a home-grown, hands-on museum igniting curiosity and inspiring creativity in people of all ages. Explore more than 650 hands-on exhibits and enjoy breathtaking views of the city and bay in the spectacular glass-and-steel Bay Observatory.The Exploratorium is the global leader in informal learning. The world-renowned science museum creates original, interactive exhibits, on display at more than 1,000 science centers, museums and public spaces around the world. Dedicated to education reform in and out of the classroom, the Exploratorium is a premier professional development center for educators and a creator of award-winning educational resources. READ MORE ->

Find animation, innovation, inspiration and immerse yourself in the remarkable life story of Walt Disney, the man who raised animation to an art, tirelessly pursued innovation, and created a distinctly American legacy, transforming the entertainment world! Located in the Presidio of San Francisco, The Walt Disney Family Museum is one of the Bay Area's most inspirational venues, welcoming visitors to an historic building that reveals 40,000 square feet of imagination. Contemporary interactive galleries and state-of-the-art exhibits are narrated in Walt's own voice, and feature early drawings, cartoons, movies, music, listening stations, more than 200 video screens and a spectacular model of Disneyland. While there, you can also enjoy daily screenings of Disney classics. READ MORE ->

Presenting cable car history, technology, information, and gift shop. Located in San Francisco's Washington-Mason powerhouse and carbarn, the museum provides a historical perspective and insight into today's system. READ MORE ->

The collections at the Legion of Honor offer unique insight into the art historical, political, and social movements of the previous 4,000 years of human history. Holdings include European paintings; European decorative arts and sculpture; ancient art from the Mediterranean basin; and one of the nation’s largest repositories of works of art on paper. READ MORE ->

The Asian Art Museum is home to one of the most complete and renowned-collections of Asian art in the world, with a collection spanning cultures from Turkey to India and China to the Philippines through 6,000 years. In addition to our collection galleries, don't miss the following exhibitions Tomb Treasures New Discoveries from China's Han Dynasty (through May 28, 2017) and Flower Power (June 23-Oct 1, 2017).The museum also presents educational programs for visitors of all ages, including free gallery tours, live performances and artist demonstrations, storytelling for kids, hands-on art activities, lectures, and talks. Enjoy lunch at Cafe Asia, which offers a range of dishes from a variety of Asian traditions that take advantage of fresh, seasonal ingredients. READ MORE ->

The palace was built in 1838 under the direction of Big Island Governor John Adams Kuakini. The builders used native lava rock, coral lime mortar, and koa and ohia timbers to create this magnificent two-level structure, which includes an entry hall, parlor, dining room, sitting room, and two bedrooms. The palace originally served as the home of Governor Kuakini. Upon his death in 1844, it was passed to his adopted son, William Pitt Leleiohoku. Leleiohoku, however, died only a few months later, leaving the palace to his wife, Princess Ruth Keelikolani. During this time, the princess opened the home to Hawaii’s monarchs. Every Hawaiian monarch from Kamehameha III to Queen Liliuokalani spent a good part of each year at Hulihee. READ MORE ->

Shaped like a lightning bolt, Lake Wakatipu is the third largest lake in New Zealand. The Dart River flows into the northern end of Lake Wakatipu; the Kawarau River, beginning near Queenstown, handles its outflow. The lake occupies a single, glacier-carved trench and is bordered on all sides by tall mountains, the highest of which is Mount Earnslaw (2819 metres). Settlements around the lake shore include Queenstown and the villages of Kingston, Glenorchy and Kinloch. Because of its unusual shape, Lake Wakatipu has a 'tide' (more correctly, an unusually large seiche or 'standing wave'), which causes the water to rise and fall about 10 centimetres every 25 minutes or so. Maori legend links this phenomenon to the heartbeat of a huge monster named Matau, who is said to be slumbering at the bottom of the lake. READ MORE ->

One can see elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and bear roaming around. Estes Park is located at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park and offers easy access to the scenic Trail Ridge Road, which crosses the Continental Divide.

Grand Teton National Park has plenty to marvel at even before you consider the beautiful Jenny Lake that so nicely complements the magnificent Teton Mountain Range. This lake that came to be during the most recent glacial period scores highly for clarity, so it’s a captivating place to observe aquatic life. While the water never gets greatly warm here, it’s perfectly hospitable after a tough day’s hiking. READ MORE ->

Its waters are the most amazing color, a vivid shade of turquoise that changes in intensity through the summer as the glaciers melt. Set in the rugged Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles, creating a scene so stunning it almost seems unreal. Sit lakeside and absorb the sights and pure mountain air, or explore further by canoeing and hiking. It’s an iconic jaw dropping place that is sure to leave a lasting impression. READ MORE ->

Lake Louise is world famous for its turquoise lakes, the Victoria Glacier, soaring mountain backdrop, palatial hotel, and incredible hiking and skiing. Surrounded by a lifetime’s worth of jaw-dropping sights and adventures, Lake Louise is a rare place that must be experienced to be believed. Named for Queen Victoria’s fourth daughter, Lake Louise is a truly awe-inspiring sight. The lake was previously known as Ho-Run-Num-Nay (the Lake of Lake of Little Fishes) by the Stoney Nakoda First Nations people. The hanging Victoria Glacier and an amphitheatre of rugged peaks provide an imposing backdrop to the lake, which is about 2.5 kilometres (1.5 miles) long and 90 metres (295 feet) deep. During the summer the lake is an intense shade of turquoise, the result of light refracting off the rock flour (glacier silt) deposited in the lake by glacier run off. The colour of the lake is most vibrant in July and August when the flow of the melt water is at its highest. At an elevation of 1,750 metres (5,740 feet), Lake Louise normally thaws in June. As you wander around the lakeside path it seems like the whole scene is for just you to enjoy. It is a feeling you will remember forever. READ MORE ->

Crater Lake National Park is in the Cascade Mountains of southern Oregon. It’s known for its namesake Crater Lake, formed by the now-collapsed volcano, Mount Mazama. Wizard Island is a cinder cone near the western edge of the lake. The Rim Drive, a road surrounding the lake, offers views of the park’s volcanic formations. The park’s numerous trails include Sun Notch, with views of the Phantom Ship, a small island. When you look at the deep blue waters of Crater Lake up close, it’s pretty easy to see why it’s one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon. Here’s how to take a trip around Southern Oregon to see it for yourself: Crater Lake: Formed by the collapse of an ancient volcano Mt. Mazama, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in America, leaving all who visit its waters in awe. There are many different ways to see the lake. You can bike or drive the 33-mile rim drive, hike up to the top of a fire lookout tower or down to the water below. READ MORE ->

Nestled along the Puna Coast is perhaps the best swimming area on this side of the island, the Champagne Pond. A quite huge natural pond with a natural rock bottom, a rocky beach area on one side and backed by rock walls in the back, the pond is a blend of fresh ocean water and quite warm fresh water. Heated naturally by geothermal heat (there's lots of lava activity nearby) the ponds are always completely calm and a perfect place for swimming and snorkeling. Outside of the pond is the open ocean, and please remember not to go in there. There are two ways to get into the pond, which is located right in front of a private community/neighborhood accessed by road only through a locked gate called Beach Lots. So unless you're staying in a vacation in the neighborhood, you'll have to access the pond by the lighthouse road. READ MORE ->

Full panoramic view of Maui coastline. Watch explosive show from the Nakalele Blowhole. This phenomenon is caused by the ocean undercutting the shore and forcing seawater up through a large hole in the lava shelf.

Lakes, castles, châteaus, canals, and ruins. We all know that the tale of the Loch Ness Monster lurking in the dark expanse of Loch Ness in the Highlands is not just a tale. Nessie does really exist, and there are over 1,000 eye witness accounts and lots of unexplained evidence, leaving scientists baffled. READ MORE ->

A popular place for kayakers and windsurfers. Lakes, aquariums, walking, sailing, and lakes. In Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, you'll find wild scenery, thrilling history, and superb local food and drink - all of which is easy to get to. At the heart of the park is Loch Lomond itself. You won't find a bigger loch or lake in the whole of Britain and you'll have a hard time finding a more beautiful one, too. Take a cruise on the waters and admire the mighty bulk of Ben Lomond, Scotland's most southerly Munro, as well as the jagged shoulders of the Arrochar Alps. You could maybe even visit one of the loch's 30 islands. You might get a surprise when you pass Inchconnachan - those aren't giant squirrels you can see, but wallabies! The island has had a colony of the Antipodean creatures happily hopping there since the 1940s. READ MORE ->

You might have expected the largest of the Andaman Islands to also attract plenty of visitors, and you'd be right - although the delectable teal waters to be found off its white sand seaside should also make it obvious why that is the case. It's also quite the hotspot for scuba diving. READ MORE ->

History of Belgrade (Ancient, Medieval, Turkish) + Relaxation + Great panoramic views. Kalemegdan is Belgrade’s central park and fortress complex lying on a hill overlooking the Sava and Danube confluence, on the eastern side of the river Sava. This has been the sight of the ancient Roman city of Singidunum, the medieval and Turkish era Belgrade and was converted into a park in the mid 19th century. It is home to several galleries and museums, restaurants, sports courts, and the Belgrade Zoo. READ MORE ->

The largest national park in Canada, featuring lots of bison plus campsites & trails. Country's largest national park and one of the largest in the world. It was established in 1922 to protect the last remaining herds of bison in northern Canada. READ MORE ->

Despite its relatively small size, Karakorum was one of the most important cities in the history of the Silk Road.

Although founded by Genghis Khan in 1220, Karakorum's development as capital of the Mongol Empire occurred in the 1230s under his son Ögedei. The Mongols had a profound impact on the history of trade across Central Asia, as their vast empire connected east and west, and trade and exchange were facilitated by the Pax Mongolica, enforcing, as far as possible, peace and a degree of stability across the vast territories under Mongol rule.

Karakorum is strategically located on the most important east-west route across Mongolia, not far from the Orkhon River. This river valley was considered a sacred homeland by steppe peoples who traditionally placed their capitals there, and Turkish, Chinese, Uighur and Sogdian inscriptions from the region, dating from the 8th and 9th centuries AD, suggest that the area had become a flourishing centre not only of local agriculture but also of the cultures of the peoples who lived around the steppe lands. The Mongol choice of the location for Karakorum was no accident: ecology, political considerations, steppe tradition and local beliefs all came together there. It is undoubtable that the Mongols were aware of the earlier history of the region and built on its legacy. Ironically, there are few surface traces of the Mongol capital in today’s city.

The town wall enclosed a somewhat irregular rectangle measuring approximately 1.5 by 2.5 kilometres. The walls were sufficient for controlling access to the town but would not have protected it against a major attack. Important economic activities, merchant residences and religious buildings were located within the walls. Given what we know about the settlement and movement patterns of the Mongols, it is clear that at the times when the Khan's court was present, the population of the town would have grown substantially by the temporary residence of Mongols in their gers (yurts) in the adjoining territory. The Franciscan William of Rubruck in 1253-1255 was the first European to provide an eyewitness description of Karakorum. He was a careful observer, and tells us that: “It contains two quarters: one for the Saracens, where the markets are and where many traders gather due to the constant proximity of the camp and to the great number of envoys; the other is the quarter of the Cataians, who are all craftsmen. Set apart from these quarters lie large palaces belonging to the court secretaries.

There are twelve idol temples belonging to the different peoples, two mosques where the religion of Mahomet is proclaimed, and one Christian church at the far end of the town. The town is enclosed by a mud wall and has four gates.”

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A small walled medieval hill town. San Gimignano, Italy, looks much as it must have more than 700 years ago, thanks to amazingly preserved medieval architecture and fortified walls. This small, romantic town, perched on a hill in Tuscany's Siena province, has 14 surviving medieval towers that create a unique skyline visible from the surrounding countryside. Tourism officials say there were originally 72 towers, probably built by aristocratic families to demonstrate their wealth and power.

The beautiful sandy beach of Alyko is located in the south-west of Naxos and is approximately 17.5 kilometres away from the island’s capital. It is one of the largest and most beautiful beaches of Naxos, with white sand and a new forest of cedar trees. Alyko is, in fact, the name of the greater coastal area that includes the saltpans (from which the area takes its name, saltpan = alyki) right after Glyfada beach and the peninsula that follows. It includes several sandy beaches and coves like Alyko, Mikro Alyko, Kedros and Hawaii, that form as the mountains dive in the Aegean Sea. READ MORE ->

Cocos Island in Costa Rica is now famous all over the world for several different reasons. It is said that Cocos Island actually used to be a popular hideout spot for pirates in ancient times. Certain historians claim that the inspiration for the acclaimed novel Treasure Island actually came from Cocos Island, Costa Rica. Many legends have been cultivated over the years about how different buccaneers have buried their extensive treasure in the land of Cocos Island. To cash in on this legend, certain people developed treasure maps which nobody has any idea of whether they are authentic or not. Regardless, many people are drawn to the area because of this famed legend of buried treasure on Cocos Island. Cocos Island is called Isla del Coco in the native tongue of Costa Rica. The interesting part about the island is that it is completely uninhibited except for a rangers’ station built on the island. READ MORE ->

Pattadakal, in Karnataka, represents the high point of an eclectic art which, in the 7th and 8th centuries under the Chalukya dynasty, achieved a harmonious blend of architectural forms from northern and southern India.

An impressive series of nine Hindu temples, as well as a Jain sanctuary, can be seen there.

One masterpiece from the group stands out – the Temple of Virupaksha, built c. 740 by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband's victory over the kings from the South.

In the Hula Valley, which is located on the Syrian-African rift, KKL-JNF has developed an internationally acclaimed bird-watching park. Twice a year, no less than five hundred million birds pass through the area, waterfowl, birds of prey, and songbirds, over 390 species.

You can see the birds there, as they migrate from Europe to Africa and back, as well as water buffaloes and wildcats, if you stay overnight, that wake up early for preying. You can also enjoy the lush flora, and the unique indigenous fauna and participate in ringing birds. So as not to upset the ecological balance, private motor vehicles are not allowed in Hula Lake Park.

The entrance is free of charge, and you may walk around for free. You may alternatively enjoy your visit on a bicycle, in a golf cart, or on the Mystery Wagon, for a fee. The Mystery Wagon is a camouflaged wagon drawn by a tractor, which allows for maximum proximity to the birds. At the Visitors Center, one may rent bicycles and golf carts.

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Simple church at the site believed to be where Jesus multiplied loaves & fishes to feed the masses. The Church of the Primacy of Peter is a modest Franciscan chapel that incorporates part of a 4th-century church. It is located at Tabgha on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee and commemorates Jesus' reinstatement of Peter after a fish breakfast on the shore. Sometime around 381, the Spanish pilgrim Egeria visited the area and reported that next to the Church of the Loaves and Fishes 'are some stone steps where the Lord stood' (John 21:4). Egeria does not mention a church here, but one was built on the site by the end of the 4th century. READ MORE ->

The Church of the Beatitudes, an elegant octagonal building with colonnaded cloisters, blends into the slope rather than dominating it. It was built in 1938 for a Franciscan order of nuns, to a design by Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi — and partly financed by the Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini. The eight sides of the light and airy church represent the eight beatitudes, and these are also shown in Latin in the upper windows. The centrally placed altar is surmounted by a slender arch of alabaster and onyx. Around it, the seven virtues (justice, charity, prudence, faith, fortitude, hope and temperance) are depicted by symbols in the mosaic floor. READ MORE ->

Mount Arbel located in Israel’s Lower Galilee region stands sharply and prominently over the Sea of Galilee. Its graceful stature and steep slopes, particularly on the eastern side, provide magical views across the Sea of Galilee and beyond, to the Golan Heights, and Israel’s tallest peak at Mount Hermon. Designated as Mount Arbel National Park and Nature Reserve, the mountain has beautiful observations, hiking trails, archaeology and Biblical history, and is the only place approved for base jumping in Israel. The majestic views from the top of Mount Arbel are enough reason to ascend its slopes – whether by car or by foot, alone. As well as the beautiful landscapes of Israel’s tranquil Galilee region, visitors can see the ‘Horns of Hittin’ where Saladin defeated the Crusaders in 1187. Mount Arbel is located in the Lower Galilee region beside the Sea of Galilee. From its peak, you can see as far as the Golan Heights, and Israel’s tallest peak at Mount Hermon. READ MORE ->

The Simien Mountains National Park in Northern Ethiopia is an exotic setting with unique wildlife and breath-taking views on a landscape shaped by nature and traditional agriculture. The natural beauties of this region have always filled visitors from Ethiopia and abroad with awe. Gentle highland ridges at altitudes above 3600 meters above sea level (m asl), covered with grasses, isolated trees (Erica) and the bizarre Giant Lobelia (Lobelia rhynchopetalum) are found on the high plateau that ends abruptly at 1000- to 2000-m deep escarpments. Read more: simienpark.org

Caesarea National Park is one of, if not Israel’s, most impressive archaeological site. The beautifully restored harbor here was built by King Herod and is a work of engineering marvel. The site is a fascinating place to explore and the museum includes a great multimedia explanation of the history of the port. Although the city was first built in the third century BCE, its popularity and importance grew when Herod extended the city. The park contains remains from many of the cities built on the site, particularly from the Herodian and Crusader periods. At its height, Caesaria had some 200,000 inhabitants. It stood for over a thousand years until it was finally destroyed in the 13th century. Within the park is the Caesarea Amphitheater, also restored, which during the summer regularly hosts concerts of both local, and international acts. The Park is also home to a unique museum, the world’s only underwater museum where you are able to dive through the underwater ruins of this ancient city. The city was excavated in the 1950s and 1960s. Buildings which have been uncovered include a Roman theatre, a hippodrome, a Roman temple, city walls, castle, and a Crusader church. Also, see the moat protecting the harbor and the aqueduct from the Carmel Mountains.

Built during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years. The complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style, includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid.

Gigantic, beautifully detailed and decorated model layout featuring many sights and landmarks from Hungary, Austria and Germany scaled to about 1:100 of original size. And a little more than this: we do our best to ensure that you have a unique experience during your visit, above and beyond just seeing the layout. Interactive screens show original photos of the sights on the layout, so you can compare what we have done in miniature. You can control the ongoing traffic here and there and bring to life all sorts of actions, motion, sound and light effects. We pay a special attention to our smallest guests: they are welcome at the MINIVERSUM playhouse with various creative activities corresponding to their age (and free of additional charge), whilst older visitors can recover from the astonishing experiences of the exhibition in our café. With its huge monitor wall, our control room is a stunner in its own right, where technically minded guests can observe the operation of the entire MINIVERSUM closely. READ MORE ->

Trek across a volcanic alpine landscape of dramatic contrasts – steaming vents, glacial valleys, ancient lava flows, alpine vegetation and vivid crater lakes, all with stunning views. READ MORE ->

With soaring mountain peaks, huge valleys, waterfalls, and jewel-like lakes, this track links the Mount Aspiring National Park with Fiordland National Park. While the Routeburn Track may be a shorter multi-day hike, it has some of the biggest scenery. With soaring mountain peaks, huge valleys, waterfalls and jewel-like lakes the track links the Mount Aspiring National Park with Fiordland National Park. The highest point of the track is 1,255 meters above sea level - so the views are simply spectacular. The part of New Zealand that the Routeburn Track winds through has been shaped by successive glaciations into fjords, rocky coasts, towering cliffs, lakes, and waterfalls. Birdlife is prolific through forested sections of the track; native tomtits, robins, fantails, wood pigeons, and bellbirds are commonly seen, as well as the cheeky Kea, the world's only alpine parrot. This is not a loop track and can be walked in either direction; one track end is at the Routeburn Shelter (near Glenorchy) and the other is at The Divide (closer to Te Anau). It is recommended that this track is avoided between May - September when there is a high risk of avalanches. READ MORE ->

Popular, strenuous hike up the waters of the Virgin River, between close-set canyon walls. The North Fork of the Virgin River (aka 'The Zion Narrows') is probably one of the most legendary canyons to hike in all of Zion National Park. The Zion Narrows is the section of the Virgin River just upstream from the Temple of Sinawava (the end of the road up the main canyon). Here, the majestic walls of the main canyon close in to form a tall and narrow canyon with beautiful dark corners and the Virgin River flowing around you. With beautiful flowing water and barely any direct sunlight reaching the bottom, this is the slot canyon that all other slot canyons are compared to. READ MORE ->