Impressive 3-mile (5 kilometers) long prehistoric caves (guided tour) Referred to as the Underground Grand Canyon, the Škocjan Caves in Slovenia are considered some of the largest subterranean chambers in the world. Like many natural wonders, the caves were formed over vast periods of time by a river, the Reka, which still flows along the bottom of the underground canyon. Though the “Underground Grand Canyon” nickname is catchy, the Škocjan Caves probably have more in common with New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns; the cave’s largest canyon measures, at some points, almost 200 feet across and 460 feet tall and is spanned by a narrow, vertigo-inducing bridge. (The Grand Canyon, meanwhile, is 18 miles across at its widest point.) Thanks to the water flowing through the caves, a number of stunning geological features can be found inside the chambers, including limestone pools and massive stalagmite formations. Archaeologists have found evidence that humans lived in the caves as early as 3,000 B.C. In one of the cave’s chambers, explorers found a burial site, complete with 10 skeletons and funerary goods. The first written records of the caves date back to the second century B.C., and the caves are marked on one of the oldest published maps of that region of the world (what is now Slovenia). Modern exploration of the caves began in the late 1800s and continues to this day. The caves are also home to a very unique inhabitant: the blind cave salamanders (Proteus anguinus), know as the človeška ribica (human fish) by locals because of its fleshy, pink skin and resemblance to a human embryo. READ MORE ->

Piran is a resort city on Slovenia’s Adriatic coast, known for its long pier and Venetian architecture. Piran was actually part of Italy until the end of WWII, and it remains bi-lingual today. Tartini Square is flanked by the Gothic red Venetian House and the frescoed Tartini House . The latter is the birthplace of violinist Giuseppe Tartini. The 19th-century Town Hall has a stone lion, a symbol of the former Republic of Venice. St. George’s Cathedral, nearby, has 17th-century paintings and marble altars. - Google.

Charming medieval church. Ornate red-brick & white-stone church built in the 13th & 14th centuries, currently an art museum. - Google. The church is a real pearl of Byzantium architecture. During its construction, brick and natural stone were used. As result - walls got a very special, decorative effect. Walls are decorated with arches, ceramic discs and rosettes, done using red bricks and white stones.

A Remote Sandy Beach Near Mġarr. Nestled between clay slops and limestone cliffs, Ġnejna Beach is one of the more picturesque sandy beaches in Malta, boasting unique natural surroundings, and a quieter, more secluded setting than others close by. Ġnejna Bay is a popular beach amongst most locals, as well as tourists looking for a quieter place to enjoy the sun and sea. Being a fairly large, sandy beach, Ġnejna is mostly distinguished for being surrounded by clay slopes and limestone cliffs. In fact, the only access to the bay is via a steep, winding street descending through Ġnejna Valley READ MORE ->

The Palace Armoury is an arms collection housed at the Grandmaster's Palace in Valletta. One of the world’s largest collections of arms and armour that is still housed in its original building. The Knights of St John were a unique brotherhood of resolute warrior monks. From Malta, their island stronghold, these combatant aristocrats from the noblest houses of Europe, carried out their relentless crusade against the Ottoman Turks in defense of the Catholic faith. The Palace Armoury is certainly one of the most visible and tangible symbols of the past glories of the Sovereign Hospitaller Military Order of Malta. Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt transferred the Order’s arsenal to the Magisterial Palace in 1604 where it was the pride of the Order.Armour of Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt Apart from being lavishly adorned with elaborate trophies of arms, it held enough arms and armour to equip thousands of soldiers. It was housed in the magnificent hall at the rear of the building, right above its present location. At present, it is displayed inside two halls that were originally the stables of the palace. Following the forced departure of the Order of St. John from Malta, the armoury somehow lost much of its original grandeur. However, it was restored and was officially opened as Malta’s first public museum in 1860. READ MORE ->

Ix-Xlendi Bay is a popular swimming, snorkelling and diving spot. There is a small sandy beach leading into shallow waters perfect for young and old, while for the more adventurous it is deslightful to swim and snorkel in deeper water off the long stretch of rocks bordering the beach. Because of its reef formations, ix-Xlendi is an ideal diving site, even for beginners. This is also a typical Gozitan fishing village and well-served with good restaurants, bars and hotels. READ MORE ->

Birdwatching in Malta Seven hectare reserve comprises of brackish lake and salt-marsh habitat-extremely important habitat for birds and other wildlife. Around 140 species of migrating birds are seen annually. Most of the birds seen are migrants, stopping to rest and refuel before continuing their long migration journeys. READ MORE ->

The City Gate of Valletta by architect Renzo Piano was built in The Valletta, Malta in 2011 - 2015. The original gate, known as Porta San Giorgio, was designed by military engineer Francesco Laparelli de Carotona, and was erected between April 1566 and 1569. At that time it was just a rock-hewn passage. It was replaced in 1632 by a more ornate gate designed by Maltese architect Tommaso Dingli, during the rule of Fra Antoine de Paule. READ MORE ->

Nice place for beaching, but main reason to come here is a triangular pjazza surrounded by cafés and shaded by Judas trees, great example of the Gothic revival architecture. A small beach in Balluta Bay is popular among the tourists. It is located near a lively promenade that is a favorite place of walk among the guests and locals. The bottom of the bay is sandy, but the beach is covered with plain stones that are rather comfortable for lying. The crystal clear water is very warm and ideal for swimming, practicing water sport and snorkeling. The fans of scuba diving will also appreciate this place. There are numerous cafes and small restaurants along the promenade. READ MORE ->

Spinola Bay is located in Saint Julian`s which is one of the most vivid and popular Maltese resort. It is a long clean promenade that is ideal for relaxing walks in the evening and it will be definitely appreciated by the lovers of warm summer nights. Marvelous seascapes can be viewed from this place. READ MORE ->

Time stands still in the narrow, medieval byways of Mdina, as if humbled by the solemn majesty of the 17th-century cathedral that presides over them. Designed by vanguard Baroque architect Lorenzo Gafà, this unique edifice was five years in construction and is dedicated to St. Paul - the patron saint of Malta. READ MORE ->

Accessible by boat trip only. This natural site is famous for its picturesque sea caves. The Blue Grotto is located on the southern coast of Malta, west of Wied iz-Zurrieq facing the little deserted islet of Filfla. The site got its name from a British soldier who thought that since the area looks like the Grotta Azzurra in Capri, it deserves the same name, and in fact Blue Grotto is the equivalent for Grotta Azzurra in English. The site is extremely popular, attracting some 100,000 tourists per year, also for diving purposes. The site also features in the film Troy (2004) starring Brad Pitt. The location of this fascinating natural grotto combines with sunlight and the surrounding chain of caves to reflect the phosphorescent colours of the submerged flora and the deep dark shade of blue of the sea.´ Some caves, including the Blue Grotto, which is the biggest cave in the area, can be reached by boat from Wied iz-Zurrieq, from where you can also enjoy superb views of Filfla and the surroundings. READ MORE ->

Pre-historic hilltop temple dating from 3200 BC with ruined apses & a visitor center to explore. - Google. First excavated in 1839, the remains suggest a date between 3600 – 3200 BC, a period known as the Ġgantija phase in Maltese prehistory. Ħaġar Qim was in fact never completely buried as the tallest stones, remained exposed and featured in 18th and 19th century paintings. The site consists of a central building and the remains of at least two more structures. The large forecourt and the monumental facade of the central structure follow the pattern typical of Maltese Prehistoric Temples. Along the external wall one may find some of the largest megaliths used in the building of these structures, such as a 5.2m high stone and a huge megalith estimated to weigh close to 20 tonnes. READ MORE ->

Comino or Kemmuna (in Maltese) (formerly called Ephaestia), is a very small (and very peaceful) island midway between the islands of Malta and Gozo. Paradise for snorkelers, divers, windsurfers and ramblers.

Dove Lake, at the foot of Cradle Mountain, is circled by a six-kilometre track that offers one of Tasmania's best walks. Most of it is on boardwalk and includes views of Cradle Mountain, unexpected beaches on the side of the lake, the ancient Ballroom Forest, a patch of Tasmania's notorious horizontal scrub and the occasional echidna or platypus. READ MORE ->

The extensive water gardens and park that surround this late 18th century mansion. Small art collection holding works by Rembrandt, Rubens and pre-Raphaelites. READ MORE ->

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is only a few miles northwest of Savannah, lying across the Georgia-South Carolina border on the opposite side of the Savannah River. The southern part of the refuge, where the trails, scenic drive and visitor center are located, is the most easily and commonly visited. 29,000-acre refuge featuring a visitor center & 4-mile wildlife drive, plus hiking & biking trails. The larger, northern stretch of the refuge consists mostly of swamp and marsh, with access limited to boats and kayaks. READ MORE ->

Sofia's oldest building, this 4th-century charming round red brick Christian church is cylindrical, with a frescoed dome. Hidden away in a courtyard of the Presidency and the dainty Sheraton Hotel, amid remains of the ancient town of Serdica, rises the famous Roman Rotunda, a red-brick building transformed into the present day St. George Church. The Roman Rotunda /the church “St. George”/ is the oldest preserved structure which still serves its original purpose in the Sofia city. It was built in the 4th century by the Romans according to a fairly complex plan: a vast, circular central chamber, surmounted by a dome and surrounded by four semi-circular apses. Ther temple has been significantly changed since then.First it was destroyed by the Huns, rebuilt as church, then turned into a mosque by the Ottomans. The Roman Rotunda has been recently restored, it worth seeing due to its simple, but still exquisite architecture, remarkable remnants of frescoes and the entire complex of ruins behind the altar. The St. George curch stands several meters under the contemporary ground level. The temple is a part of an entire architectural complex of archaeological monuments, consisting of the base remains from a large basilica, on the floor of which there are evidences for a special heating system – the so called hypocaust, as well as the stone pavement of one of the main streets in ancient Serdica, supplied with skillfully constructed drainage. This archeological complex of the church and the above mentioned remains was on the territory of the Constantine’s quarter in the antique city. The residence of Emperor Constantine I the Great itself was found under the neighboring Hotel Rila. To the east lie excavated foundations of the Roman settlement of Serdica. Nowadays the church is a museum protectied by UNESCO. Today St. George church is the oldest Eastern European Orthodox church, as well as it is the second oldest building in the entire city with really dramatic history. READ MORE ->

The small ~ 6 km/3mi circular Cha Gorreana trail starts and ends at the Gorreana Tea Factory. READ MORE ->

The hike in and out of Lagoa do Fogo is absolutely spectacular. This hike is approximately three – four hours at a leisurely pace. This trail begins at Lugar da Praia, follows a dirt road, and ends on the shores of Lagoa do Fogo. Along the trail there are the ruins of an old Phormium tenax mill, plant whose leaves were used both in cordage and in the manufacture of woven fabric, and an area with several structures for water abstraction. You can also enjoy wide panoramic views of Água d’Alto, Vila Franca e its islet. READ MORE ->

The trail to this Portuguese wonder, Sete Cidades, is a must for everyone visiting São Miguel. It's an easy, linear, 11.8 km hike taking approximately three hours. The view of the green and blue lakes will make it worth every step (and so will the pictures). This is one of the best places in the Azores to see the sunset One of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal, it showcases the Green and Blue Lakes, which according to legend, were formed from the tears of a shepherd and a princess who shared a forbidden love. These lakes can be seen from the Vista Point, named after King D. Carlos and Queen D. Amélia to celebrate their visit to the island in 1901. READ MORE ->

The huge volcanic crater of Sete Cidades is home to two lakes: Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde which are named after their color when it reflects the sky and the mountains around. The best view of the lakes is from Vista do Rei (the King’s view), and it is from there where you can start your hiking trail. READ MORE ->

The Beehive tomb is one of the most impressive ancient sites in Bulgaria. The tomb dates back to the 2nd – 3rd century AD. It is believed that it had served as a heroon (a mausoleum) of a rich Anhialo family, in which religious pagan rituals had been performed. The tomb is the only one of its kind on the Bulgarian Peninsula. The Thracians were an anciant tribes inhabiting large territories of central, Southern and Eastern Bulgaria.They believed that live continues after death and that's why they buried their leaders in tombs gethering into the tomb the favourite belongings of the leader. he tomb is known as the hollow hil and presents a corridor, burial chamber and ancillary facilities. Built according to the Roman building techniques, it is assumed that it belonged to a wealthy family and was used as a mausoleum and later on as a temple for providing Thracian religious rituals. READ MORE ->

The Glacier region is known as the crown of the continent and this basin, in many ways, is our crown’s hidden jewel. If you’re looking for beautiful hikes, pristine mountain lakes and no motorized traffic, this is your place. Jewel Basin is 15,349 acres of wilderness. Within the area there are 27 lakes and 35 miles of trails, and it’s very easy to access (only a half-hour drive from downtown Kalispell). The Jewel Basin has 35 miles of trails dedicated to hiking only. There are 25 alpine lakes - a lot of places for fly or spinning fishing (especially Wildcat Lake). READ MORE ->

It is one of the most beautiful sacred buildings in Mexico. It is located in Tepotzotlán and is connected to the admirable National Museum of the Viceroyalty. This baroque church was built in the last part of the 17th century, although the additions that made it famous were done in the 18th century, for example, its Churrigueresque tower and facade, its golden altarpieces, its three fascinating side chapels and the beautiful murals of Miguel Cabrera that are located in the ribbed vault and the presbytery. Both the interior and the façade of the Church of San Francisco Javier are masterpieces of the Mexican Baroque and their whole is only comparable to other sacred buildings of high aesthetic level such as San Cayetano in the vicinity of Guanajuato, or, Santa Prisca in Taxco.

The Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento is a Gothic church that first opened its doors in 1897. It's defined by large stone pillars and equally enormous stained-glass windows. If you're passing by at 9 a.m., noon and 6 p.m., you'll witness 12 apostles process out through a door in the clock tower – just like clockwork. READ MORE ->

The Santuario Nuestra Señora de los Remedios in Cholula, was built in 1594 as a dedication to the Virgin of Remedies. The church has in its doorway a simple arch, and it has two identical towers, and in its interior it has an attractive neoclassical altar much like the style of the rest of the decor. This church was built in the basement of the Great Pyramid of Cholula. The Pyramid is an archeological vestige that consists of several superimposed floors built over the original. The area consists of important relics from pre-Hispanic times and a museum that can be visited from 10:00 to 5:00. From the church courtyard, on a clear day you can see a stunning panoramic view of the four cardinal points, with which visitors are fascinated by the natural beauty of the surroundings. READ MORE ->

The church of Saint Prisca (El Templo de Santa Prisca ) is one of the most stunning churches in the region. The construction was a demonstration of wealth and power by an influential silver mining baron that ultimately bankrupted him, much to the benefit of today’s visitors to Taxco. The Santa Prisca stands to the southern edge of the Plaza Borda, Taxco’s main central square. The church was constructed between 1751 and 1758 funded by Jose de la Borda as a suitable venue for the priest Manuel de la Borda to practice his faith. Why should Manual require such a magnificent church- because he was the son of Jose Borda! The El Templo de Santa Prisca follows the classical Latin cross plan with a large cupola (domed roof) lied with painted tiles. The painted tiles represent the legend of the church which occurred during its construction. The front façade is carved from pink sandstone which becomes more decorative towards the high reaches of the two bell towers. The main portal of the church has a representation Assumption of Mary. READ MORE ->

Basilica of Guadalupe, officially Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Spanish Basílica de Guadalupe, or Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Roman Catholic church that is the chief religious centre of Mexico, located in Villa de Guadalupe Hidalgo, a northern neighbourhood of Mexico City. The church was erected near the spot where two apparitions of the Virgin are said to have appeared to an Indian convert named Juan Diego in December 1531 and commanded that a church be built. The second apparition resulted in a painted image that became known as the Virgin of Guadalupe, and the entire incident did much to hasten the conversion of the Indians of Mexico to Christianity. In 1754 a papal bull made the Virgin of Guadalupe the patroness and protector of New Spain, and in 1810 she became the symbol of the Mexican independence movement when the patriot-priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla raised her picture to his banner. READ MORE -> When old historical construction started deteriorate due to the sinking of its foundations, a modern structure was built next to it. A “New” Basilica de Guadalupe was built between 1974 and 1976, designed by Pedro Ramirez Vasquez (who also designed the National Museum of Anthropology. The original image of the Virgin of Guadalupe is now housed in this New Basilica. The new Basilica has a circular floor plan in the way that the image of the Virgin can be seen from any point within the building.

Historic complex featuring a church with an opulent, gilded interior & a monastery turned museum.-Google. Santo Domingo church in Oaxaca is Oaxaca’s most famous church. Building started on the ex-convent of Santo Domingo in 1552 and took around a century to build, though it was occupied from 1608 when Saint Paul’s Cathedral fell down leaving the friars who occupied it at a loose end. READ MORE ->

An 1853 Gothic Revival cathedral, this Anglican parish holds services & offers concerts & events. - Google This early English Gothic-style Anglican cathedral owes its existence at least in part to a group of American Loyalists. They joined with a group of British immigrants to found a congregation in 1797, and they were given a plot of land, which today is bounded by Church, King, Jarvis, and Adelaide streets. They started building Toronto's first church on this site in 1803. The original frame building was enlarged in 1818 and replaced in 1831 -- and that burned down in 1839. The first cathedral replaced it, only to be destroyed in the great fire of 1849. The present building was begun in 1850 and completed in 1874. It boasts the tallest steeple in Canada. Inside, there's a Tiffany window in memory of William Jarvis, one of Toronto's founding fathers.

Moderate-sized Episcopal cathedral begun in 1867 & featuring elaborate 1950s stained-glass windows. - Google St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Honolulu was created through the support of a royal family that never worshipped there. King Kamehameha IV and his consort, Queen Emma, invited the Anglican Church to Hawaii. They planned a baptism for their young son Albert as the first member of the church. His tragic death at the age of four meant that Queen Emma became the first baptized in the new Hawaii missionary diocese. The King died at the age of 29 on St. Andrew’s Day, November 30, 1863 – just 15 months after the death of his young son. His successor, King Kamehameha V, dedicated the cathedral to St. Andrew as his brother’s memorial. Queen Emma remained personally involved in the construction of the cathedral. She traveled to England to raise money and commission architects and purchased stone in France. The corner stone of the new stone cathedral was laid on March 5, 1867. The building style is called 'Early French Gothic Revival.' According to church history, it is a recreation of the style of most parish churches in England in the late Middle Ages. The first phase of the cathedral was finished in time for Christmas, 1886 but the young Queen had died a year earlier. READ MORE ->

Massive cathedral with stained glass & a Keith Haring altarpiece, plus 2 walking labyrinths. - Google Reminiscent of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, towering over San Francisco's Nob Hill neighborhood, the iconic Grace Cathedral is hard to miss. Known as much for its 'Gates of Paradise' as for its breathtaking murals and labyrinths, the cathedral is one of the largest Episcopalian churches in the United States. Painstakingly built brick by brick, mural by mural, over the course of 37 years, the church is both a tourist landmark and a symbol of hope and resurrection, thanks to its storied history. Grace Cathedral traces its roots to Grace Church, a small parish that was built during California's Gold Rush in 1849. The 1906 earthquake completely destroyed the original structure. The Crocker family, an influential family in San Francisco at that time, donated their Nob Hill land for the construction of the present structure. The building of Grace Cathedral began in 1927 but it was only in 1964 that the intricate structure, with all its gorgeous details, was fully completed. READ MORE -> The elaborate stained glass windows at Grace Cathedral were inspired by biblical stories—the Passion, Crucifixion, and the Beatitudes are depicted in the St. Matthew window and the story of Christ healing the paralyzed man is shown in the St. Mark window.

As one of Fayette County's Painted Churches (there are 15 painted churches in the area), it has some of the best examples of faux-finish woodwork and stained-glass. The grayish blue stone capping the buttresses and accenting the brick was quarried from the nearby town of Muldoon. READ MORE ->

Railroad magnate Henry Flagler built Memorial Presbyterian Church as a memorial to his daughter. Built in 1889 and dedicated in March 1890, Memorial Presbyterian Church stands as a memorial not only to Henry Flagler's beloved daughter, Jennie Louise, but as a monument to Flagler's own faith and vision. The son of a Presbyterian minister, Henry Morrison Flagler remains one of the preeminent developers of Florida. READ MORE -> The great Baptismal Font at Memorial Presbyterian Church was carved from a solid chunk of Siena marble.

A replica of St. Peter's in Rome, this 1915 beaux arts church features a copper dome & rose window. - Google There have been four Roman Catholic cathedrals in St. Paul. The first three were built between 1841 and 1858. The fourth, and the most architecturally distinctive, opened in 1915. Since then, no building in the Twin Cities has approached it in ambition or magnificence. The massive granite cathedral at the foot of Summit and Selby Avenues is the fourth in the history of the archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The first was Father Lucien Galtier’s log-cabin Chapel of St. Paul, elevated to the status of cathedral with the 1851 arrival of Bishop Joseph Cretin. A three-floor brick building succeeded it later in 1851; a bigger one in stone followed in 1856. Both stood in downtown St. Paul. Between 1850 and 1900 St. Paul grew from a village to a city of over 160,000. Many of the new citizens were Roman Catholics, mostly of German and Irish origin. In 1904 Archbishop John Ireland (1838–1918), a potato-famine Irish immigrant and a protégé of Joseph Cretin’s, decided to build yet another cathedral. Ireland hired French architect Emmanuel Masqueray (1861–1917). Together they conceived a building with a grandeur rivaled only by Cass Gilbert’s state capitol, completed in 1905. The commanding site they chose sits on the edge of a bluff then called St. Anthony Hill. In a biblical context, it can be seen as permitting the House of God to look down, literally and symbolically, on moneychangers (as represented by downtown St. Paul) and Caesar (as represented by the state capitol). Construction began in 1906. The building opened, undecorated inside, in 1915. Masqueray died in 1917, Ireland a year later. The Boston firm of Maginnis and Walsh was hired in 1923 to complete the interior, a project that went on until 1940. READ MORE ->

Historic church with a green-tiled dome, bell towers & a grand interior filled with ornate mosaics. - Google The history of the Parish of Saint Louis – known fondly as the “Old” Cathedral – and the early history of the City of St. Louis are inextricably bound. Over the course of the last 180 years, they have borne witness to many important events and forever galvanize the Old Cathedral’s place among the most historically significant in our community. The Old Cathedral is unique, both in St. Louis and across America. It couples a museum that contains many artifacts from the early days of the Catholic Church in St. Louis and local historical information of an active parish community. The parish has survived waves of cholera, fire, arson attempts, urban development that began with the westward migration of thousands of Americans, the Civil War and World War I and II. The Early Years In its early years, the Old Cathedral was the only church of any denomination for local settlers until about 1816. It is truly the “Mother Church” of St. Louis, the first permanent church in St. Louis, and the 1834 church was the first Cathedral west of the Mississippi River. The Old Cathedral signifies the beginning of Catholicism in the Colonial West, spreading faith-based values to all cultures across a developing America. The Cathedral Block, as designated by Auguste Chouteau in 1764, was among the three largest and most important central blocks in town. The others were the Public Square and Company Block that extended to the edge of the Mississippi River. Residents of St. Louis surrounded these three blocks with their plots of land. The Old Cathedral became the heart of life in the city and was viewed by many as the centerpiece of the city. The current Basilica and its predecessor churches were also the hub of civic activity. It was here that town residents came for spiritual nourishment, counseling, and to learn. Saint Louis University was born on the church block, arguably from the education citizens received at the Old Cathedral. READ MORE ->

Large bronze statue unveiled in 1845 in the city center to honor Ludwig van Beethoven's birthplace. - Google The monument was designed by Ernst Hähnel and made by Jacob Daniel Burgschmiet. The Beethoven Monument is the most popular and important monument of Ludwig van Beethoven in Bonn. The monument was open to the public in August, 1845, when the city ceebrated the grand musician's seventy-fifth anniversary. The idea of creating a monument for Beethoven belonged to Franz Liszt, another famed musician. He contributed financially to the development of the landmark and composed the 'Cantata for the inauguration of the Beethoven Monument'. The bronze monument was the creation of Ernst Julius Hähnel, a talented sculptor. The base on which the Beethoven monument is situated is decorated with four symbols representing instrumental, opera, spiritual and symphonic music. READ MORE ->

An 18th-century palace, set in botanical gardens, home to a mineralogical & petrological museum. - Google Built during the 18th century on the site of a former castle (The foundation stone of the Baroque Poppelsdorfer Palace was laid in 1715 over the remains of a castle that was destroyed in 1583 under the Prince Elector of Cologne of the time called Joseph Clemens), this Baroque palace is now home to a mineralogical museum. It is surrounded by a vast botanical garden - definitely worth spending a while strolling around. The palace serves as a venue for annual concerts of classical music. READ MORE ->

Far from the view-blocking skyscrapers, dense and hectic concrete jungles, congested traffics, flickering electric billboards, endless annoying noises, and all the nuisances of modern cities, you will find a pristine paradise where Mother Nature and warm friendly people welcome you with all the exceptional wonders in Raja Ampat, the islands-regency in West Papua Province. With all the spectacular wonders above and beyond its waters, as well as on land and amidst the thick jungles, this is truly the place where words such as beautiful, enchanting, magnificent, and fascinating gets its true physical meaning. Situated off the northwest tip of Papua, the most eastern Island of the Indonesian Archipelago, Raja Ampat or literally meaning The Four Kings is an archipelago comprising over 1,500 small islands, cays, and shoals surrounding the four main islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool. The name Raja Ampat itself is believed to derived from a legend where a woman found seven eggs, with four of them hatch and become the kings of the four main islands, while the other three became a woman, a ghost, and a stone. READ MORE ->

Palatial, Gothic-style church, constructed in the 16th century, with intricate Plateresque facade. -Google. The old convent of San Marcos, with a facade of almost 100 meters long, is now a 5 star Parador hotel with beautiful church (Gothic-style 16th-century church) where many Leonese are married each year plus a prominent archaeological museum. To find the origin of this architectural wonder, we have to go back almost 900 years - to the month of July 1152, to the time of the reign of Alfonso VII of León. Thanks to the donation made by his sister, the Infanta Sancha, the modest building has been built in order to give shelter to poor people and to the pilgrims who passed through the city doing the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. However, a few years later, in 1176, a major turn took place when the Bishop of León entrusted the convent to the Don Suero Rodríguez, who upon becoming Knight of the Order of Santiago and following the wishes of then the King Fernando II,joined this order, becoming a priory and the Greater House of the Order of Santiago in the Kingdom of León.

Honduras' Bay Islands, north of the mainland in the Caribbean, are made up of 3 principal islands. Lying alongside the 1,000-km Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, they're renowned snorkeling and scuba-diving destinations. Roatán, the largest island, is famed for its beaches and dive site with volcanic crevices. Massive whale sharks frequent the waters off Utila during select months. Mountainous terrain distinguishes Guanaja. - Google. Roatan’s beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean. The reef protected waters are ideal for snorkelling, kayaking, swimming with dolphins and a myriad of other water activities. Roatan guided fishing charters offer a variety of excursions and yet there are much more things to do on Roatan Island. Its lush jungle and mountainous terrain offer breathtaking zip-lining and canopy tour adventures. Horseback riding, botanical gardens, parks and wildlife are just the start of a Roatan vacation. READ MORE ->

Lord Howe Island is Just Paradise.

Lord Howe Island was voted in the top 10 Island Destinations!

A holiday here is relaxing and unhurried, where getting around by bike or on foot fits the idyllic pace. Lord Howe Island's famous twin peaks, breathtaking views, and natural forest make it ideal for walkers and hikers to discover the island on foot. Challenge yourself on a one-day, guided climb of Mount Gower, at 875m, is considered one of the world's best hikes, or take a more leisurely walk under lush forest canopies in the Valley of Shadows.

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The Walt Disney Concert Hall at 111 South Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles, California, is the fourth hall of the Los Angeles Music Center and was designed by Frank Gehry. It opened on October 24, 2003.

The two-mile hike begins as an old logger trail that was also once used as a road for a shuttle bus that would carry people up to the top of the lookout point. Follow this road uphill about a mile to the top. At the top, you will see the first of several overlooks breathtaking vistas. The trail continues about a 1/2-mile along the ridge of the mountain, plenty of places to enjoy the views from the rock face. There are quite a few 'educational' signs along the way to add interest. Be sure to read about the daring 1911 rescue by Charles Wright at Fool's Rock. READ MORE ->

One of the most popular and beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. And it's perhaps the easiest to view (one of the few accessible roadside waterfalls, making it perfect for folks with mobility and walking challenges). The name 'Looking Glass' comes from Looking Glass Rock, where water freezes on its sides in the winter and then glistens in the sunlight like a mirror or looking glass. Looking Glass Creek, which flows past the rock, is also named for the impressive natural structure. Enjoy nice views from the parking area along the road. Or take a short walk for a closer look. The waterfall is 60 feet tall. READ MORE ->

Nestling at the heart of the Corbières, the picturesque village of Lagrasse, classed amongst the most beautiful in France, makes a lovely picture, with its old humpback bridge over the Orbieu, its medieval houses, the remains of ancient ramparts and its abbey overlooked by an imposing bell tower. Before visiting the Abbey of St Mary of Orbieu, take a stroll in the medieval town, a place full of charm, where you can admire an old 14th-century covered market with stone pillars, art and craft shops, and a Gothic church listed as a Historic Monument. READ MORE ->

One of the few buildings in Heidelberg to survive the many wars during the past centuries, the Church of the Holy Ghost stands reverently in the Marktplatz. And even though the foundation was laid in 1398, it took until 1544 to finish the tower. The church has been home to Catholics and Protestants alike throughout the centuries. In 1706 a divider separating the two denominations was put in when both wanted to have services there, and it remained until the 1930’s. The church also has remains of the tombs and epitaphs of the Palatinate electors as well as a collection of manuscripts. READ MORE ->

Construction started in 1270,, but took more than 200 years to complete. The doorway sculptures depict the theme of redemption, from Adam and Eve through the Last Judgment. Like other churches in Nuremberg and Germany, the choir is considerably higher than the nave and aisles. This means that internally, the choir is brighter, lit by taller windows than the remainder of the church. The choir was the last portion of the church to be completed in 1477. St Lorenz Kirche has a fine interior with many sculptures. The building was badly damaged during the Second World War. The interior of the church is quite dark in the nave and aisles but considerably brighter around the choir and altar. St Lorenz Kirche is full of carved figures, many mounted onto the tall columns of the nave, and dating from the 14th century. The Annunciation of 1519, carved in linden wood by Veit Stoss, is suspended from the roof of the church above the altar. The painted panels at the beginning of the choir are by Michael Wolgemut, Dürer’s teacher.

Europe’s largest and most comprehensive collection of German art and artifacts. The vast permanent collection contains more than one million unique pieces, which date from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum’s permanent exhibition documents various periods of German history. Neolithic tools offer insights into the country’s earliest cultures. Other items from antiquity include a 3,000-year-old golden headdress and a bejeweled eagle fibula. Items belonging to historical royals and an impressive display of armour and weaponry represent the German Middle Ages. Works of nearly every major German artist are housed in the museum, and scientists are also accounted for with such items as Martin Behaim’s Nürnberg Terrestrial Globe, the oldest existing globe. Perhaps most noteworthy of all is the museum’s collection of works by German Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. Textiles, folk art, sculpture, painting, and crafts highlight Germany’s evolution and its contributions to various fields. Its other holdings include a toy collection and a renowned display of historical musical instruments. READ MORE ->