Get Lost in the World of British Modern Art at Tate Britain

One of the largest museums in the country, Tate Britain, should not be a place to be missed on your visit. The gallery is situated on the site of the former Millbank Prison. Since its opening in 1897 the museum housed both British and modern collection, but since the launch of Tate Modern, the gallery displayed only modern collections from the Tate network of galleries. Download the Tate Britain Travel Guide and Offline Map to get to more about this iconic museum.

1.     Ophelia by Sir John Everett Millais

Millais’ depiction of the Shakespearean heroine is almost as iconic as the museum that houses it. It captures the moment from Hamlet when Ophelia goes mad after discovering that her lover has murdered her father and drowns herself in a stream. The model fo the painting, Elizabeth Siddal was required to pose over a period of four months, lying in a bath of water.

2.     Chair by Allen Jones

Ever since the launch of the British pop artist’s controversial ‘furniture’ series in 1970, it has since caused outrage for its fetishisation of the female body. The Chair, along with the Table and Hat Stand, presents full-sized, busty mannequins in erotic poses. Some people claim that it symbolizes female oppression, while others view it as an important object in the canon of art history.

3.     The Angel Standing in the Sun by JMW Turner

As Turner became preoccupied with the notions of death during his final years, he became fascinated with biblical stories of righteous retribution. The painting combines his glorious mastery of light and color. The painting showcases Archangel Michael wielding his sword, ready to smite the sinners below.

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The Spellbinding Museum that is the Science Museum of London

Here you’ll get hooked with seven floors fulls of interactive and educational exhibits. Wether you’re an adult or child, you will for sure be completely mesmerized. The museum covers everything from early technology to space travel. One the most famous exhibits is Exploring Space, a gallery featuring genuine rockets and satellites. Visit this epic gallery with the Science Museum of London in hand.

1.     BepiColombo

See the a full-size engineering model of the European Space Agency’s first ever spacecraft to explore Mercury. This model of the spacecraft was used to test BepiColombo’s resilience during its seven-year journey to Mercury. The journey is considered to be the most challenging planetary missions ever launched.

2.     Superbugs

This new exhibit showcases how antibiotics have enabled us to combat diseases that were once untreatable and how bacteria has evolved into superbugs resistant to even the most powerful antibiotics. It explores how society is responding to the enormous challenge of antibiotic resistance. See real bacteria and discover the innovative technologies being used to make superbugs a thing of the past.

3.     Dream Big

Explore our beautiful world and our ingenuity behind engineering marvels big and small. Hear inspiring stories of human grit and aspiration as the 3D film reveals how engineers push the limits of innovation. From the Great Wall of China and the world’s tallest buildings to underwater robots and solar-powered cars.

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Explore Nature at its Finest at the Natural History Museum in London

As one of the three major museums on Exhibition Road, its exhibits focus on a vast range of specimens from various segments of natural history. The museum comprises of 80 million items within five major collections: botany, entomology, mineralogy, paleontology, and zoology. It is also a center of research specializing in taxonomy, identification, and conservation. Discover mother nature’s beauty with the Natural History Museum Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.     Origins

The first floor exhibits showcase the origins of species and explores natural selection and Darwin’s theories. ‘Our Place in Evolution’ exhibits the remains of “Lucy”, the Australopithecus discovered in Ethiopia in 1974 and believed to be between 1.5 and five million years old. While the Mineral Gallery contains some 130,000 specimens representing some 75 percent of the world’s known minerals.

2.     Mammals

There is also a section that is dedicated to mammals which includes a 91-foot-long life-sized cast of a blue whale as well as casts of extinct mammals. The lower floor showcases land mammals, including elephants, hippos, giraffes, and their early relatives. And the lastly, the upper level is dedicated for mammals living in water.

3.     Earth

The gallery focuses on an extensive collection of material on the geology and minerals of the world. There are lectures and film shows on particular subjects. In the main hall, stands a six-feet diameter rotating globe that serves as the museum’s purpose to the the story of the Earth. The gallery also includes a simulation of an earthquake and a collection of gems.

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Hong Kong Disneyland: the Perfect Destination for Children and the Children at Heart

This whimsical wonderland on Lantau Island is a prized gem for fans of all ages, from anywhere and everywhere! From the new Star Wars makeover of Hyperspace Mountain to unique attractions like Mystic Manor that are found exclusively in Hong Kong Disneyland, the park is a dreamlike paradise that’ll send you on a nostalgic trip back to your favorite childhood shows. Download the Hong Kong Disneyland Travel Guide and Offline Map now.

1. Toy Story Land

This may seem like a no-brainer, but set out early and start queuing before the park opens! The relatively late opening time of 10am should give you ample time to get to the park’s entrance from whichever part of Hong Kong you’re staying at. We suggest arriving at least 45 minutes before the gates open, keeping in mind that you’ll have to first buy or collect your physical tickets in a separate queue.

2. Fantasy Gardens

Meeting the Disney characters is insanely popular in Hong Kong Disneyland. After all, how often do you get to take a photo with your childhood TV heroes? The most reliable place for character meet-and-greets is the Fantasy Gardens, a picturesque lawn with meandering paths leading to gazebos where your favorite characters will be waiting for a photograph.

3. Watch the Incredible Shows and Parades

From the daily Flights of the Fantasy Parade to Mickey’s PhilharMagic and the dazzling “Disney In The Stars” Fireworks, chances are that you won’t be able to cover every single show in Hong Kong Disneyland. As such, plan ahead and pick the ones that you’re most interested in!

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Abu Dhabi, Conquering the World One World Record at a Time

Abu Dhabi isn’t shy in breaking world records: the world’s largest hand-loomed carpet, the fastest rollercoaster, the highest high tea, the tower with the greatest lean, the largest cluster of cultural buildings in the 21st century—is there nothing the UAE capital can’t beat? Explore this exciting city where everything seems to set on hustle and bustle mode with the Abu Dhabi Travel Guide and Offline Map

1.     Emirates Palace

Dubai might have Burj Khalifa soaring up vertically, but Abu Dhabi has the Emirates Palace, which sprawls horizontally. It is regarded as the BIG hotel in the Gulf and consists of audacious domed gatehouse and flying ramps to the foyer, 114 domes, and a 1.3 kilometer private beach. To make it more glamorous it has 1,002 crystal chandeliers and 392 luxury rooms and suites. The great thing is you don’t have to check-in to check it out.

2.     Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Grand Mosque is impressive to Abu Dhabi. Rising from its well manicured gardens are more than 80 marble domes on a roofline held aloft by 1,000 pillars. Delicate floral designs inlaid with semi-precious stones, such as red agate, amethyst, and jasper decorate a variety of marbles. It is a masterpiece of modern Islamic Architecture and design. Built by UAE’s first President, Sheikh Zayed, it can hold up to 50,000 worship goers and is one of the very few mosques to welcome non-muslims in the region.

3.     Louvre Abu Dhabi

The highly anticipated Louvre Abu Dhabi finally arrived in late 2017. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, this striking museum definitely astounds. The 23-gallery project featuring a contrasting medina-inspired sequence of white buildings flanking a centerpiece. The elaborate, 180-meter-wide filigree dome pays homage to desert-palm shading with its geometric openings represent interlaced palm leaves used in traditional roofing.

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Three Compelling Sites You Shouldn't Miss in Kakadu National Park

There's nothing like exploring the Australian outback, but we say there's truly nothing like exploring Kakadu National Park. Kakadu is a whole lot more than a national park. In just a few days you can cruise on billabongs bursting with wildlife, examine 25,000-year-old rock paintings with the help of an Indigenous guide, swim in pools at the foot of tumbling waterfalls and hike through ancient sandstone escarpment country. Download the Kakadu National Park Travel Guide and Offline Map and start exploring.

1. Ubirr

Ubirr is 39km north of the Arnhem Hwy via a sealed road. It'll take a lot more than the busloads of visitors to disturb Ubirr's inherent majesty and grace. Layers of rock-art paintings, in various styles and from various centuries, command a mesmerizing stillness. Part of the main gallery depicts images of kangaroos, tortoises, and fish. Predating these are the paintings of mimi spirits: cheeky, dynamic figures who, it's believed, were the first of the Creation Ancestors to paint on rock.

2. Cahill's Crossing

It may be small, but there can be few more dramatic frontiers in Australia. This shallow causeway, which is impassable when the tide's in, crosses the East Alligator River from Kakadu National Park on the west bank to Arnhem Land to the east. And watching you as you cross is the river's healthy and rather prolific population of saltwater crocs. If you're not going across, wander down to the slightly elevated lookout on the west bank, but go no further as crocs lie in wait right by the riverbank.

3. Injalak Arts & Crafts Centre

At this center, artists and craftspeople display traditional paintings on bark and paper, plus didgeridoos, pandanus weavings and baskets, and screen-printed fabrics; the shop is excellent and half of the sale price goes directly to the artists. Take the time to wander around and watch the artists at work. The women usually make baskets out in the shade of the trees on the center's west side, while the men paint on the verandah to the east. Some of the works come from remote outstations throughout Arnhem Land.

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Why You Should Visit the Largest Ancient Castle in the World in Prague

The castle has always been the seat of Czech monarchs as well as the official residence of the head of state. Looming above the Vltava's left bank, its serried ranks of spires, towers, and palaces dominate the city center like a fairy-tale fortress. Its history begins in the 9th century when Prince Bořivoj founded a fortified settlement here. It grew haphazardly as rulers made their own additions. Download the Prague Castle Travel Guide and Offline Map and make your way there now.

1. The Crown Jewels

Stowed away in a chamber of St. Vitus Cathedral, the Bohemian Crown Jewels include the St. Wenceslas crown, royal scepter, and coronation cloak. And the Republic isn't taking any chances with their safekeeping. Both the chamber door and iron safe inside have seven locks, the keys to which are held by seven people, including the President, Prime Minister, and Prague Archbishop. The President typically puts them on display every five years. When he does, all seven key holders must head over to the Castle for the unlocking process.

2. Its History

A crucial Holocaust organizer, Reinhard Heydrich held court at Prague Castle starting in 1941. Terrified Czechs nicknamed him The Butcher of Prague. But a group of exiled Czech government officials decided to take action. Two Czech soldiers parachuted back into the country and headed for Prague, where they hopped on bicycles and rode toward the Castle. When they spotted The Butcher in his Mercedez convertible, they made their move, shooting and tossing grenades his way.

3. The Largest Castle in the World

The Prague Castle complex is enormous, with an area totaling of 753,474 square feet. That makes it the largest ancient castle in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The complex extends down to the Lesser Quarter or Mala Strana, where several chateaux and palaces are found. Wallenstein Palace, for one, is home to the Czech Senate and includes 26 houses and six gardens.

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What to See in France's Very Own Orsay Museum

The glorious Gare d’Orsay railway station now stands proud as the country's home for its national collection of the impressionist, postimpressionist and art-nouveau movements spanning from 1848 to 1914. The museum itself is an art-nouveau showpiece. The must-see on every visitor's list is Orsay Museum's painting collections, centered on the world's largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art. Download the Orsay Museum Travel Guide and Offline Map and take a trip to France now.

1. Polar Bear

Considered as the museum's most iconic work, Polar Bear is one of the standouts by Francois Pompon. The master himself was once an assistant to Camille Claudel and Auguste Rodin who later on struck out on his own and create his animal-inspired works. Eschewing realism, he sought to communicate the barest minimum of the animal and upon closer inspection, the animal begins to fade away – leaving only marble.

2. Olympia

Edouard Manet was fondly known as the bad boy of the art world in his days. His most controversial work, Olympia, depicts a nude prostitute who looks calmly at the viewer and in complete indifference of her nakedness. This was a huge clash against the classical tropes of blushing virgins and highborn women in art, which ignited a huge conversation about the representation of women in art.

3. Poppy Field

This dreamy, peaceful landscape painted by Claude Monet is one of the artist’s most famous works. Painted after he had moved from England to laidback Argenteuil, the impressionist artist produced vibrant colors to channel the spirit of a beautiful sunny day in nature. The striking reds of wild poppies against a muted green background serve to make the piece all the more vivid, heightened only by the black and white figures slipping through the field.

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3 Compelling Reasons to Visit the National Gallery of Art in Washington

There are various reasons to visit the National Gallery of Art in Washington, its collection of paintings, prints, photos, sculpture, and decorative arts traces the development of Western Art from the Middle Ages up to the present. This includes the only painting by Leonardo da Vinci in the Americas and the largest mobile created by Alexander Calder. Download the National Gallery of Art in Washington Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1. Ginevra de’ Benci

The portrait of Ginevra de’ Benci is the only Leonardo da Vinci painting on public display not just in the District, but in all the Americas. The late 15th-century oil is more austere than da Vinci’s best-known portrait, made about 25 years later. There’s no hint of a smile on the face of this young woman, probably 16 and newly engaged when she posed.

2. Electronic Superhighway

Approach the tiny screen that represents the District in “Electronic Superhighway,” and you’ll see yourself live on closed-circuit TV. That’s one of many playful touches in Nam June Paik’s 40-foot-wide assemblage, which represents the United States in images fed from 50 DVD players to 335 television sets, plus that D.C. one. The screens show sweeping landscapes, iconic products and clips from Hollywood movies, all hurtling by as if glimpsed from a car racing at the speed limit.

3. Adams Memorial

There are works by Augustus Saint-Gaudens in the Smithsonian and the National Gallery of Art (the plaster version of his famous memorial to Robert Gould Shaw), but one of the most evocative of his statues isn’t in a museum, but rather in Rock Creek Cemetery. Commissioned by the great American writer Henry Adams, the Adams Memorial is a haunting, shrouded figure, set alone in a peaceful copse, a powerful memorial to Adams’s wife, who died by her own hand in 1885.

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Outstanding Reasons to Visit the Hermitage Museum in Russia

The Hermitage Museum does not disappoint and it certainly lives up to its reputation. You can get lost for days just soaking up all the treasures in its 360 rooms. And to think what's on display is a mere fraction of over three million items in their collection--this amounts to a comprehensive history of Western European art. Catherine the Great, one of the greatest art collectors of all time, began the collection. Visiting the museum requires planning so download the Hermitage Museum Travel Guide and Offline Map and start now!

1. Portrait of Soler

One of the most emotive paintings from Picasso’s ‘Blue Period’, Portrait of Soler is a picture of a young man sitting alone in a café, and is widely considered a comment on loneliness and isolation within the artist’s own life. Painted in 1903, using his good friend and patron, Soleras as his model, Picasso expresses melancholy through a powerful use of color, expression, and lighting – or lack thereof.

2. St. Luke Drawing the Virgin

A significant artwork by Belgian painter Rogier van der Weyden, St Luke Drawing the Virgin portrays an artist--perhaps a self-portrait of van der Weyden himself--sketching the Virgin Mary as she cradles baby Jesus. Interestingly, the canvas was initially two separate pieces, one half owned by Tsar Nicholas I, and the other by Alexander III. If you look closely, you can still see the vertical join.

3. Head of Athena

There are a number of sculptures of Greek Goddess Athena throughout the State Hermitage Museum, but the Head of Athena is arguably the most captivating. Dating back to the 2nd century, the marble is immaculately preserved, so her powerful and wise gaze continues to be as striking as it would have been when it was created.

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Get Lost in Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

When we say get lost, we literally mean you way just experience that as you weave your way through the world's largest permanent collection of art. The Metropolitan Museum of Art of fondly called simply as the MET has over two million individual collections of paintings, artifacts, and textiles from around the globe. Now, if that's not enough to entice art lovers and visitors to visit this museum we don't know what will. Download the Metropolitan Museum of Art Travel Guide and Offline Map and be even more enticed to visit!

1.     The First and Seconds Floors

The first floor of the MET is a vast Egyptian collection that is unmatched anywhere else. You might as well have taken a trip to Egypt when you walk through the Temple of Dendur. Built at around 10 BC and now relocated from Egypt in 1978 it is one of the must-sees in the museum. The second floor is dedicated to European paintings from the 13th to 20th century, while 15 rooms showcase a massive collection of Islamic arts and artifacts.

2.      The American Wing

As if the name itself isn't a dead giveaway to what this wing offers--the American Wing houses decorative and fine art from across US history. Other galleries in this wing are devoted to classical antiques such as sculptures dramatically illuminated by natural daylight. It also houses Asian art, modern and contemporary paintings and sculptures. And truly, you just have to visit to believe how extensive their collections are.

3.     Art Installations

If visiting April through October, head up to the excellent roof garden, which features rotating sculpture installations by contemporary and 20th-century artists--through the grand city and park views are the real draw. Enjoy a sundowner cocktail from its on-site bar. And if you're coming with kids, fret not, they will also be entertained. There's a specially designed brochure and map for kids, and events listed on the website.

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Why You Must Visit Siena, the Epitome of Tuscan Culture

The city of Siena is where architecture shines most in Tuscany. Everywhere you look you'll be greeted by great Gothic architecture, spectacular secular monuments from the medieval times, and extraordinary art collection from the same period. As one of the most well-preserved 17th-century villages, you can expect it to be as colorful and vibrant as it once was. Explore the beautiful city of Siena with the Siena Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.     Duomo

Built over a former Roman temple in 1179, Siena's iconic Duomo was constructed over the 13th and 14th centuries. The majestic cathedral showcases the talents of great medieval and Renaissance architects and artists. From Giovanni Pisano who designed its intricate white, green and red marble facade to Nicola Pisano who carved the elaborate pulpit just to name a few. Its intricate flooring took over 200 years to finish with 40 artists working on the depiction of the historical and biblical scenes.

2.      Piazza del Campo

Popular known as "Il Campo", the sloping piazza has been the city's civic and social center since the mid-12th century. What once was a Roman marketplace is now divided into nine sectors representing the number of members of the consiglio and these days acts as a carpet on which young locals meet and relax. Enjoy the view and marvel in its grandness by sitting in one of its cafes and have some popular Italian coffee or apertivi.

3.     Libreria Piccolomini

Commisioned by Cardinal Francesco Todeschini Piccolomini, archbishop of Siena who later on became Pope Pius III, in 1492, it houses books of his uncle, Enea Silvio Piccolomini Pope Pius II. But the books aren't the only things that draw in the crowds. Its vividly colored narrative frescoes by Pinturicchio that depict the life of Pius II is a thing to behold. In the center of the hall is a group of statues known as the Tre Grazie (Three Graces), a 3rd-century Roman copy of an earlier Hellenistic work.

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Why Visit Alicante, the Spanish City Set in the Mediterranean

The port city of Spain's Alicante in southeastern Costa Blanca s a melting pot of the old and the new. Nestled in this waterfront, Mediterranean city is a medieval castle, and old quarter, and a long waterfront with amazing hilltop views of the coast. Despite the sweeping medieval sites, Alicante is definitely one of the Spanish cities that is most influenced by tourism. So you'd also best expect an exciting dining scene and a legendary nightlife that's buzzing all year-round. So what are you waiting for? Download the Alicante Travel Guide and Offline Map now and make your way to this beautiful city!

1.      Castillo de Santa Bárbara

Set on Benacantil Mountain this large 16th-century castle offers a great panoramic view of the city at 166 meters above sea level. Archeological remains have been found on its slopes dating back to the Bronze Age, Iberian, and Roman times. The castle itself houses a museum that depicts the history of the city and as well as dedicating a couple of chambers for a temporary exhibition.

2.      Playa del Postiguet

This lively beach town is famous among locals where the young and young at heart spend their day. If you don't mind a little bit crowd especially during the Summers then Playa del Postiguet is the perfect getaway for a blissful day at the beach. If you don't want to sunbathe or go swimming then you can stroll along the promenade and its many chiringuitos, cafés, and restaurants. There's definitely plenty to do for both city breakers and families.

3.      Basílica de Santa María

As the oldest active church in the whole of Alicante province, the Basílica de Santa María was built in Valencian Gothic style between the 14th and 16th centuries over the remains of a mosque. The basilica stands tall with its single nave and six side chapels located between the buttresses. By the request of the city of Alicante to the Holy See, the church was promoted to the rank of basilica in 2007.

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Top 3 Things to Do in Naples, One of the Oldest Cities in the World

Sitting on the Bay of Naples is the third largest city in Italy and is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It had undergone numerous changes from being a Greek settlement in the Bronze Greek Age starting in the second millennium BC to eventually becoming a cultural center of the Roman Republic in the sixth century BC. Today, it is famously known for its rich history--enclosing 27 centuries of memories and is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Enjoy your trip to Naples with the Naples Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.      Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius is best known for its eruption in AD 79 that led to the burying and destruction of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The eruption that rocked the Roman Empire is said to have released a hundred thousand times the thermal energy released by the Hiroshima-Nagasaki bombings. At present, Vesuvius remains active and is the only volcano on the European mainland to have erupted within the last hundred years. Enjoy a stunning view of this sleeping dragon from the ruins of Pompeii or visit the Mount Vesuvius National Park.

2.      Castel Nuovo

Right in the heart of central Naples is the scenic and imposing castle that was erected in 1279. The medieval site is considered one of the main landmarks of the city. When Charles I of Naples became King he ordered a new castle to be built not far from the sea to house his court. Three years later, Castel Nuovo housed royalty up until the War of the Sicilian Vespers. Castel Nuovo soon became a witness to famous historical events so it's definitely a site not to be missed by history buffs.

3.      Catacombs of San Gennaro

The series of underground paleo-Christian burial sites located in the northern part of the city can easily be identified by the church of Madre del Buon Consiglio. What was once separate cemeteries, dedicated to Saint Gaudiosus, Saint Severus, and St. Januarius is now interconnected by spacious passageways along two levels. The lower level dates back to the 3rd-4th century and may actually be an earlier pre-Christian cemetery.

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Reasons to Go Into the Wild at Yosemite National Park

National Park-founder John Muir once said "The mountains are calling and I should go." Taking a note from Mr. Muir, you should too! Designated a World Heritage Site in 1984, Yosemite is internationally recognized for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, giant sequoia groves, lakes, mountains, glaciers, and biological diversity with almost 95% of the park is designated wilderness. A visit to such an overwhelmingly stunning park can be quite daunting especially for first-timers so be sure to download the Yosemite National Park Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.      Hiking

There is so much hiking to be had in Yosemite. Panorama Trail is an 8.5-mile one-way trip from Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley and takes you past hidden gems like Panorama Point and Illilouette Falls, before joining the Mist Trail to incorporate Nevada and Vernal Falls too. If you're feeling lucky and up for a mighty challenge then you can apply to undertake the infamous Half Dome Hike – a 10-12 hour trek to the summit of the park’s focal peak, which only allows around 300 people on the trail each day. Equipped with torches and a sense of adventure, you can also opt for a "Flashlight Hike" offered by nearby hotels. You’ll be led through the woods around the area to learn all about the trees and wildlife that make up the forest and makes for a great opportunity for some stargazing.

2.      Water Activities

First formed by the actions of mighty glaciers, Yosemite’s astonishing scenery is also the result of many millennia of the weathering actions of wind and water. So it's only natural that rafting, boating, and water activities are quite popular at Yosemite. Today, rivers and lakes are some of the park’s biggest attractions, especially for swimmers and paddlers of canoes and kayaks. For thrilling white-water action, venture outside the park boundaries, especially along the mighty Merced River. Adrenaline junkies will surely enjoy the wild and scenic stretches of the Merced and Tuolumne Rivers just outside the park offer thrilling whitewater rides.

3.      Winter Sports

If you're looking for a unique way to visit Yosemite then head over sometime between December to March and strap on some skis, snowshoes, or hit the slopes for some downhill adventure! Yosemite is home to the oldest downhill skiing area in California and offers downhill skiing and snowboarding. You'll find groomed trails perfect for cross-country skiers, chair lifts that take Alpine skiers to the top of the runs in minutes, a challenging terrain park for snowboarders and skiers to test their limits, and a tubing area where the whole family can experience the thrills together.

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3 Foremost Reasons to Visit Madeira, the Paradise in the Middle of the Atlantic Ocean

Madeira is the favorite destination of many Europeans who want to escape the European winter. Its welcoming mild climate can warm hearts and bodies and it is only 978 kilometers or about a 90-minute plane ride from Lisbon. The archipelago of Madeira has four primary regions; the island of Madeira, the island of Porto Santo, the deserted islands, and the wild islands. Make sure you have the Madeira Travel Guide with Offline City Street Map so you don’t get lost. Here are a few reasons why you should definitely check out Madeira, the island voted as the world’s leading island destination in the world in the 2016 World Travel Awards.

1.      Nature

If you want to experience nature at its best then Madeira is the place to go. A visit to the Laurissilva Forest is a must. This subtropical rainforest is a UNESCO Natural Heritage of Humanity site and breathing in its fresh air is, by itself, an unforgettable experience. Historians believe that the island of Madeira has been around for more than 15 million years which is why it has such an extensive collection of flora and fauna. There are various ways you can explore Madeira such as walking, horseback riding, climbing, canyoning, mountain biking, geocaching, etc.

2.      Gastronomy

The food in Madeira is simply divine thanks to the fact that fresh ingredients are all around. The most popular foods in the archipelago are grilled Lapps, a variety of octopus and shrimp dishes, tuna steaks, and the Espetada (beef on a roasted spit with fried corn and bolo-do-caco). If you are looking for restaurants to visit here are the notable ones:

·         Restaurant II Gallo D’Oro at The Cliff Bay Hotel – has two Michelin stars and serves the best Mediterranean cuisine in the archipelago.

·         Maré Alta in Machico – specializes in fish and seafood.

·         Adega da Quinta Restaurante – specializes in local Madeira cuisine.

·         Ristorante Villa Cipriani at the Belmond Reid’s Palace Hotel – serves luxurious meals at luxurious prices.

3.      Water Activities

Madeira is perfect for people who love swimming and diving. Its waters have a temperature range of 19º to 24º which is ideal for diving, sailing, surfing, snorkeling, and many other aquatic activities. You can also go on a boat ride around the island; you might even encounter wild dolphins during the trip. Porto Moniz is home to numerous natural pools, all of which can be accessed for free. And Porto Santo has one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal.

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A city armed with Gothic grit and glamour- Visit Lisbon!

WOW! Lisbon skyline at sunset

Lisbon which came out of a dire recession galvanized and game for anything, has found itself in the unexpected position being of Europe's new cool capital. There are more exciting things to do in Lisbon so make sure you have your Lisbon Travel Guide and Offline City Map & Metro.

Enjoy the view

Strap on some comfy shoes and get moving, Lisbon, after all, is a city of seven hills, which means there are breathtaking views around (nearly) every corner. One of the best views of Lisbon can be found from the São Jorge Castle. Get your tickets online to avoid lining up, and enjoy the view of the city from the castle grounds. If you’d rather not pay for a view, Miradouro da Graca offers some of the best sights free of charge. Bring a sandwich, grab a bench, and enjoy a leisurely lunch with a stunning view of Lisbon. If you’re after a luxurious setting, Silk nightclub is supposed to be one of the best vantage points to see Lisbon at night. Just make sure to dress the part, as this club has a fairly strict dress code (we found out the hard way).

Shop

Shopping in Lisbon is plentiful and very affordable. Skip the useless souvenirs, and instead stock up on delicious Portuguese specialties like gourmet tinned fish, sweet Ginja, and the delicious Portuguese-made preserves and honeys. Portuguese ceramics and fragrant soaps are also amazing keepsakes to bring back with you. Make sure you’re not buying the Made in China products by shopping at stores that sell the locally-crafted ceramics (and other goodies) – Lisbon Shop, A Vida Portuguesa, and Embaixada are a few of my faves. Embaixada deserves a special mention for its beautiful setting.

Explore

Lisbon is a lively, beautiful city with a ton of things to do and plenty of landmarks to visit. Admiring the many tiled buildings was probably my favorite thing, which is why I’m so sad that we missed out on a visit to the Museu Nacional do Azulejo (aka the Tile Museum). I hear it’s a gem, so check it out if you get a chance.

It was too hot for us to ride the infamous Tram 28, but hanging out along its route to take photos of the passing trams was just as fun.

So beautiful, typical Lisbon architecture

Eat

Lisbon’s foodie scene was definitely a pleasant surprise. Nearly every single meal we had during our trip was a smash hit. There’s a plethora of delicious options at the admittedly touristy Time Out Market; the Piri Piri chicken from the Miguel Laffan stall was my personal favorite, but other restaurants were great too according to my friends and fellow travelers (just watch out for aggressive table stealers).

For a fresh take on ceviche, A Cevicheria is a must-visit. You won’t be impressed with the quantity of food at this tiny resto, but you will certainly love every bite.

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Strasbourg Interesting Facts

 

1. The Grande Île is Strasbourg's historical center which was the first city centre to be classified entirely by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
2. Spanning across the river into the German city of Kehl, on the eastern bank of the Rhine and with nearly half a million inhabitants in a metropolitan area Strasbourg is one of the nine largest cities in France.
3. The historic city centre can easily be explored in a day or two and is most easily explored on foot. You should consider hiring a bike or using the public transport network to be able to cover more ground.
4. Strasbourg has to offers many cultural events concerts- both free and not-so-free, operas, ballet, and more besides than dozens of museums.
5. In many traditional restaurants, in the city or in the neighborhoods many Alsatian specialties can be eaten. For example, you shouldn't leave Alsace without having thesauerkraut (choucroute in French).
6. Built between 1176 and 1439, the Cathédrale Notre Dame is undoubtedly Strasbourg's finest architectural highlight. With a 142 metre tower is the highest cathedral tower in France.

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