Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Matt Riggott

1. Arthur’s Seat/ Holyrood Park

Arthur’s Seat, the extinct volcano, is one of the defining features of the Edinburgh skyline. It is in Holyrood Park which lies close to the city centre and is one of Europe’s largest urban green spaces, containing an array of hills, lochs, glens and ridges. Lying about a mile east of Edinburgh Castle, it’s the highest point in the city and provides panoramic views over the spectacular skyline. It’s a popular walking spot among tourists and locals. Don’t be put off by its height: it’s not too steep so it’s relatively easy to climb.

2. Gilmerton Cove

Hidden beneath the streets of south Edinburgh, Gillmerton Cove is a series of underground tunnels and chambers. Guided tours of the cove are popular; a guide will take a small group down for around forty-five minutes to one hour and will explain the history and myths surrounding the cove. Entrance is £5 per adult. The attraction is very popular so it’s advisable to book in advance.

3. Royal Botanical Garden

Located 1.5 miles north of Princes Street (one of Edinburgh’s main shopping streets) is the Royal Botanical Garden. The garden spans 31 hectares and is a family favourite, with plenty of benches dotted around for picnics. If you don’t fancy making your own sandwiches fear not, because the garden also features an on-site café and restaurant which provides food, and shelter for when the weather isn’t as good. Entrance to the site is free; there’s a charge to enter the specialist greenhouses but according to reviews, seeing them is worth the extra cost.

After a long day of outdoor activities why not consider staying in one of the serviced apartments Edinburgh has to offer?

Phil Hudson, PR & Marketing Support, SilverDoor International Serviced Apartments

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Florin Chelaru

The complex was built in the early 11th century, and was known also as Amras or Omras. Thus, long before the nearby Innsbruck became a city, Ambras Castle was known as a centre of the region. But the original castle has been totally destroyed in 1133.

Some parts of the castle were repaired and later, in 1580, was rebuilt into Renaissance chateau by Prince Ferdinand.

Photo by khm.at

There is a minibus running from the city centre to the castle every half an hour. In the Ambras castle you can see the collection of armor and weapons of Ferdinand II. In the summer months, the castle holds known, very popular Festival of Early Music. Management of the castle emphasis on attracting families with children. Countless surveys made especially for children with the first-class programs will show and describe a world of knights to all young visitors. In the courtyard, the adjacent park or in the surrounding forests you can find lots of benches for rest. All the trails around are accessible also with prams. There is a number of tame squirrels in the park which can be a special attraction for children.

The castle is opened daily from 10am to 5pm and the basic adult ticket costs €10. For further information visit https://www.khm.at/en/plan-your-visit/ambras-castle/

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During the Carnival of Venice there are lots of people from all over the world in Venice, so you need to be prepared for the queues at the refreshment stalls. Right in the heart of Venice, you will not find any benches. They are only in front of the restaurants, where you have to order something. This is why the people sit everywhere. However, not far from the center of Venice, there is a park with benches where you can rest. The park is open till 19:00.

If you walk around Venice, you’ll meet a mask on every street corner. Some of them are very interesting but also very expensive. Domestic conceived the carnival as their holiday, so you can even meet married couples, who were dressed in festive costumes. There are also many artists who can paint the mask directly on your face and it is really very nice and funny to watch such an artist at work. Also there are many foreigners who come here to show their costumes as well.

There is a competition for the best mask. These masks will then walk through the stage.

In 2011 Carnival of Venice starts on Friday 25.2.2011 (21:30 – 1:00) with Carnival Moon Dancing and finish on 9.3.2011 at 01:00am.

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The entrance to the gorge is paid and a basic adult ticket costs 4 Eur.

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Słowiński National Park is visited by thousands of tourists, fond of the beauty and variability of its landscape. In order to maintain one of the most precious tie of indigenous nature, which undoubtedly is The Land of Water, Wind and Sand, there have been allocated only selected areas of the Park for tourism practicing as well as special regulations have been introduced for sightseeing there.

Image made by michbet6464

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