Platja de Sant Sebastia, Barcelona, Spain by Alexander Johmann

Barcelona has a wonderful art collection in it’s Picasso Museum. As is evident form the museum’s name, it houses numerous works of Picasso. It is easily accessible by Metro as well as Bus. If you are taking a metro, the stations Arc de Triomf, Liceu, Jaume I on Line 1, Line 3, Line 4 respectively are closest to the musuem, whereas the bus stops Via Laietana, Pla de palau, Princesa, Passeig Picasso are closest to it depending on your route. The museum is closed on monday so plan accordingly. You have 2 ticket options with prices ranging from 6 euros to 11 euros.

If you do not like museums and are visiting Barcelona just to relax and have a good time then head to Platja de Sant Sebastia. This beach is equally famous among tourists as well as natives. You have over 1km of sand filled beach to your use with plenty of water sports activity. So whether you just want to sun bath or want to opt for some adventure, it is entirely up to you. The easiest way to reach the beach is to catch a metro on Line 4 and alight at Barceloneta station.

There is nothing better to relax than sipping some coffee in a roadside cafe in Barcelona and watching the city unfold before you. If that’s your idea of having a good time then head on to Barri Goti. Barri Goti is like a huge maze with shops all around which sell everything from veges to antiques to cafes which serve you local as well as international delicacies. The Jaume I and Liceu station on Line 4 and Line 3 respectively are the closest metro stations to Barri Goti.

Photo of Barri Goti, Barcelona by AodhGraem

One of the most entertaining tourist attraction of Barcelona is the magic fountain more popularly known as the magic fountain of Montjuic. It is not just a fountain it is light and water show and is free for all, as they say best things in the world are free.

Photo of Majic fountain Montjuic, Barcelona by Paula Funnell

These were just a few of the most famous tourist attractions of Barcelona, but once you start exploring this ancient city, it will show you it’s lesser explored parts, which are a treat for ancient arhitecture lovers.

Rob Russell is an avid traveller and has explored many unknown parts of Europe & Asia. You can visit his site: Lonavala Hotels or How to Reach lonavala to get in touch with him.

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Muntanya Russa – Parc d’Atraccions del Tibidabo, Barcelona / By Jordiferrer (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Costa Brava

Lying on the north east of Catalonia, Costa Brava’s coastal location is a haven for holiday makers. The lure of crisp beaches and stunning coastline makes it irresistible for those who enjoy soaking up the sun. The name itself comes from ‘costa’, meaning ‘coast’ and ‘brava’ meaning ‘wild’. While the Costa Brava attracts those who just want to lie in the sun, it has many other parts to explore.

Even if you book into a family friendly resort, there’s a lot to explore. There are towns such as the picturesque Begur, which is visited for its rustic charm and history. There are still remnants of the town’s intriguing past history, especially at Begur’s castle, which was completed in the 17th century. As a family, the municipality is full of great opportunities to explore the rugged side of Spain.

Barcelona

Barcelona is Catalonia’s capital, and second only to Madrid for size in Spain. This is a thriving, cosmopolitan city that boasts a rich, cultural heritage. It is made up of a busy collection of restaurants, galleries and events that are perfect for adults and children. The city itself is very kid friendly, and it’s not hard to find something to keep them entertained.

Along with the must-see attractions such as Gaudi’s Sacred Family Church and the Dali Museum, there are other activities such as theme parks, zoos and more. Tibidabo Amusement Park is located atop Mount Tibidabo, which is the highest point of the lush, verdant Collserola Ridge nature park. The amusement park itself is 512m above sea level, which lends itself to some dramatic, and exhilarating rides.

Valencia

The history of Valencia dates back to 138 BC, where it began life as a Roman colony. Since then it has developed into a very modern city without sacrificing many of the historical connections that formed its foundation. Valencia lies on the banks of the river Turia, which offers incredible scenery and breathtaking views.

When visiting Valencia, its essential to visit the Bioparc. Not so much a run of the mill zoo, the Bioparc has been designed to give animals more freedom, replicating their natural habitats as accurately as possible. You really do feel as though you are (safely) exploring the animal’s environments, instead of finding them caged in ours.

I Dream Elephants brings a great choice of kids clothes, including Spanish brand Bobo Choses.

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Go Hiking in Snowdonia National Park

If you’re an outdoor lover, you’ll want to spend a day or two hiking in Snowdonia National Park. The park is located on the western shore of Great Britain. It covers more than 800 acres that will thrill with its breathtaking beauty. Snowdonia boasts the highest peak in Great Britain. It also has the biggest lake and is the largest national park as well. Welsh is spoken by a vast number of local people, so it will be a great opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture.

Snowdonia National Park / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Christopher Owen Jones

You’ll Want to See Swansea

Swansea is the name of a city and county on the southwest coast of Wales. A trip to Swansea will include the scenic Gower Peninsula and the Lliw Uplands. The area was a huge copper producing site in its heyday, and earned the nickname, ‘Copperopolis.’ Swansea has a distinct cultural heritage that is evident in the local dialect, which can be hard to understand at first.

Visit the City of Cardiff

Cardiff is the capital and largest city in Wales. It has numerous attractions that you’ll want to visit, such as St. Fagans National History Museum. This museum is still referred to locally as ‘The Museum of Welsh Life.’ It is comprised of 100 acres of parkland filled with restored, rescued, and authentically furnished buildings from Welsh history. Other must see sights in Cardiff are Bute Park, the Millennium Stadium, and the National Museum and Art Gallery.

Take a Walk in Brecon Beacons National Park

The Brecon Beacons National Park is in the midst of the Brecon Beacons Mountains, in South Wales. There are a number of events in the park which are highlighted by ‘walks’ in the area. They are based on a number of things, including the botanical aspect of the region, as well as the heritage. As you might expect from an area rich in history, there are numerous historical sites to visit within park boundaries.

Brecon Beacons National Park / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by P – A – S – T

See the Welsh Mountain Zoo

In North Wales, at the far northern reaches of Snowdonia National Park, is the town of Colwyn Bay. The peaks above town are home to the Welsh Mountain Zoo. The zoo has panoramic views of the town and bay that lie below. The scenery is beautiful, as are the gardens within the zoo, which is home to many endangered species of Great Britain. The Welsh Mountain Zoo also houses animals from throughout the world.

Enjoy Family Fun at the Rhyl Sun Centre

When you get tired of being a tourist, you can take some time out to enjoy yourself at a family-friendly venue in North Wales called the Rhyl Sun Centre. It is a huge water complex that includes water rides and slides of various heights and difficulties. There is something for every member of the family. You can spend the entire day there enjoying the water, and then relax while you eat or shop at the Trading Post.

Indulge Yourself at the Portmeirion Village and Gardens

The Portmeirion Village and Gardens are located on a private peninsula near Porthmadog, off the Snowdonia coast. It is a beautiful place filled with beaches, gardens, shops, restaurants, and hotels that cater to fun-loving tourists. It is open all year so you can visit anytime you’d like to. There are woodland walkways for you to enjoy before your return to your room for an evening of dinner and entertainment.

Enjoy the History of the Caerphilly Castle Town Center

Caerphilly Castle is located in the center of town in the village of Caerphilly in South Wales. It spans nearly 30 acres and is a prime example of the architectural marvels of medieval times. The history of the area dates back to the Romans, and has numerous sights of historical interest. The Town Center is a place where you can enjoy the sights of the castle while you visit shops, eat at local restaurants, and soak in the local culture.

Caerphilly Castle / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Robert Payne

Stop at Beaumaris Castle

The Beaumaris Castle is located on the Isle of Anglesey off the northern coast of Wales. It was built by Kind Edward I as one of the ‘Iron Ring’ of castles in North Wales that were intended to put his stamp of ownership on the area. Despite his plans, the castle was never finished. It remains an impressive site to visit. In fact, it is regarded by some as the finest example of Edwardian castles ever built.

Tweedsmill Factory Outlet

No trip to Wales would be complete without a stop for pure shopping pleasure. There may be no better place to do that than the Tweedsmill Factory Outlet, located in the Vale of Clwyd in the northeastern part of Wales. This huge shopping center has become a tourist attraction in its own right, and you won’t be sorry you stopped by to purchase souvenirs for your friends at home.

Guest post from Casey Lynch. Casey writes about home insurance for HomeInsurance.org.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Ed Webster

1 – Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Located in the West End of the city, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum contains a wide range of artifacts and exhibitions devoted to Glaswegian and more general history. Current exhibitions include a gallery celebrating 500 years of Italian Art, as well as the Glasgow Boys Gallery. The Kelvingrove also provides regular guest talks and lectures, while hosting a series of night events. Highly recommended for families and art lovers wanting to get to grips with Glasgow’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary art trends.

2 – Botanic Gardens and Kibble Palace

Recently restored, the Botanic Gardens and Kibble Palace include multiple examples of rare plants and vegetation within its glasshouses, and also features some of the best rose gardens in the United Kingdom. Visitors can also wander around its gardens, which play host to regular concerts, and talks. One of the most well established destinations within Glasgow, the Gardens also cater to family parties.

3 – Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel

Providing insights into Glasgow’s long maritime past, the Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel covers the city’s shipbuilding traditions, while also exploring a number of land based modes of transport. With special tours organised for families, and exhibitions held to celebrate exploration and travel, the Riverside Museum is one of the most unique attractions in the city.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by dun_deagh

4 – People’s Palace and Winter Gardens

With a long history as a centre for local art and celebration, the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens tells the story of Glaswegians from 1750 to the present, and represents one of the oldest public spaces in the city.

5 – Glasgow Cathedral

Open since 1197, the Glasgow Cathedral features excellent stained glass windows and a range of different architectural styles. Regular tours are held during the week, and operas and other concerts are conducted in evening slots.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Thomas Duesing

6 – Burrell Collection

Part of County Park, the Burrell Collection includes 8000 objects of interest, as well as a wide range of temporary exhibits. Current collections include studies of ancient civilizations and Gothic and Islamic art. Particularly recommended is the Collection’s tapestry gallery.
art and history

7 – The Tall Ship

Another fine example of Glasgow’s shipyard past, The Tall Ship at the Riverside Museum is one of the few preserved 19th century ships still to be found in the UK. The ship also acts as a way into understanding the history of Scottish trading, and features a number of maritime themed events, as well as regular classes and exhibitions.

8 – Glasgow Science Centre

Ideal for novices and science experts, the Glasgow Science Centre features exhibitions catered to different disciplines and histories. The Centre also includes an IMAX screen and a planetarium.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Francois Schnell

9 – Willow Tearooms

First opened in 1904, the Willow Tearooms are an excellent way to get around from the crowds near Sauchiehall Street. Enjoy sandwiches and tea within an art deco setting, while taking in some of the sights of central Glasgow. The Tearooms also have another venue at nearby Buchanan St.

10 – The Corinthian Club

A dining bar and venue on the Ship Bank, the Corinthian Club boasts Victorian interiors, and includes regular exhibitions and expert talks, with future events set to look at the Paralympics.

Kirsten Johnston  is a freelance copywriter currently working within the hotel and accommodation industry for www.crowneplazaglasgow.co.uk  Kirsten’s passion for writing and desire to travel has provided her with great experience and insight within all areas with the travel industry.

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Venice is absolutely the most important tourist destination from all places located on the northern coast of the Adriatic Sea. With its romantic location and a unique charm attracts thousands of tourists from around the world every year. Its historical, artistic and cultural heritage makes it the world’s cultural center. There are several museums and galleries of all mankind. During the year it is also home to many large celebrations and festivals.

Venice, the capital of Veneto, have over 360,000 inhabitants, of which, however, only about 100,000 live in historic city of Venice or on the islands in the lagoon. The rest live on the coast of Venice-Mestre (Venezia – Mestre). This part consists of industrial and transportation center, it’s a new part of Venice. Historic centre of Venice is situated on total of 117 islands and islets, which are connected by 409 bridges. There are no roads or cars, but instead of those you can see here 177 canals with romantic boats and gondolas.

History

City, which we now know as Venice, was founded in distress, when residents, at the end of the Roman Empire, scuttled away into uninhabited and empty regions, where they found safe against barbaric tribes. So gradually people settled the islands and in the year 810 they established a town here. Shortly after that, in the year 827, there was founded the bishopric. Venice was first a Byzantine colony, but gradually it made independent and its power and wealth grew up.

In 1204 the Venetians participated in the conquest of Constantinople (Istanbul) and Venice reached the top of its golden age.

When the Turks conquered Constantinople in 1453, began a time of slow decline, which continued by moving the trade routes from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Ocean. There were also large European countries standing against Venice. In the 18th century, Venice dominated only its surroundings, and in 1797 felt itself under the Habsburg yoke. In the years 1805 – 1815 belonged to Napoleonic satellite state and then again to the Habsburgs until 1866, when finally joined the Italian kingdom, later Republic.

Venice’s Islands and channels

Venice lies, as already mentioned, at 117 islands, connected by over 400 bridges. In addition to channels there are also lanes for pedestrians in the streets, so you can get anywhere in the old Venice on foot.

The city is divided into traditional administrative districts (called Sestiere): Cannaregio, Castello, San Marco, Dorsoduro, San Polo and Santa Croce. The most attractive tourist district is San Marco, where is the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Cathedral, Piazza di San Marco and the Piazzetta with two columns, symbols of Venice.

The most important is Canal Grande over which you can get through 4 bridges or by numerous ferries.

On one side of the Canal Grande is the railway station (Stazione Venezia S. Lucia) and even nearby is a bus station Piazzale Roma. Those are the two entrances to the city. At the other end of the channel is St. Mark’s Square with the great church of St. Mark and the Doge’s Palace.

Orientation is relatively easy because you can use the vaporetto water bus along the Canal Grande or around Venice, or go on foot. There are lots of directional signs to the most important objects (S. Marco, Rialto, Rerrovia). They can navigate you anywhere even without using a map of the city.

Accommodation in Venice

When booking a room, make sure that your hotel lie in the main part of Venice, because then you can easily get everywhere on foot. Mainly cheaper hotels and hostels lie on the surrounding islands or mainland, from which you are then transported by a ferry to Venice centre. An advantage of staying out of the city centre can be, in addition to lower prices, that those hotels mainly have a parking spot available for you when arriving by car. And in addition to the city centre you will see also its surroundings which is interesting and nice as well. I could recommend staying in some of the camping sites located at Punta Sabbioni, where you can get easily by car and transport to Venice’s centre by regular ferry.

Culture and heritage

For careful examination you would need several months, for further explore reserve at least three days, preferably more. However, even within a single day you can see many beautiful and very interesting sights.

Architecture and walks

In each local area (Sestiere) you will find dozens of churches, palaces and houses of exhibition that are worth seeing, also all kinds of shops worth exploring. Venice, it is a pure joy of discovering something new.

Venice, however, is not attractive only because of its art and history. Venice’s romance lies also in the sunset over the lagoon. Even if you come just for a single day, be sure to do the walk through small streets, narrow bridges, around the channels. Also experience, when you get lost in the old streets, is one of the finest travel experiences, make sure you do not miss this opportunity. It’s really worth it!

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Aqueduct of Segovia was scheduled by the Roman scholar Vitruvius (80-15 BC). Its construction took place sometimes in the 2nd half of the 1st Century. Aqueduct of Segovia is part of the 17 km long water route which brought the water from the river Fuenfria into the city.

Similarly like at the other ancient Roman buildings, architects did not use mortar to bind the granite blocks together, but metal hooks only.

Aqueduct of Segovia is 28.5 meters high and 782 m long and in 1985 it was together with other monuments in Segovia added to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Alessio Milan

Long after the World War II, people still lived in these “cave homes” and often lived in one room with the pet. Until the late 1980s this was considered an area of poverty, as these houses were, mostly unlivable. Local administration has become more tourism-oriented, and has promoted the re-generation of the Sassi with the aid of the European Union, the government, UNESCO, and Hollywood. Today there are many thriving businesses, pubs, and hotels.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by giuseppe portale

You can park the car near the center of the city completely free of charge. Throughout the city you can see several hiking trails, together with several maps with marked trails. However, it is not difficult at all to get lost in the winding streets.

Do not miss Matera Cathedral at the Piazza dei Duomo, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view. Similar views of the city are also at several other places in the city.

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Agrigento Greek colony was founded in the 6th century BC but already in 406 BC the town was destroyed by the Carthaginians. Until now there are still well-preserved ruins of ancient town.

The local archaeological area of Agrigento is the richest group of well-preserved Greek temples in the world. You can find here the remains of buildings from the later Hellenistic and Roman periods.

Since 1997, the archaeological area of Agrigento is registered on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.

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There is a viewing platform opposite the waterfall, which offers spectacular views of the falls.

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Torre de Hercules was already built by the Romans in the 2nd century. As already mentioned, it is still working, which makes it a unique monument. Torre de Hercules is 68 meters high; there are 234 stairs leading to the top. The lighting ensures a group of 4 lights that flash every 20 seconds and is visible up to a distance of 39 km. Torre de Hercules and this entire site is otherwise surrounded by a series of legends.

Around the tower Torre de Hercules there is the Statue Park, an open-air museum. There are more than 15 sculptures by major artists of the 20th Century, such as Francisco Leiro or Pablo Serrano. For local residents the most important sculpture is Breogan, which is the mythological father of the population of Galicia.

Thanks to its historical significance, Torre de Hercules is registered since 2009 in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.

Not far from tower you can also visit A Coruña, Santiago de Compostela, the Roman walls of Lugo city, Aquarium Finisterrae.

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