Europe Action & adventure, Castles & palaces, Central, Island & reefs, Landscape, Lighthouse, Modern architecture, Mountain + Winter pictures

• World

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, nestled between extinct volcanoes and hills, is almost fairytale in appearance, with its medieval buildings in the Old Town and the wide streets and spacious homes Georgian New Town, and the spectacular castle looking down from its cliff. Edinburgh was declared a World Heritage Site in 1995, which only begs the question: why did it take so long?

Admire the greatest works of Michelangelo and da Vinci, see the center of Catholicism and pose with the Leaning Tower of Pisa on this Mediterranean peninsula.

The rooftop terrace has stunning vistas of central Madrid, while the interior is a hub of the arts, from music and poetry events to lectures and science exhibits.

Make your way along elegant promenades to find medieval churches, thermal spas and stunning gardens in the shadow of the Italian Alps. 

Make your way along elegant promenades to find medieval churches, thermal spas and stunning gardens in the shadow of the Italian Alps. 

For some of the best views over Verona, head up the hill to the castle that stands on the site where the city was founded.

The rooftop terrace has stunning vistas of central Madrid, while the interior is a hub of the arts, from music and poetry events to lectures and science exhibits.

Visit the upscale ski resorts, trek across the snow-capped mountains and learn about the mixtures of cultures in this eclectic region.

Maze-like hedges, marble sculptures and colorful flower beds adorn this historic royal garden, where the palace’s stables and carriages once lay.

Sitting high upon the cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is a rustic tourist spot that offers visitors fantastic views. Centuries ago Roman emperors, Italian nobles and artists flocked to the province of Campania to soak in its inspiring beauty. Today, its cobblestone streets, magnificent villas, fishing ports, pleasant Mediterranean climate and citrus trees pull in holidaymakers from all over the world.

One of the world’s smallest countries lies within eastern Italy’s countryside. Visit the longstanding city-state for natural beauty, culture and food specialties.

Admire the craftsmanship of the Tuscan artists and architects that created this richly ornamented bell tower. Climb its staircase for glorious views of Florence. 

Be spellbound by the scale and splendor of the Spanish Royal Family’s former official residence.

Discover themed gardens, artist pavilions, viewpoints and wildlife stations set around a natural amphitheater in the grounds of a medieval castle. 

For some of the best views over Verona, head up the hill to the castle that stands on the site where the city was founded.

Escape the city and head to one of the world’s largest urban parks, which has lakes and meadows, as well as beer gardens and a variety of interesting relics.

Whitby is a small seaside town located on the North Yorkshire coast, between Scarborough and Redcar in the North East of England. There is a variety of accommodation types to choose from when visiting Whitby, with seaside bed & breakfasts and hotels along the seaside attracting many visitors throughout the year.

Be spellbound by the scale and splendor of the Spanish Royal Family’s former official residence.