EuroAngel Graffiti

Even while Edinburgh has become one of Britain’s cosmopolitan and creative centers, it remains a deeply traditional, historical place. Here are a few sights not to miss during your visit:

1) EDINBURGH CASTLE

This majestic fortress castle, which dates back to at least the 12th century, dominates the city skyline. The site of centuries of British history, it now houses a wide array of galleries, collections, and attractions, including the Scottish War Museum, historical re-enactors, and purportedly one headless ghost. It’s also the site of the incredible Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a festival of traditional pipes and drums that takes place every August.

2) GRASSMARKET, OLD TOWN

The Grassmarket section of Edinburgh’s Old Town is the home of many of the city’s grand old historical pubs and a traditional Scottish restaurant or two. Sit down and have a pint of ale, or even a stiff shot of Scotch whisky with the locals. While you’re at it, enjoy a traditional Scottish meal — if you’re brave enough, they might even let you sample the haggis!

3) ARTHUR’S SEAT

A gentle hike to the top of a now-dormant volcano just east of the city brings you to Arthur’s Seat, home to the remains of an iron-age fort and some of the most magnificent views of Edinburgh.

4) EDINBURGH’S CAMERA OBSCURA

Inside a Victorian tower in Edinburgh’s Castle Hill district you’ll find a 150-year-old example of the camera obscura: an optical marvel that focuses light from the top of the tower to a glass dish below, providing a unique 360-degree view of the city. The complex also offers an assortment of other attractions geared towards families, including a magic gallery, an observation deck, the “World of Illusions”, and new light vortex.

5) THE EDINBURGH ZOO

A trip to the Edinburgh Zoo is worthwhile just to see the famous Penguin Parade, when the zoo’s penguins leave their enclosure for a stroll around the grounds. But the zoo also boasts a world-class collection of animal species, including their newly-arrived sun bears, Somnang and Rotana.

Photo by: Edinburgh Castle

There are so many wonderful things to see and experience on your European tour through Germany. Munich has these six amazing attractions to visit:

1. Deutsches Museum

With forty-five exhibits, this is one of the largest science museums in the world. The museum is located on an island in the beautiful Isar River. Priceless artifacts include the first automobile and the first diesel engine. One of the most popular attractions at the museum is the high voltage display that actually produces electricity.

2. English Garden

This is one of the most breathtaking city parks in Munich, Germany. This park was created in 1789 by Sir Benjamin Thomas. Today you will find many people playing Frisbee and football in the park. Horseback riding and sunbathing nude by the horse track are two other favorite activities to do in the English Garden.

3. Olympiaturm

This amazing tower stands 291 meters high. The observation platform, which is located at 191 meters in the air, gives visitors a breathtaking view of Munich. There is also a revolving restaurant where visitors can enjoy a meal and the views of the city at the same time.

4. Viktualien Market

This is Munich’s largest outdoor market place. This market has a variety of foods from many different countries. Different wines, breads, cheeses, and beers are all sold here. Even if you’re not on a major shopping spree this is still a great place to stroll through and grab a bite to eat.

5. Nymphenburg Palace

This palace is located in the heart of Munich. Many of the palace showrooms still have their original baroque decoration. The gardens around the palace are a perfect place for an afternoon walk or a picnic.

6. Pinakothek der Moderne

If you like visual arts then you will definitely want to visit this large museum dedicated to 19th and 20th century visual arts. The collections at this museum range from the industrial revolution up to today’s modern computer culture.

Photo by: Chinese Tower in English Garden in Munich

1) Travelers’ Tales Thailand: True Stories by Larry Habegger

Westerners view Thailand as an exotic vacation destination with beautiful beaches and friendly people. The Thai people engineer their lives like it is a vacation. This book reviews and relays inspiring stories from tourists that have captured more than a vacation experience in the “land of smiles.”

2) The Travel Book by Lonely Planet

This book is a travel experience by itself. Each country is described using beautiful photography, trivia, music and experience suggestions. If you’re not sure where to begin, this is the book to get the discussion started.

3) Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel by Rolf Potts

Travel writer, Rolf Potts has made his career writing about unconventional styles of travel. Extended travel takes some planning but Potts takes you through the steps of disconnecting yourself from your traditional life for a few months or even a year, leading you to rewarding life experience.

4) A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America from the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson

Bryson turns his thoughtful prose on the eastern United States in this book. It is a funny yet inspiring story of a friendship lost and rebuilt along the 3000 km Appalachian Trail.

5) Where To Go When (Eyewitness Travel Guides) by Joseph Rosendo

Travelers want the most from their experience. This book not only suggests where to go but also the best time of year to avoid crowds or make the most of the weather.

6) Once in a Lifetime Trips: The World’s Most Extraordinary and Memorable Travel Experiences by Chris Santella

Start your journey with a book filled with events that casual travelers will probably never experience. These exciting adventures don’t show up in traditional guide books and are truly trips of a lifetime.

7) The Rough Guide: First Time Around the World by Doug Lansky

Whether you have 3 weeks or a year this guide helps you plan a round-the-world travel experience for any budget. With expense charts, visa restrictions and transportation information for each country anyone can easily put together a trip of a lifetime.

Photo by: Mattmurf

There is something unusual about visiting a castle. Perhaps it brings out the inner child and day dreams of royalty and knights in shining armor. Perhaps it is the exquisite craftsmanship that has lasted for so many hundreds of years. Perhaps it is the immaculate settings on which you find them. Whatever the case is, if you are on a quest to visit a castle there are five that you cannot miss.

1. Chateau de Chambord – Loire, France

This stunning castle dates back to the year 1519 when construction began. The building was completed in 1547. King Francois I had the chateau constructed as a place to spend his “off” time. There are 440 rooms in the structure and nearly the same amount of fireplaces. In total, there are 84 staircases throughout the structure and each floor contains vaulted ceiling hallways that are in the shape of a cross. While the building is not the standard fort type castle, it marks the period when castles became a luxury and not a stronghold.

2. Leeds Castle – Kent, England

With nearly a thousand year history, Leeds Castle is a must-see. This fortress castle was constructed in 1119 as was occupied as a residence until 1974. The castle is complete with a moat and wonderful stone architecture. It is now available to hire as a castle venue and celebrities have been known to marry there. The grounds are beautiful and a garden maze can be experienced when visiting.

3. Segovia Castle (Alcazar Segovia) – Segovia, Spain

Segovia Castle, as it stands today, was built before 1120. On this same spot an Arab fort stood as well as a Roman stronghold. This impressive castle, built high above the city, is of typical medieval styling. It is one of the largest attractions in the area.

4. Mont Saint-Michel – Normandy, France

Mont Saint-Michel sits atop a small island in the Normandy region of France. This magnificent structure was built, at first, as an abbey in 708. It became a Norman stronghold in the 900’s and has played a significant role in the lives of people such as William the Conqueror.

5. Lincoln Castle – Lincoln, England

Lincoln Castle was constructed by William the Conqueror in the 11th century on top of an old Roman fort. The strategic importance of this place was the main reason for its construction. Today, Lincoln Castle is one of the best preserved castles in England. It is a beautifully constructed building that has served many purposes in its history. Today, open as a museum, you can see one of the original Magna Carta documents signed by King John.

Photo of Château de Chambord by: Panorama

Guest post by photos on photos on canvas art specialist, You Are Art

1) The Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna

The Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna is one of the foremost museums on the globe. It accommodates a number of historic paintings, as well as an exceptional assortment of European works of art.

2) The Louvre Museum, Paris

The Louvre Museum or Musée du Louvre, in Paris, is one of the most renowned and largest museums in the world. The museum is part of the Louvre Palace, and houses 35,000 pieces of historic and contemporary artwork.

3) The Musée d’Orsay, Paris

The Musée d’Orsay, Paris has a superior assortment of impressionist and 19th century French paintings. It houses many works from the masters, such as van Gogh, Renoir, and Monet.

4) The Victoria and Albert Museum, London

The Victoria and Albert Museum of London has made history all over the world with its rare offerings. The popular gallery contains exhibits from some of the most notorious painters on the globe. The current works of art are from the modern era with paintings from such controversial artists as Ray and Aalto.

5) The Federal Republic of Germany Art Hall

The Federal Republic of Germany Art Hall is one of the premiere galleries on earth. Housed by Germany’s oldest structure, the stunning exhibits rotate on a continual basis, which tempts art lovers to visit often. Gallery employees work diligently to provide the appropriate ambience to the building and the pieces of art with high style and low lights.

6) Contemporary British gallery in Chelsea, London

The Contemporary British gallery in Chelsea, London, England displays works of art from both well-known and up-and-coming British artists. Perfectly situated in the middle of London, on King’s Road, Chelsea, this unique gallery boasts spacious rooms and high ceilings.

7) Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Brussels

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Brussels is Belgium’s leading Museum. It contains a superior compilation of Flemish paintings, including Jacques Louis David’s famous “Death of Marat.”

8) The Fitzwilliam Gallery of Cambridge

The Fitzwilliam Gallery of Cambridge is a flourishing museum. It features Wartime art with images from both world wars. There are also many works of art on exhibit painted by World War II soldiers.

9) The National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh

The National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh is the leading Art Museum in Scotland. It houses a superior assortment of European paintings, including the “Madonna of the roses” by Sandro Botticelli.

10) Gemaldegalerie, Berlin

Gemaldegalerie, Berlin has possibly the finest collection of European paintings in Germany, displaying works by such great artists as, Rembrandt, Dürer and Raphael.

Photo by: Europe Travel Pad