World Action & adventure, Castles & palaces, Historical + Landscape pictures

The capital of Scotland combines ancient architecture and fascinating history with a vibrant cultural scene and world-famous festivals.

Modern cities and charming villages with stunning historic centers complement the thermal waters and former silver mines dotted around mountains and valleys.

Wander amid plant species from around the world, take in a sculpture tour or flit between the trees in this cultivated setting just outside the city centre.

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World is just a stone’s throw from Las Vegas and is the perfect getaway for a bit of peace and quiet.

Enter a peaceful park full of forests, lakes and long expanses of grass, all within minutes of the city centre.

A vast park like no other national park in the States where you can explore the craters of active volcanoes.

Marvel at the unique colour of the water from the shore before taking a boat out on this picture-perfect lake.

Arid deserts, snow-dusted peaks, and lush palm oases – this area of southern California runs the gamut of sensational scenery.

Take to the black sand and rolling surf of Piha Beach for epic surfing and serene rainforest walks.

Visit this valley in the heart of the Canadian Badlands for eerie landscapes, echoing, empty ghost towns and the tallest dinosaur in the world.

Picture-postcard perfect – “The Valley of the Ten Peaks” is home to this startlingly blue lake framed by white-topped mountains.

Find some of North America’s most spectacular landscapes and parklands in this vast region of mountains, lakes, wilderness and wildlife.

The largest island in the US offers plenty of swimming and hiking as well as some impressive volcanic scenery.

With its impressive coral reef, quirky artisan scene and leaning lighthouse, this quiet fishing village has plenty of character.

As well as dominating the skyline around Seattle, the huge volcanic mountain of Mount Rainier is also the epicentre of a large national park.

As well as dominating the skyline around Seattle, the huge volcanic mountain of Mount Rainier is also the epicentre of a large national park.

A stunning clifftop Mayan city situated on ancient trading routes, these are some of the most mystifying, yet beautiful, pre-Hispanic ruins on the Yucatán peninsula.

Sun-drenched beaches, volcanic activity and rich Māori culture make New Zealand’s northern island one of the most visited destinations in the Pacific.

This towering arch is where France comes to celebrate its victories, remember its dead, and enjoy spectacular views down the Champs-Élysées.

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.

Find some of North America’s most spectacular landscapes and parklands in this vast region of mountains, lakes, wilderness and wildlife.

Mykonos\' charming and lively capital combines the best of modern and traditional Greece.