Europe Action & adventure, Art, Flowers, Historic buildings, Military, Museum + Water sports pictures

• World

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

Take a break from Munich’s bustling streets among the lakes, meadows and beer gardens of this oasis of calm in the centre of the city.

Explore this photogenic riverside square, which is bordered by two grand neoclassical palaces and features a spectacular fountain at its center.

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

Trace Sweden’s cultural history back to the 16th century while you admire iconic furniture, eye-opening photographs and artefacts from the indigenous Sami people at this museum.

Cutting-edge contemporary art – and challenging pieces by Spain\'s 20th century art \'superstars\', Picasso and Dali – are among the works found in the Reina Sofía.

Take a sightseeing trip of Tuscany\'s renowned wine region and visit its vineyards, wineries, ancient churches, castles and hilltop villages.

Explore this photogenic riverside square, which is bordered by two grand neoclassical palaces and features a spectacular fountain at its center.

The golden foyer and the glitzy restaurants here compete for attention with the range of spectacular ballets, operas and recitals.

Admire the churches, be in awe of the cathedrals, explore the castles, love the people – and let the Czech capital be an inspiration.

Stop by a 16th-century meeting room inside the Cathedral of Seville that is stunningly decorated with religious paintings, sculptures and reliefs.

Its grandiose colonnade and refurbished 19th-century interior make up an exquisite setting, with excellent acoustics for operatic shows and music concerts.

Home to the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore and the Baptistery of St John, this historic bustling square is a feast for the eyes that is not to be missed.

Wander between campus buildings and architectural landmarks, visit museums, catch a theater show and admire outdoor art displays at this city center university. 

Marking the point where old Madrid started, this impressive gateway remains a part of Madrid\'s heritage. Wars, rebellion and assassinations have all left their mark.

Learn about the roots of Western civilization and build a nice tan on a Mediterranean island in this ancient southeastern European nation.

Armouries and pharmacies, rooms filled with fine porcelain, amazing collections of watches and silverware, and never-ending corridors graced by masterpieces.

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.

Armouries and pharmacies, rooms filled with fine porcelain, amazing collections of watches and silverware, and never-ending corridors graced by masterpieces.

The western section of Gamla Stan is a small islet decorated with aristocratic 17th-century palaces and one of the city’s oldest churches.  

A canal filled with boats laps around the scenic gardens at the front of this neo-Renaissance palace known as the Venice of Seville.