Europe Action & adventure, Autumn, Bird, Castles & palaces + Religious pictures

• World

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

With gorgeous countryside, cultural cities and charming villages along its shores, the largest lake in Switzerland and France is a vacationer’s dream.

With an opulence worthy of the former monarchs buried inside, this 15th-century chapel is the go-to spot for royal ceremonies and weddings.

Find out why literary masters, such as Goethe and Victor Hugo, heaped praise on this remarkable, pink-hued cathedral.

This cliff-topped village is at the pinnacle of the visual drama of Santorini, with its striking white-and-blue homes, windmills and churches.

This enormous square is home to several noteworthy monuments related to Polish history and celebrating military heroics.

The old meets the new on this narrow and atmospheric Rouen street, which features historic attractions, charming architecture and modern boutiques.

Explore this mysterious Gothic castle and discover the eerie stories connected to its long history.

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

Explore the wonders of the natural world for free in this fascinating museum. Learn about dinosaurs, creatures of the deep, our planet’s interior and much more.

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.

Visit this cathedral to learn about the history behind London’s most iconic church and its Baroque dome that overlooks the city.

From the peaks of the Pyrenees to sun-scorched beaches and desert-like regions, Spain is a country of diverse landscapes. Enjoy this natural backdrop while you view eclectic architecture, sample regional food and be swept up in one of the country’s many 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.

One of the oldest shopping centres in the world is known for its fine dining, iconic luxury labels and stores selling goods from local craftsmen.

Explore dozens of elegant rooms, meander through manicured Victorian gardens and watch falcon flying demonstrations at this castle complex.