Лиссабон, столица Португалии, — город, открытый к морю и тщательно спланированный в духе элегантности 18-го века. Его основателем считается легендарный Одиссей, но оригинальные финикийские поселения, вероятно, более реалистичны. Известный в Португалии как Лиссабон, город был населен римлянами, вестготами, а начиная с 8-го века, маврами. Большая часть 16-го века была периодом большого процветания и зарубежной экспансии Португалии. Трагедия в виде разрушительного землетрясения поразила город в День всех святых в 1755 году, в результате чего погибло около 40 000 человек. Разрушение Лиссабона потрясло континент. В результате чего началось строительство Байша (нижнего города), которое осуществлялось менее чем десятилетие королевским министром, Marques de Pombal. Его тщательно спланированное расположение идеальных неоклассических объектов сохранилось до наших дней и остается сердцем города. Свидетельства землетрясения в Лиссабоне все еще можно увидеть в пригороде Белен и старом мавританском районе Alfama, который раскинулся у подножия замка Святого Георгия. Лиссабон — компактный город на берегу реки Тежу. Посетители легко обойдут многие достопримечательности, которые находятся в непосредственной близости от центра города. Существует удобная автобусная и трамвайная системы, а также многочисленные такси. Площадь Россио, в самом сердце Лиссабона, находящаяся здесь со времен средневековья, является идеальным местом для начала прогулки. После пожара, уничтожившего в 1988 году часть исторического района за Россио, многие из восстановленных зданий были построены с современным интерьером за первоначальными фасадами. В городе очень много памятников и музеев, таких как монастырь Иеронима, башня Белен, музей Royal Coach и Музей Гюльбенкяна. Высоко над Байша находится Байру Альто (Верхний город) с его изобилующими ночными клубами. Самый простой способ сообщения между этими двумя областями осуществляется через общественный лифт, разработанный Гюставом Эйфелем. Причалив по реке Тежу к городскому причалу, Вы уже можете определить три известных достопримечательности Лиссабона: Памятник открытий, башню Белен и статую Христа, который приветствует посетителей на вершине холма, над самым длинным висячим мостом в Европе.

For many visitors Tresco is the most attractive of the Isles of Scilly. This is especially due to its Abbey Garden, which is home to thousands of exotic plant species from around 80 different countries. Plant collector Augustus Smith began the gardens in the 1830s on the site of an old Benedictine Abbey by channelling the weather up and over a network of walled enclosures built around the Priory ruins. He had three terraces carved from the rocky south slope and maximised Tresco’s mild Gulf Stream climate. View less Even in mid-winter there still are hundreds of plants flowering here. Another surprising attraction at the Abbey Garden is the collection of figureheads from ships that wrecked among the Isles of Scilly.

Scattered 30 miles offshore from England’s most south-westerly point – Land’s End – the Isles of Scilly are home to rich wildlife, and green land sloping to powdery white beaches. The Isles of Scilly’s biggest island harbours around 1,600 people – roughly three-quarters of the total population — and is one of five occupied islands. Isolated and serene, life here hums along at its own pace in this archipelagos bubble, which enjoys the UK’s mildest climate, and some of its most spectacular beaches. View less Hugh Town is the centre of St Mary’s, and you’ll be warmly welcomed by the incredibly tight-knit local community. A peaceful place, watch out when the waters are suddenly parted by the competition of gig racing – the island’s sporting pride and joy — which sees teams competing in colourful rowboats. Elsewhere, catch sight of Atlantic seals and seabirds like puffins and fulmars, along nine miles of coastline. You can also spot the ghostly shipwrecks strewn around the island’s waters, and the 140 islands and skerries that have made treacherous sailing historically. Theres a dense collection of historical sites that belies the islands’ small size – from a former prime minster’s grave to star-shaped fortresses. Tresco Abbey Garden is one of the UK’s most vibrant gardens, with diverse plants bathing in the warmer climate and over 300 species on display. Taste the rewards of the mild weather with a glass of wine from England’s most south-westerly vineyard.

Pembroke on Wales’ west coast (approximately an hour from Swansea) will instantly steal your heart. long stretches of sandy beach and heather clad rocks will lift your mood, while crashing waves against the same beaches will soothe and energise you in equimeasure. And that’s before you have even arrived on shore. With a bit of luck, the famous Welsh weather will be on your side and nature lovers will be able to fill up on sea breeze and stunning coastal scenery. View less Wildlife spotters will be happy too, as Pembroke is home to puffins, dolphins, porpoises and grey seals (and the occasional whale or shark) and are often spotted from the 186-mile headland path. The town’s rich history is another reason why Pembroke is Wales’ de facto holiday destination. Henry VII of England (aka Henry Tudor) was born here in 1457 and the town’s pride and joy is the picturesque, history-laden Pembroke Castle. Built in 1093 by Arnulf de Montgomery, the long history of the castle is second to none and anyone who enjoys stepping into the past will soon be lost in the tumultuous tales of the past. Colourful painted buildings line the main street, while independent boutiques offer much in the way of souvenirs. Woollen wares take pride of place, but don’t overlook the local jewellery made with rare welsh gold (all royal brides have had their wedding rings made with welsh gold since 1932). Tea shops and of course homely, hearty pubs are warm and welcoming, so if the weather does turn bad, you’ll be spoilt for choice for shelter.

Reborn as a cool, modern city, Belfast has successfully left its troubles behind, emerging as a hotbed of culture and architecture, where the comfort of a cosy pub is never far away. Take a voyage of discovery in its maritime quarter, home to a celebrated museum dedicated to the most famous ship ever built, which was constructed right here in the city’s shipyards. A walk across the Lagan Weir Footbridge brings you to Belfast’s fascinating Titanic District – an area of the city devoted to its rich ship-building heritage. The state-of-the-art Titanic Museum brings the story of the doomed vessel to life, and is the largest museum dedicated to the infamously ‘unsinkable’ ship. Wind up a nautical-themed ramble along the Maritime Mile with a visit to SS Nomadic, the smaller cousin of the Titanic, and a ship which serves as a fascinating time capsule back to the pomp and grandeur of the Titanic, while also telling its own stories of service in both World Wars. There’s just enough time to give the 10-metre long Salmon of Knowledge sculpture a quick peck for luck, before continuing to explore. A stark barbed wire and graffitied sheet metal barrier marks an abrupt scar through the city’s residential areas. The Peace Line was constructed during the height of the Troubles, when Belfast was plagued by sectarian divisions between Protestants and Catholics. Nowadays, you can jump in a black taxi tour to see the colourful murals and living history of the walls, which stand as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace. After exploring the city’s historic divisions, a reminder of Belfast’s uniting creativity can be found at the Metropolitan Arts Centre – a seven-storey tall building, which invites light to gloriously cascade inside. The Cathedral Quarter is a cobbled blend of flower-adorned pubs, restaurants and theatres, and venues where music spills out onto the streets at night, and many a pint is cheerily shared.

Великобритания

The stunning Isle of Lunga is the largest island in the Treshnish archipelago. With volcanic origin the isle was populated until the 19th Century, and remains of black houses can be seen around this magnificent coastal jewel. Abundant plant life and exotic birdlife are now the main inhabitants of the area. Fortunate visitors view the magnificent array of birds, especially the great puffins that breed on the islands plateau. One can sit within just a few feet away without disturbing the avian ambassador’s peace. View less The 81 hectare island is home to many rare and endangered plants such as, primroses and orchids. Views over the landscape and across the ocean can be seen from the 300 foot high cliffs.

Великобритания

Gloriously remote, St. Kilda is an archipelago 50 miles off the Isle of Harris. Although the four islands are uninhabited by humans, thousands of seas birds call these craggy cliffs home, clinging to the sheer faces as if by magic. Not only is St. Kilda home to the UK’s largest colony of Atlantic Puffin (almost 1 million), but also the world largest colony Gannets nests on Boreray island and its sea stacks. View less The islands also home decedents of the world’s original Soay sheep as well as having a breed of eponymously named mice. The extremely rare St. Kilda wren unsurprisingly hails from St. Kilda, so birders should visit with notebook, binoculars and camera to hand. While endemic animal species is rife on the island, St. Kilda has not been peopled since 1930 after the last inhabitants voted that human life was unsustainable. However, permanent habitation had been possible in the Medieval Ages, and a vast National Trust for Scotland project to restore the dwellings is currently being undertaken. The islands even enjoyed a status as being an ideal holiday destination in the 19th century. Today, the only humans living on the islands are passionate history, science and conservation scholars. One of the caretakers even acts as shopkeeper and postmaster for any visitors who might like to send a postcard home from St. Kilda. It should be noted that St. Kilda is the UKs only (and just one of 39 in the world) dual World Heritage status from UNESCO in recognition of its Natural Heritage and cultural significance.

Youll always receive a welcome to remember, as the colourful cafes, houses and shops that line Tobermorys picturesque harbour salute your arrival. Located on the craggy Scottish Inner Hebrides, Tobermory serves as the capital of the Isle of Mull. Theres a high chance youll recognise the town’s colourfully-daubed buildings, as their charming exteriors have featured in countless TV shows — most notably in the children’s favourite, Balamory.

Duart Castle, or Caisteal Dhubhairt in Scottish Gaelic, is a castle on the Isle of Mull, off the west coast of Scotland, within the council area of Argyll and Bute. The castle dates back to the 13th century and is the seat of Clan MacLean.

Flanked by the UK’s tallest mountain on one side and Loch Linnae on the other, Fort William – or “Bill” to the locals – is what you imagine when it comes to Scottish Highland towns. Verdant moors stretch as far as the eye can see, pastel painted houses front the water and it is not unusual to see pipers in kilts on street corners. But while Fort William may play to certain critics’ idea of a cliché, the pretty town goes far beyond tartan cushions and wee drams of Scotch (although there is a fair amount of this too!). Fort William has everything you could possibly want while in the Highlands. The High Street has plenty to keep you occupied with its good range of shops, cafes and restaurants — a lunch of locally caught seafood or the iconic haggis, neeps and tatties is a must. Because of its privileged location sitting in the shadow of the mighty Ben Nevis (standing a proud 1,345 metres high) outdoor enthusiasts are especially well catered for. Unsurprisingly so, as Fort William is considered the UK’s outdoor capital. But it’s not all high adrenaline sports. Certainly, those who want to climb up a rock or hurtle down white water rapids will find their nirvana, but if gentle fishing, a quiet county walk or curling up in cosy pubs warmed by an open fire are more your glass of whiskey then you’re catered for. The West Highland Museum in the centre of the town is excellent, while St Andrews Church, towards the north end of the main street, has a very attractive interior. Also well worth a look is St Marys Catholic Church, on Belford Road, and no visit should be considered complete without a look at the Old Fort, almost invisible to passing traffic. Add a wildlife cruise amid stunning scenery and the steam train that took Harry to Hogwarts and you can easily spend a day in this lovely port.

Douglas is the capital town of the Isle of Man, in the Irish Sea. It’s home to the Manx Museum, featuring displays of Viking gold. From here, the Story of Mann trail tours the island’s ancient sites. The restored Villa Marina–Gaiety Theatre complex features a grand Edwardian concert hall. Horse-drawn trams ply the promenade on Douglas Bay. South, the Great Union Camera Obscura uses mirrors to provide panoramic views.

Дублин, столица Ирландии, находится в одних из самых красивых природных условий во всей Европе. Расположенный на широком Дублинском заливе, город защищен с севера горной массой Howth Head. Река Лиффи, пересекаемая многочисленными интересными мостами, проходит через центр города.