SAUDI ARAB

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, is the largest Arab state in Western Asia  and the second-largest in the Arab world (after Algeria). It is bordered by Jordan and Iraq to the north, Kuwait to the northeast, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates to the east, Oman to the southeast, Yemen in the south, the Red Sea to the west and Persian Gulf to the east.  

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was founded by Abdul-Aziz bin Saud (known for most of his career as Ibn Saud) in 1932, although the conquests which eventually led to the creation of the Kingdom began in 1902 when he captured Riyadh, the ancestral home of his family, the House of Saud, referred to in Arabic as Al Saud. The Saudi Arabian government has been an absolute monarchy since its inception, and it describes itself as beingIslamic. Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and the kingdom is sometimes called "the Land of the Two Holy Mosques" in reference to Al-Masjid al-Haram (in Mecca), and Al-Masjid al-Nabawi (in Medina), the two holiest places in Islam.

Saudi Arabia has the world's second largest oil reserves which are concentrated largely in the Eastern Province.  Oil accounts for more than 95% of exports and 70% of government revenue, although the share of the non-oil economy has been growing recently. This has facilitated the transformation of an underdeveloped desert kingdom into one of the world's wealthiest nations. Vast oil revenues have permitted rapid modernisation, such as the creation of a welfare state. It has also the world's sixth largest natural gas reserves. It is the only country in the world where women are not allowed to drive.

Saudi Arabia has an oil-based economy with strong government control over major economic activities. Saudi Arabia possesses 18%  of the world's proven petroleum reserves, ranks as the largest exporter of petroleum, and plays a leading role in OPEC, although its influence has waned in recent years.

Tourism in Saudi Arabia

The mountains, valleys and Red Sea beaches with turquoise water are known for some of the world's finest diving and attract some, but comparatively few, tourists. Some other spots are hard to reach, such as the Nabatean ruins, a four-hour drive from Medina, the nearest city with an airport for visitors to fly into. The Kingdom is almost totally dependent on oil, a habit Prince Sultan Bin Salman wants to change by forming the Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities in 2000. There is also the famous bridge to Bahrain.

Tourism in Saudi Arabia is largely based around religious pilgrimage. Mecca receives over three million pilgrims a year during the month of Hajj, and around two million during the month of Ramadan in Umrah.  During the rest of the year, Mecca receives around four million for Umrah. The Hajj, or pilgrimage to the city, is one of the five pillars of Islam. However, non-Muslims are not allowed to enter.

Destinations

Riyadh
Saudi Arabia’s capital city, Riyadh, is the geographic and cultural hub of the country and its largest city. Once surrounded by mud-brick walls, modern Riyadh – whose name comes from the Arabic word for garden (rowdhah) – is a contemporary city with an ever-expanding network of modern roads, high rises, residential suburbs and industrial parks.

Despite being a modern city, Riyadh also retains much of its traditional appeal. The city’s historic Qasr Al-Hokm district has been carefully preserved and renovated to make it the city’s cultural, commercial and social center.

One of the highlights of Qasr Al-Hokm is the historic Masmak fortress, which King Abdulaziz recaptured the fortress in 1902 – setting the stage for the foundation of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Another highlight is the Murabba’ Palace, a former home of King Abdulaziz that has been renovated as part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh.

Twenty miles outside Riyadh lies the walled city of Diriyah, the ancestral home of the Al-Saud family and the first capital of the Saudi state.

Jeddah
The Kingdom’s second largest city, Jeddah is a sparkling, modern commercial center that is considered one of Saudi Arabia’s most vibrant cities. It is alive with more than 300 gardens, and is home to one of the world’s tallest fountains.

One of Jeddah’s loveliest features is the Corniche, promenades that extend miles along the Red Sea, interspersed with parks, fountains, lakes and kiosks. Its coastal location near the spectacular Red Sea coral reefs makes it a popular spot for water sports.

The city also has a number of beautifully restored historical buildings, including the Naseef House (Bayt Naseef), with more than 100 rooms and a broad staircase to allow camels access to the first floor for unloading.

Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s main Red Sea port. For centuries, its large harbor has handled ships carrying cargo to ports throughout the world, as well as vessels bringing pilgrims to the Hajj.

Eastern Province

The capital of the Eastern Province, Dammam – along with nearby Dhahran and Khobar – is an important hub for shipping, oil, commerce and industry, and the home of the national oil company, Saudi Aramco. It was in Dhahran in 1936 that the famous Dammam No. 7 oil well was discovered, proving beyond doubt that the Kingdom was sitting on vast oil fields.

Dammam is linked to Bahrain via the King Fahd Causeway, an engineering masterpiece that stretches 15.5 miles across the sea and reclaimed land.

Asir Province

Located in the southwestern part of the Kingdom, Asir Province is an extensive region of steep mountains, lush greenery and cool breezes.

The picturesque regional capital, Abha, is noted for its brightly colored mud houses, built in the traditional style. Residents paint their homes each year, usually in preparation for the Eids, the religious holidays that follow Ramadan or the Hajj.

The Asir National Park, which covers 1.1 million acres, is a paradise for botanists, zoologists and ornithologists who come to study indigenous plants and wildlife. New varieties and species are still being discovered there.

Taif
The mountain resort city of Taif is located 5,600 feet above sea level in the southwest region of Saudi Arabia. Its pleasant climate, lush parks, sunny skies and exotic wildlife have long drawn Saudi families to this resort town each summer.

Its largest and most famous public garden is the King Fahd Park, which includes a lake, playgrounds, walking paths, and a mosque. Visitors can also take in the Shubra Palace, the former summer residence of King Abdulaziz and the most famous historical building in the city. Shoppers in Taif can browse its traditional souq for handcrafts, gold, silver, spices, perfumes and other trinkets.

Makkah and Madinah

The holy city of Makkah is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. Millions of pilgrims from around the world visit Makkah each year to perform the Hajj, the pilgrimage that is the religious high point of a Muslim’s life. The Holy Mosque in Makkah houses Islam’s most sacred shrine, the Ka’abah, to which Muslims around the world turn in prayer five times a day.

Muslims are drawn to Madinah not as a religious duty as with Makkah, but out of love and respect for God’s last Prophet, who established the first Islamic community there. Madinah is also where the Prophet Muhammad spent the last years of his life, and where he and many of his companions are buried. The city is home to the Prophet’s Mosque.
Both Makkah and Madinah are open only to Muslim visitors.

Najran
In the ancient trading center of Najran, the capital of Najran Province, old and new buildings stand side by side, giving the oasis city a special charm.

Visitors to Najran can enjoy several museums, including the ruins of the Al-Ukhdood settlement, a former commercial center that thrived from 500 BC through the 10th century. The Al-An Palace, a former governor’s residence, is a remarkable example of local architecture with its circular towers with white ramparts. Najran’s souq is well known for its traditional crafts such as colorful baskets, leather products and old Bedouin silver jewelry.

Also of interest is the Al-Madik Dam in Najran Province, the second largest dam in Saudi Arabia. The dam has become a tourist attraction with parks at each end and wide variety of palms, flowering shrubs and citrus trees.

Hail
The historic oasis of Hail, with its expansive boulevards, parks, playgrounds and refreshing climate, regularly draws large numbers of Saudi families.

In ancient times, Hail was a stopping point along the famous Darb Zubaydah caravan route stretching from Mesopotamia, Persia and Central Asia to Makkah and Madinah. Built 12 centuries ago and named after the wife of the Abbasid Caliph Harun Al-Rashid (763-809), the caravan route included hundreds of wells and cisterns. Remnants of these can still be seen in Hail today.

Al-Jouf 
Located in the northern part of Saudi Arabia, Al-Jouf is famous for its ancient ruins, which show evidence of the presence of Assyrians and Nabateans in the region. The region was an important crossroads for traders heading into the Arabian Peninsula from Iraq and Syria.

Al-Jouf also has a special significance in Islamic history. Following its conquest by Muslims in the third year of the Hijra (the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madinah in 622 AD), Al-Jouf became a staging post for Muslim armies setting out to spread the message of Islam.

USA

The United States of America is a federal republic consisting of fifty states and a federal district, as well as several territories.  It is commonly called the United States (US, USA, U.S. or U.S.A.) and America. The country is situated mostly in central North America, where its forty-eight contiguous states and Washington, D.C., the capital district.  The state of Alaska is situated in the northwest portion of the continent, while the state of Hawaii is an archipelago in the Mid Pacific. The geography and climate of the United States is also extremely diverse and is home to a variety of species. The United States is a developed country and has the world's largest national economy. The United States has been a leader in scientific research and technological innovation since the late 19th century.

Tourism in the United States is a large industry that serves millions of international and domestic tourists yearly. Tourists visit the US to see natural wonders, cities, historic landmarks and entertainment venues. In the US, tourism is either the first, second or third largest employer in 29 states, employing 7.3 million. Today, there exists a wide range of tourist attractions in the United States such as amusement parks, festivals, gambling, golf courses, historical buildings and landmarks, hotels, museums, galleries, outdoor recreation, spas, restaurants and sports.

MAJOR DESTINATIONS

New York

New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States.   The state of New York is often referred to as New York State to distinguish it from New York City.

New York City  is the most populous city in the United States. It is known for its status as a center for finance and culture and for its status as the largest gateway for immigration to the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, it is also a destination of choice for many foreign visitors.  New York exports a wide variety of goods such as foodstuffs, commodities, minerals, computers and electronics, cut diamonds, and automobile parts. New York City is the leading center of banking, finance and communication in the United States and is the location of the New York Stock Exchange, the largest stock exchange in the world by dollar volume. Many of the world's largest corporations are based in the city. Tourism in New York City includes nearly 47 million foreign and American tourists each year. The city is also home to many of the finest haute cuisine restaurants in the United States.

Statue of Liberty - An icon for democracy, Lady Liberty held up her torch to welcome immigrants to America over a century ago  and dedicated on October 28, 1886. The statue, a gift to the United States from the people of France, is of a robed female figure representing Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom,   upon which is inscribed the date of the American Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776. The statue is an icon of freedom and of the United States.  In 1984, the Statue of Liberty was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

Central Park –  It is a public park at the center of Manhattan in New York City. The park initially opened in 1857, on 778 acres. Central Park is the most visited urban park in the United States and the park  receives approximately thirty-five million visitors annually.  The park offers several lakes, theaters, ice rinks, fountains, tennis courts, baseball fields, many playgrounds and other facilities. It is also home to the Central Park Zoo,  the Metropolitan Museum of Art and there are a number of enclosed playgrounds for children. Especially during the weekends, when cars are not allowed into the park, Central Park is a welcome oasis in this excited city.

Empire State Building - The Empire State Building is a 102-story skyscraper located in Midtown Manhattan. It stood as the world's tallest building for 40 years, from its completion in 1931 until construction of the World Trade Center's. The Empire State Building is generally thought of as an American cultural icon. 

San Francisco

San Francisco, officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the leading financial and cultural center of Northern California and the San Francisco Bay Area.  Today, San Francisco is one of the top tourist destinations in the world  and is renowned for its cool summers, fog, steep rolling hills, eclectic mix of architecture, and landmarks including the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, the former prison on Alcatraz Island, and its Chinatown district. It is also a primary banking and finance center. 

The Golden Gate area is in the northern section of San Francisco. It has some of the most beautiful scenery and intact natural environments in the city. It is roughly bounded by the San Francisco Bay to the north and west, Lake St and California St to the south, and Van Ness Ave to the east. The Golden Gate Bridge connects this district with Marin County across the Bay to the north.

Lombard Street is a street in San Francisco. It is famous for having a steep, one-block section that consists of eight tight hairpin turns. The name of the street is said to originate with Lombard banking (an early type of pawn shop) which itself has ties to the Northern Italy region of Lombardy .

Coit Tower, also known as the Lillian Coit Memorial Tower, is a 210-foot tower in the Telegraph Hill neighborhood of San Francisco,California. The tower, in the city's Pioneer Park, was built in 1933 using Lillie   Coit's donation to beautify the city of San Francisco; at her death in 1929 Coit left one-third of her estate to the city for civic beautification. The tower was proposed in 1931 as an appropriate use of Coit's gift. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 29, 2008.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas  is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and the county seat of Clark County. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city known primarily for gambling, shopping, and fine dining and is the leading financial and cultural center for Southern Nevada. The city known  itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous for its   casino–hotels and associated entertainment.  Today, Las Vegas is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. 

 THE STRIP - The 4km long central section of Las Vegas Boulevard which runs through the city from northeast to southwest, known as the Strip, is lined with huge entertainment palaces, with revue theaters, nightspots, and luxury hotels set in beautiful gardens. The Strip is particularly impressive at night, when the city is illuminated by an endless succession of glittering neon signs. Every evening there are two shows: the dinner show (floor shows and a generous meal) which in most establishments starts around 8 p.m., and the cocktail show (floor shows and a light supper with cocktails) at 11 p.m.

Most visitors enjoy walking along the Strip and taking in the sights. Generally speaking the Las Vegas Strip runs from Mandalay Bay Hotel to the Treasure Island Hotel.

MGM HOTEL - The  4km long central section of Las Vegas Boulevard which runs through the city from northeast to southwest, known as the Strip, is lined with huge entertainment palaces, with revue theaters, nightspots, and luxury hotels set in beautiful gardens. The Strip is particularly impressive at night, when the city is illuminated by an endless succession of glittering neon signs. Every evening there are two shows: the dinner show (floor shows and a generous meal) which in most establishments starts around 8 p.m., and the cocktail show (floor shows and a light supper with cocktails) at 11 p.m. When it opened in 1993, the MGM Grand was the largest hotel in the world.

The Venetian Hotel - The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas is located on "The Strip" across from Treasure Island. It is one of the finer establishments in town and has many interesting attractions to amaze the visitor. The complex consists of a themed shopping arcade built to resemble the city of Venice, complete with blue skies, canals and gondoliers. The canals and gondolas also run outside the hotel and can be seen from the sidewalk while passing by. The hotel also features many of the main attractions found in Venice such as the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs along with many others.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the largest city in the federal state of California, and since 1984 the second largest in the United States, when it ousted Chicago from that position. It is situated in the southern part of California and some suburbs are directly on the coast of the Pacific Ocean between the port of San Pedro and the San Gabriel mountain range on the landward side.

 Hollywood Walk of Fame - The famous Hollywood Walk of Fame runs along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. Here Hollywood's most recognized faces and names are represented by "stars" dedicated and laid in the sidewalk. The list of names to be found along here include prominent actors, musicians, directors, personalities, and other important people from the areas of motion picture, TV, radio, recording, live theatre/performance. Stars are still being added.

The Walk of Fame is one of those Hollywood icons that make the city so exciting. The tradition began in 1960 and was at the time the source of much controversy. Who would be included and more importantly, who would not be included, became the problem. There is a nomination process with new nominees being announced each June. Today there are about 2400 stars on the sidewalks with a small number added each year.

Bunker Hill – It is not far from the present Civic Center, was where the well-to-do Angelenos lived in their Victorian houses at the turn of the century. In 1901 an open cable-railway, modeled on that in San Francisco, was constructed to make it easier for the residents to climb the eastern part of its hill, and which during the brief period of its existence earned the name "Angel's Flight" (now the name of a restaurant in the Hyatt Regency Hotel).

The opulent homes were lost in the 1950s and 60s, replaced with high rise buildings of both residential and none residential nature which now comprise downtown Los Angeles.

The Farmer's Market -  attracts large number of visitors daily, both tourists and locals. There are often seasonal celebrations here so watch for special events. Some popular annual events held at the market are Mardi Gras Celebrations, the Summer Family Fun Series, and the Fall Festival. There are also many things happening around Christmas. The Los Angeles Farmer's Market is much more than just a traditional farmer's market. The market first started in 1934 as a very modest affair that sprung from the hardships created by the depression. Today there are all kinds of fruit, vegetable, and other food stands, along with restaurants, and specialty shops.

Washington DC

Roughly half way down the Atlantic coast of North America, at the junction of the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers, is Washington DC (District of Columbia), federal capital of the United States. Washington DC strikes visitors as an atypical American city, for there are no skyscrapers, which indeed are prohibited by law. The townscape of Washington is one of Classical-style buildings, some of them of giant size, laid out along the avenues of enormous width which have earned Washington the name of the "city of magnificent distances". Most of the 20 million people who visit Washington annually are Americans anxious to see the incarnation of American democracy in stone and the sites which are so familiar to them from schooldays and television. Foreign visitors may be surprised to discover how freely accessible - though strictly controlled - even such sensitive areas of government as the Capitol are. They will also find an abundance of museums, some of which are among the most important of their kind in the world.

The White House - It is the official residence of the President of the United States. It has been the home of every president except George Washington.It was originally built by James Hoban in 1792, and after being burned down by British forces in 1814 was rebuilt in 1818. On the guided tours (tickets issued free of charge from 8 a.m. at the kiosk on the Ellipse; long lines) visitors do not see a great deal of the interior - a few small room in period styles, the East, Blue, Green and Red Rooms, the Ballroom, the State Dining Room and the entrance hall: the rooms where government policy is made, such as the Oval Office, are not open to the public.

The National Gallery of Art – It contains a large and diverse collection of European and American paintings, sculpture and decorative arts. Temporary exhibitions from countries and cultures around the globe are presented regularly. It is considered by some to be one of the world's premier museums and it is one of the most popular in the U.S. The core of the collection comes from that of the former secretary of the treasury, Andrew Mellon. Some of the highlights in this section include the only Da Vinci painting (Ginevra de Benci) in any American museum, works by major French Impressionists such as Monet, Degas and Renoir and other masterpieces by Rembrant, El Greco and Vermeer.

UK

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain) is a sovereign state located off the northwestern coast of continental Europe. It is an island country, spanning an archipelago (is a chain or cluster of islands) including Great Britain, the northeastern part of the island of Ireland, and many small islands. Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK with a land border, sharing it with the Republic of Ireland. Apart from this land border, the UK is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, the English Channel and the Irish Sea. The largest island, Great Britain, is linked to France by the Channel Tunnel. The total area of the United Kingdom is approximately 243,610 square kilometres comprising of the island of Great Britain, the northeastern one-sixth of the island of Ireland (Northern Ireland) and smaller islands

The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy and unitary state consisting of four countries: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It is governed by a parliamentary system with its seat of government in London, the capital, but with three devolved national administrations of varying powers in Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh, the capitals of Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland respectively. The UK is a developed country, with the world's sixth largest economy by nominal GDP. It is a Member State of the European Union, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, and is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, G8, G20, NATO, OECD, and the World Trade Organization.

England has some of the top universities in the world; University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Imperial College London and University College London.

Tourism is very important to the British economy. With over 27 million tourists arriving in 2004, the United Kingdom is ranked as the sixth major tourist destination in the world.  London, by a considerable margin, is the most visited city in the world with 15.6 million visitors in 2006, ahead of 2nd placed Bangkok (10.4 million visitors) and 3rd placed Paris (9.7 million).

Important destination:-

LONDON

London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom. London is a leading global city being one of the world's largest financial centres. London's influence in politics, finance, education, entertainment, media, fashion, the arts and culture in general contributes to its global position. It is a major tourist destination for both domestic and overseas visitors. Thames, a navigable river which crosses the city from the south-west to the east. London is home to many museums, galleries, and other institutions which are major tourist attractions.

Place to visit

Buckingham Palace

 Buckingham Palace is the official London residence and principal workplace of the British monarch.  Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is a setting for state occasions and royal hospitality. It has been a focus for the British people at times of national rejoicing and crisis.

Originally known as Buckingham House, the building which forms the core of today's palace was a large townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1705 on a site which had been in private ownership for at least 150 years. It was subsequently acquired by George III in 1761  as a private residence for Queen Charlotte, and known as "The Queen's House". During the 19th century it was enlarged, principally by architects John Nash and Edward Blore, forming three wings around a central courtyard. Buckingham Palace finally became the official royal palace of the British monarch on the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837. The last major structural additions were made in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including the East front which contains the well-known balcony on which the royal family traditionally congregates to greet crowds outside. However, the palace chapel was destroyed by a German bomb in World War II; the Queen's Gallery was built on the site and opened to the public in 1962 to exhibit works of art from the Royal Collection.

  Many smaller reception rooms are furnished in the Chinese regency style with furniture and fittings brought from the Royal Pavilion at Brighton and from Carlton House. The Buckingham Palace Garden is the largest private garden in London.

The state rooms, used for official and state entertaining, are open to the public each year for most of August and September, as part of the Palace's Summer Opening.

Tower Bridge

 Tower Bridge (built 1886–1894) is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London, over the River Thames. It is close to the Tower of London, from which it takes its name.  It has become an iconic symbol of London.

The bridge consists of two towers tied together at the upper level by means of two horizontal walkways, designed to withstand the horizontal forces exerted by the suspended sections of the bridge on the landward sides of the towers. The vertical component of the forces in the suspended sections and the vertical reactions of the two walkways are carried by the two robust towers. The bascule pivots and operating machinery are housed in the base of each tower. The bridge's present colour scheme dates from 1977, when it was painted red, white and blue for the Queen Elizabeth II's silver jubilee. Originally it was painted a mid greenish-blue colour. 

 Royal Observatory, Greenwich

 Greenwich  is a district of south-east London, England, located in the Royal Borough of Greenwich .Greenwich is notable for its maritime history and for giving its name to the Greenwich Meridian (0° longitude) and Greenwich Mean Time. The town became the site of a royal palace, the Palace of Placentia from the 15th century, and was the birthplace of many in the House of Tudor, including Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. The palace fell into disrepair during the English Civil War and was rebuilt as the Royal Naval Hospital for Sailors by Sir Christopher Wren and his assistant Nicholas Hawksmoor. These buildings became the Royal Naval College in 1873, and they remained an establishment for military education until 1998 when they passed into the hands of the Greenwich Foundation.  

The London Eye

 The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel situated on the banks of the River Thames in London, England. The entire structure is 135 metres tall and the wheel has a diameter of 120 metres .

It is the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe, and the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom, visited by over 3.5 million people annually.  It is the 20th tallest structure in London and offers the highest public viewing point in the city, although this will be superseded by The Shard skyscraper viewing deck when it opens to the public in February 2013.

The London Eye, or Millennium Wheel, was officially called the British Airways London Eye and then the Merlin Entertainments London Eye. Since 20 January 2011, its official name is the EDF Energy London Eye  following a three-year sponsorship deal.

Piccadilly Circus is a road junction and public space of London's West End in the City of Westminster, built in 1819 to connect Regent Street with the major shopping street of Piccadilly. In this context, a circus, from the Latin word meaning "circle", is a round open space at a street junction.  

 Its status as a major traffic intersection has made Piccadilly Circus a busy meeting place and a tourist attraction in its own right. The Circus is particularly known for its video display and neon signs mounted on the corner building on the northern side, as well as the Shaftesbury memorial fountain and statue of the Greek god Anteros   . It is surrounded by several noted buildings, including the London Pavilion and Criterion Theatre. Directly underneath the plaza is Piccadilly Circus tube station, part of the London Underground system.

 SCOTLAND

Scotland is a well-developed tourist destination, with tourism generally being responsible for sustaining 200,000 jobs mainly in the service sector, with tourist spending averaging at £4bn per year. Tourists from the United Kingdom make up the bulk of visitors to Scotland. Scotland is generally seen as clean, unspoilt destination with beautiful scenery which has a long and complex history, combined with thousands of historic sites and attractions. These include prehistoric stone circles, standing stones and burial chambers, and various Bronze Age, Iron Age and Stone Age remains. There are also many historic castles, houses, and battlegrounds, ruins and museums. Many people are drawn by the culture of Scotland.

Place to visit

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is a formidable fort that was built by David I on an extinct volcano is Scotland’s capital. Originally built in 1130 the Castle represents over 800 years of Scottish history and is a World Heritage site. St Margaret’s chapel was also built in 1130 and survives as the oldest building in Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle was home to the Kings and Queens of Scotland when staying in the city. It was not as comfortable as Holyrood Abbey but offered far greater protection. 

Edinburgh zoo

Edinburgh zoo is one of the city's top tourist attractions and is one of Europe's leading conservation centres. In fact it is the only zoo in Britain that houses polar bears and koalas, it is also the first zoo in the world to house and breed penguins. The zoo is only three miles from the city centre and is situated on 82 acres of sloping parkland giving fantastic views across Edinburgh. Visitors can see 171 species and over 1000 rare and exotic animals from around the world and learn about their habitats.

Newark Castle

Newark Castle sits proudly next to the river Trent in the centre of Newark in Nottinghamshire. Its foundations date back to Saxon times but it was developed as a castle by the Bishop of Lincoln in 1123. Known as the Gateway to the North, the castle endured numerous sieges during the Baronial and English Civil war before it was partially destroyed in 1646.

WALES

Wales is noted for its own distinctive culture, which includes language and music. The landscape is a beautiful sight for travelers with cliffs and beaches, fields and forests, and the coast along Gower Peninsula. The residents of Wales enjoy sharing their festivals and fairs with visitors as well as theatres and galleries of local talent.

Place to visit

The National Museum of Wales

The National Museum of Wales was founded in 1907 to "tell the world about Wales, and the Welsh about their own country". It contains important early Christian material, archaeological collections, exhibits illustrating the development of industry, and pre-industrial crafts and implements. The National Museum of Wales' Art Gallery provides an excellent survey of the work of Welsh and English painters such as Madox Brown, Wilson, Lawrence, Constable and Gainsborough. Major works by  artists of other nationalities include landscapes by Nicolas Poussin and Claude Lorrain.

Cardiff castle

Cardiff castle is one of Wales' most popular tourist attractions with 2000 years of history behind it. The castle sits in the heart of the city and has served as a Roman garrison, a Norman stronghold and was extravagantly refurbished by architect William Burges in the Victorian era. 

The Castle was home to many noble families until it ended up in the hands of the Bute family. The 2nd Marquess of Bute was responsible for turning Cardiff into the world’s greatest exporter of coal and the 3rd Marquess was famous for being the richest man in the world! 

A new interpretation centre offers an exhibition and film explaining the castles history. multi media. There are tours of the opulent castle apartments and fantastic views from the open air roof terrace.  

Oakwood  

Oakwood is a theme park in Pembrokeshire, Wales which has over 30 rides and attractions for people of all ages. Thrill seekers will head for the 5 large adrenalin rides which are Megafobia, Vertigo, The Bounce, Hydro and Speed. Megafobia has been voted one of the best wooden roller coasters in Europe and the roller coaster 'Speed' has the steepest drop of any coaster in the UK and is the tallest of its type in the world. 

ENGLAND

England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland. England's long history and pervasive culture spread worldwide through the English language and colonialism make England a popular tourist destination. Manchester Liverpool and Cambridge are the famous cities of England.

Place to visit

The National Railway museum

The National Railway museum has the world's largest collection of train exhibits dating back over 300 years. You can't fail to be impressed by the legendary engines on display here. There are 750,000 objects in this museum but the highlights are a replica of the Rocket, the first steam locomotive built in 1829, the Mallard, the world’s fastest steam engine, Japanese Bullet trains and the carriage used by Queen Victoria between 1869 and 1901. 

There is a daily turntable demonstration to show how several tons of railway locomotive could be turned on a sixpence. 

The Eden project

The Eden project in Cornwall is a large scale environmental complex comprising two domes that contain two different biomes, tropical and Mediterranean. 

The domes are strikingly constructed from hundreds of hexagons and a few pentagons made from tough plastic. The humid tropics biome is the largest greenhouse in the world and covers 3.9 acres. Inside the domes, you will see millions of plants including a rainforest, banana trees and bamboo with sculptures and art displayed througout. 

The Eden project offers an interactive approach to educating about plants. Visitors can experience workshops, impromptu storytelling, children's play areas and the new Mechanical Theatre which uses puppets and robots to demonstrate plant stories.

Stonehenge

Stonehenge is a circle of ancient stones erected between 3000BC and 1,600BC. It is one of the most important prehistoric monument sites in Britain. 

It was constructed in three phases and it has been estimated that this took more than 30 million hours of labour. The Bluestones and Sarsen stones were carried hundreds of miles to the Wiltshire site. Mystery surrounds the stone circle as to why it was built. Some think it was designed as a place to worship the sun, others believe it may have been a place of sacrifice.

SWITZERLAND

Switzerland

Switzerland , officially the Swiss Confederation is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe where it is bordered by Germany to the north, France to the west, Italy to the south, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. Switzerland is a landlocked country whose territory is geographically divided between the Alps, the Central Plateau and the Jura that yields a total area of 41,285 km². The Swiss population of approximately 7.8 million people concentrates mostly on the Plateau, where the largest cities are to be found. Among them are the two global cities and economic centres of Zürich and Geneva. Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world by per capita gross domestic product, with a nominal per capita GDP of $67,384. Zürich and Geneva have respectively been ranked as having the second and third highest quality of life in the world.

The Swiss Confederation has a long history of neutrality—it has not been in a state of war internationally since 1815—and was one of the last countries to join the United Nations. Switzerland is home to many international organisations, including the World Economic Forum, the International Olympic Committee, the Red Cross, the World Trade Organization and the second largest UN office. The Swiss Confederation has a long history of neutrality—it has not been in a state of war internationally since 1815—and was one of the last countries to join the United Nations. Switzerland is home to many international organisations, including the World Economic Forum, the International Olympic Committee, the Red Cross, the World Trade Organization and the second largest UN office.

Tourism in Switzerland

Switzerland is famous for its natural beauty and cultural and trade events. The Alps are the legendary symbol of Switzerland, home to the beloved Heidi of the Johanna Spyri book. The snow-covered peaks of the Alps are the darling of skiers and snow boarders, who throng the winter resorts for adventure sports in Switzerland. The festivals of this culturally rich country include the traditional festivals like Christmas and Easter. Switzerland is also known internationally for the Locarno Film Festival and many other arts and music festivals .

Visiting Switzerland will be an event of a lifetime, since you get to have myriad experiences within a single destination. Traveling the length and breadth of the country many scenic destinations of Switzerland. One of the best ways to take in this natural splendor is to go on a scenic rail journey in Switzerland, or indulge in a lake cruise in Switzerland.

All the cities in Switzerland have a distinct character of their own. While Zurich is a busy trading and business hub, Locarno is known for its avant-garde film and art festivals. Interlaken is a quiet winter resort that comes alive in the winter season.

Switzerland has a highly developed tourism infrastructure, especially in the mountainous regions and cities, making it a good market for tourism-related equipment and services. Tourism provides a total of 144,838 full time equivalent jobs in the entire country. As of 2011, tourism accounted for an estimated 2.9% of Switzerland's gross domestic product.

Geneva

Geneva is the one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Geneva was ranked as the world's ninth most important financial centre for competitiveness by the Global Financial Centres Index. The city has over 40 museums, and many pubs, cafes, and nightclubs. The Art and History Museum and the Natural History Museum are a must visit for all those who wish to know about the history and culture of Geneva. The Red Cross Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the various humanitarian crises that have overshadowed the world from time to time and the stellar role played by the organization in alleviating the suffering of people.

Geneva is also famous for its breathtaking beauty. Situated on the shores of the Lake Geneva, Geneva is a tourist paradise for thousands of people from around the world. The Flower Clock is a timekeeper made of real flowers, located inside a lush landscaped garden. Another Geneva tourist attraction is the Jet d'Eau, the 140-meter high fountain in Lake Geneva that is visible from most parts of the city.

Other quirky customs add to the quaint flavor of Geneva, Switzerland. One of them is the official proclamation issued to announce the arrival of spring when a particular chestnut tree gets blooms on it. This custom has been followed since 1818. Despite all that several agencies are headquartered at Geneva, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR), the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Bern

The capital of Switzerland, Bern, is a charming blend of the modern and traditional. The latest models in cars whiz past the UNESCO recognized Heritage Site of the city, as the tall church spires and 18^th century mansions jostle for space with spanking new exhibition centers, Grand Prix racetracks and pubs.

Bern is also an eclectic city when it comes to cuisine. Tourists can eat out at any of the myriad restaurants, cafes and eating outlets dotting the city. From Oriental cuisine to Mediterranean delicacies, from Greek food to Spanish cuisine from the land of the Matadors, Bern offers visitors a dazzling array of dining options.

And when it comes to Museums and Theaters, Bern relegates competitors to the background. The Bern Art Gallery, inaugurated in 1918, is a symbol of Bernese cultural accomplishments. The Collection of Classical Antiquities displays fascinating artifacts from the Greek, Roman and Egyptian Empires of the ancient world.

One of the most distinguished citizens of Bern has been Albert Einstein. Visit the Einstein House and the Historical Museum of Bern to know more about the man known as the "Greatest Mind of the 20^th century".

The Cathedral Clock, dating back to 1191 AD, is one of the most famous Bern landmarks. The Zoological Gardens are popular with children, while the Kornhaus delights lovers of Baroque architecture. The Bear Pit and the Gurten are also popular Bern tourist attractions. Zurich

Zurich, not to be confused with its German namesake, is one of the more staid cities of Switzerland. This cultured, laid back city is home to the famous University of Zurich, and has many other tourist attractions besides. From the Zurich Botanical Gardens to the Lake Zurich, the sightseeing destinations of Zurich attract many international tourists.

The Zurich Great Minster, dating back to the 12^th century, has none of the light whimsicality associated with the monuments of Switzerland. The dark, brooding aspect of the monument is probably a testimony of its times, since the period was one of the more turbulent ones in the history of Switzerland.

The Swiss National Museum is another Zurich tourist attraction. Here, you will get to know more about the history and culture of Zurich. The museum is situated just behind the Main Station, making it easily accessible by Metro Train.

The Lake Zurich, placid and serene, is a paradise for those who love boat cruises. The cruise from Burkliplatz to Bahnhofstrasse, able to take in some lovely scenery and understand why Switzerland is so popular as a tourist destination.

Tourists come for shopping in Switzerland, then start with the Bahnh of strasse, the busy shopping district in Zurich, Switzerland. From branded electronics to designer clothes, the Bahnh of strasse has all, and more.

Lugano

Lugano is located on the Italian border with Switzerland. So it is no surprise that the region has traces of Italian influence in its culture. The city of parks, a lake and beautiful hills is a tourist paradise. Switzerland Hub takes on a tour of Lugano, as you enjoy the many wonderful sights and sounds of the cities of Switzerland.

The Lugano Festival, in the month of June one of the best music festivals in Switzerland. Here, tourists get to enjoy performances of Western classical music.

The lush parks of Lugano are a sight for sore eyes. The Belvedere garden on the shore of the Lake Geneva has wonderful walkways that allow to stroll through the park, admiring the beauty of the flowers and plants. The Ciani Park offers a splendid view of the Lake Ceresio, and has some grand old trees, gnarled and knotted with age.

Boating on the Lake Lugano is an experience of a lifetime. The quays, the little cruising boats, and the chatter of the tourists in a dozen different languages, all go towards making Lugano tour an affair to remember.

Other Lugano tourist attractions include the many mountains around Lugano that offer the city a picture perfect backdrop. The Monte Saint Salvatore, Mount Bre, Mount Lema and Mt. Tamaro have cable lifts to take tourists to the summit.

St. Moritz

St. Moritz offers visitors what they have come to expect in a typical Swiss city- ski slopes, chalets, the Alps and the Lake. St. Moritz is basically known for its ski resorts, but there are a few sightseeing destinations apart from the ski slopes that are worth visiting.

The Segantini Museum and Engadin Museum offer a chance to spend a relaxed afternoon strolling from display to display. To dine in St. Moritz, have many cozy restaurants near the Lake. The traditional "Raclette" is something must taste to get acquainted with the local flavors. Other St. Moritz gourmet specialties include fish prepared in many different ways. The Kurhaus and the Grishchuna Restaurant are specially recommended.

St. Moritz also has many pubs and discotheques for the ardent clubber. They are frequented by ski enthusiasts from all over the world, who come here for drinks and entertainment after a day spent skiing on the Alpine slopes of St. Moritz.

Skiing is the biggest draw for tourists to St. Moritz. Adventure sports in Switzerland and winter sports in Switzerland are both enriched by the skiing, trekking and sledging facilities in St. Moritz.

Zermatt

Zermatt is an Alpine resort town of Switzerland. The Mount Matterhorn towers over this sleepy resort town that becomes active only during the winters, when winter sports lovers descend on it in droves. This unique city is probably the only city in the world without cars- horse drawn vehicles are the only ones allowed!

The town has an Alpine Museum where people can get to learn about the history and geography of Zermatt. The natural history section of the museum has a collection of butterflies from the area.

Zermatt is chiefly known for its ski resorts. For a complete winter experience, you can opt for the skiing, snowboarding, water hiking, ice climbing and other adventure sports packages.

A mountain lover, then Zermatt is bound to Mecca. Zermatt is ringed by mountains, including the Dent Blanche, Dom, Gabelhorn, Weisshorn and Monte Rosa. The tragic history of Zermatt is well documented, and more in the Alpine Museum.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a charming little resort village tucked away in the Alps. This Swiss city is a paradise for mountaineers, skiers, and adventure sports lovers. Those who do not wish to be quite so exploratory on their vacation need not despair, Interlaken's splendid natural beauty, the icy majesty of the Alps, the little red trains chugging through green hillsides- all make Interlaken a nature lover's paradise. Tourists can spend hours amidst the majestic Eiger and Monch, lost in contemplation; or a poet, penning down some tribute to the beauty of Interlaken!

The Jungfrau is by far the most popular tourist attraction in Interlaken, Switzerland. Once you have reached the summit by cable car, enter a winter wonderland that reminds of Santa Claus' workshop! The Ice Palace and the Sphinx Observation Hall are also intriguingly beautiful.

The Alpine Garden in Shynige Platte is great a visit for botany enthusiasts. The Shynige Platt also features a permanent Teddy Bear Exhibition that is sure to be a hit with children.

The Harder Kulm is just a few minutes away from Interlaken. From here, visitors can see the Bernese Oberland and a panorama of the Jungfrau and its surroundings. The Harder Kulm also features a funicular railway and a wildlife sanctuary. Sports enthusiasts can indulge in badminton, volleyball, climbing, diving, canyoning, fishing, bungee jumping and boating.

Winters in Interlaken are an exciting time, for indulge in skiing, hiking, sledging, snow boarding and more. There are 45 cable cars and 213 ski slopes in Jungfrau, making this city a winter sports lover's heaven.

Adventure sports in Switzerland

Switzerland is not just popular with poets, lovers and dreamers, but is also a Mecca for adventure sports enthusiasts! To those who love the thrills of skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountaineering, skydiving, rappelling, and kayaking, the lakes, rivers and mountains of Switzerland offers many options to indulge in the same.

Trekkers will be delighted with the hiking trails that wind through the mountains, leading to lush meadows and shimmering lakes. The Chamoix region's Grand Balcon is a very popular trekking route, since it offers tourists a view of the Mt. Blanc. After a tiring, but rewarding trek you can choose to relax in the small but comfortable chalets dotting the region.

Another adventure sport in Switzerland is skydiving. The thrill of the air whooshing past, as the ground seems to get closer and bigger, is something that most skydive enthusiasts cannot resist. There are many skydiving schools in Switzerland, offering skydiving lessons to the layperson. The Thun Airport is one of the best skydiving sites in Switzerland.

Verbier is a paradise for mountain bikers. The Verbier- Grimetz route is especially challenging to mountain biker. While most people do not attempt to cover the entire route due to the difficulty of the terrain, bike enthusiasts still go at least part of the way to experience the adrenaline rush and feel the Alpine breeze rush past.

Shopping in Switzerland

Shopping in Switzerland is a pleasurable experience not just for those looking for designer clothes, but also the hoi polloi who are looking to buy some souvenirs to take back home with them.

The Swiss knife is the eternal favorite when it comes to souvenirs. This multi utility knife, designed more than a century back, is very popular with boys. Also popular are Swiss watches, and of course, the delicious, delectable Swiss chocolates! For those who read "Heidi", the delectable Swiss cheeses must be familiar. Swiss cheese is made in many different ways, and come in a breathtaking variety. Swiss watches are also world famous due to their delicate workmanship and the wonderful array of designs to choose from.

Start your shopping in Switzerland tour with the Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich. This is considered the world's longest covered shopping mall, and can get anything from antique furniture to sleek watches, designer accessories and chocolates. In Geneva, the Rue Basses is a trendy shopping arcade, featuring designer boutiques and showrooms. Rue de la Croix de Or is also another great Switzerland shopping destination.

Shopping in Switzerland becomes an eclectic experience when it comes to shopping in Bern. This old city entices shoppers with its quaint shopping districts, where trendy showrooms and humble delicatessens jostle for space. The covered shopping district protects visitors from chill and cold, making this Switzerland shopping experience a very pleasant little diversion.

NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is an island country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses ‒ that of the North and South Islands ‒ as well as numerous smaller islands. New Zealand is situated east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans.

The majority of New Zealand's population is of European descent; the indigenous Māori are the largest minority, followed by Asians and non-Māori Polynesians. Māori and New Zealand Sign Language are the official languages, with English predominant. Much of New Zealand's culture is derived from Māori and early British settlers.  

Geography

New Zealand is made up of two main islands and a number of smaller islands, located near the centre of the water hemisphere. The main North and South Islands are separated by the Cook Strait, 22 kilometres.  The South Island is the largest land mass of New Zealand, and is divided along its length by the Southern Alps.  The country owes its varied topography.

Tourism in New Zealand

Tourism is an important industry in New Zealand, contributing NZ$15 billion (or 9%) of the country's gross domestic product in 2010. It is also New Zealand's largest export industry, with about 2.4 million international tourists visiting per year (as of September 2009), providing 18% of the country's export earnings in 2010. New Zealand is marketed abroad as a "clean, green" adventure playground, with typical destinations being nature areas such as Milford Sound, Abel Tasman National Park or the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, while activities such as bungee jumping or whale watching exemplify typical tourist attractions, often marketed primarily to individual- and small-group travellers.

The vast majority of tourist arrivals to New Zealand come through Auckland Airport which handled over eleven million passengers in 2004. Many international tourists also spend time in Christchurch, Queenstown, Rotorua, and Wellington. Other high-profile destinations include the Bay of Islands, Waitomo Caves, Aoraki / Mount Cook, and Milford Sound. Many tourists travel large distances through the country during their stays, typically using coach lines or hire cars.

Domestic tourism is also important, with domestic tourism expenditure of $13 billion outweighing international tourist expenditure of $9 billion in 2010. Overall, tourism supports some 180,000 full-time equivalent jobs (10% of the New Zealand workforce), with half directly related to tourism. 

Auckland

Auckland, known as the 'City of Sails' for its many boating enthusiasts and weekend waters filled with yachts, has many great attractions the main one being the Hauraki Gulf where there are numerous islands and good deep-sea fishing waters. A number of the islands in Hauraki Gulf are used in efforts to re-establish rare or endangered species of birds and insects. There is an extensive range of shops and complexes, cafes and restaurants but you are never far away from the many beaches in Auckland. View our Auckland regional listings. 

 Queen Street  - The city's busy main artery and show street is Queen Street, along which numerous high-rise office blocks occupied by banks, insurance companies and commercial firms have mushroomed. Between the Ferry Building and K' Road are department stores, shops and restaurants. There is a variety architecture in this area, with imposing colonial-period buildings rubbing shoulders with art-nouveau, art-deco and modern buildings. 

 Sky Tower  - West of Queen Street is the 328m Sky Tower, which is the new symbol of the city. From the viewing platform and revolving restaurant there is a magnificent panorama. Around the tower are grouped the buildings of Sky City, a postmodern complex with a luxury hotel and several restaurants. 

Great Barrier Island  - Great Barrier Island is situated 90 kilometres northeast of Auckland and is easily accessible by air or sea. The island's untouched beauty and isolation make it an attractive destination for adventurous travelers. Its scenery is rugged, with rough seas pounding the eastern coast and creating excellent surf beaches at Awana and Medlands. In contrast, the waters of the western coastline are calm and well suited to the anchorage of yachts. The island's name comes from its role as a barrier, protecting the Hauraki Gulf from the stormy seas of the Pacific Ocean.

People come to this island for its natural and rugged appeal, whether catching a wave on the island's surf beaches; tramping through bush to Kauri dams and natural hot springs; getting close to wildlife, including rare lizards and birds; or fishing, kayaking and diving in the surrounding waters. While experiencing the untouched side of New Zealand's outdoors, visitors can stay in backpacker, holiday home or luxury lodge accommodation on the island.

Devonport  - Devonport is a picturesque seaside suburb on Auckland's North Shore, with a population of about 10,000. A ferry service runs regularly across the Waitemata Harbour between Devonport and Auckland City. The area was first settled in 1840, making it one of the earliest established settlements on the North Shore. A deep water anchorage made Devonport an ideal base for naval vessels; today, it remains the base for the Royal New Zealand Navy. Tourists, locals and visitors from Auckland City enjoy the suburb's boutique gift and antique shops, as well as its cafe and restaurant dining. The suburb celebrates its cuisine and wine at the annual Devonport Food & Wine Festival.

Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand's capital city, lies at the southwestern tip of the North Island in a supremely beautiful situation, surrounded by water and steep hills, with its picturesque natural harbor, Port Nicholson. Another characteristic of the city is the strong and sometimes stormy westerly wind that blows in almost constantly from the Cook Strait, giving Wellington its name of the 'windy city'. One disadvantage of the magnificent situation, however, is a shortage of level ground, so that the city has been compelled to spread into widely scattered areas of land between the hills and inlets of the sea, which are linked by a network of winding roads, sometimes running high above sea level. 

Some land was gained by earth movements during a severe earthquake in 1855, when the harbor area rose about 1.5 m, and more recently land reclamation schemes have created more room in the city center and for the airport; but it has still been necessary to resort to high-rise building in the central area to meet the city's needs. Wellington has the most modern skyline in New Zealand but at the cost of losing much of its Victorian architectural heritage. Many old shops and offices were demolished on the grounds that they were not earthquake-proof, to be replaced by steel-frame tower blocks that have turned many streets in the city center into channels for the wind. The residential areas have now moved far out into suburbs and satellite towns - northeast to Hutt Valley (Petone, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt), north to the Kapiti Coast (Porirua, Paekakariki, Paraparaumu). Access to the city center is provided by urban expressways and suburban rail lines, tunneling through the hills and destroying more of the city's older buildings.

Wellington is the seat of New Zealand's Parliament and government, and thanks to its situation on the north side of the Cook Strait is an important traffic hub for communications with the South Island. As a metropolis, however, Wellington has now been overtaken by Auckland - a reversal of past history, when Wellington fought for years to supersede Auckland as capital. 

Mount Victoria - 

Mount Victoria (196m), immediately east of the city center, is the best-known and also the windiest of Wellington's viewpoints. A narrow winding road, signposted 'Lookout', runs up from Oriental Bay to the Byrd Memorial below the viewing platform. From the terrace on the summit there is a magnificent panorama of the broad city, the harbor, Cook Strait, Hutt Valley and Kelburn Park with the university buildings. The Byrd Memorial commemorates the American aviator Richard Byrd, who in 1929 made the first flight over the South Pole from his base in New Zealand. 

Kapiti Island - This long narrow island (17.6 sq.km) lies off the west coast at Waikanae, 70km north of Wellington. It is now a nature reserve but can be visited only with the permission of the Department of Conservation. There is no overnight accommodation on the island. The east side, facing the mainland, has gentle wooded slopes, but the west coast has cliffs or falls sharply to the Tasman Sea.

Waterfront.

The waterfront of Wellington is very attractive. Queen's Wharf and Frank Kitts Park are surrounded by fine buildings, including the Civic Centre, the modern City of Sea Bridge and the recent National Museum (1998). From Frank Kitts Park there is a good view of the nearby harbor. Features include a mast from the ferry Wahine that went down with 51 passengers in a storm in the harbor in 1968, and a bronze representation of the two ships in which Abel Tasman discovered New Zealand in 1642. 

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

The city's latest attraction is the new Te Papa (Maori expression for 'our country') National Museum opened on the south side of the harbor in 1998 and showing multimedia and interactive displays of the country's history. Mountains to Sea explains how New Zealand was created; Awesome Forces features a multimedia presentation on earthquakes; On the Sheep's Back highlights the economic significance of sheep farming; The Time Warp gives a thrilling high-tech trip through time and space. The heart of the museum is formed by Te Marae, a modern Maori shrine, the Maori meeting place Te Wharenui and a giant canoe used as a Maori warship. The new museum complex also includes collections from the National Art Gallery and 19th C and 20th C works by artists from New Zealand, Australia and Europe. It also has some works by Rembrandt. 

Queenstown

Queenstown is an old gold-miners' settlement on the east side of Lake Wakatipu, unchallenged as the leading tourist center on the South Island. It is well supplied with hotels and other accommodations and offers a varied program of entertainment and leisure activities throughout the year. For the more energetic tourist there is a choice of activities, including bungee jumping, jet-boat trips, white-water rafting, paragliding and rock climbing. 

Lake Wakatipu  

This Z-shape lake, hemmed in by high hills, has an area of 293 sq.km. It is some 80km long, barely 5km across at its widest point, and up to 378m deep.According to a Maori legend the lake came into being when a sleeping giant was burned to death. His heart still beats, however, at the bottom of the lake, causing variations in the level of the lake, which can rise or fall by several centimeters within 5 minutes.The first Europeans reached Lake Wakatipu in 1853, and some years later the whole lake was surveyed. The Otago gold rush of the 1860s brought thousands of prospectors into the area. In those days there were 30 or 40 passenger ships, including four steamers, plying on the lake. One old steamer, the Earnshaw (1912), is now one of the lake's tourist attractions

  Town Center 

The town center is charmingly situated beside a promontory that reaches far out into Lake Wakatipu, now beautifully laid out as Queenstown Gardens. The best starting point for a tour of the sights is the Old Stone Library (1877), which is built on to the courthouse. From here the route runs under magnificent old trees into Camp Street. St Peter's Church (1932; Anglican) looks much older than it really is. Church Street leads down to the shores of the lake. Passing the Lake Lodge of St Ophir (1873), you come to the place where William Rees established his sheep farm, the Camp, in the early 19th C.

Coronet Peak 

Queenstown is the most popular winter-sports center in New Zealand, the season lasting from June to September or October. Coronet Peak (1650m), 15km north of the town, has excellent skiing facilities. 

Christchurch 

Christchurch, the largest town on the South Island and its economic and cultural center, lies on the east coast, not far from the Banks Peninsula, in whose natural harbor of Lyttleton the first settlers landed in the 19th C. The city extends over an almost treeless plain that is bounded on the southeast by the hills, rising to some 400 m, between the city and Lyttleton Harbour.  In summer an unpleasant hot, dry wind from the northwest often blows for days at a time. With its spacious parks, its numerous sports grounds and well-tended gardens - amounting altogether to more than 30 sq.km of green space - Christchurch has become known as the Garden City. The city's architecture and atmosphere lead many visitors to declare that it is the most British of New Zealand's towns. Its situation in an extensive plain has allowed its planners to lay it out on a rectangular grid with broad main streets. Only the winding course of the Avon River and the diagonal line of the High Street and Victoria Street disturb the regularity of its plan.

Cathedral Square 

The large open square in front of the Christchurch Cathedral is the hub of the city's life and for long the pride of its citizens. There was great indignation when George Bernard Shaw, visiting Christchurch in 1935, admired Petre's neoclassical Roman Catholic cathedral and dismissed the Anglican cathedral as 'too academic'. 

Christchurch Cathedral 

The Christchurch Cathedral was severly damaged on February 22, 2011 by an earthquake. The top of the famous spire crumbled to the ground. The city's principal sight is the cathedral, a prominent landmark with its 65m spire. It was designed by the famous London architect Sir George Gilbert Scott. The foundation stone was laid in 1864, but only a year later the work was halted because of shortage of money and only resumed in 1873. The direction of the work was entrusted to Benjamin Mountfort, who modified Scott's plan by adding turrets, pinnacles and small balconies. The building was completed in 1904, 6 years after Mountfort's death and 40 years after the start of work - though the first services were held in the nave in 1881. In the interior of this monumental church are a series of pictures illustrating the history of the Anglican church and its bishops in New Zealand. There is also fine stained glass. 

 Hagley Park 

Beyond the Arts Centre and the Museum is Hagley Park (180ha). It is planted with trees brought from Europe. Within the park are various sports grounds, including the Harley Cricket Oval, a golf course and a riding track. 

Air Force Museum 

To the southwest of Christchurch, on the old Wigram airfield (9km west of the city center), is the Museum of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, with a number of old military aircraft, aeronautical apparatus and flying equipment. There are also showings of war films.

Nelson

The port town of Nelson lies on the southeast side of Tasman Bay, in an area famed for its mild climate. In its fertile hinterland various fruits (particularly apples and pears) for export are grown, as well as grapes, hops and tobacco.  In the surrounding hills there is lucrative forestry, the timber from which is processed in the Nelson area and shipped from the port. The population of the area is increasing markedly, growing within a decade by over 5 per cent. The town's harbor, Nelson Haven, is sheltered by a long breakwater. The town itself has many old wooden houses, both mansions and cottages. Modern amenities include seafront promenades and many parks and gardens. In recent years Nelson's beautiful situation has attracted many artists and craftsmen. South of the town on the road to Richmond is the Craft Habitat, an arts and crafts center. 

Cable Bay 

The lovely landscape is ample reward for the difficult drive from Nelson northwards to Cable Bay, with its fine beach, and on via Rai Valley to the idyllic Croisilles Harbour. The more adventurous may drive on to Admiralty Bay and the strongpoint at French Pass. 

Founders Park

2km north of Nelson town center is Founders Park, an open-air museum in which various buildings of the Victorian period (some of them reconstructions) are displayed. Of particular note are a windmill and an exhibition on the history of Nelson Haven.

Mount Richmond Forest Park 

The densely wooded and beautiful Mount Richmond Forest Park extends to the south and east of Nelson, over the hills of the Richmond Range and down into the valley of the Wairau River. A popular trail is the Wakamarina-Onamalutu Track, which follows in the footsteps of the gold prospectors. The walk, which begins 20km south of Canvastown, takes 2 days. 

Suter Art Gallery 

The Suter Art Gallery, was founded by Bishop Suter in 1889. It has an excellent collection of paintings, with works by Woollaston, Gully, Lindauer, Van der Velden, Hodgkins and Richmond.

Abel Tasman National Park  

The Abel Tasman National Park is an accessible and extremely popular area for tramping, recognised as one of the most beautiful in New Zealand. It is the smallest National Park in New Zealand, with an area of 22,500 hectares. The inland area is rough and mountainous; the park is better known for its coastal areas which feature crescent bays, clear waters, golden beaches and granite headlands.

Maori have inhabited the Abel Tasman region for over 500 years, living along the coastline and gathering food from the sea and the forest. Abel Tasman, the first European to discover New Zealand, arrived in 1642, but settlement did not begin until 1855. At this time, newly arrived residents began logging and quarrying. In 1942, 300 years after Abel Tasman's visit, 15,000 hectares of land was assigned as a National Park and named in honour of the Dutch explorer.

Today, the most notable walking track in the area is the coastal walkway, a 51 kilometre walk taking between three and five days to complete. The walkway passes through native bush and offers stunning views of sandy beaches and sparkling ocean waters. Along the way, there are many bays to explore, either on foot or by kayak. Many people combine walking with kayaking, or complete the entire length of the track by kayak, as the waters in the region are relatively safe and sheltered. Due to the popularity of this track, the walkways are crowded in the summer months.

The coastal cliffs and rocky outcrops have been formed from granite, which extends inland into the Park. Further west, however, the landforms are made from marble, limestone and other rocks, similar to those in the Kahurangi National Park. The marble in this area has been eroded by water to create landforms such as caves, sink-holes and disappearing streams, including some of the deepest caves in New Zealand. Harwood's Hole has a vertical drop of 176 metres, making it the country's deepest cave shaft. Waikoropupu Springs, New Zealand's largest freshwater springs, discharge an average of 14,000 litres of water each second.

As a protected area, the National Park is a safe haven for a wide variety of birds, inhabiting sea, coast and forest habitats. In the area, there are populations of Kaka, Parakeet, Falcon and Kea. Little Blue Penguins, once common in the bays, have been destroyed by introduced stoats and are now confined to offshore islands.