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London is one of the most inhabited, multi-cultural cities in the world with loads to offer. Next time you visit London, keep in mind there’s a plethora of things you can do if you want to have the time of your life. Here are a few recommendations of top memorable things you can do when in the English capital.

Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of the most visited tourist attractions in London, and for good reason. Well guarded by the Yeomen Warders who are usually more than happy to give you a history update, the Tower was built by William the conqueror in 1066 after Norman conquest, and has since been altered or added upon by every other ruler or King after.

See the city from a different perspective

London is a big city and you can never really get how majestic it is just by wandering around. However, you can get a unique view of the city by getting a peak from the tallest landmarks, the best being the London Eye, or if you’re lucky and can spare the entry fee from the Houses of Parliament or the Big Ben, also depending on the time you visit.

Westminster Abbey

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Make sure to dedicate some of your holiday time to visit Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of London’s gothic churches. This site is located behind Parliament. Many famous personalities have been associated with the church, the most recent important event being the marriage of Kate and prince William. A rather marvelous architectural feat!

Windsor Castle

This is Queen Elizabeth II’s official residence, Windsor Castle, one of the world’s oldest castles of this magnitude, should definitely be on your list of things to do. You will get a rare opportunity to see the magnificent State Apartments, so check it out.

Tower Bridge

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This bridge was once a symbol of industrial and urban revolution. You can visit this place to explore the history of the bridge and access various exhibitions. In 2014, the city council opened a new Glass Walkway on this bridge to allow visitors to get a complete view of pedestrians and the river.

Kensington Palace

Take a red bus and go to Kensington Palace, the official residence of Queen Victoria and late Princess Diana’s official home. Here, you can get a chance to see various engaging exhibitions and learn a bit more about the history of the monarchy.

Guest post sponsored by the Corinthia Hotels.

The climate and mountain landscapes of Armenia are perfect for active winter holiday lovers. The country offers several well-equipped resort towns with all the necessary conditions for those who wish to ski, snowboard and just have a good time. These cities will please tourists with well-developed infrastructure, and most importantly – beautiful landscapes, which are unlikely to leave anyone indifferent. So it is no coincidence that holiday in Armenia is gradually becoming very popular and attractive among skiers and snowboarders from around the world.

Tsaghkadzor

One of the most popular ski resorts, of course, has always been a cozy town of Tsaghkadzor. It is located approximately 40 kilometers north of Yerevan, in the picturesque valley of the River Marmarik. Even in the Soviet era, famous athletes came here for training that is not a coincidence: in addition to suitable mountainous terrain, the town has a wonderful climate, providing curative effect on human health. The air is crystal clear, and winters are mild with an average temperature -9 C.

The popularity of Tsaghkadzor increased in 2004 when a new modern cable way was constructed at the slopes of Mount Tegenis, it has 4 stations and guarantees maximum safety.

Tsaghkadzor will be suitable for skiers of all levels as the tracks are quite various: there are ones for quiet skiing with height difference of 230 meters, and there are black ones with a height difference of 350 m.

If you climb to the highest point of skiing (2819 m), you’ll get a wonderful view of Mount Ararat, the symbol of Armenia, and Lake Sevan, the pearl of Armenian nature.

The ski equipment can be rented here for very low prices. For example, the rent of a ski set for one day will cost just $ 10.5, and a set of snowboard – $ 14.5. Visitors can also take an experienced instructor who will train them.

The choice of the hotels in Tsaghkadzor is great: for any taste and pocket. You can choose luxury hotels that meet all European standards, or choose something more economical with good conditions and decent service. For travelers with large families, there is a great opportunity to rent small cozy cottages.

The vacationers usually combine their holiday with a visit to attractions. In this small town, you can visit a unique monastery complex Kecharis built in XII-XIII cent., or an interesting museum of brothers Orbeli who were famous Armenian culture and science representatives.

The tourists who chose the tour to Armenia try to necessarily visit this wonderful picturesque town of Tsaghkadzor. And it is important to note that according to some feedback there was no any traveler who got disappointed after the visit.

Jermuk

Jermuk is the other popular resort of Armenia situated at a distance of 178 km from Yerevan, which will take two and a half hours away by car. On the way, you can visit the unique medieval monuments, fortresses and castles, admire Ararat and even stop in Areni village and see the winery.

Generally, this cozy green town is famous for its healing mineral waters and curative climate. But in 2007 Double Chairs cable car was built, and the city became popular as a winter resort as well. The ski tracks are only two: one for beginners (1400 m) and the other for experienced skiers (1300 m) long.

All of them correspond to high standards. You can take a ski or snowboard set for a rent just near the cable way. The rent of ski set for one day will cost $12,5 and of a snowboard for $20. At the intermediate stations, there are cozy cafes where you can eat and relax perfectly. By the way, unlike Tsakhkadzor in Jermuk it is not windy at all. We recommend paying attention to Jermuk especially if you are planning a vacation with children. The city has really very favorable atmosphere in all respects.

The neighborhoods of Jermuk are rich with unique historical monuments, among which the most famous are the monastery Gndevank, Astvatsatsin, Noravank, Tatev.

France is definitely one of the most popular vacation destinations in Europe, with people from all across the globe flocking to the beautiful beaches, exciting canals and romantic cities. Thanks to the fact that the country is situated on the Atlantic, there is a massive selection of fantastic water sports available, from the adrenaline fuelled White Water Rafting experiences around the Rhône-Alpes region, to the more relaxing canoe-kayaking strolls down tranquil canals.

Before you can even think about getting your feet wet, the first step to vacationing is finding the perfect accommodation. If you are aiming for the true French experience, why not spend your nights at one of the many warm and cosy cottages or villas that you can find spread across the country.

Now that you have found a soft place to rest your head each night, it is time to head towards the water. If you are passionate about paddling and are planning on visiting this fabulous nation any time soon, then here are some water sport destinations in France that you should definitely check out while here.

Le Chalaux River, Saint Martin du Puy, Burgundy

Thanks to the hydro-electric station upstream, pushing out rapid waters, this stunning river offers some world class White Water Rafting experiences. Popular location for The European Canoe-Kayaking Championships, as well as a number of national kayaking competitions, there is no doubt that this is the perfect place for both beginner and professional kayakers to perfect their skill.

Rhône-Alpes, Eastern France

Fed by melting snow from Vanoise National Park glaciers, this fast-flowing river is a must for all paddling enthusiasts. Having hosted the world canoeing and kayaking championships on three different occasions, be prepared for some adrenaline pumping experiences over the world famous Aime rapids. The entire journey offers visitors with 22km of excitement between Bourg Saint Maurice and Centron, allowing them to tackle Class 3 to Class 4 rapids along the way.

Pays de la Loire, North West of France

This coastal region of France offers visitors with some of the best sailing conditions for both professional, as well as novice sailors alike. Stretching from La Baule to Sables-d’Olonne, the wide bays, creeks and islands offer ideal sailing locations, as well as some breathtakingly stunning views.

Imagine visiting a hotel made entirely of Ice! The ICEHOTEL is truly a magnificent example of a fusion between art and nature, creating an unusual yet breath-taking form of architecture. Each room is carefully sculpted using snow and ice, and each one unique to the next. The only thing protecting you from the ice when you sleep is a Reindeer skin, draped over the bed of ice.

Just like any other hotel, you will be greeted by receptionists in the foyer, and can sit at the Ice Bar and have a drink if you like. Many people flock to the ICEHOTEL to examine the beautiful sculptures or even get married in the Ice Chapel, giving meaning to a truly white wedding!

Whilst staying at the ICEHOTEL, some of the most popular activities to do nearby include husky sledging, which you can also organise for your airport transfer. You could have fun on a snowmobile, go reindeer sledging, or how about a moose safari on horseback for something with a difference?

And if you have had enough skiing in the beautiful landscapes surrounding the ICEHOTEL, then why not settle down and enjoy the unique craft of ice sculpting at the hotel. Guided by an expert, you will be shown how to create your own masterpiece out of ice. And the best sculptures will be showcased in the restaurant that evening! Be warned though, it can be very addictive and fun!

But what better way to end your evening than with witnessing the Great Northern Lights. The ICEHOTEL offer trips to the Abisko Sky Station where it is thought you can get a much better view of the aurora borealis. And you can also choose to visit the Northern Lights via a husky safari, snowmobile or even perhaps on horseback!

And if you would really like to experience the sami culture of this Swedish Lapland, the ICEHOTEL offer wonderful excursions to the sami camp in Jukkasjavi, where you can learn the skills of reindeer sledging as well as enjoying a traditional meal in a lavvu, before returning to your room at the ICEHOTEL.

The entire experience of the ICEHOTEL and what it has to offer it truly breathtaking, and with so much to choose from, you are sure to find something suited to you. From exhilarating husky or reindeer sledging to creating your very own ice masterpiece or perhaps relaxing with an evening meal while witnessing the incredible Northern Lights, the ICEHOTEL offers an experience of a lifetime.