World Castles & Palaces + Flowers Pictures

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

As the main island of French Polynesia, Tahiti is famous for its stunning beauty, with mountains, jungles and reefs, and a lively but chic island culture.

Brave the dizzying heights of this striking viewpoint to see some of the most spectacular views in Madeira. 

One of the world’s smallest countries lies within eastern Italy’s countryside. Visit the longstanding city-state for natural beauty, culture and food specialties.

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

Visit this pleasantly secluded village, known for its dramatic sea cliffs, stunning coastal views and sunny weather. 

Admire exotic plants from Chile, Africa and Turkey, along with a large collection of alpine and arctic flora in these beautiful public gardens.

A collage of brightly coloured houses frame the picturesque canals in Burano—an enchanting island, celebrated for its delicate lacework.

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

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

Admire the greatest works of Michelangelo and da Vinci, see the center of Catholicism and pose with the Leaning Tower of Pisa on this Mediterranean peninsula.

Peek inside regal palaces, courtyards and temples, spot beautiful artwork and learn about Jodhpur’s royal history at this magnificent 15th-century fortress.

A setting in one of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedies, this crenellated castle sits on a hill overlooking the River Ness.

This beautiful old arcade houses some of the biggest names in fashion, such as Prada and Gucci, alongside traditional restaurants and hole-in-the-wall cafés.

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

Learn the stories of convicts as you walk through preserved colonial gaol cells and experience the region’s pristine wilderness on bushwalks and island cruises.

From skiing and tubing to hiking, climbing and sailing, the wild mountainous scenery of this alpine resort town offers a variety of summer and winter pursuits.