A triumph of Gothic architecture, the Notre-Dame stands in the heart of Paris on the Ile de la Cite near the attractions of the Latin Quarter. An island in the Seine River, the Ile de la Cite is the historical and geographical center of Paris. On this small plot of land, the Romans built the Gallo-Roman city of Lutetia, and from the 6th century to the 14th century, the Kings of France resided here. The Notre-Dame Cathedral was founded in 1163 by King Louis IX (Saint Louis) and Bishop Maurice de Sully, and the construction took more than 150 years. The cathedral was first created in Early Gothic style, while later additions (the west front and the nave) show the transition to High Gothic style. Tourists are immediately struck by the ornamental design of the facade, with its profusion of sculptures and gargoyles, while elaborate flying buttresses provide structural integrity for the enormous building. Look out for the 21 figures above the doorway in the Gallery of Kings, who lost their heads during the Revolution. (The heads are now on display in the Musee de Cluny.)
Nepal and Himalaya are an awesome place if you are looking for adventure and ancient history feeling. The Annapurna Region is one of the most popular trekking regions in Nepal, with trekking options of a few days to a few weeks. There are three main routes in the Annapurna Region, which intersect and combine in places, but trekkers can opt to do a portion or a variation on the routes. The Annapurna Circuit around Annapurna Mountain takes about 21 days to complete and is incredibly popular with people who have enough time. This route is sometimes called the “Apple Pie Circuit,” in reference to the fact that most of the teahouses along the route serve their own version of fried apple pie. The Annapurna Sanctuary nestles between the peaks of Annapurna and takes five days to reach. Muktinath is on the way to Annapurna but has since become a destination in its own right. The Muktinath route runs in the Kali Gandaki Valley on the east flank of Annapurna and takes seven days. North of Muktinath is Mustang, a small region that was only opened up to tourists in 1992. This area is unspoilt and has its own fascinating culture. Searching to get your discount flights for your next dream vacation ? We had good experiences with buyselltrip.com.
China is a fabulous destination if you are searching for adventure and ancient history exploration. When you first set eyes on Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan province, it’s certainly not difficult to see how filmmaker James Cameron was able to draw inspiration from it. Cameron’s box office hit, Avatar, could well have been set in this area of stunning natural beauty, its many unique pillar-like rock formations looking like some incredible alien landscape right out of a sci-fi movie (one of the tallest pillars, standing at an impressive 1,080-meters, has in fact been renamed “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain”). This is one of the lesser known places to visit in China. In addition to its many natural wonders, which can best be explored as part of an organized tour, the park boasts a number of new man-made attractions. The first to be built was the Bailong Elevator, aka the “Hundred Dragons Sky Lift.” Elevating groups of up to 50 people 326 meters skyward in under two minutes, it’s an impressive structure, and one that offers dramatic views all the way. Also notable is the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, opened in 2016 and heralded as the world’s highest and tallest pedestrian bridge. Standing 300 meters above the ground and extending 430 meters along a spectacular cliff face, it’s an attraction that’s definitely not recommended for the faint of heart but one of the best things to do if you are looking to add a little adventure to your day.
Thailand and Phuket are a fabulous destination if you are looking for adventure and ancient history exploration. This is a favorite stop for history buffs and photography enthusiasts, as there are many lovely photo ops in this ancient capital of Thailand. Ruins of this old city still stand proud despite enduring centuries of battle and exposure to the elements. Sukhothai’s Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and much has been invested to restore and preserve one of Thailand’s most significant historical sites. Attractions here include many wats, which speak to the country’s long history of Buddhist devotion. Each structure tells its own story of the old society, with relics and influences from other ancient civilizations appearing in the design of each.
Indonesia is a fabulous country, so much colour, a must see. Surely, the eruption of Indonesia’s most famous volcano, Krakatau, in 1883 was the largest in recorded history. The eruption severely impacted climate conditions around the world and took a devastating toll on human life on nearby Java and Sumatra. Anak Krakatau, “Child of Krakatau,” is the youngest of the islands formed by the 1883 eruption, and forced itself above the surface in 1930. This young and volatile volcano continues to rise higher out of the sea and have significant eruptions. Anak Krakatau still belches smoke and fire, and tourists can visit Krakatau’s child for a reminder of the awesome, unseen power just beneath the surface at every turn in Indonesia. Read more details on Cheap and affordable hotel prices.