France

A Complete Guide to Burgundy: Venture Beyond the Vineyards; Sylvia Edwards Davis; France Today

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France – The Climats, terroirs of Burgundy

Though famed for its incomparable vintages and world-class gastronomy, there is more to Burgundy than food and wine as Sylvia Edwards Davis discovers…

Burgundy is perhaps best known for its excellent gastronomy and world-class wines, but it also has an abundance of beautiful landscapes, historic landmarks and cultural attractions. As such, it’s a region worth visiting time and time again. Let’s begin our tour of the ‘Best of Burgundy’ in its charming capital, Dijon.

At the intersection of the north-south and east-west axes of Europe, Dijon is an accessible and surprisingly active city that has managed the rare feat of modernising its historical centre without sacrificing its heritage. With more than 250,000 inhabitants – if you include the surrounding countryside and suburbs – Dijon officially became one of the major French métropoles in February.

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India

18 encroachments on ‘UNESCO World Heritage Site’; ML Verma; Himvani News

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India – Mountain Railways of India

The Himachal Pradesh High Court (HP HC) today directed Deputy Commissioner Kangra to pass demolition order of a Shopping mall built up on the land belonging to HP State at Palampur in district Kangra stating that respondent raised the construction without the consent of Railway and other authorities. The Court also directed three top Railway Officer of Ambala to remain present in the Court on next date of hearing after finding that 18 encroachments were existing on UNESCO world heritage site.

The Division bench of acting Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Ajay Mohan Goel passed the order during hearing a petition today regarding encroachment of Railway lands and unauthorized constructions on the public infrastructure.

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Eritrea

Enchanting Asmara; Sophia Tesfamariam; TesfaNews

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Eritrea – Asmara: a Modernist City of Africa

Just as the day Asmara was liberated, Eritreans all over the world are basking in her glory and celebrating her new found fame – World Heritage Site.

Asmara woke up early on 8 July 2017, as it did for ages…the early morning call to prayers from nearby mosques and the sounds of church bells mix with the sounds of click clock from horse and donkey driven carriages, and the buses and trucks heading out of the city to villages near and far. No doubt the women were up early to clean the tree lined avenues and the city’s sidewalks-with nothing but the thatched brooms and wheelbarrows, picking up litter and washing away the dust. Cleanliness is next to godliness… and Asmara perched at 2500 feet above sea level, is heavenly.

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Portugal

Travel to Portugal; Abercrombie & Kent

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Portugal – Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon

Portugal has benefitted from its enviable coastal location throughout history. Reminders of the many cultures that have thrived here are evident in stately palaces, medieval castles, tranquil monasteries and quaint fishing villages. With A&K, discover this country that brims with old-world charm.

If you have limited time for a visit to this culture-rich country, then Portugal, Lisbon, Porto and the Douro Valley should be on your list of places to visit. On an A&K independent journey, walk through Lisbon’s Alfama, one of the city’s oldest quarters, to Jerònimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Belém Tower, the sentinel that protects the entrance to Lisbon.

Porto, located on a steep hillside overlooking the Douro River, has been the capital of the port wine trade since the mid-eighteenth century.

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Eritrea

10 New UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Add to Your Bucket List for 2017; Ashley Rossi; SmarterTravel

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Eritrea – Asmara: a Modernist City of Africa

The main purpose of a UNESCO designation is to promote worldwide support for historic and culturally-significant sites. The new UNESCO World Heritage sites announced each year also provide an opportunity to learn about beautiful locations that most of the world has never heard of. Here are 10 of the 21 new UNESCO sites that deserve a spot on your bucket list.

New UNESCO World Heritage Sites 2017

Kulangsu, China

This tiny, pedestrian-only island is located off the coast of Xiamen in southeastern China, and only 20 minutes away by ferry from the major city. The former international settlement is home to famous beaches and a blend of architectural styles.

Taputapuatea, French Polynesia

Taputapuatea is located on Ra’iatea Island and is home to one of the new UNESCO World Heritage sites, the marae complex, which was the ceremonial center of the ancient ma’ohi civilization.

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Solomon Island

Rennell: an island of two halves; Luke Kiddle; Devpolicy Blog

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Solomon Islands – East Rennell

Rennell – the world’s largest raised coral island – is a small Polynesian outlier of Solomon Islands. With neighbouring Bellona, it forms tiny Rennell and Bellona Province, population approximately 3,000. Rennell is an island divided. The western side of the island has seen extensive logging since 2006, and more recent, and highly controversial, bauxite mining. This extractive activity, and its various and often opaque enabling arrangements, has caused extensive divisions within the Rennellese population, both on-island and in Honiara. West Rennell has become highly fractured. In contrast, pristine and unique East Rennell, dominated by the largest insular lake in the Pacific islands, Lake Tegano, is a UNESCO world heritage area – but locals just aren’t benefiting from the listing.

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Italy

The ‘Wonder Woman’ scenery? That’s Italy’s Amalfi Coast; Lucio Esposito; Positano News

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Italy – Costiera Amalfitana

In the new film “Wonder Woman” — which is currently tearing up box office records amid wide critical acclaim — the dark and moody setting of World War I Europe is mercifully contrasted with the gorgeous and lush island nation of Themyscira. This fictional homeland of the famed superhero, played by actress Gal Gadot, is meant to appear as an “oasis of hope,” with natural beauty reminiscent of the famed Hanging Gardens of Babylon. “What is Themyscira?” production designer Aline Bonetto said. “It’s a beautiful vista with a coastal landscape, but not the kind you think of for your holiday. It’s still wild, rocky, green… Problem was, all the beautiful beaches in the world that sit below big cliffs disappear beneath the tide, so for a part of every day you have no beach. And we were shooting in March, which in Europe is still cold.”

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Germany

The National Parks of Germany; Victor Kiprop; WorldAtlas

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Germany – Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe

Germany is home to 16 unique national parks.

Germany is an ecologically diverse country. The sixteen federal states exhibit diverse dialects, culture, and cuisines. The national parks of Germany offer the opportunity to explore the fascinating natural environment of the country. They are considered an integral part of the national heritage and protected under Article 24 para.1 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act. The parks and the animals within them are protected from harm due to human activities such as encroachment, destruction of their habitat and poaching.

16. Jasmund National Park

Jasmund National Park is located in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It was established in September 1990 and covers an area of approximately 12 sqm, and is the smallest park in the country. The park is home to the largest chalk cliffs in the country; the Königsstuhl.

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Canada

Captivating Canada – 7 must-see sights other than Mounties and Maple Leaves; Mike Holland; Lost Waldo

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Canada – Historic District of Old Québec

The second largest country in the world, Canada offers incredibly beautiful landscapes, bustling cities, awe-inspiring natural wonders and vast natural parks of unspoiled wilderness. From the historic and culturally-rich city centers to the bleak, remote North of snow and polar bears, Canada has it all. Here are 7 must-see Canadian destinations:

#1 Quebec

The old part of this city, or Vieux-Quebec, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it won’t take long to discover why. This area holds the historic buildings, the original settlement from where the city grew outwards and upwards. A visit to the Chateau Frontenac is highly recommended and the Upper Town overlooks the city from 100m tall cliffs. This is where you’ll find the Citadel, the Place d’Armes and the Parque Historique de l’Artillerie – all sitting on a natural vantage point from which to protect the city.

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Norway

The Stunning Scenery of Scandinavia – 12 of the Best Must-See Sights; Julie Gibbons; Lost Waldo

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Norway – West Norwegian Fjords – Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord

Scandinavia is a surprising landscape of natural beauty, unspoiled wilderness, friendly cities and the ultimate winter wonderland. Take part in a great outdoor adventure, soak up the mineral waters of a geothermal spa or absorb some Nordic culture. It’s all waiting for you and here are some the best experiences:

#1 Geiranger Fjord, Norway

Considered to be one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway, Geiranger also makes it onto the UNESCO World Heritage list for its natural importance and sheer beauty. A 260m deep fjord, shadowed by towering mountain peaks and surrounded by old, abandoned farmhouses make for a very dramatic landscape that must be seen. Halfway through the fjord, you’ll discover the ‘Seven Sisters’ waterfall and along the way, stop at some simply stunning viewpoints.

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