3. Destinations. A) Look at the pictures below. Do you know these famous tourist attractions? Where are they situated (in what country, part of the world)?

a.	b.	c.	d.
e.	f.	g.	h.
i.	b) What type of attraction is each one – choose from the list: historical monument H theme park E temple C castle A palace A festival E beach B castle ski resort G cathedral I natural geographical feature D

c) Think about tourist destinations. Give examples of:

towns and cities natural attractions and features

historical and cultural attractions purpose-built attractions

d) Read about 5 of the most visited places.

Which of them have you been to? Which of them do you hear about for the first time?

As you read write down all the attributes that describe them.

Top tourist hot spots worth the crowds

The hordes come to these places for a reason. Don’t hate them just because they’re popular or you’ll miss out! This except from Lonely Planet’s 1000 Ultimate Experiences gives you the places worth the queues.

1. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Tourists crawl over Angkor like ants over a picnic blanket. But it’s worth joining them to register your first glimpse of this shrine-city’s awesome main temple, the world’s biggest religious structure, Angkor Wat, with its lotus-shaped towers and extraordinary bas-reliefs. Angkor was sculpted from sandstone between the 9th and 13th centuries to satisfy the egos of a succession of Khmer devaraja (god-kings), providing the ancient empire with the grandest capital imaginable. The site contains hundreds of temples besides Angkor Wat, and is still being reclaimed from the jungle that overgrew it when it was abandoned in the 15th century. Capitol temple is a must-see during the early evening; escape the crowds by taking a mototaxi to the newly opened ruins at Banteay Srei, 25km from the main site.

2. Eiffel Tower, France

Men love to build towers and Gustave Eiffel was no exception. Commissioned to build an eye-catching entryway for Paris’ upcoming Exposition Universelle, he finally unveiled his 300m-high iron icon in 1889. The structure was only meant to stand for 20 years but won global admiration for its beautiful architectural form and has stood its ground. Put it on your ‘must-visit’ list – after all, 6 million people a year can’t be wrong. Visiting hours from July to September are 9–12.30am; miss the rush by arriving first thing or catch the last entry at midnight.

3. Florence, Italy

The capital of bella Tuscany can test the endurance of the most hardened traveller. Its piazzas are filled with the whir of digital cameras, the leather and jewellery shops hem you in, and money belts can disappear faster than kisses. But Florence is also Italy’s Renaissance jewel and few cities can match its classic beauty. Swoon over Michelangelo’s David in the Academy of Design Gallery, the gorgeous headpiece of the Brunelleschi-built Duomo, and the stunning sculptural landscape of the Boboli Gardens, or just sit in a cafe and swoon over handsome passers-by. The city is virtually tourist free (and cheaper!) in winter; many restaurants and attractions are closed Sunday and Monday, so plan accordingly.