The Tower of London is a 900-year-old castle and fortress in central London that is notable for housing the crown jewels and for holding many famous and infamous prisoners. Throughout its history, the tower has served many purposes: it housed the royal mint (until the early 19th century), a menagerie (which left in 1835), a records office, an armory and barracks for troops. Until the 17th century, it was also used as a royal residence.

Tower of London opens 9am to 5.30pm Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5.30pm Sunday and Monday (4.30pm winter). Last entry 30 minutes before closing. Closed December 24 to 26 and January 1.

Tickets online £21.50 adults, £9.70 children aged 5 to 15, £16.40 concessions, £38.30-£53.20 families.

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Masada is an ancient fortification in the Southern District of Israel situated on top of an isolated rock plateau, akin to a mesa. It is located on the eastern edge of the Judaean Desert, overlooking the Dead Sea 20 km east of Arad. The rhomboid-shaped mountain towers 434 metres above the level of the Dead Sea. It was built as a palace complex, in the classic style of the early Roman Empire, by Herod the Great, King of Judaea. Masada is one of the greatest archaeological sites in Israel and, perhaps, across the world. Its dramatic ascent can now be made by cable-car.

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The fortress of Suomenlinna is one of Finland’s most popular sights. It is only a very short ferry crossing away from Helsinki. Just a 15-minute ferry ride from the Kauppatori. The Suomenlinna ferry is part of Helsinki’s public transport service. Set on a tight cluster of islands connected by bridges, the UNESCO World Heritage site was originally built by the Swedes as Sveaborg in the mid-18th century. Swedish built here a fortress for defensive purposes against the Russians and was original called Sveaborg (fortress of Svea, Swedish still call it this way) but of course Finish renamed it after their independence into Suomenlinna (castle of Finland). The construction of the fortress begun in 1748 but expanded later in 19th century by the Russians. We noticed some old canons on the island but what we liked most were some colorful corners full of flowers.

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It is one of the 7 world heritage sites in Sri Lanka and is one of it’s most popular tourist destinations. Rock fortress is an ancient palace located in the central Matale District near town of Dambulla of the Central Province, Sri Lanka. The ruins of the capital built by the parricidal King Kassapa I lie on the steep slopes and at the summit of a granite peak standing some 180m high, which dominates the jungle from all sides.

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