1 . Click to see figure captions of the best UK hotels and hideaways in landscaped gardens.

Allt-y-Bela, Usk, Wales

Home of renowned garden designer Arne Maynard offers the chance to immerse yourself in   the beauty and peace of the Welsh countryside. There are just two bedrooms with breakfasts served in the farmhouse kitchen, in the company of Arne’s two dogs, cat and chickens (guests are welcome to bring their own pets). The real joy is the garden with everything from native   meadow planting to clipped classic English blooms.

Doubles from £200, B&B(Bed and Breakfast); arnemaynard.com

Goldstone Hall Hotel, Shropshire

Goldstone Hall boasts five acres of lovingly designed gardens. Rooms are quiet and comfortable rather than luxurious, but many have wonderful views across the gardens, and the restaurant serves up flavoursome dishes made with the best of garden produce. This is a classic English escape.

Doubles from £170, B&B; goldstonehallhotel.co.uk

Hotel Endsleigh, Devon

A peaceful getaway near the beautiful bay of Findhorn, a stay at the Endsleigh doesn’t come cheap, but the chance to explore the stunning 100-acre gardens is one of England’s greatest horticultural treats. Rooms are the epitome of rustic luxury, with statement wallpapers and vibrant prints, while the restaurant offers everything from hearty breakfasts to luxurious afternoon teas.

Doubles from £240, Room-only; thepolizzicollection.com

Hever Castle, Kent

Originally laid out between 1904 and 1908, Hever’s 125 acres of gardens combine ponds with 5,000 rose bushes, a rhododendron walk and an Italianate garden that boasts a collection of Italian sculptures. The best way to beat the crowds and see the gardens is to stay in one of the 27 bedrooms, housed in two wings of the castle: all individually designed, with a plush, contemporary country house feel.

Doubles from £185, B&B; hevercastle.co.uk

1. Which hotel best suits people who enjoy pets company?

A．Hever Castle, Kent	B．Hotel Endsleigh, Devon
C．Allt-y-Bela, Usk, Wales	D．Goldstone Hall Hotel, Shropshire

2. What is the disadvantage of Hotel Endsleigh, Devon?

A．It gets noisy at night.	B．The facility is outdated.
C．It is inconveniently located.	D．It charges for breakfast.

3. What is probably the major concern of travelers who choose to stay in these hotels?

A．Price.

B．Peace.

C．Location.

D．Security.

2 . Exploring Italy’s Timeless Treasures

Italy, a country steeped in history and beauty, is home to numerous iconic landmarks that attract millions of visitors each year. Let’s start our journey to discover its most renowned attractions.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Constructed as a bell tower in the 12th century, it gradually leaned due to unstable ground. The sight of visitors posing to “hold up” the tower has become an iconic image, while climbing its winding stairs offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Piazza dei Miracoli.

Pompeii

Buried under volcanic ash for centuries, the ancient city of Pompeii is an extraordinary archaeological (考古的) site. Exploring its remarkably preserved ruins offers a glimpse into daily life during Roman times, making it an incredible historical destination.

The Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracts the tourists with its vibrant and soft-toned Cliffside (悬崖边的) villages, such as Positano and Ravello. Visitors can taste the region’s delicious cuisine, stroll along scenic paths, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean.

The Colosseum

Rome’s most famous landmark, the Colosseum, is an ancient stadium that was once used for exciting fights and shows. As you step inside, imagine the cheers of the Roman crowds and marvel at the engineering marvels of the time.

Join us on this extraordinary adventure, where Italy’s rich heritage comes alive and creates memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to witness the splendor of these legendary sites firsthand. Book your ticket today and let the wonders of Italy charm your senses!

1. Where can tourists see well-preserved city ruins?

A．The Leaning Tower of Pisa.	B．Pompeii.
C．The Amalfi Coast.	D．The Colosseum.

2. What is the feature of the Colosseum?

A．It was a famous bell tower.	B．It is known for its leaning angle.
C．It has waters as clear as crystal.	D．It was the stage for thrilling battles.

3. Where is this passage most likely taken from?

A．A social media comment.	B．A travel brochure.
C．A historical book.	D．An academic paper

3 . Temples have long served an important role since the early years of civilization. Whether you are seeking a sense of spiritual enlightenment or looking to learn more about a certain religion, these beautiful temples are worth a stop on your vacation.

Paro Taktsang in the Paro Valley, Bhutan

Situated on a steep cliff in Bhutan’s Paro Valley, the “Tiger’s Nest” earned its nickname from an 18th-century tale detailing Buddhist master Padmasambhava arriving to the site on a flying tiger. The journey to the cliffside is quite the challenge, requiring guests to climb two hours on a steep trail.

Seiganto-ji in Nachikatsuura, Japan

Neighboring the tallest waterfall and set against the lush trees of Nachi, Seiganto-ji dates back to the 4th century. Seiganto-ji is now the first stop on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, where individuals travel to 33 Buddhist temples throughout the Kansai region of Japan.

Man Mo Temple in Hong Kong

This Buddhist and Taoist temple was built to honor the god of literature and the god of war, and the inscriptions found in the temple hall imply its construction may have taken place around 1847. It is still highly active and visited by local worshippers, so it’s asked that any visitor coming to the temple is prohibited from taking photos out of respect.

Kek Lok Si Temple, Malaysia

Penang is often touted(吹捧) for its sandy beaches and emerald blue waters, but it’s also home to the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. A melting pot of cultures, the temple’s architecture showcases Chinese, Thai, and Burmese styles throughout its stunning seven stories. It’s estimated there are 10,000 statues of Buddha depicted throughout its main pagodas(宝塔).

1. If you hope to enjoy a sea view, which temple is the best choice?

A．Paro Taktsang in the Paro Valley, Bhutan.	B．Seiganto-ji in Nachikatsuura, Japan.
C．Man Mo Temple in Hong Kong.	D．Kek Lok Si Temple, Malaysia.

2. What do we know from the text?

A．Kek Lok Si Temple is the largest temple in Malaysia.

B．Paro Taktsang earned its nickname due to its unique location.

C．Seiganto-ji is a time-honored temple with magnificent surroundings.

D．Visitors tend to take photos to show their respect for Man Mo Temple.

3. Where is the text probably taken from?

A．A travel journal.	B．A tourist brochure.
C．A geography textbook.	D．An academic article.

4 . Vacation often starts with a wonderful idea.     1     With a little bit of preparation and effort, travelers can overcome 90% of the difficulties they may face during a trip. Here are useful tips on how to plan a trip.

Picking the right destination according to the season is a key factor in planning a trip successfully.     2     Usually, the ideal season to visit beaches, mountains and forests is completely different. Also take the cost factor into consideration. Going to a luxury destination during the shoulder season can result in some good discounts on hotels and flights.

Another key aspect of a good trip planning is to correctly estimate the number of days required.     3     Some travelers like to see new cities every day, whereas some prefer taking it slow. You’d better leave an empty day in travel plans in which there are more than 7 days so that things like terrible weather won’t mess up the whole arrangement.

    4     Prices of flights and accommodations rise over time if you are planning for a vacation that falls during the peak season of that particular destination. So making a reservation a few months in advance will help you avoid additional costs.

Pack wisely and do necessary research. An extra shirt, sweater, or jumper can prove handy during trips where the weather is expected to be cold or rainy. As responsible tourists, travelers must know the destination they are visiting.     5     Because it helps them avoid conflict or disrespect to the locals.

A．Early booking is recommended.

B．Learn about the do’s and don’s.

C．Make the most of every traveling day.

D．But not everyone has a reasonable vacation plan.

E．It often depends on the travel plans and purpose.

F．Check out the best time to visit the place you like.

G．Something unexpected, however, makes it end up being a trouble.

5 . Down House, home of Charles Darwin:

Fun fact

Charles Darwin, his wife, Emma, and their children lived at Down House for 40 years from 1838. Several rooms appear as if the family still live here: with croquet sets thrown into an under-stairs cupboard, a half-played game of backgammon on a side table and Emma’s knitting(毛线) left on a chair in the drawing room. Upstairs, an exhibition showcases Darwin’s voyage aboard HMS Beagle, including a reconstruction of his cabin. Outside, visitors can explore the sheltered gardens which Darwin used as an open-air laboratory, and the greenhouse in which he planted rare plants and devised botanical experiments.

No room at Down House escaped Darwin’s experiments. In the drawing room he once placed a jar of earthworms on the grand piano to see whether they could hear.

Getting there

A 15-minute drive from the A21/Farnborough. Free parking. The R8 bus from Orpington stops nearby (except Sundays) or the 146 bus from Bromley North and South terminates (终点站) in Downe village, half a mile from the property. The nearest railway stations are Chelsfield or Orpington, about four miles away.

Value for money?

It’s ￡12 (adult), ￡7.20 (child), or ￡31.30 (family with 2 adults). Under 5s go free.

Opening hours

Open daily 10am-6pm from 30 March to 30 September; daily 10 a.m. — 5 p.m. between 1 to 31 October. Opening times vary through the winter (check website for details).

Verdict(评价)

8/10. An unstuffy educational, gentle day-trip attraction with friendly, knowledgeable staff.

1. What can visitors do in Down House?

A．Play the grand piano.	B．Set sail in HMS Beagle.
C．Explore Darwin’s work and life.	D．Try food sourced from the garden.

2. How much would a couple with their 4-year-old twin sons pay for admission?

A．￡38.40.

B．￡26.20.

C．￡31.30.

D．￡24.

3. What do we know about Down House?

A．It is highly thought of.	B．It charges parking fees.
C．It has fixed opening hours.	D．It is inconveniently located.

6 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Most people plan their trips to Canada in the middle of winter. The heavy snowfall in the months of January and February     1    (attract) skiers and ice skaters. Some come for the fabulous ice hotel in Quebec,     2     others plan their trips to experience the winter festivals that are held in several major cities. But this year, Canada has promised year-round attractions, as the country celebrates     3    (it) 150th anniversary as a nation.

Celebrations, which will begin on the first day of the year, will start with the country     4     (provide) free year-long unlimited passes to all of Canada’s national parks. Cities across the country will host events all year, making it a good year     5    (visit) Canada besides the usual winter festivities. And the government is sponsoring several projects to give Canadians a voice and a sense of     6    (proud) in their country. One example is the Red Couch Project. A red couch,     7    (design) in Toronto, will travel across the continent. Citizens will be asked to sit on the couch and tell their stories. Videos will be posted online, enabling the world to track the couch as it is transported     8     land and water. It will end up in Vancouver,     9     there will be a huge parade. If you were ever going to visit Canada, now is     10    (definite) the time!

7 . Start a getaway to three of Italy’s most-loved cities: Rome, Florence and Venice! This 5-day trip takes you to some finest artistic treasures in the country.

Day 1 Arrive in Rome

Upon arrival in Rome, get to your city centre accommodation by taxi. You can explore it as you like, appreciating the architectural wonders of Ancient Rome and the Baroque Era or spending a leisurely afternoon in cafes listening to music.

Day 2 Visit the Vatican Museums & the Colosseum

You’ll begin the day by walking to the Vatican Museums for a guided tour of this fantastic landmark. The museums contain many eye-opening artworks. After lunch, you’ll take a taxi to the symbol of the city, the Colosseum, constructed in the first century to host events like animal hunts or human fighting games.

Day 3 Travel to Florence & Explore

After breakfast, you’ll check out and make your way to the train station in Rome to catch your express train to Florence. Then check into your hotel and head out on a guided tour of Florence’s key landmarks. The longest-standing symbol of Florence, up until 1218, Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge that crossed the Arno River.

Day 4 Travel to Venice & Explore

You’ll catch your train to Venice, a city built entirely on water and spread over 100 islands that attracts each and every visitor! On arrival, catch a water taxi to your hotel and check in. The afternoon will be spent getting to know Venice and learning all about its history and famous landmarks with a guide.

Day 5 Say Goodbye to Italy!

After breakfast at your hotel, a private driver will drive you to the airport, marking the end of your trip.

1. What do we know about the Colosseum?

A．It dates from 3000 years ago.

B．It reflected Italian social justice.

C．It’s a contemporary art muscum.

D．It was established for entertainment.

2. Which means of transport is suggested from Rome to Florence?

A．By air.	B．By rail.
C．By water.	D．By road.

3. What’s the purpose of the text?

A．To promote a tour.	B．To recommend exhibits.
C．To advertise a travel agency.	D．To introduce historical sites.

8 . Why is the museum of great significance?

A．It’s a museum for old art.

B．It will be built on a small island.

C．It’s the first of its kind in Indonesia.

9 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Is Canada in winter? Okay, yes, there’s more snow that you can shake a ski stick on. But that’s what makes visiting Canada in the coldest months so much fun.

Quite    1    (remarkable), winter is a perfect time to visit this vast and wonderful country,     2    (comprise) of lifeful cities on the edge of nature. There you will enjoy Canada’s many winter    3    (delight) and these surrounding natural wonders and    4    (amaze) journeys through beautiful scenery will never let you down. Out west, the snow is dry and soft. In the east    5    the altitude is lower, you can relax in a five-star hotel enjoying mouthfuls of delicious food.

Winter in Ottawa is attractive    6    you are skating or playing with the snow. Move down on an ice slide at snow mountains as you discover Canada’s capital city under    7    blanket of white. When you are in the Polar Bear Capital of the World, it is fair    8    (share) it with everybody else.Churchill ,called “The Polar Bear Capital of the World”,    9    (offer) guests the opportunity to observe polar bears in their natural habit.

    10     so many beautiful places for you to explore, pack up and set off right away!

10 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. Who is the speaker?

A．A tour guide.

B．An architect.

C．A businessman.

2. How did the architect design the building?

A．By studying the old house.

B．By copying others’ designs.

C．By observing the family’s life.

3. What was the building made of?

A．Wood.

B．Brick.

C．Concrete.

4. What is the present condition of the building?

A．It is being rebuilt.

B．It is well protected.

C．It is in ruins.