1 . If you travel in Athens, against popular belief, I would highly recommend saving the Acropolis for your second day. As attractive as it is to head straight to the most famous building in the city, there are several reasons why you should hold off until later. Sunrise is the best time to see the ruins, and who wants to spend their first day in a new city waking up at 6 a.m.? On top of that, the Acropolis is going to make every other site in Athens less important in comparison, so I recommend not hitting it on your first day.

We got to the southeast gate at 7：30, half an hour before it opened at 8. When the gate opened, we rushed to the hill. Our plan paid off because we had the whole complex to ourselves for five minutes. In this age of overtourism, getting to the greatness of the Acropolis with nobody else around felt special and excited.

The Acropolis is the name given to the complex on top of the hill, and it’s made up of several buildings. There’s the Temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon, the Old Temple of Athena, the Legendary Olive Tree of the Pandroseion, the Porch of the Caryatids at the Erechtheion... and on your way down, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.   

Something that sounds boring but isn’t is the Acropolis Museum, and I recommend spending a couple of hours there. As someone who is a museum-avoider, I listened to the recommendations of everyone who had been, and made myself go inside. And I loved it. The museum houses tons of sculptures unearthed from the Acropolis, and it was interesting to check them out.

Head to Syntagma Square next to watch the changing of the guard. This takes place every hour on the hour, so try to time your visit perfectly. The guards wear fun clothes and make for interesting photos.

1. The author suggests visiting the Acropolis on the second day so that ___________.

A．it can save visitors a lot of time

B．it can save visitors from getting up early

C．it can make for a better travel experience

D．it can give visitors a better understanding of Athens

2. How did the author feel when he ran to the top of the hill?

A．Bored.

B．Worried.

C．Relaxed.

D．Amazed.

3. With what may the author agree about the Acropolis Museum?

A．It is so great that it should be visited last.	B．It is enjoyable and worth visiting.
C．It wastes a lot of time.	D．It should be avoided.

4. What is the purpose of the text?

A．To provide some advice on visiting the Acropolis.

B．To introduce the history of the Acropolis.

C．To call on people to protect historic sites.

D．To encourage people to travel around.

2 . My wife and I have been to Monterey many times with our two kids, but we saw this costal city with a fresh viewpoint when we joined my parents on their first visit to California’s Central Coast.

The COST

Two nights at Monterey Tides cost $ 710; lunch and a couple of rounds of beers at Dust Bowl Brewing Co. were $ 90; and entry to 17-Mile Drive was $ 10.50 per vehicle.

THE BED

We have stayed at Monterey Tides several times. Its direct beach access to Monterey Bay has kept us coming back. We love falling asleep to the sound of waves cashing. My parents had a room with a king size bed, and my family’s room with two queen-size beds was right next door. The hotel offers facilities including beach-side yoga on Saturday mornings. We saw a group of people stretch into their poses as we chased our kids. Maybe next time.

THE MEAL

I’ve been a fan of Dust Bowl brewing Co. for years. The Turlock, California-based brewery (啤酒厂), opened its Monterey Tap Depot this year in a former train station near Fisherman’s Wharf (码头). Along with a bar inside, there’s an outdoor seating area. We ate a tasty lunch and I chose one of my favourite beers, Hops of Wrath, an Indian pale beer that reminds you of John Steinbeck’s classical novel The Grapes of Wrath.

THE FIND

Cannery Row, another Steinbeck’s novel, takes place in Monterey during the Great Depression. The current Cannery Row is lined with restaurants, hotels, shops and the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. On our trip in early October, we bypassed (绕过) Cannery Row to explore the coast from Pacific Grove south to Asilomar State, which has easy access to tide pools.

THE LESSON LEARNED

When you’ve been somewhere countless times, you sometimes take it for granted, but when you go with someone who has never been there, you see it from a new point of view.

1. What does the author like about Monterey Tides?

A．Sleeping in the queen-size bed there.

B．Doing yoga there alongside the beach.

C．Hearing the sound of the sea when he sleeps there.

D．Reading classical novels there while enjoying some beer.

2. What can you do in Monterey Tap Depot?

A．Drink Hops of Wrath.

B．Take a train somewhere.

C．Talk with novelist John Steinbeck.

D．Go fishing near Fisherman’s Wharf.

3. What can we learn from the text?

A．Cannery Row allows easy access to tide pools.

B．The author’s children slept on a king-size bed.

C．The author went to Monterey for the first time.

D．The Grapes of Wrath and Cannery Row were written by John Steinbeck.

3 . Are you looking at getting away from it all? Then look no further than the best beaches in the world!

Whitehaven Beach, Queensland, Australia

Paradise（乐园）can be found at Whitehaven Beach and the Whitsundays in Australia. This is a group of islands just off the coast of Arlie Beach in Queensland and each one is absolutely breathtaking. You can only get to the Whitsundays by boat, making them all more special-it is just perfect 'in every sense of the word.

Anse Source d' Argent, La Digue, Seychelles

With sun-bleached huge stones on the shore, calm blue waters, brilliant white sands and palm trees on the beach, this beach in the middle of the Indian Ocean is straight from a fairy tale. It comes as no surprise that this is one of the most photographed beaches in the world!

Tulum Beach, Mexico

There aren’t many beaches around the world that can boast ancient ruins that date back to 564 AD on the cliffs above, but at Tulum Beach you get beauty with history. Not only are the Tulum ruins an amazing site within their own right, but the fact that the beach below is absolutely attractive really makes it a magical place to visit.

La Concha Beach, San Sebastian, Spain

La Concha Beach was recently voted as Europe’s best beach and it’s easy to see why. With wonderful weather all year round and some simply expensive restaurants, this is a beach that has it all. Also, with the cute little Spanish town of San Sebastian framed in the background, you’re never far from the action, too.

1. What do we know about the Whitsundays?

A．They’re accessible only by boat.	B．They’re connected with each other.
C．They all lie on Arlie Beach.	D．They are the most popular destinations.

2. What makes Tulum Beach different from others?

A．It has fine weather.	B．It’s most appealing to magicians.
C．It combines history and scenery.	D．It has the longest history in the world.

3. Which place may attract photographers most?

A．Tulum Beach.	B．Anse Source d’ Argent.
C．Whitehaven Beach.	D．La Concha Beach.

4 . SHARK CONSERVATION IN SOUTH AFRICA

Take a two-week trip that you will never forget as a volunteer with sharks on a beautiful stretch of South Africa’s coastline. Head out to sea to witness one of the world’s most powerful (and most misunderstood) creatures on this inspiring project, enjoying watching them from both above and below water.

The DAY-BY-DAY schedule

Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town on a Sunday. You will be collected from the airport and spend your first night in a guest house in the city centre.

Day 2: You will be collected bright and early from the guest house and taken down to the project. The drive takes about 90 minutes. You will receive a welcome and head out to sea to witness your first sharks!

Day 3+: Most days you will be out on the boat with the sharks, depending on weather. Help out with the full range of tasks on the boats, and in conservation initiatives on land too.

Last day: On the final day of your project you will be taken back to Cape Town for your onward travel.

The price is £829,including the voluntary work programme with accommodations,   airport transfers, one night in a guest house in Cape Town, breakfasts daily and lunches when on the boats. Your trip can be extended at a cost of £ 375 per week.

It is an amazing experience! Some volunteers planned to stay for 4 weeks, extended to 6 weeks and still didn’t want to come home. If you’d like to chat about this holiday or need help, we’re very happy to help.

Call us at 01273 823 700.

Email us at rosy@responsibletravel.com.

1. When will you really begin your shark watching trip?

A．On a Friday.	B．On a Saturday.
C．On a Sunday.	D．On a Monday.

2. What will you probably do on the third day if weather permits?

A．Sail on the ocean.

B．Return to Cape Town.

C．Buy some souvenirs.

D．Dive with sharks.

3. How much will you spend on a three-week shark conservation trip?

A．£ 375.

B．£ 750.

C．£ 829.

D．£ 1,204.

5 . Provincetown, Cape Cod Restaurants

After a day on the sands or exploring our charming town, enjoy local eats, from fresh seafood and lobster to authentic Italian. You’ll find many wonderful Provincetown, Cape Cod restaurants and cafes just steps away.

Fanizzi’s Restaurant

Right next door to our hotel, this award-winning local eatery is one of the finest Cape Cod restaurants. The menu highlights seafood, Italian, steaks, burgers, and fresh salads. Enjoy the Friday Fish Fry, Early Bird Specials, and Sunday Brunch, available from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. all year long.

539 Commercial Street 508-487-1964

Napi’s Restaurant

Napi’s serves dinner all year round and lunch from April to October. A cozy place located just off Commercial Street and overflowing with local art, this Cape Cod, Massachusetts classic specializes in everything from freshly caught seafood to Portuguese and Brazilian dishes to vegetarian items.

7 Freeman Street 800-571-6274

Mews Restaurant

Enjoy views of Provincetown Harbor at this waterfront restaurant just steps from Surfside Hotel & Suites. Intercontinental dishes are served in the beach-level dining room, while upstairs you’ll find a casual American bistro. Summer months bring on a brunch menu, and dinner is served year-round.

429 Commercial Street 508-487-1500

The Red Inn

A favorite among our guests, The Red Inn is located on Provincetown’s picturesque waterfront which provides diners with the most gorgeous harbor views and spectacular sunsets. The Red Inn provides historic old world charm with new world pleasure. Their menu features the finest local seafood.

15 Commercial Street 508-487-7334

1. Which restaurant offers a special breakfast for early risers?

A．Fanizzi’s Restaurant.	B．Napi’s Restaurant.
C．Mews Restaurant.	D．The Red Inn.

2. What is special about The Red Inn?

A．It exhibits the good local art.	B．It is the finest local restaurant.
C．It offers the best local seafood.	D．It serves brunch all year round.

3. What does the text mainly talk about?

A．Accommodation.

B．Life styles.

C．Sightseeing.

D．Dining.

6 . While most of us are familiar with the fun and excitement of taking a vacation with family or friends, far fewer people have set out on a holiday by themselves. There are plenty of benefits to plan a solo(单独的) travel as your next getaway.     1     We've got a whole list of reasons why you should consider travelling alone.

• You' re in charge of the itinerary(行程)

Did you ever have the unfortunate experience of being dragged to a crowded tourist trap with your family or miss out on a one-of-a-kind destination because none of your friends were interested? That all goes out the window when you're in complete control of the itinerary.     2     Travelling solo provides the perfect opportunity to visit the sequestered(隐蔽的) sites you've had marked on a map for years.

• Plenty of chances to meet new people

When visiting a new place alone, you really have no choice but to communicate with new people.     3     Locals not only have insider information that you won't find in a guidebook, but speaking with someone native to the country is a great way to learn about their culture.

• Expand your comfort zone

    4     Between practicing your real-world conversation skills in a foreign language and trying unfamiliar food, travelling alone forces you to face a variety of new situations. When you only have yourself to rely on, you have a real opportunity to learn what you're capable of.

• A chance to stop and reflect

Whether you plan on getting close to nature or just spending an afternoon daydreaming at a sidewalk cafe, travelling alone offers a unique chance to pause and see things from a new view. Add in the experience of a new culture and the chance to interact with people of different backgrounds.     5    

A．Not convinced yet?

B．Everyone has unique interests.

C．Step out of your comfort zone and achieve your goal.

D．Gelling outside of your comfortable box is tough at first.

E．Spending time alone in a new place forces you to try new things.

F．And you'll come back from a solo vacation with a new outlook on life.

G．It might seem frightening, but talking to local people has many benefits.

7 . It's no mystery to me why this town so greatly affected a boy who grew up to be a famous writer Samuel Clemens, later known as Mark Twain. He moved to Hannibal with his family at the age of four. Now it's easy to find little Samuel Clemens in this town.

As a big fan of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, I especially enjoyed seeing the Mark Twain Boyhood Home where Twain really slept. The bedroom window that lured(诱惑)Twain's character out into the night apparently held the same fascination for Twain himself. Going out secretly was a favorite, though forbidden, activity. Along the side of the house runs a tall white fence, much like the one Tom Sawyer persuaded his friends to paint.

Across the street from the Mark Twain Boyhood Home stands the home of Laura Hawkins. Hawkins found her way into American literary history as Becky Thatcher, the girlfriend of Tom Sawyer. Many of her belongings can be viewed in the elegant living room, and visitors can hear a recording of Laura talking about her childhood and her friendship with Mark Twain.

The New Mark Twain Museum a few blocks away provides interactive displays. Children can enjoy the adventure on a large boat, "helping" Tom Sawyer paint his fence, and sitting in a model stagecoach(公共马车).

In the town of Hannibal, I can't help looking around for a boy with a fishing rod and a naughty smile, who has gone out of his bedroom window secretly to play pirates. The boy isn't there, of course. He exists only in the writings of the man he became. But the town has preserved the boy's memory so well that I must say I would have been disappointed if I hadn't seen it.

1. What can we learn about from the first two paragraphs?

A．Mark Twain moved to Hannibal so as to become a writer.

B．Little Twain might like slipping out at night in childhood.

C．Tom Sawyer painted the fence surrounding the house.

D．Little Samuel Clemens is still living in the town nowadays

2. Children can do the following at the New Mark twain Museum except _________.

A．Do some fishing in a large boat	B．Experience interactive displays
C．Imitate what characters did in the novel	D．Sit in a model stagecoach

3. According to the passage, whose friend was Laura Hawkins?

A．Tom Sawyer

B．Becky Thatcher

C．The house owner

D．Mark Twain

4. The passage is probably taken out of _________?

A．A history textbook.	B．A research paper
C．A travel magazine	D．A famous biography

8 . Grand Historic City Tour Start this tour to create some new memories in the beautiful city of San Antonio！

Description

During this eight-hour tour, you will explore one of Texas’ most historic cities. The tour includes a look into the cultures that make up the 300-year-old history and takes you to see some hot attractions.

•HemisFair Park: HemisFair Park is a popular landmark, and it’s an enjoyable place to visit. Whether you picnic or take part in one of the many events held here, your visit to its extremely beautiful squares will be an undoubtedly one.

•La Villita: On the southern end of the River Walk, La Villita is a shopping center where you can find everything from food to workshops and artworks.

•Theatre District: See the landmarks that have shaped the city’s theater industry. These towering buildings are not only architectural feats (建筑奇观), but they are also so important to the history of art in the area.

•San Fernando Cathedral: This cathedral (大教堂) is home to the oldest religious community and was founded in the 1700s.

•Spanish Governor’s Palace: If you’re an architecture and history lover, then the Spanish Governor’s Palace is sure to impress. This wonderful building features details from the 1700s as well as well-designed gardens.

Transportation Guide Service

A comfortable air-conditioned Gray Line bus will take you to each location visited. During the tour, a knowledgeable guide will be able to tell you about the local life and things to do. Ask all your burning questions about the area anytime！

1. What is the theme of this city tour?

A．Natural beauty.	B．History and culture.
C．Shopping and foods.	D．Ancient architectural feats.

2. If you want to buy some works of art as souvenirs, you can go to ________.

A．La Villita	B．HemisFair Park
C．Theatre District	D．San Fernando Cathedral

3. What can be inferred from the last paragraph?

A．The bus driver is a knowledgeable guide.

B．The tour is in the company of a full-time guide.

C．The bus will wait at the first location of the tour.

D．The tour operator offers private car pick-up service.

9 . People love Munich for many reasons. One is that it lets them travel to other cities and towns in Europe, especially in Germany and Austria in a very short time. The European Rail Network makes it possible to explore some wonderful cities from here, convenient and comfortable. Here, we have listed down our bets for the best places near Munich if you take a weekend break from the city or are preparing your Euro Trip plan.

Rothenburg

It seems like the time in this city stopped in Medieval times and the traditional atmosphere of this city makes it an attractive place to visit. One thing that perfectly presents this atmosphere is the Old City Wall, which stands upright even today and offers amazing views of the magical city that Rothenburg is.

Distance from Munich: 250 kilometres

Nuremberg

For a city that is a little over 1,000 years old, Nuremberg manages to find the right balance between its traditions and modernity, making it an excellent tourist destination. There is a huge castle in the city center and an art museum. In addition, the most-visited winding paths lined by half-timber (木材) houses in different shades are a delight to look at.

Distance from Munich: 168 kilometres

Zugspitze Mountain Peak (山峰)

The Zugspitze Mountain Peak is popular as the tallest peak of Germany! It is located at an altitude of 9,717 feet. According to facts, one can see for up to 155 miles along the horizon on a clear day. The peak is located on the borders of Austria and Germany.

Distance from Munich: 117 kilometres

Passau

Passau looks very similar to Venice because of the Italian architecture and houses that are built with views of the river Danube. This town is situated on the Austrian border and makes for a perfect place to go on a short holiday. No matter where you are in Passau, it always feels like you are very close to the water.

Distance from Munich: 192 kilometres

1. Which of the following can best describe Rothenburg according to the text?

A．Quiet

B．Busy

C．Modern

D．Historic

2. According to the text, what might be the biggest attraction of Nuremberg?

A．Its special hotels.	B．Its art museum.
C．The castle in the city centre.	D．The winding paths between the houses.

3. Where would one probably go if he/she prefers towns with great water views?

A．Zugspitze Mountain Peak	B．Rothenburg
C．Nuremberg	D．Passau

10 . London, well-known for its wide variety of museums, offers great fun and entertainment to families with kids on their tour around it, and best of all, most of the museums are free. Here are some that are too good to miss.

London Transport Museum

This is a great, child-friendly museum which combines education（tracing the history of public transport from 1829 to the present day）with activities. Housed in a huge iron and glass structure, the museum possesses a wonderful and colorful collection of horse-drawn and motorized trams(有轨电车), buses and trolley cars.

The Theatre Museum

The name of the museum is a little misleading. It offers all aspects of the performing arts, so there are displays of ballet, opera, pop music and magic. But there's no doubt that it's theatre and drama that take centre stage. The museum is big on interaction, putting on a daily program of free workshops where kids can learn how to operate puppets(木偶), try on costumes and even walk out on a stage.

The Science Museum

The Science Museum, perhaps more than any other museum, understands children. It understands that children like to be involved with the exhibits; they like to touch, to feel, to press and to push as well as merely to see. Bathed in blue light, it offers lots of hands-on fun.

There is also an IMAX theatre showing science-related films on huge screens. Before leaving, make sure you check out the museum shop which is filled with science toys and games.

1. What does London Transport Museum look like?

A．A British castle.	B．An American-style building.
C．An old school.	D．A modern building.

2. What makes the Theatre Museum child-friendly?

A．Dramas for children.	B．Pop music shows.
C．Free workshops.	D．Magic performances.

3. What is the Science Museum probably best-known for?

A．Its IMAX theatre.	B．Its hands-on experience.
C．Its gift shop.	D．Its blue light.