Travel Theme: Golden

This week's travel theme was inspired by the warmth and glitter of the season. And there's no shortage of golden subjects to photograph in Europe, from the gold mosaic tiles of The Sky Over Nine Columns art installation on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, to delicate Venetian carnival masks peering out from behind shop windows.

The Sky Over Nine Columns by Heinz Mack

Carnival Mask, Venice

The practice of adorning oneself in golden finery began centuries ago, as evidenced by the jewellery left behind by the ancient Etruscans.

Etruscan Jewellery, Vatican Museums

Today, the luxe glimmer of gold is also appreciated by this human statue in the Galleria Umberto I shopping arcade in Naples.

Golden Lady, Naples

There was plenty of bling for the ladies in Monte Carlo in this glittering display of shoes.

Window Display, Monte Carlo

Heading outside on the hotel terrace for breakfast, I found these gold foil-wrapped bottles of champagne waiting patiently for another night of revelry on the French Riviera.

Champagne in Monte Carlo

And the fashionable city of Paris won't be outdone when it comes to bling. Even the balconies of the Galeries Lafayette department store glittered in gold.

Galeries Lafayette, Paris

So did the roofline of the Opera Garnier with its gilded figure of Harmony by Charles Gumery.

L'Harmonie, Opera Garnier, Paris

Visit Where's my backpack? for more golden photos and news on next week's travel photo theme. And best wishes to all for a happy holiday season filled with many golden moments spent with family and friends.