Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Anaheim & Buena Park
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Tropical Fruit World
With 65 hectares (175 acres) of fruit orchards and plantations open to visitors, Tropical Fruit World is one of the Gold Coast’s most unique tourist attractions. The eco-friendly, family-run farm grows over 500 varieties of tropical fruits, and visitors can not only go behind-the-scenes to discover the workings of the farm, but sample a delicious array of exotic fruits.
There’s plenty to see and do at Tropical Fruit World - take a Plantation Safari by tractor train, enjoy a wildlife boat cruise, ride a miniature train and get close to kangaroos, emus and Clydesdale horses at the fauna park. Of course, the best part is tasting the exotic fruits, juices and ice creams, so head to the Plantation Café to try unique varieties like cheese fruit, chocolate pudding fruit, caramel fruit and champagne fruit. There’s also a recreational area, with mini golf and a children’s playground; a fruit market where seasonal fruits like dragonfruit, jackfruit and papaya are on sale; and a shop, where you can purchase souvenirs like avocado oil cosmetics or home-made fruit jams.
Practical Info
Tropical Fruit World is located in Duranbah on the Gold Coast and is open daily from 10am to 4pm. Admission is AU$45 for adults and AU$25 for children.
Address: 29 Duranbah Road, Duranbah NSW 2487, Australia
Hours: Open daily from 10am to 4pm
Admission: Adults: AU$45; Children: AU$25
From ¥ 496
Troja Chateau
The lovely late Baroque Troja Chateau was designed by Italian architect Jean Baptiste Mathey for Count Václav Vojtěch Šternberk and was completed in 1689; it was used by the count as his summer residence. The striking russet-red and white palace is entered via a spectacular flight of steps flanked by figures taken from Greek mythology and has an impressively elaborate interior swathed in frescoes; the best are found in the ornate Grand Emperor’s Hall — named for Emperor Leopold I, who came visiting in 1702 — and are by the Dutch artists Abraham and Isaac Godyn; the project took five years to complete. The opulent rooms are filled with sculptures and artwork and the chateau forms part of Prague City Gallery.
Troja is surrounded by formal gardens divided into terraces and parterres and decorated with fountains, statuary and ornamental trees. An imposing stable block stands in the courtyard, with vaulted ceilings decorated by Abraham Godyn with more scenes from Greek mythology.
Northwest of the city center near Prague Zoo and the botanical gardens, the chateau can be reached along the new bike path following the banks of the River Vltava. It is a popular venue for public functions and is only open to the public at weekends, although the grounds are open daily.
Practical Info
U Trojského zámku 4/1, Prague 7. Open May–Oct Sat–Sun 10am–5pm. Admission adult 100 CZK; senior 300 CZK, students & children 60 CZK; family 250 CZK. Entrance to the grounds is free. Bus 112 to Zoologicka zahrada or trams 5, 17 or 25 to Trojska.
Address: U Trojského zámku 4/1, Prague, Central Bohemian Region, Czech Republic 171 00, Czech Republic
Hours: Open Sat–Sun 10am–5pm
Admission: Adults: 100 CZK; Seniors, Students & Children 50 CZK; Families: 200 CZK
From ¥ 235
Trinity College
Ireland’s prestigious academic institution, Trinity College sits in Dublin’s city center and boasts alumni including esteemed literary legends such as Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, and Samuel Beckett. Founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592 for the exclusive use of Protestant men, the university now welcomes all religions and genders. Tourists from the world over come to wander the historic cobblestoned campus and see the Book of Kells, a prized medieval manuscript housed in the Trinity College Library.
The Basics
With its handsome Georgian and classical architecture, the Trinity College campus is a must-see for visitors to the Irish capital. Sightseers can tour the grounds independently or join a guided tour. Most walking tours of Dublin city center include Trinity College, along with other neighboring landmarks, such as the General Post Office (GPO), the Molly Malone Statue, and Dublin Castle. The campus is home to several standalone attractions including Dublin’s Science Gallery and the Zoological Museum, though the biggest crowd-pleaser is the Book of Kells in the Old Library, visitable for a small fee.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Much of Trinity’s campus is cobblestoned, so avoid wearing heels that may get caught in the crevices.
- Lines of travelers looking to see the elaborate rows of books frequently form outside the Old Library. Book an entrance ticket in advance to skip the line, or sign up for an early-access guided tour to see the Book of Kells without the crowd.
- As a large portion of the campus is open-air, bring an umbrella and waterproof layer in case of rain.
How to Get There
Trinity College is south of Dublin city center, near pedestrian-only Grafton Street. Take the Luas Green Line tram to Stephen’s Green, the Luas Red Line tram to Abbey Street, or the DART train to Dublin Pearse station. From all three, the walk to campus is less than 10 minutes.
When to Get There
Go early in the morning or in late afternoon to avoid the midday rush. If you plan on seeing the Book of Kells, buy a Trinity College Library ticket in advance or be prepared to wait in line. Student-led, 30-minute campus tours, which depart from the Main Gate, are available in summer.
View the Book of Kells
Trinity’s headline attraction is the illustrated ninth-century manuscript known as the Book of Kells. The illuminated manuscript of the four gospels was created by Irish monks, who painstakingly covered each page in elaborate and colorful Celtic-inspired imagery. Four pages from two volumes of the book are displayed in glass cabinets at Trinity College’s Old Library, which also contains an exhibition chronicling its creation and storied history.
Address: College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
Hours: Hours vary
Admission: Free
From ¥ 102
Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
Extending from Kowloon’s colonial Clock Tower to Hung Hom, Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is among the best places in the city to take in the spectacular Hong Kong Island skyline across Victoria Harbour, as well as the nightly Symphony of Lights. Popular attractions including the Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong Space Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Art, and Hong Kong Cultural Centre all lie within easy walking distance of this waterfront boardwalk.
The Basics
No visit to Kowloon would be complete without a stroll along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. Walking tours, hop-on hop-off buses, and Victoria Harbour sightseeing cruises often stop along the promenade, and it’s also a departure point for the Star Ferry, which takes passengers across the harbor to Wan Chai and Central on Hong Kong Island.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is a must-see for romantics and all first-time visitors.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the promenade offers little shade.
- Show up at least an hour early to get a front-row spot for the Symphony of Lights show.
How to Get There
The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is easily accessible by public transportation. Ride the MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui and leave through Exit E, or from Hong Kong Island, ride the ferry across from either Central or Wan Chai.
When to Get There
Plan to visit the promenade both by day and after dark to get the complete picture. Arrive early to scope out the best spots for viewing the nightly Symphony of Lights. The annual Chinese New Year fireworks show and June’s Dragon Boat Festival draw the biggest crowds.
Avenue of Stars
Perhaps the most famous stretch of the promenade is the Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong’s answer to the Walk of Fame in Hollywood. A celebration of the Hong Kong TV and film industry, this stretch of sidewalk features celebrity handprints and statues, including one of favorite son Bruce Lee.
Address: China
From ¥ 232
Trisuli River
Nepal is known for its scenery and natural landscape, and the Trisuli River is no exception. Though it originates in Tibet, it is one of the tributaries of the Narayani River basin flowing through the center of Nepal. It is named for the trishula, or trident, of Shiva the Hindu god. Calm and mild for the most part, it also has some exciting rapids (which pick up in speed during monsoon season) and is a popular place to go whitewater rafting.
A trip down the river grants views of the many scenic valleys and gorges, along with rice terraces and rural Nepali villages. The green hills and banks of the river are a peaceful backdrop to the adventure of rafting. In addition to enjoying the river, there is a famous Hindu temple called Manakamana on the mountain that can be accessed via cable car.
Practical Info
The Trisuli River is located roughly 90 kilometers from Kathmandu and it takes about 3 hours to drive there. The rapids here are classified as either class II or III. The easiest point of departure is the town of Charaudi.
Address: Nepal
From ¥ 237
Tsim Sha Tsui
Hong Kong has a reputation for being a shopper’s paradise, and most of the night markets, shopping centers and electronics stores can be found in Tsim Sha Tsui on the tip of the Hong Kong peninsula. It’s also Hong Kong’s hotel central, with accommodations ranging from the cheap hostels of the notorious Chongqing Mansion to the luxurious InterContinental.
Nathan Road is the main artery of the district, and a walk down the mile-long stretch of shops known as the Golden Mile is a quintessential Hong Kong experience. Stop in for tea at the Peninsula Hotel, sample fiery Indian curries on the first floor of the Chongqing Mansion or head to nearby Knutsford Terrace for cocktails with the locals.
The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, located along the Victoria Harbour waterfront, is by far the best place to view the skyline of Hong Kong Island, especially at night during the Symphony of Lights show. Many of the city’s best museums, including the Hong Kong Science Museum, Museum of Art, Museum of History and Space Museum are all located in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Nathan Road is the main artery of the district, and a walk down the mile-long stretch of shops known as the Golden Mile is a quintessential Hong Kong experience. Stop in for tea at the Peninsula Hotel, sample fiery Indian curries on the first floor of the Chongqing Mansion or head to nearby Knutsford Terrace for cocktails with the locals.
The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, located along the Victoria Harbour waterfront, is by far the best place to view the skyline of Hong Kong Island, especially at night during the Symphony of Lights show. Many of the city’s best museums, including the Hong Kong Science Museum, Museum of Art, Museum of History and Space Museum are all located in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Address: China
From ¥ 142
Trickeye Museum
Located in the lively Hongdae nightlife district, Seoul’s Trickeye Museum does just what it says; it teases your senses with an optical illusion technique called trompe l'oeil that gives two dimensional works of art a 3D appearance. It’s also one of the few museums in the world that makes art interactive.
Bring a camera, because the exhibits at the Trickeye Museum are designed for photo ops. Plant a big wet one on the cheek of Mona Lisa, launch a giant Angry Bird or pose in an upside-down room that makes you look like you’re meditating on the ceiling. The museum’s Santorini Gallery houses three additional exhibit rooms with more serious works of art from contemporary artists.
The museum stays open well into the evening hours, so it’s a good place to visit on your way to a night out in Hongdae. For the price of admission, you’ll have a camera full of unique souvenirs to take home with you.
Bring a camera, because the exhibits at the Trickeye Museum are designed for photo ops. Plant a big wet one on the cheek of Mona Lisa, launch a giant Angry Bird or pose in an upside-down room that makes you look like you’re meditating on the ceiling. The museum’s Santorini Gallery houses three additional exhibit rooms with more serious works of art from contemporary artists.
The museum stays open well into the evening hours, so it’s a good place to visit on your way to a night out in Hongdae. For the price of admission, you’ll have a camera full of unique souvenirs to take home with you.
Address: 357-1 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hours: Open Daily 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
From ¥ 74
Tromso Fjords
Thanks to its spectacular setting among a series of islands and skerries laced with waterways and scalloped inlets, Tromso is the epicenter of day trips out into the fjords bordering the Norwegian Sea. These long, narrow sea inlets are characterized by steep, mountainous slopes carved out by glaciation during the last Ice Age.
The Basics
If you are staying in Tromso, you have a wide choice of half- and full-day tours into the fjords. Some cruises are focused on viewing the surrounding landscapes—such as the sharp peaks of Balsfjord—while others are dedicated wildlife-watching tours. You can book a fishing trip and catch cod, salmon, and halibut from out of the deep fjord waters, or go kayaking or canoeing in summer. If you’d like to stay on dry land, hiking and snowshoeing tours offer spectacular fjord views.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Tromso fjords are a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
- Dress warmly—it is cold out on the water, even in summer. Many tours include the use of waterproof clothing.
- Kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and snowshoeing tours generally include equipment.
How to Get There
Trips to the Tromso fjords typically leave from Tromso city center. Alternatively, a network of ferries, buses, and interisland bridges easily connect Tromso with Grotfjord, Erdsfjord, Balsfjord, Lyngsfjord, and Kattfjord.
When to Get There
June through August, the long days and midnight sun mean you can pack more adventures into a single day and the water is (just) warm enough for swimming. Wintertime offers whale-watching, as well as nighttime trips out into the fjords to catch the shimmering pinks, yellows, and greens of the northern lights—your best chances of seeing them are from December to February.
Tromso’s Top View
One of the best views of Tromso’s surrounding islands and fjords is from the top of 2,200-foot (670-meter) Floya. To get there, ride the cable car from Solliveien in the Tromsdalen neighborhood to Storsteinen and then walk the rest of the way, or climb the 324 steps of the Sherpa Staircase.
Address: Tromsø, Norway
From ¥ 646
Triple Bridge (Tromostovje)
One of Ljubljana’s most iconic landmarks, the striking Triple Bridge connects the central Preseren Square with the Old Town and castle, running over the Ljubljanica River. The aptly named bridge is not one but three adjoining bridges, with the central 19th-century car bridge flanked by two pedestrian bridges that appear to blend seamlessly into one. Today, all three bridges form part of the city’s pedestrian-only sector and from each side-bridge, stairways lead up to tree lined terraces, offering spectacular views along the riverside.
The inspired creation of celebrated local architect Joze Plecnik, the bridge is one of a series of his works that have become synonymous with the city. Constructed in 1931, it’s largely regarded as Plecnik’s architectural masterpiece, with the elegant stone balustrades and period street-lamps providing a grand frontage to the Old Town. Scattered with flower sellers and picnickers during the day and glittering beneath the city lights by night, the Triple Bridge is undoubtedly one of Ljubljana’s most atmospheric walkways.
Address: Across River Ljubljanica connecting Presernov trg to the Old Town, Ljubljana, Slovenia
From ¥ 133
Tsavo National Park
Though forming one contiguous stretch of land, Tsavo is split into two entities either side of the main Nairobi-Mombasa road. Tsavo East National Park is the larger of the two, and is famed for its huge numbers of elephants that gather at the Galana River and wander across the plains. You may also spot lions, leopards, rhinos and buffaloes to complete the “Big Five” of game-spotting, and the park is a haven for a huge range of bird species.
Tsavo West extends southwards to the Tanzanian border, and includes the beautiful Mzima Springs. Here you can watch hippos, Nile crocodiles and fish swim by in a submerged viewing tank. There are also great opportunities for rock climbing, hiking and cave exploration.
Practical Info:
Tsavo East and West are in the south-east of Kenya, with the coastal city Mombasa about 66 miles (106 kilometers) from Tsavo East's closest point. There are lodges and campsites for overnight stays.
Address: Kenya
Admission: Non residents - Adults: $65, Children/Student: $30
From ¥ 2,637
Tsaghkadzor Ropeway
Tsaghkadzor is a popular resort town in the center of Armenia, about an hour outside of the capital of Yerevan. Founded in the 3rd century, Tsaghkadzor derives its name from the Armenian word for “valley of flowers.” Located on the southeastern slope of Mount Teghenis, Tsaghkadzor developed as a major spa town during Soviet times and was home to the Olympic Sports Complex, opened in 1967 to train Soviet athletes for the Olympic Games. After Armenia gained its independence in the 1990s, it was redeveloped into a winter resort town centered around its ski resort.
Tsaghkadzor’s ski resort was fully modernized in the mid-2000s and features a series of four chair lifts known as the Tsaghkadzor Ropeway that take skiers and snowboarders to the top of Mount Teghenis in 40 minutes.
Beyond the resort, Tsaghkadzor is home to the Senator Royale Casino, one of the largest entertainment complexes in the country, as well as the Kecharis Monastery, one of the most important religious sites in Eastern Armenia. Founded in the early 11th century, it was reconstructed in 2001. Visitors may also enjoy the House-Museum of the Brothers Orbeli, a museum dedicated to Ruben, Joseph and Levon Orbeli, three prominent Armenian scientists.
Practical Info
Tsaghkadzor is located about 50 kilometers northeast of the capital of Yerevan, off the M4 highway that leads to Lake Sevan. Driving or hiring a car or share taxi is the best way to get there from Yerevan.
Address: Tsaghkadzor, Armenia
Hours: Ski season typically runs from December to mid-March.
From ¥ 135
Triglav National Park
Triglav National Park is one of Europe’s largest nature reserves, with over 340 square miles (881 square kilometers) of mountains, lakes, glacial valleys, and alpine meadows. Best known for its rocky mountain vistas and rich biodiversity, the park is an ideal spot for hiking, climbing, rafting, and other wilderness activities.
The Basics
Most day trips to Triglav National Park leave from Bled and visit highlights such as Kozjak Waterfall, Boka Waterfall, and the Tolmin Gorges. For a more active experience, join a guided hike or opt for a rafting trip, canyoning tour, or mountain biking excursion. It’s also possible to visit Triglav National Park on a day trip from Ljubljana, which often includes a cruise around Bled Lake and Bled Castle, a motorail ride through the Julian Alps, and a visit to panoramic viewpoints of Vintgar Gorge.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Triglav National Park is a must-see for nature and adventure lovers.
- Visitor information points are located at Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, Trenta Valley, and Soča Valley. Here you can find maps, advice for hikers, and other services.
- There are few places to purchase food, water, and other necessities in the park, so remember to bring everything you need for the day.
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes for exploring the park. Weather can be variable, so it’s a good idea to bring sun protection and dress in layers.
How to Get There
Triglav National Park is located in the northwest corner of Slovenia, close to the Austrian and Italian borders. By road, it lies roughly 15 minutes from Bled and one hour from Ljubljana. Buses travel to the park from Bled during summer, and it’s also possible to arrive by private vehicle or guided tour.
When to Get There
You can visit Triglav year-round, but summer (June through September) is the most popular time for hiking and outdoor activities, when the mountain breeze provides a welcome relief from city heat. It’s also possible to hike during winter, but all activities are dependent on the weather, which can be very cold.
Outdoor Activities in Triglav National Park
Whether you want to climb Mount Triglav (the park’s highest mountain), cruise around the lakes, or hike through alpine valleys, there are ample opportunities for outdoor exploration in Triglav National Park. If you’re looking for adventure, you can go white water rafting along the Emerald River; try your hand at canyoning in Soca Valley or Grmecica Canyon; enjoy mountain biking through Bohinj Valley and the Julian Alps; or take a scenic horseback ride around Bohinj Lake, which is also a hotspot for water sports during summer. There are also over 6,214 miles (10,000 kilometers) of hiking trails to choose from, with everything from short walks to challenging mountain summits. During winter, you can enjoy skiing or snowboarding at Vogel Ski Resort.
Address: Ljubljanska cesta 27, Bled, Upper Carniola & Gorizia, Slovenia 4260, Slovenia
From ¥ 31
Trou aux Cerfs Crater
This massive crater in the heart of Mauritius measures more than 980 feet (300 meters) in diameter and some 260 feet (80 meters) deep. Known for its humid climate and expansive 360-degree views, Trou aux Cerfs Crater is a favorite spot among travelers seeking out natural beauty and quiet tranquility. While this dormant volcano hasn’t erupted in lifetimes, experts say it’s primed to blow any time in the next thousand years—a fact that lends a bit of edge to an otherwise peaceful excursion. Travelers can wander the scenic paths surrounding Trou aux Crefs Crater and take in epic views of incredible island countryside.
Some believe the Grand Bassin, a natural lake at the top of another nearby volcano, is an extension of the Ganges River, so travelers can sometimes find Hindus from throughout Mauritius worshiping at its sacred waters.
Practical Info
The crater is located in Curepipe, in central Mauritius. While it is accessible via a steep path, locals agree that the slippery channel that leads to the crater is too dangerous to descend.
Address: Trou-Aux-Cerfs Rd, Curepipe, Mauritius
From ¥ 540
Tsitsernakaberd (Armenian Genocide Museum)
This expansive complex, which was completed I 1967, was built to honor the 1.5 million Armenians killed by genocide during the 20th century. Today, this hillside memorial serves as a destination for pilgrims who want to pay homage to the fallen.
Upon entering Tsisernakaberd, visitors are confronted with a massive stone engraved with the names of cities across Armenia and the number of people who were killed by the Turks in each one. It proves a somber reminder of the nation’s loss and ushers travelers into the three buildings the complex holds: the Sanctuary of Eternity, Memorial Wall and Memorial Column. Visitors say this museum and landmark is a stark but beautiful reminder of the nation’s history and worthy of checking out.
Practical Info
The museum and landmark is open 24-hours a day and located on Yerevan’s Tsitsernakaberd hill.
Address: Yerevan, Armenia
Hours: Open Tues-Sun 11am-4pm
From ¥ 135
Tsari Mali Grad
The discovery of Tsari Mali Grad (which translates into English as ‘Tsar’s Little Town’) was made in 2007 near the village of Belchin, which is known in Bulgaria for its many therapeutic mineral springs. Dating from Roman times, the Tsari Mali Grad complex had laid forgotten underneath a forested area until it gradually reemerged from the ground on St Spas Hill above the village, when its awesome size and historical significance was appreciated.
At the center of the 10-acre archaeological site lay a vast Roman fort dating back to the rule of Emperor Valens between 364 and 378 AD; it had six watchtowers and walls that were over 400 meters (1,312 feet) in length. Over time, the fort expanded into a fortified town occupied between the fourth and seventh centuries by Thracian, Roman and Byzantine communities; there is also evidence of Thracian shrines, early Christian sanctuaries and the remains of a 15th-century church dedicated to the Ascension of Mary, indicating that the area was of special religious importance. The fort and the church have been painstakingly rebuilt and were opened to visitors in 2013; they are surrounded by spectacular hilly countryside covered in walking trails and can be reached by funicular or 20-minute walk uphill from Belchin.
Practical Info
Selo Belchin, 2025 Samokov. Open Tue–Sun 9am–5pm. Admission: adults 4 leva, children aged between seven–18 2 leva. Found 53 km (33 miles) south of Sofia, Tsari Mali Grad is best accessed by car along Routes 181 and 82.
Address: Selo Belchin, Samokov 2025, Bulgaria
Hours: Tue–Sun 9am–5pm
Admission: Adults: 4 leva; Children: 2 leva
From ¥ 470
Triton Fountain (Fontana del Tritone)
Piazza Barberini is easy to overlook, as it’s relatively small and surrounded by busy streets, but at its center is the Triton Fountain, a sculptural masterpiece by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
The Triton Fountain, or Fontana del Tritone in Italian, was commissioned by Pope Urban VIII and built in 1642-1643 by Bernini. It was an outlet of the Acqua Felice aqueduct that the pope had just restored, and was the first public fountain Bernini designed that was free-standing.
The fountain features a large figure of Triton at its center, holding a conch shell to his mouth and blowing water out of it. Below him are four dolphins, whose tails form the base on which he kneels. Bernini also worked in the symbols of his patron, the Barberini family - there are bees carved into the dolphin tails.
The Barberini Palace is near the fountain on the square (today, it is home to the National Gallery of Ancient Art), and another Bernini fountain dedicated to Pope Urban VIII is not far away - it is known as the Fountain of the Bees.
Practical Info
There is another fountain in Rome with a similar name - Fountain of the Tritons - in front of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, the church where you’ll find the Mouth of Truth. That one is not a Bernini creation, so be sure you’re in Piazza Barberini to see the Bernini work.
Address: Piazza Barberini, Rome, Lazio, Italy
From ¥ 23
Troodos Mountains
Soaring almost 2,000 meters above sea level and covering much of southern Cyprus, the Troodos mountains range is one of the island’s most idyllic spots and, thanks to the its cooler climate, a hotspot for outdoor activities. A network of hiking, cycling and climbing trails crisscross the mountains, set against a photogenic backdrop of pine forests and lush alpine landscapes, blooming with wildflowers throughout the summer months. Climbing the 1,950-meter summit of Mount Olympus, Cyprus’ highest peak is another popular pastime and it’s even possible to ski in the mountains during January and February.
The Troodos Mountains region is also famous for its traditional villages and the historic old town of Kakopetria, the wine-making villages of Platres and Omodos and the charming village of Pedhoulas, renowned for its cherries and exquisite Church of Archangel Michael, are all worth exploring. Additional highlights of the area include the sacred 12th century Monastery of Kykkos, perched on a mountaintop near the Marathasa valley, and the UNESCO-listed Painted Churches of Troodos, a collection of 10 richly decorated churches and monasteries dating back to the Byzantine era.
The Troodos Mountains region is also famous for its traditional villages and the historic old town of Kakopetria, the wine-making villages of Platres and Omodos and the charming village of Pedhoulas, renowned for its cherries and exquisite Church of Archangel Michael, are all worth exploring. Additional highlights of the area include the sacred 12th century Monastery of Kykkos, perched on a mountaintop near the Marathasa valley, and the UNESCO-listed Painted Churches of Troodos, a collection of 10 richly decorated churches and monasteries dating back to the Byzantine era.
Address: Troodos Mountains, Limassol, Cyprus
From ¥ 282
Trim Castle
There are Anglo-Norman castles in Ireland, and then there’s the powerful Trim Castle. Located in the hills of County Meath, this massive, 12th-century fortress and castle is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, and features a 20-sided building at the castle’s center in a uniquely cruciform shape. This building was surrounded by a ditch and a moat—both of which were needed to protect residents from the frequent outside attacks—since during the late 1100s when the castle was built, the area around Trim was the farthest frontier of English expansion into Ireland. Beyond these walls were Gaelic Irish, and the number of battles that took place in these hills is evidenced by the number of headless remains that have been excavated from the soggy ground. Though the castle today appears somewhat run down when standing and viewing from afar, visitors who take a tour of the interior will find themselves in a stone compound that’s stood for 900 years. Here amid the cold gray stones, where war, struggle, and harsh living conditions were an everyday part of life, the sense of rugged, historical chill is so powerful and potently felt, that the castle was used to film parts of the Hollywood classic, Braveheart.
Practical Info
Trim Castle is located in the town of Trim about 50 minutes from Dublin. Admission to the castle is $4 for adults, $2 for children, and the interior is accessible by guided tour only. In summer, the castle is open from 10am-6pm, with the last tour at 5pm. In October and November the castle closes as 5:30pm, and from November-Easter the castle is open from 10am-5pm, but only on weekends and holidays.
Address: Trim, Co. Meath, Ireland
Hours: In October and November the castle closes as 5:30pm, and from November-Easter the castle is open from 10am-5pm, but only on weekends and holidays.
Admission: $4 for adults, $2 for children
From ¥ 305
Troy
It’s true, you need a fairly active imagination to people the ruins of Troy and bring this legendary site to life. But of the many names from history books and epic cinema, the legend of Troy is one that truly resonates.
Before being overcome by invasion and earthquake, the fabled city of Troy ruled from around 3,000 BC to 1,000 BC. Today, it is an area of archaeological excavations and ruins.
A stately model of the famous wooden horse of Troy guards the ruins, a replica of the vehicle that brought the invading Greeks inside the walls of Troy. You can climb inside the horse for elevated views of the ruins.
The Excavations House provides several models of Troy over the millennia, to give an idea of the city’s former glory and layout. A circular path leads amongst the ruins with signboards to help explain the various walls, fortifications, temples and remains of houses.
Before being overcome by invasion and earthquake, the fabled city of Troy ruled from around 3,000 BC to 1,000 BC. Today, it is an area of archaeological excavations and ruins.
A stately model of the famous wooden horse of Troy guards the ruins, a replica of the vehicle that brought the invading Greeks inside the walls of Troy. You can climb inside the horse for elevated views of the ruins.
The Excavations House provides several models of Troy over the millennia, to give an idea of the city’s former glory and layout. A circular path leads amongst the ruins with signboards to help explain the various walls, fortifications, temples and remains of houses.
Address: Hisarlik, Turkey
From ¥ 1,534
Trinity Lavra of St Sergius
Located in the town of Sergiev Posad, the Trinity Lavra of St Sergius is the most important monastery in Russia and the spiritual center of the Russian Orthodox Church. Founded in 1345, the monastery originally centered on a wooden church surrounded by several buildings and became the model for more than 400 similar cloisters throughout Russia. After the first church burned down, a stone cathedral was built, dedicated to the Holy Trinity.
It still stands today, housing relics of St Sergius and works by some of the greatest iconic painters in Russia. Over the centuries, additional buildings were added to the monastery complex, including the Church of the Holy Spirit, the Assumption Cathedral, the Church of John the Baptist’s Nativity, a royal palace and a patriarch’s palace. Once the richest monastery in Russia, it was closed after the Russian Revolution and many relics were lost or destroyed. It was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church in 1945 and was restored throughout the 1960s and 1970s. The monastery was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993.
Practical Info
To visit, take a train from Moscow’s Yaroslavsky train station to Sergiev Posad. Trains leave every 30 minutes throughout the day and the journey takes about an hour and a half. From the train station in Sergiev Posad, the monastery is about a 10-minute walk away. The grounds are open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., but the churches are not open to the public on the weekends. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Address: Sergiev Posad, Moskovskaya, Russia
Hours: Grounds: Daily 8am-6pm; Churches: closed weekends; Museum: closed Mondays
From ¥ 385