Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Anaheim & Buena Park
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Villa of the Quintilii (Villa dei Quintili)
Once the largest and grandest of Rome’s private residences, the ancient ruins of the Villa of the Quintilii (Villa dei Quintili) are still an impressive sight today. Located along the legendary Appian Way (Via Appia), the lavish villa includes two impressive entrances, intact mosaic tiles and marble floors, and the remains of its private luxury baths, dating back to 151 AD.
Tour the ruins on a half-day trip from Rome to admire the rooms and artifacts on display, or cycle along the ancient Appian Way to visit the ruins and other ancient landmarks, like the Caracalla Baths and the Mausoleum of Caecilia Metella.
Practical Info
The Villa of the Quintilii is located along the Appian Way, around six miles (10 km) south of central Rome. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 4:30pm. Adult admission is €6 and includes entrance to the Baths of Caracalla and the Mausoleum of Caecilia Metella (useable within 7 days); children younger than 17 enter free.
You can reach the villa by metro, train and bus from Rome's city center. Take metro line Anagnina to Colli Albani, or trains 7197 (Frascati) or FL4 (Ciampino) to Capannelle; then, take bus 664 or 654 to Bisignano—a three-minute walk from the villa. Choose a tour with round trip transportation, including hotel pick up and drop off, to avoid Rome's messy public transportation.
Did you know? In Roman times, the Appian Way (Appia Antica) was one of the world’s most important roads, built in 312 BC and running from Rome to Brindisi in southeast Italy.
Address: Via Appia Nuova, 1092, Rome, Italy
Hours: Tues–Sun: 9am–4:30pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 30
Vina Casas del Bosque
The award-winning Vina Casas del Bosque winery lies within the Casablanca region of Chile. Casas del Bosque started as a boutique family winery in 1993 and now maintains 573 acres (232 hectares) of productive vines; the winery’s specialty is Sauvignon Blanc, but Chardonnay, Riesling, Syrah and Pinot Noir are also grown.
Considered one of the best wineries in Chile to visit, Casas del Bosque offers a variety of tastings and tours, lasting anywhere from 35 minutes to two hours. During the warmer season, visitors can tour the vineyards by bike or have a picnic lunch amid the vines. Come harvest time, guests become the harvesters while getting a behind-the-scenes look at how grapes are processed.
Restaurant Tanino, under the leadership of Chef Álvaro Larraguibel, serves a menu of dishes made from locally sourced ingredients and paired with Casas del Bosque’s wines.
Practical Info
On weekend afternoons Casas del Bosque offers free tram tours of the vineyards.
Address: Hijuelas Nº 2 Ex Fundo Santa Rosa, Casablanca, Chile
From $ 80
Villa Cimbrone Gardens
Perched high above the Amalfi Coast is the town of Ravello, home to the gorgeous Villa Cimbrone surrounded by lovely gardens that are open to the public.
Villa Cimbrone dates from the 11th century, and today is a hotel and restaurant. The gardens around the villa – once a private home – are now open to visitors, even if you're not staying at the hotel itself. The gardens owe their formal English style to the villa's 20th-century owner, an Englishman whose family owned the property until the 1960s.
The gardens feature long walkways lined by trees, flowering plants, and statues. There are statues and other works of art seemingly hidden in different parts of the property, many of which are away from the main paths. The highlight of the property, however, is known as the “Infinity Terrace” at the end of the main path. This incredible viewpoint overlooks the sea and the towns below, jutting out from ground level so that it appears to be floating.
Practical Info
While the view from the “Infinity Terrace” is breathtaking, it can also be somewhat vertigo-inducing. Hang onto small children and anyone with a fear of heights. For an especially luxurious experience, book a table for dinner at the Michelin-starred villa restaurant, Il Flauto di Pan.
Address: Via Santa Chiara, 26, Ravello, Campania 84010, Italy
Admission: €7 adults (discounts for children under 12 years of age)
From $ 13
Villa Farnesina
Rome’s Villa Farnesina was originally built in the early 16th century for a wealthy Renaissance banker as his summer retreat. The villa and gardens are in the Trastevere district, which used to be outside the city center, and are now open to the public.
The wealthy banker for whom the villa was built had the good sense to hire some of the era’s best artists to decorate the interior, so it’s a stop well-suited to art lovers. Today, these pieces of art are one of the top reasons to visit. The best-known artist represented is Raphael, who painted lovely frescoes on the ground floor.
All of the Villa Farnesina’s main rooms are open to the public, including the ground floor loggia where you can see the famous Raphael fresco called “The Triumph of Galatea.” Other frescoes by artists such as Baldassarre Peruzzi (who designed the villa) and Sebastiano del Piombo are on upper floors of the villa.
There are guided tours in English at Villa Farnesina given each Saturday at 10am, and English audio guides are available at any time for €2. Some Trastevere tours include the Villa Farnesina, though many only reference it from the outside.
Practical Info
Hang onto your Vatican Museums ticket - if you visit the Villa Farnesina within seven days of your Vatican Museums visit, your Villa Farnesina entry is reduced by €1.
Address: Via della Lungara 230, Rome 00165, Italy
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-2pm; 2nd Sunday of every month 9am-5pm
Admission: Adults: €6; Seniors: €5; Children: €3; Guided tour of villa & gardens: €4
From $ 52
Vina del Mar
Viña del Mar is Santiago’s closeby seaside cousin, just a little bit over an hour away on one of the country’s busiest highways. Viña, as it is commonly called calls itself the garden city, for the profusion of flowers, all over the city, and at Quinta Vergara, the large park there, as well as the iconic flower clock that faces the ocean walk so popular among locals and visitors.
In the summer, Viña fills up with Chileans as well as Argentines from just across the Andes, and international visitors as well. There are restaurants and nightlife, close proximity to more historical Valparaíso, and of course, the long Pacific coastline. Viña del Mar also has a casino and a couple of other points of interest, including a castle you can visit, and the aforementioned Quinta Vergara park, where the summer song festival is held ever February. And there are also a couple of museums, with the most famous being the Francisco Fonck Museum of Archaelogy and Natural History marked by a stone moai outside. The museum houses artefacts from many indigenous Chilean cultures, including the Rapa Nui (from Easter Island). It also has a large display on insects, including giant crickets, blue morphos butterflies and iridescent scarabs.
Practical Info
Even if you weren’t planning on going anywhere, be sure to check out the MERVAL, or local train. With a view unlike any other subway you’ve ever been on, straight over the Pacific Ocean, it’s well with the couple of dollars it will cost you.
Address: Vina Del Mar, Chile
From $ 18
Vilnius Cathedral (Arkikatedra Bazilika)
Vilnius Cathedral - or Arkikatedra Bazilika - can trace its history back to the 13th century when the Lithuanian King Mindaugas built the original cathedral in 1251.
Having been burnt down and rebuilt several times over the years, the cathedral’s final reconstruction is in the neoclassical style (1801) according to the design of Laurynas Gucevicius.
Under Soviet occupation, the cathedral was used as a garage and several statues were destroyed. It has undergone several restorations since that time and its elegant colonnaded façade, ornate interior and 57m-(187ft) tall belfry, continue to stand proud as a symbol of the country’s Catholic faith.
Practical Info
Vilnius Cathedral is in bustling Cathedral Square, at the base of Gediminas Hill in the Old Town.
Address: 1 Katedros Sq, Old Town, Vilnius, Lithuania
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 12
Villany
Villany is both a town and region in the southernmost part of Hungary, located at the confluence of the Great Hungarian Plain, the Baranya Hills and the Villanya Mountains. One of Hungary’s best wine regions, known primarily for its reds and roses, the winemaking traditions in Villany can be traced back to Roman times.
The Villany-Siklos wine route claims to be the first established in Hungary in 1994. Following the route allows visitors to stop at some of the country’s best vineyards in Kopar and Jammertal and to taste wine by some of Hungary’s top winemakers: Bock, Gere and Tiffan.
The town of Villany itself is charming with its Swabian style whitewashed cellars, most of which are still in use. Elsewhere in the area, visitors may enjoy the thermal baths in Harkany or the medieval castle in Siklos. The nearby city of Pecs is also a popular tourist destination, boasting a 4th century Christian necropolis that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Practical Info
The town of Villany is a three hour drive from Budapest. Buses to Villany leave from Budapest’s Nepliget bus station, with the trip taking about four hours. The town is just 40 minutes from the city of Pecs by car and trains from Pecs, Mohacs and Osijek run to Villany regularly. Visiting the wineries throughout the region is best done with your own vehicle or by booking a tour.
Address: Villany, Hungary
From $ 285
Vinpearl Amusement Park
Set amid the tropical greenery of Hon Tre Island, Vinpearl Amusement Park transforms the beach resort of Nha Trang into a destination perfect for families and thrill seekers. The excitement begins before you even reach the entrance of the park, as you ride a record-breaking 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) cable car suspended above the South China Sea.
The Basics
Most Vinpearl Amusement Park tours include round-trip transport from the mainland, which eliminates the hassle of arranging multiple transfers. Admission tickets include either a 1-way or return trip on the cable car, and access to the theme park, water park, and aquarium that is home to more than 300 species of marine life.
The island resort also features a giant shopping mall, an international food court, a beach, and a giant amphitheater that can accommodate up to 5,000 spectators.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A must-visit for families and thrill seekers.
- You’re likely to do a lot of walking, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen.
- Performances that involve street magic and fire shows occur throughout the day: Be sure to check times on arrival.
- Wi-Fi is available throughout the theme park.
- The resort is also home to a 5-star hotel, if you want to stay the night.
How to Get There
Vinpearl Amusement Park is accessible by either the Vinpearl Cable Car, one of the world’s longest cable car routes, or by the Vinpearl speedboat, which is also included in your admission ticket. Speedboats depart regularly from Nha Trang pier. Taking the cable car there and the ferry back gives you the best of both worlds and allows you to enjoy views of Nha Trang Bay from the water and the air.
When to Get There
The park is open year-round, but opening times vary depending on the season. High season falls from June to August, when Vietnamese schools close for the holidays. To beat long lines for rides, try to arrive at the park as early as possible and tick off the main roller coasters before cooling down in the midday heat at the water park.
White-Knuckle Rides for Adrenaline Junkies
If you’ve got an appetite for adventure, head straight for the Extreme Carousel, a spinning carousel that flips you upside down, and a manual roller coaster that allows you to control your speed.
Address: Hon Tre Island, Nha Trang, Vietnam
Admission: Varies
From $ 38
Visegrad
Located about 25 miles north of Budapest, Visegrad is a tiny castle town on the banks of the Danube River. It makes a nice day trip from Budapest, but is also worth a couple days in its own right, as it makes a great base for hiking and other adventure sports in the surrounding area. Visegrad was first mentioned in the history books more than 1,000 years ago and was a Roman stronghold in the time of Constantine the Great. The Turks destroyed most of the town in 1543, but it gradually rose again and regained town status in 2000.
One of the most popular sites in Visegrad is the Royal Palace, originally built in the 14th century and reconstructed in a Renaissance style by King Matthias Corvinus in the 15th century. The palace felt into ruin after the Turkish occupation of Visegrad and eventually became completely buried. Excavations began in 1934 and today the reconstructed palace is open to the public and includes exhibits on its long history.
The Citadel, or Upper Castle, was built by King Bela IV in the 13th century to defend against the Mongols and is also open to the public. The Solomon Tower, which is part of the Lower Castle, also dates to the 13th century and today is home to exhibits of Gothic and Renaissance artifacts discovered in Visegrad. Climbing the tower offers great views of the surrounding area.
Practical Info
Visegrad is easily accessible from Budapest by bus, train and boat. Hydrofoils leave from Vigado ter in Pest and from Batthyany ter in Buda once a day between April and September and take about an hour. A cheaper (but less scenic) option is to take the train from the Nyugati train station to Nagymaros-Visegrad and then hop a five-minute ferry across the Danube to Visegrad. The train runs every hour and takes about 40-60 minutes. Finally, you might catch a bus from the Arpad hid bus station, which takes about 80 minutes, departing every 20-60 minutes.
Address: Visegrad, Hungary
From $ 74
Virginia City
Step back in time to the Wild West at the historical mining town of Virginia City, once called the “richest place on Earth.” Enjoy 100-mile (160-kilometer) views across the high desert, ride the V&T railroad, shop, have a bite to eat or drink in an old saloon, and tour museums, mines, and mansions in one of the country’s largest National Historic Landmarks.
The Basics
The best way to enjoy Virginia City is to walk up and down C Street, the town’s main street. Stop at the Welcome Center on the corner of C Street and Taylor, pick up a map of attractions, and purchase tickets to individual attractions or an adventure pass. Highlights include the Chollar Mine Tour, Bucket of Blood Saloon, Piper’s Opera House, the Mark Twain Museum, and The Way It Was Museum. A number of ghost-hunting tours are available for those interested in the paranormal. And fans of Bonanza may recognize Virginia City from the show.
Guided tours are available from South Lake Tahoe, driving along part of the historical Pony Express Trail. Tours include a ride on the V&T Railroad, as well as stops at historical points of interest in Carson City.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Virginia City is a must-see for any visitor to northern Nevada.
- The town is free to visit, but certain attractions charge an admission fee.
- Virginia City is in the high desert, so bring sun protection and plenty of water.
How to Get There
Virginia City is located in western Nevada, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) southeast of Reno. From Reno take US 395 to exit 57B, then climb along NV 341, known as Geiger Grade. From Carson City take US 50 east to NV 341, the Comstock Highway.
When to Get There
Virginia City can be visited year-round, though the most pleasant weather is in spring and fall. Summer can get very hot, while winter can see snow, which can affect road conditions. Virginia City also hosts a number of festivals and races throughout the year, including the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry in March, the International Camel and Ostrich Race in September, and the World Championship Outhouse Race in October.
Virginia City History
With the discovery of the Comstock Lode, the first major silver deposit found in the US, in 1859, the town seemed to boom overnight. Thousands of people sought their fortunes here, including Mark Twain, who worked here for two years. At one point, this area produced nearly half of all the precious metals mined in the US. The boom didn’t last for long, though, and mostly died down by 1880. Today, the town welcomes over two million visitors a year.
Address: Virginia City, Lake Tahoe, USA
From $ 65
Vintgar Gorge (Soteska Vintgar)
Shaped over the millennia by the raging waters of the River Radovna, the Vintgar Gorge slices through 1.6 km (one mile) of the Borst and Hom hills in northwestern Slovenia. First discovered in 1891, the narrow, winding river gorge was then impenetrable thanks to the vertical erosion of the limestone rock, but two years later a sandy trail and wooden pathways were built along the canyon length to open up its awesome waterfalls, icy cold pools and boiling rapids to visitors as it repeatedly crosses the river. One man‐made spectacle to look out for while hiking through the canyon is the stone arch of the Bohinj railway bridge, constructed in 1906 and hanging 110 feet (33.5 meters) above the river, which has become a magnet for adrenaline‐fueled whitewater rafters. The trail ends at the impressive Sum waterfall – the highest in Slovenia and spewing 52.5 feet (16 meters) into a pool at the head of the gorge. From Sum, walkers can retrace their steps along the gorge or make a circular tour towards the east, walking over the peak of Hom, past the pilgrim church of St Catherine and on down to Bled.
Practical Info
Practical information: Gorje, near Bled. The gorge is open daily in April to November from 8am to 7pm. Admission adults €4, children aged 6–14 €2. Vintgar Gorge is 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) north of Bled and accessed by bus from the main bus station, by car or on foot in about an hour.
Address: Gorje, Bled, Upper Carniola 4247, Slovenia
Hours: Apr–Nov 8am–7pm
Admission: Adults: €4, Children: (6–14) €2
From $ 40
Villa Escudero Plantations
An ever-popular retreat from Manila, Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort is a historic hacienda and working coconut plantation. Attractions here run from a restaurant set in a waterfall, where you dine with water running over your toes, to swimming pools, a river, a museum, buffalo-cart rides, bamboo rafts, and cultural dance shows.
The Basics
It’s possible to stay overnight or for several days at Villa Escudero, with accommodation at a range of different price points. However, most choose to visit as a day trip from Manila. Ticket prices, which include lunch at the waterfalls, are substantial but more affordable than western-hemisphere equivalents and vary depending on the day of the week and the season. Villa Escudero tours typically depart from Manila and include door-to-door round-trip transfers.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Villa Escudero’s countryside setting, waterfall restaurant, and swimming pools make a great day out with kids.
- Bring swimwear and sunscreen to enjoy Villa Escudero’s two pools.
- The waterfalls in the restaurant where you eat with water flowing over your feet are man-made.
- The carabao buffalo that pull the carts around the plantation enjoy a break every two rides.
How to Get There
Villa Escudero is in Tiaong, Quezon, 62 miles (100 kilometers) south of Manila, or around a 2.5-hour drive. It’s possible to reach the plantation by catching a bus bound for Lucena from Buendia terminal, asking the driver to let you off, and picking up a tricycle. Most travelers will find it easier to book a tour that includes door-to-door round-trip transfers.
When to Get There
Villa Escudero is a hugely popular destination with Manilans. Unless the weekend cultural shows are particularly important to you, avoid visiting on weekends or on public holidays, around Christmas, Easter, and New Year. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays are least crowded, especially during the low season, which runs September through November.
Villa Escudero and the Escudero Family
Don Placido Escudero and his wife Doña Claudia Marasigan founded Villa Escudero as a sugarcane plantation during the 1880s. Their son converted to coconut farming during the early 1900s and built the country’s first hydroelectric plant. Since their grandchildren first opened the estate in 1981, a visit here has been a rite of passage for Manilans as an expression of their Filipino heritage.
Address: Philippines
From $ 20
Vilnius Old Town
A UNESCO World Heritage-listed treasure trove, Vilnius Old Town is cradled in the confluence of two rivers and is the best-preserved medieval town center in Europe.
It was created over the centuries in an abundance of architectural styles from Gothic to Renaissance and is centered on the Neo-Classical Cathedral and its airy surrounding piazza. From here labyrinthine cobbled streets abuzz with restaurants, stores and bars lead upward towards the Higher Castle among pastel-painted Baroque churches and centuries-old townhouses constructed of tiny red bricks.
Many of the myriad attractions of Vilnius lie within this district, from the Neo-Classical Presidential Palace to the Gothic St Anne’s Church, the Baroque chapel at the Gate of Dawn and the convoluted backstreets of one of the city’s two former Jewish quarters.
Overlooking all this stands the Higher Castle, which can also be reached by funicular from the Lower Castle next to the Cathedral. Although not much of the castle has survived the wars and revolutions that have marred Lithuania’s history, the Gediminas Tower has become a squat, hexagonal symbol of peace and there’s a panoramic vista across the city from the viewing platform atop the tower.
Practical Info
Much of Vilnius Old Town is car-free, and parking space is at a premium. There is plenty of free parking on Klaipedos gatve, a 10-minute walk away. All sights are within easy walking distance of each other.
Address: Vilnius, Lithuania
From $ 12
Vimy
Just southwest of Lille is the historic farming town of Vimy, a popular day trip destination from Paris among history buffs and the site of aggressive fighting during World War I. The town’s definitive Battle of Vimy Ridge, fought between Canadian and German troops in 1917, resulted in a Canadian victory that proved essential in the advancement of British forces.
Even so, this led to more than 10,000 Canadian casualties, and the Canadian National Viny Memorial has since been instated on a 250-acre portion of the former battleground to honor those lost. In 1922, France granted the land for the memorial, and in 1936, it opened for all to come and pay respects.
Although a portion of the site is still off limits to the public due to dangerous wartime trenches and craters, the twin statuary, which have the names of all who fought in the battle inscribed on the stone foundation surrounding them, can be seen from miles away. The memorial cemetery serves as the final resting for most of the 3,598 soldiers who gave their lives in the fight.
Practical Info
Vimy is located at the junction of the D51 and the N17 roads. It is on the crest of Vimy Ridge, which overlooks the Artois region. The Canadian National Vimy Memorial is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Mondays from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. In December and January, it is open only by appointment. Guided tours of the battlefield and its underground tunnels are available.
Address: Vimy, France
From $ 14
Villavicencio Natural Reserve
Villavicencio Natural Reserve is a great alternative or addition to the wine tourism that is the backbone of Mendoza’s tourist attractions. It is easily visited in a half-day tour, though at nearly 175,000 acres, if you have more time, you’d find much more to explore. A visit to the reserve usually starts with about an hour’s drive from Mendoza to the springs for which the reserve are named, and in fact, this is the source of much of Argentina’s bottled mineral water.
The reserve itself has a varied topography, with mountains ranging from 900 to 3200 meters in height and deep ravines between them. Wildlife spotting is likely here, including eagles, condors, rheas (relative to the ostrich), as well as herds of the llama-like guanaco. Lucky viewers may glimpse a puma. One of the highlights of the trip is the view over the Los Caracoles viewpoint, so named for the winding road seen below (caracol means snail), which is said to have 365 twists and turns.
There is also time to visit a nearby monument called Canota, which marks General San Martín’s crossing of the Andes along with 5,000 troops to Chile to liberate Argentina from Spain.
Practical Info
Bring a bottle to fill up with the natural spring water at the now-defunct old resort spa at Villavicencio.
Address: Ruta Provincial 52, Mendoza, Argentina
From $ 42
Villa de Santiago
The charming cobblestone lanes and elegant colonial architecture of Villa de Santiago have earned it a place on Mexico’s list of ‘Pueblos Mágicos’ or ‘Magic Towns’ - traditional towns known for their unique culture, history and heritage. The architectural highlight of Villa de Santiago is the baroque church of Iglesia Santiago Apostol, which dates back to 1854, but there are a number of other attractions, including the grand fountain and pavilion of bustling Plaza Ocampo, the fascinating Santiago History Museum, a colorful handicrafts market and an excellent range of restaurants known for serving up some of Nuevo Leon’s best cuisine.
Less than half an hour from Monterrey, Villa de Santiago is also strategically located for exploring nearby sights like La Boca Dam, a popular summer swimming spot, and the Cola de Caballo, or Horsetail Falls, where activities include hiking, horseback riding and even
bungee jumping.
Practical Info
Villa de Santiago is located 33km south of Monterrey, along Highway 85.
Address: Villa de Santiago, Mexico
From $ 85
Villa San Michele
The Villa San Michele on the island of Capri is a 20th century villa built by Swedish doctor and author Alex Munthe, who lived on Capri for nearly six decades. Now a museum, it is home to more than 1,600 pieces from as far back as 1250 B.C. A collection from the Etruscan period includes a marble sphinx and a head made of terracotta while Roman antiquities on display include a variety of mosaics, sculptures and columns. Highlights of the collection include an Egyptian sphinx in red and black granite from the time of Ramses II and a mask of Medusa. In the chapel, visitors will see examples of medieval church art, as well as pieces from the Neapolitan Renaissance, and in the dining room and kitchen are collections of 18th century Swedish pewter and 16th century Lombard copper vessels. Munthe’s personal effects are also on display, including a manuscript of his book, “The Story of San Michele.”
The villa gardens include more archaeological finds and offer panoramic views of the town of Capri, the harbor, the Sorretine peninsula and Mount Vesuvius.
Practical Info
To reach the Villa San Michele, take the bus from Anacapri and then follow the signs. The villa sits on a ledge on top of Venetian steps. To get to the island of Capri, catch a ferry or hydrofoil from Naples.
Address: Viale Axel Munthe, 34,, Anacapri, Capri, Italy
Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to one hour before sunset (typically 3:30 p.m. November to February; 4:30 p.m. in March; 5 p.m. in April and October; and 6 p.m. May through September).
Admission: 7 Euro
From $ 64
Vilnius University
As one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe, Vilnius’ seat of learning opened in 1579 and has since been extended to incorporate just about every architectural style, from Baroque to Neo-Classical.
Built around a series of arcaded courtyards, the university also holds Lithuania’s oldest public library as well many suites of ornately frescoed and vaulted apartments. Like many other public buildings in the Baltic, the university has suffered or thrived according to the regime in power at any given time. Initially run by Jesuits, it was transferred to secular power in 1773 but closed in the late 19th century on the orders of Tsar Nicholas I.
The university reopened in 1919 just before Lithuania was annexed by Poland, who ran the university until World War II, when it was administered by the Nazis and subsequently by the Soviet Union. Today it has been safely back in local hands since 1990, when Communism finally collapsed.
Famous students at Vilnius University include the Polish Romantic poet Adam Mickiewicz and Nobel prizewinner Czeslaw Milosz. Today there are 15,000 students procuring 5,000 degrees annually and contributing to the buzzing social life so evident on the city’s streets.
Practical Info
Vilnius University is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Admission for tours costs 5LTL.
Address: Universiteto g. 3, Vilnius 01513, Lithuania
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm
Admission: Tours: 5LTL
From $ 12
Virginia & Truckee Railroad
The Virginia & Truckee Railroad allows travelers to experience the frontier days, taking them back to the golden era of the West, when railroads were supreme and ’49ers populated the hills looking for gold. This steam-powered railway revives the bygone days when Carson City and the mining towns of Nevada were some of the richest on earth—filled with overnight millionaires. See the mines in person, learn about the flats and mountains, and hear stories of great wealth, boom and bust. Rides are often taken on tours out of Lake Tahoe.
Practical Info
A great experience for young and old, the Virginia & Truckee Railroad operates on original railways and maintains two open routes. The Historic Route is the most popular and runs seven daily trips from 10:30am to 4pm between May 24 and October 31. Trains start in Carson City, and tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 10 and under.
Address: 166 F Street, Virginia City, Lake Tahoe 89440, USA
Hours: May 24-Oct 31 10:30am-4pm
Admission: $10 adults, $5 kids 10 & under
From $ 65
Virgin Islands National Park
The majority of St. John is covered by the Virgin Islands National Park, a stretch of preserved wilderness all the more remarkable when you consider how much of the island was once cleared for sugar plantations.
Get the most out of this natural wonder on hiking trails which crisscross the island. None takes more than two hours to complete, but they cover a surprising range of topography and vegetation as well as historic sites such as the eerie plantation ruins of Annaberg. And there’s no better way to end your walk than a swim at one of St. John’s superb beaches, such as beautiful Trunk Bay in the island’s northwest.
The park also protects the island’s reef, with public access allowed at the mangrove bay of Hurricane Hole, east of Coral Bay. Snorkeling is a popular activity all along the coastline.
Practical Info
Head for the park’s visitors’ center in Cruz Bay, the point of arrival for ferries from St. Thomas, to pick up maps and tips for further exploration. The park covers about two-thirds of the island as well as significant off-shore areas.
Address: St John, US Virgin Islands
Hours: Visitor Center open 8am - 4:30pm
Admission: Free
From $ 49