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Cotswolds

Few places encapsulate the beauty of the English countryside like the Cotswolds, with its green rolling hills, grand country estates, and picturesque villages chiseled out of honey-colored stone. A protected “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,” it’s the retreat of choice for wealthy Londoners and residents include movie stars and royalty.

The Basics

Most Cotswolds tours run from London, driving along the winding country roads and stopping to explore the historic market towns or enjoy lunch at a traditional pub. Full-day tours often include a stop in the Cotswolds en route to nearby attractions. Options include a tour of historic Bath, Stonehenge, and Shakespeare’s home in Stratford-upon-Avon; a visit to Oxford, Blenheim Palace, and Warwick Castle; or a tour of Highclere Castle, better known as Downton Abbey.

Things to Know Before You Go

Many Cotswolds tours and attractions are wheelchair accessible; check with your tour operator in advance.
Some tours include overnight accommodations in local Cotswolds B&Bs or hotels.
Wear comfortable shoes since most tours include lots of walking.

How to Get There

The Cotswolds is an area of south England, lying mainly in the counties of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, and including the cities of Bath, Cheltenham, and Stroud. Located 100 miles (161 kilometers) west of London or about two hours by road, it is accessible via several highways, as well as by public transport. Buses run from the capital to many of the towns and villages of the Cotswolds, while Cotswold Line trains connect London’s Paddington railway station with Hereford and Worcester.

When to Get There

Summer is the most popular time to visit the Cotswolds, and accommodations can fill up quickly in July and August. Be sure to book ahead. Visiting out of summer means you’ll avoid the crowds and enjoy a more local experience, but outdoor activities such as hiking or bike tours will be dependent on weather conditions. Perhaps the most atmospheric time to visit is over the holiday season, when many of the villages host Christmas Markets and you might get chance to see the countryside covered in snow.

The Cotswolds Villages

The idyllic towns and villages of the Cotswolds each have their own unique character, and visitors can admire the historic buildings, browse the antique shops, or stop for a traditional afternoon tea at a café. The largest town in the Cotswolds is Cheltenham, while Cirencester, Tetbury, and Chipping Campden are among the busiest market towns. In the North Cotswolds, the villages of Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Burford are popular photo stops for visitors, and the village of Bampton is known for its role as Downton Village in Downton Abbey.

England

From ¥ 466

Corso Umberto I

The Corso Umberto I is the main street in Taormina, running from one end of the historic center to the other. This pedestrian-only avenue is, as you might imagine, lined with shops, restaurants, and hotels, all beckoning the countless tourists who amble by each day during the high season. But it’s not just a tourist street - locals enjoy strolling along the Corso Umberto I, too.

Taormina’s Medieval Quarter is one of the prettiest sections of the city, and Corso Umberto I cuts right through its middle. The clock tower that marks the start of the Medieval Quarter is actually in an arched tower that spans the Corso Umberto I. The particularly picturesque Piazza Aprile IX sits along the famous street, and it’s one of the most popular places to pause and do some people-watching. The view from the piazza over the water is lovely, and the piazza itself is a beautiful backdrop to whatever is going on.

Further down the Corso Umberto I is another piazza, the Piazza Duomo in front of Taormina’s cathedral. This is another good place for a pause - many hang out on or near the Baroque fountain at the center of the piazza.

Practical Info

Keep in mind that while you’ll find plenty of cheap souvenirs on offer in shops along the Corso Umberto I, you’ll also find unique Sicilian treats and crafts to take home, too. Plan to take your time wandering this street - and many of the smaller streets that connect to it - in order to find the hidden gems. For an insider look at this city’s most famous street, take a walking tour of Taormina with an expert local guide.

Corso Umberto I, Taormina, Sicily, Italy

From ¥ 464

CosmoCaixa Barcelona

With its unique, modern design and interactive exhibits, the CosmoCaixa is frequently recognized as one of the best science museums in Europe. With hands-on displays and activities for both children and adults, the museum explores the earth through environmental and natural exhibits and the skies through its large, 3-D planetarium. There are educational experiments set up throughout, incorporating the senses of touch, smell, and sight.

Visitors enter the museum space (one of the largest in Spain) down an impressive five story winding staircase that ends at an Amazonian tree standing 30 meters tall. One of the most notable exhibits is the “Flooded Forest,” a replica of a tropical rain forest ecosystem in the Amazon with over 1,000 species present. The Geological Wall features cuts of rock formations from around Spain, and topics like evolution, intelligence, and physics can be explored in the Hall of Matter.

Practical Info

The CosmoCaixa museum is located at Calle Isaac Newton 26. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm. It is closed on Mondays. The nearest metro stop is Avinguda del Tibidabo or alternatively, buses 60, 73, 123 and 196 will take you there. Admission is €4 for adults and is free for children under 16 years old.

Calle Isaac Newton 26, Barcelona, Spain

Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm

€4

From ¥ 352

Cospicua

Cospicua, known in Maltese as Bormla, is one of the beautiful villages that makes up the Three Cities (Cottonera). With Greek, Roman, and Turkish influences, it's a fascinating look at just how integrated Mediterranean history has made such a unique culture.

When seen from the sea, as Cospicua should be at least once, visitors are looking at a port that dates back to the Phoenician era – although it was not declared an actual city in the early 18th century, when the dockyards were built. These dockyards are still a vital part of commerce (and political squabbles) today. The original city gates and fortifications are perfect for a walking tour of Cospicua to further understand its history. And as it is the largest town of the Cottonera, visitors are often treated to many festivals and events throughout the year.

Practical Info

Cospicua is 15 minutes from the Malta International Airport, and is served by public transport as well as car traffic.

Cospicua, Malta

From ¥ 157

Cours Saleya Flower Market (Marche aux Fleurs Cours Saleya)

Nice's Cours Saleya Flower Market is a veritable feast for the senses—floral fragrances rise in the air, vendors call out in French to mingling locals, and flower bouquets burst forth from every stall. Add the fresh produce market, sidewalk cafes, and weekly antiques fair, and it’s no wonder the market is a must while in Provence.

The Basics

A colorful twist on the classic French market, the Cours Saleya Flower Market (Marche aux Fleurs Cours Saleya) is in many ways the heart of everyday life in Nice. The market is split between its famous flower market selling bucketfuls of blooms on the western side and a food market brimming with spices, produce, pastries, and more on the eastern side.

Take it all in on a leisurely stroll, stopping to people-watch from one of the cafes and restaurants lining the edges, or join a Nice sightseeing tour or food tour for the benefit of the information provided by a local guide.

Things to Know Before You Go

Dress for the weather, with plenty of sun protection in summer.
Bring cash, as most vendors do not accept credit cards.
Expect large crowds during summer.

How to Get There

Right in the heart of Nice's Old Town (Vieux Nice) and only one street back from the Quai des Etats-Unis on the Promenade des Anglais, the Cours Saleya is impossible to miss during any stroll through the historic district. Though the area is mostly closed off to cars—making for a pleasant pedestrian experience—it can be accessed on the T1 line of the tram, with the closest stop at Opéra Vieille Ville.

When to Get There

Visit between 6am and 5:30pm to see the market at its finest. Early morning visits let travelers see the vendors setting up before the crowds arrive, while visitors in the evening will find the market plaza transformed into an outdoor dining area where farm-to-table food is the standard. The market is replaced by an antiques market on Mondays and is closed Sunday afternoons and public holidays.

Mediterranean Marketplaces

Though outdoor markets take place in just about every town on the French Riviera, France's National Council for the Culinary Arts ranks the Cours Saleya Market as one of the best in the country—this says a lot in a destination so famous for its food!

Cours Saleya, Nice, France

Free

From ¥ 180

Croatian National Theatre (HNK)

The imposing, daffodil-yellow Neo-Baroque edifice of HNK Zagreb dominates Trg maršala Tita, the northeastern link in the network of parks around Zagreb’s Donji Grad (Lower Town), which forms the city’s cultural district. The theater was designed by Austrian architects and opened by Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph I in 1895; it is punctuated by towers on each corner and topped with a copper dome. The interior is equally opulent, a riot of marble, gilded columns and frescoed ceilings – also by Austrian artists – interspersed with busts of composers and opera singers

The scarlet-and-gold auditorium has the capacity to seat 800 and the repertoire includes a full season of ballet, orchestral and opera. As well as being the home of the Croatian Radio Symphony Orchestra, HNK Zagreb attracts big-name performers and theater companies from all over the world. In the square outside the theatre stands “The Well of Life,” a vast bronze sculpture by 20th-century Croatian master Ivan Meštrović in 1905.

Practical Info

Trg maršala Tita 15. The HNK Zagreb ticket office is open from 10am–2pm on weekdays, and last-minute tickets can be bought daily 1.5 hours before performances. Take Tram 14 to Trg maršala Tita.

Trg maršala Tita 15, Zagreb 10000, Croatia

From ¥ 151

Crazy Horse Cabaret

Held in an intimate underground venue, the Crazy Horse cabaret’s provocative yet sophisticated burlesque-style show celebrates femininity and specializes in the art of seduction, with a series of elaborately choreographed routines performed by highly trained dancers wearing custom-made red-soled Louboutins, bob wigs, bright red lipstick—and often little else. Avant-garde artist Alain Bernardin established the venerated Crazy Horse de Paris in 1951.

The Basics

During the cabaret’s 90-minute Totally Crazy show, audience members witness some of the troupe’s most classic routines, including the well-known Philippe Decouflé–choreographed Crazy Horse Guards, which sees the Crazy Girls donning bearskin hats and skimpy royal guard uniforms. The venue also hosts newer acts created by the likes of Dita von Teese and Ali Mahdavi. You can book show tickets in advance or upgrade your experience to include VIP extras such as Champagne and appetizers. You can also pair a visit here with a pre- or post-show dinner at the nearby art deco brasserie, Chez Francis.

Things to Know Before You Go

Dress respectably. Ties and jackets are not required, but shorts, sneakers, and sportswear are not allowed.
Performances contain partial nudity and may not be suitable for kids.
For the ultimate indulgence, splurge on a private VIP booth to sip Champagne and snack on caviar during the show.
Seats are not reservable; they are assigned and allocated on the night of the show.
The Crazy Horse is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The Crazy Horse de Paris venue is on Avenue George V near the Champs-Elysees. Both the bus (lines 42, 63, 72, 80, and 92) and the Metro (line 9) connect to the nearby Alma–Marceau station. Alternatively, take the RER C line to Pont de l’Alma or the RER A line to Charles de Gaulle–Etoile.

When to Get There

Shows take place twice a night, at 8:30pm and 11pm, Sunday to Friday; on Saturdays there are three performances, at 7pm, 9:30pm, and midnight. Arrive early to catch the pre-show burlesque act, which begins 30 minutes before the main performance.

Which Paris Cabaret is Right for You?

Paris is home to several legendary cabaret venues, and choosing between the two most renowned—Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse de Paris—can be difficult. If you want Las Vegas–style acts and fanfare—and to see the world-famous cancan—Moulin Rouge is the cabaret for you. Crazy Horse, meanwhile, offers artistic and slightly racier performances in a smaller, more intimate setting.

12 Avenue George V, Paris 75008, France

Check website for show prices

From ¥ 663

CRICOTEKA Museum of Tadeusz Kantor

Krakow's CRICOTEKA Museum is a theater, exhibition space and bookshop dedicated to a bizarre brand of experimental theater and the local man who created it in 1955: avant-garde and controversial playwright, designer, director and artist Tadeusz Kantor. Visitors to the museum will walk through bizarre theater set designs with spooky mannequins, marionettes and costumes on display. There is also a gallery showing Kantor’s work in Ulica Sienna, which housed his theater company Cricot 2, as well as frequent temporary exhibitions of art inspired by his ideas.

A visit to the museum provides a change from the historical monuments and buildings of Krakow, showing a more contemporary side of the city. Visitors will enjoy the modern architecture of the museum—a former power station turned riverfront exhibition space with a rusted metal and black glass exterior—and great views of the city and Vistula River.

Having moved its headquarters to the Podgórze district in 2014, the museum offers a modern piece of Polish cultural history in a clean, new and rarely crowded facility worth at least an hour's visit. Enjoy free admission to the museum and 40 other city attractions with a Krakow Museum and Transport Official Pass, including free, unlimited public transportation.

The CRICOTEKA Museum of Tadeusz Kantor is located at Ulica Nadwiślańska 2–4, in the Podgórze district of Krakowa on the banks of the Vistula River. It is accessible by trams 3, 9, 19, 24 and 50, alighting at Podgórze.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 7pm, and is closed on Monday. Admission is 10 PLN for adults; 5 PLN for seniors & students; and 15 PLN for family tickets. There is free entry on Tuesday. Visitors holding a Krakow Museum and Transport Official Pass are guaranteed free entry.

Ulica Nadwiślańska 2–4, Podgórze, Krakow 30-527, Poland

Tue–Sun: 11am–7pm

Varies

From ¥ 196

Court of Scents (Cour des Senteurs)

Locals and foreign visitors alike are thrilled by Versailles' newest attraction, the Court of Scents (Cour des Senteurs). Located just steps away from the main gates of the city's world-famous palace, the Court of Scents opened in 2013 in Saint-Louis, the oldest neighborhood in Versailles.

Inside the courtyard is an immersive experience for the senses. From the orange blossom-perfumed fountain and Maison des Parfums to the garden paths and shopping spots, it's another world entirely.

While the Court of Scents may seem like a mere oasis for shoppers, it should be noted that it the home of rarities. The Guerlain store here, for example, is the only one in France outside Paris' Avenue des Champs-Élysées, and court's Maison Fabre is the only place in the world to purchase exact replicas of Marie Antoinette's two-toned, perfumed gloves. The Lenôtre combines perfumery and gastronomy for food lovers, and Diptyque, the final shop here, is a uniquely French brand that brings a bit of Versailles home with the visitor.

Practical Info

The Court of Scents is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. It is free to enter and browse; tours are available exclusively through Viator.

Cour des Senteurs, Versailles, France

From ¥ 1,410

Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen)

Revolutionary architect Piet Blom designed and developed Rotterdam’s collection of 40 innovative cube houses in 1984, each of which has a giant yellow and gray tilted, wooden cube balancing on top of the ground level. The houses were built to resemble trees in a forest and to present an alternative to high-density urban living. Blom took the Ponte Vecchio in Florence as his inspiration for the structures and included public areas below and private living spaces above in the cubes. These bizarre apartments are centered around a courtyard playground and lean at an angle of 45 degrees over the buzzy waterfront bars and restaurants of Oude Haven. The whole complex sits on top of a pedestrian bridge over a busy road.

Inside, the houses have three stories and myriad angled walls with plenty of light pouring in from the sloping, triangular, plate-glass windows. The rooms are also triangular, which makes furniture design especially tricky. Each unit consists of a living space on the first floor, two bedrooms and a bathroom on the second and a workspace or sun lounge on the top floor.

Two of the larger cube houses have been transformed into a funky hostel for tourists, but the three-floor Show Cube (KijkKubus) is a fully furnished pod open to impress visitors with the crazy planes and slopes of its interior.

Practical Information:

The Cube Houses are on Overblaak at Oude Haven. Entrance to the Show Cube costs €2.50, and it is open daily from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Paid parking is available in the Kiphof or Oude Haven public parking lots, but neither have the option to pay with cash.

Kijk-kubus Overblaak 70, Rotterdam 3011 MH, Netherlands

€2.50

From ¥ 196

Crummock Water

Despite being the largest and central lake of the Buttermere Valley, Crummock Water is often overlooked in favor of neighboring Buttermere Lake, but there are plenty of good reasons to visit both. Measuring around 4 km in length, hiking around the lake from Buttermere takes around 3 hours and takes in highlights like Scale Force, England’s highest waterfall, which feeds into the lake, and the view from the lakeside Rannerdale Knotts.

Rowing, kayaking and canoeing are all popular pastimes on Crummock Water, but the clear waters are also ideal for swimming during the summer months and the abundance of brown trout and salmon make it a popular choice for fishing.

Practical Info

Crummock Water is located in the Lake District National Park, just north of Buttermere.

Cumbria, England

From ¥ 263

Cotroceni Palace (Palatul Cotroceni)

Cotroceni Palace in Bucharest is the headquarters and residence of the Romanian president, as well as home to the National Cotroceni Museum. The original palace served as the residence of Romanian rulers until the end of the 19th century, at which time a larger palace was commissioned by King Carol I. Most of the palace had to be rebuilt after an earthquake struck in 1977. Adjacent to the palace is the Cotroceni Garden, one of the major public gardens in the city which dates back to the 1850s.

The National Cotroceni Museum collection features more than 20,000 objects, divided into several different collections. Highlights include 18th and 19th century religious arts; a collection of Romanian paintings from the 19th century to the present; 18th and 19th century paintings from German, Austrian, French and Belgian artists; sculptures from both Romanian and European sculptors; drawings, watercolors and engravings from the 19th and 20th centuries; and decorative arts, including ceramics, glass, metals and textiles.

Practical Info

The Cotroceni Palace is accessible from the Politehnica or Eroilor Metro stations. Tours of the palace are available in English, French, Italian and Spanish. The 60 minute version costs 35 lei and includes the Cotroceni Church and the first and second floors of the palace. The 90 minute tour costs 40 lei and adds in the cellar. Tours must be booked in advance. Photo fees are charged both for cell phones (5 lei) and cameras (20 lei)

Bulevardul Geniului, nr. 1, Bucharest, Romania

Museum and temporary exhibitions open Tues-Sun 9:30am-5:30pm (last entrance at 4:30). Cotroceni Church open Wed-Sat 9:30am-4pm and Sun 9am-2pm.

By tour only, 35-40 lei

From ¥ 345

Coudenberg (Former Palace of Brussels)

Found at the southern end of the Parc de Bruxelles, Coudenberg marks the site of the original palace of the Belgian Royal Family, which was destroyed to make way for the present Palais Royal. In the 12th century a small, fortified castle stood on Coudenberg Hill, and this was gradually extended and reworked by successive monarchs until it reputedly became one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe and the main residence of King Charles V.

In 1731 this imposing palace was destroyed by fire but it was not until 40 years later that its ruins were pulled down and the site flattened in preparation for the building of today’s stately Palais Royal.

The cellars and chapel of the original palace can now be viewed underground as they stretch far underneath the present-day Rue Royale. Once open to the elements, the forgotten medieval cobbled Rue Isabelle is now below the Place Royale. It ran alongside the Coudenberg Palace up to the Cathedral of Sts-Michael-and-Gudula on nearby Place Ste-Gudule.

Artifacts recovered from 25 years of excavation on the site at Coudenberg are now displayed at Hoogstraeten House, which was one of many aristocratic mansions that bordered the grounds of Coudenberg Place. Exhibits include clay pipes, armor and Venetian glassware.

Practical Info

Entrance into the Coundenberg archaeological site is via the BELvue Museum in Place des Palais. Opening hours are Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Access is from metro stations Gare Centrale, Parc, Trône and Porte de Namur or trams 92 and 93. Most of the underground site is accessible by wheel chair. There is limited parking in Place des Palais.

Place des Palais 7, Bruxelles 1000, Belgium

Tue-Fri 9:30am-5pm Sat-Sun 10am-6pm; Jul-Aug Daily 10am-6pm

Adult: €6; Senior: €5; Young Adult: €4; Child: Free

From ¥ 204

Cours Mirabeau

The heart and soul of the Vieil Aix (Old Town) the historic Cours Mirabeau is the main thoroughfare of Aix en Provence, passing between the ring roads that mark the boundaries of the old medieval center and the new town. A broad tree-lined avenue crammed with shops, restaurants and cafés, Cours Mirabeau runs from the iconic statue of King Rene (Fontaine du Roi René) in Place Forbin, to the stately Place du General de Gaulle.

Simply strolling the wide avenue – a spacious 42 meters wide - is enough to unveil many of its charms. Elegant 17th-century mansions, walled gardens and ornamental fountains line the sidewalks and a pit stop at one of the many alfresco cafés is the perfect way to take in the scenery. Once home to the city’s elite, Cours Mirabeau boasts one-time residents like a young Cezanne and architectural highlights include the monumental entrance of Hotel de Villiers and the regal Hôtel d'Arbod Jouques. Look out for the many impressive fountains along the route too; most notably the masterpiece of ‘La Rotonde’, which takes center stage in the Place Général de Gaulle.

Cours Mirabeau, Aix-en-Provence, France

From ¥ 509

Crathie Church

With a history dating back to the sixth century and the present building built by Queen Victoria in the late 19th century, Crathie Church has a long history of royal significance. Today, the small parish church retains its claim to fame, with the Queen and Royal Family attending services there while staying at the nearby royal residence, Balmoral Castle.

The royal connection is notable throughout the church – not only did Queen Victoria lay the first stone back in 1893, but her servant John Brown is buried in the churchyard, the white marble communion table is dedicated to Edward VII and a bible decorated with the Royal Coat of Arms is on display.

Practical Info

Crathie Church is located in Crathie Kirk village in the Cairngorms National Park.

Crathie, Scotland

From ¥ 439

Covent Garden

In the heart of London’s West End, Covent Garden is one of the city’s most popular dining and entertainment hubs. Home to the Royal Opera House; several top theaters, including the Lyceum and the Donmar Warehouse; world-class restaurants; and many major brand-name stores, most travelers to London plan to explore this area while visiting.

The Basics

Covent Garden’s original purpose was as a convent garden, where Westminster Abbey monks would grow fruit and vegetables, some 500 years ago. In the 17th century, architect Inigo Jones built St. Paul’s Church (not to be confused with the cathedral) and the Covent Garden Piazza and the area started to take shape. In the streets around the market came theaters, coffee houses, and restaurants, turning the area into a nightlife hotspot.

The market arcades, built in the 1830s, were home to fruit, vegetable, and flower sellers. The original market was moved out of the city in the 1970s, and the arcades were redeveloped into stores and cafes. Nowadays, the piazza is famous for lively street performers, while the surrounding streets—Floral Street, Neal Street, Long Acre, and Mercer Street—offer some of the best shopping in London. Guided walking, bike, and taxi tours visit the area on a regular basis. It's also a stop on hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses.

Things to Know Before You Go

Covent Garden is wheelchair accessible.
For same-day theater tickets, visit the TKTS booth on Leicester Square.
St. Paul’s Church is known as “The Actor’s Church” for the area’s many theaters.
The churchyard has benches for visitors to sit and rest.
Covent Garden’s seven main streets converge at the Seven Dials sundial.

How to Get There

Covent Garden is located in the center of West End, London. The nearest subway (tube) station is Covent Garden on the Piccadilly Line. Leicester Square station is also a short walk away. The area is walkable from many other points in Central London and is a popular stop on historic walking and bike tours of the city. Hop-on hop-off buses also stop here.

When to Get There

Covent Garden is a public piazza and is open all day. The Apple Market stalls are open from 10am–6pm. Nearby stores, restaurants, and theaters, including the Royal Opera House, have their own separate opening times—check before visiting.

London’s Chinatown

A few streets away from Covent Garden, bordered by Shaftesbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road is London’s Chinatown, filled with colorful shops and restaurants serving authentic East Asian cuisine. One of the city’s most popular destinations for cheap eats, the area is always buzzing with both locals and tourists.

Covent Garden Market, London WC2, England

Free

From ¥ 81

Croix-Rousse

Centered around the 254-meter hill of the same name, the Croix-Rousse district was the heart of Lyon’s 18th-century silk industry, with the influx of workers earning it the nickname ‘the hill that works’, while neighboring Fourvière was dubbed ‘the hill that prays’. The historic district makes a fascinating addition to a walking tour, with its unique traboules - narrow, tunnel-like passageways that served as the setting to the 19th-century silk-workers revolt - snaking between the historic workshops and running down to the riverside. Today, some of the traboules have been restored, most notably the Passage Thiaffait, which is now home to the ‘Village of Creators’ and lined with artist’s galleries, crafts workshops and fashion boutiques.

The lively district retains its village-like atmosphere and is now crammed with bars, restaurants and cafes, many of which offer impressive views along the riverside. Additional highlights include the daily Croix-Rousse Market, the ruins of the Roman Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls, the landmark Gros Caillou (literally, a ‘Big Rock’) and the Croix-Rousse tunnel, a bus, bike and pedestrian route that burrows through the hill and is now the backdrop for a dazzling light and sound show.

Practical Info

The Croix-Rousse quarter is located in 1st and 4th arrondissements of Lyon.

Lyon, France

From ¥ 70

Costa da Caparica

Flying neatly under the radar of most non-Portuguese visitors, Costa da Caparica is one of the most popular coastal regions for locals, stretching almost 19 miles (30 km) down the Atlantic coastline south of Lisbon’s Tagus River. It is a region of powerful surfing waves, long sandy strands backed by dunes and pine forests plus a few low-rise resorts that have grown from traditional fishing villages.

In summer the beaches are a haven for surfing or sun-worshipping Lisboans, and families with young children content to play on the sands; most beaches have a couple of simple wooden beach bars, while summer weekends see beach parties carry on late into the night. The town of Caparica itself is overlooked by a 16th-century monastery and has a colorful array of stores selling lilos and souvenirs along the pedestrianized esplanade Praça da Liberdade, as well as seafood restaurants and a tourist office at Frente Urbana de Praias. A mini-train chugs six miles (10 km) down the coastline from Caparica, giving day-trippers the chance to reach less-crowded beaches as they head south. At the southernmost reaches of the region around the Arriba Fóssil da Costa nature reserve—where fossils have been discovered to be more than 15 million years old—gay and nude beaches proliferate.

Practical Info

The resort is six miles (10 km) south of Lisbon and can be reached by car via the April 25 Bridge. If taking public transportation, take direct bus no 161 from Praca do Areeiro (€3.20); or a combination of ferry from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodre to Cacilhas (€1.25) and express bus TST 135 (€2.40) to Costa da Caparica.

Costa da Caparica, Setúbal, Portugal

From ¥ 35

Coustellet Lavender Museum

The Lavender Museum in Coustellet is at the farm where this brilliantly colored, fragrant plant is grown, harvested and processed into all kinds of products. But far from being a factory or simply a museum, it's a family-run business dating back five generations, and the pride in their work is immediately apparent to visitors.

Included in the museum is a large collection of vintage distilling machines and other implements used as far back as the 17th century; this was the hobby of one of the Lincelé sons. There is also a film about the distilling process and guided tours as well. It's a wonderful, in-depth look at how lavender is used, and even better, it's open even when the fields are not in bloom!

Practical Info

The Lavender Museum is 12 miles from Avignon and not accessible by public transport. It is closed in January. It's open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., but sometimes closes for lunch from 12:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. The entrance fee is 6.50 euros, with discounts for students, seniors and groups (kids under 15 accompanied by adults enter free). There is an audio guide available in several languages, and there are guided visits as well.

276 Route de Gordes, Coustellet, France

Daily 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; closed in January

Adults 6.50€; student and seniors: 5.5€; Children under 15 free with adults

From ¥ 304

Crumlin Road Gaol

Built in 1850 to accommodate prisoners tried at the courthouse across the street, Crumlin Road Gaol (Crumlin Road Jail) housed some of Northern Ireland’s most notorious criminals as well as leading political figures during its 150 years in operation. The jail was also the setting for executions, riots, and hunger strikes.

The Basics

The jail—now a key Belfast tourist attraction—can be explored as part of guided tours, which last about 70 minutes and take place daily between 10am and 4:30pm. Tours cover the jail in detail, stopping at the C-Wing, the condemned man’s cell, the execution chamber, the graveyard, and the tunnel linking the jail to Crumlin Road Courthouse. Alternative tours, including a 60-minute paranormal tour, a 75-minute historical tour, a 75-minute ghost walk tour, and a 60-minute child-friendly Victorian tour, are available for groups of 15 or more.

Things to Know Before You Go

Crumlin Road Gaol is a must-visit Northern Irish history buffs.
Bring warm, waterproof layers. Although most of the tour take place indoors, some sections, such as the graveyard, are outside.
Most of the jail, with the exception of the tunnel and the drop room below the hanging cell, are wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The main entrance to Crumlin Road Jail is the Gate House on Crumlin Road. To get there by public transit, use the Translink Metro bus routes 57 and 12B, which run from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, the 12A service stops at nearby Carlisle Circus. The jail is also a stop on hop-on hop-off bus tours of Belfast.

When to Get There

Tours run daily between 10am and 4:30pm. To ensure a spot—and avoid crowds that build later in the day—come early in the morning. Be sure to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes prior to your tour time.

Famous Prisoners of Crumlin Road Jail

Among the 25,000 prisoners who’ve been held at Crumlin Road over the years were several well-known public figures, including Éamon de Valera, the former prime minister and president of Ireland, the unionist politician Reverend Ian Paisley, Lenny Murphy (the man responsible for the Shankill Butchers, a series of killings of the late 1970s and early 1980s), and suffrage campaigner Dorothy Evans.

53-55 Crumlin Rd, Belfast, Antrim, Northern Ireland BT14 6ST, Northern Ireland

Daily 10am - 4:30pm

Adults: £12, Children: £7.50

From ¥ 66