Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Napa & Sonoma
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Wan Chai District
Located between Victoria Peak and Victoria Harbor, Wan Chai earned its reputation as a red light district during the Vietnam War (and by featuring in the 1960 film, The World of Suzie Wong). Today the neighborhood has shed much of its seedy reputation, although the area around Lockhart and Johnson Road is still going strong with girlie bars and clubs.
The nightlife in all other parts of Wan Chai is much more down to earth, with a buzzing selection of British pubs, karaoke bars, and dozens of international restaurants. The area even caters for the more upmarket crowd with some fine dining options located along Star Street.
Wan Chai’s rich heritage means there’s plenty to do by day too, with an array of historical sites in the area, most of which feature on the Wan Chai Heritage Trail. Highlights include the century-old Hung Shing Temple and the Old Wan Chai Post Office on Queen’s Road East, which is one of the few remaining examples of colonial architecture of its type.
Practical Info
Wan Chai is well connected by public transport. If travelling by MTR, simply take the Island Line and alight at the Wan Chai stop. Visitors can also take the tram to Wan Chai, which is a scenic way to arrive in the neighborhood, as is hopping on the Star Ferry.
Address: Wan Chai District, Hong Kong, China
From $ 74
Wadi Shab
Wadi Shab is the most unspoiled, easily accessed and perhaps the most beautiful valley in Oman. Bright turquoise waters flow through tall canyon walls of orange and yellow sandstone, over rocks and into small pools and waterfalls, and a refreshing swim in the cool, clear water is a highlight for most visitors. It’s the feeling that you’ve found your own personal oasis in the middle of the desert, though the wadi is popular with both locals and tourists.
Outside of exploring the natural beauty of the emerald-green pools of water and large rock formations, there is a partially submerged cave to see. The canyon floor is dotted with lush greenery, and the area is surrounded by date plantations and banana palms. Unlike neighboring Wadi Tiwi there is no road through the valley, so progress must be made on foot.
Practical Info
To reach Wadi Shab, drive east toward Sur along the main highway. It is about 100 kilometers (a two-hour drive) from Muscat. From the main highway, exit at Tiwi and drive into Tiwi village. The entrance of Wadi Shab is at the west end of the town. Park your vehicle as close to the bridge as possible. Boats run across the water to a starting point for walks for 1 OR. It takes about two hours to hike through the whole valley.
Address: Tiwi, Oman
From $ 79
Waitemata Harbour
Waitemata Harbour is the real name for what is often just called Auckland Harbour. It means “sparkling waters” in the Maori language, which is a very fitting name. Numerous islands dot the harbor, and a day spent on the water, with city views in the background, is a memorable way to tour Auckland.
The Basics
You can clearly see why Auckland’s nickname is “City of Sails” once you glimpse Waitemata Harbour. Landmarks around the harbor, include the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Bean Rock Lighthouse, Devonport, Mission Bay, and volcanic Rangitoto Island. These can be seen from many high points around Auckland, particularly from the Sky Tower in downtown Auckland, as well as closer on a boat or walking tour.
Tours of and around Waitemata Harbour take many forms. From active water sports, such as kayaking, to the more sedate, such as ferry crossings and cruises, all travelers can spend some time enjoying the beauty of Waitemata Harbour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Waitemata Harbour offers an excursion for every kind of traveler, so find a trip that best suits your desired level of activity.
- If you don’t want to go out onto the water, harbor views can be enjoyed from a high spot, such as Sky Tower’s viewing platform or One Tree Hill.
- You can easily get burned with New Zealand’s notoriously strong sun, especially from the glare on the water. If you’re heading out on a boat, wear plenty of sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to prevent sunburn.
How to Get There
Tours around the harbor start from various points and usually include round-trip transportation from central Auckland. Ferries to the North Shore and islands in the Hauraki Gulf (which is the water body just beyond the harbor) depart from the Downtown Ferry Terminal, as do some cruises.
When to Get There
Despite a generally warm climate, Auckland experiences frequent rain at any time of year. Summer is best for water sports, such as kayaking and sailing, but cruises can be enjoyed year-round. Although temperatures in the winter aren’t too cold, the chance of rain and cold winds is high. The harbor hosts a number of festivals, including the Tamaki Herenga Waka Festival and Auckland on Water Boat Show.
Motu Manawa Marine Reserve
Active travelers wanting to experience Auckland’s natural treasures will enjoy a kayak or other small-boat tour of Motu Manawa (Pollen Island) Marine Reserve. Southwest of the harbor, the 1,235-acre (500-hectare) protected reserve, including salt marshes and mangrove swamps, provides a habitat for numerous varieties of wading and sea birds.
Address: New Zealand
From $ 28
War Memorial of Korea
Even beyond the Korean War, South Korea's history is wrought with conflict. The War Memorial of Korea documents this history with a focus on the country's relationships with North Korea, China and Japan. A full-fledged museum, the memorial is housed in the former headquarters of the Korean Infantry.
Within the eight main exhibits is an extensive collection of equipment from the Korean War, including tanks, guns and military planes, as well as a series of sculptures and paintings depicting patriotic war efforts. Those who only have time for one exhibit should be sure to visit the Korean War exhibit. Technically, the Korean War is still ongoing, and tensions often run hot between the North and the South, rendering the information here particularly relevant. Travelers who plan to visit the DMZ will benefit from a trip to the War Memorial of Korea first, as it is a great place to full flesh out an understanding of this complex conflict.
Within the eight main exhibits is an extensive collection of equipment from the Korean War, including tanks, guns and military planes, as well as a series of sculptures and paintings depicting patriotic war efforts. Those who only have time for one exhibit should be sure to visit the Korean War exhibit. Technically, the Korean War is still ongoing, and tensions often run hot between the North and the South, rendering the information here particularly relevant. Travelers who plan to visit the DMZ will benefit from a trip to the War Memorial of Korea first, as it is a great place to full flesh out an understanding of this complex conflict.
Address: 29 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
From $ 18
Wanda Mines
The Wanda Mines, home to some of the best agate, amethyst, quartz and topaz found in Argentina, make for a fascinating visit in the north of Argentina. Located less than 40 miles (60 km) from Puerto Iguazu in the rain forest along the Paraná River, this open pit mine is a delight for the eyes. Wanda, the town where the mines are located, was founded mainly by Polish settlers, and in fact, it was named after a Polish princess who had a fondness for gemstones.
The family-owned mine, where minerals are found near the surface, is especially interesting to enthusiasts of gemstones and collectors. Visitors to the mines learn about the formation of the gemstones, when lava coming from the core of the earth cooled and the trapped gas bubbles formed into crystals with amethysts, agates, topazes and quartz.
Mining companies, which have been operating since the 1950s, have guided tours to show tourists the variety of gemstones found in the area, the different parts of the mines, as well as workshops and showrooms where cut and polished stones are on display.
Practical Info
The Wanda Mines are located on National Route 12 in the Misiones Province, 40 miles (62 kilometers) from Puerto Iguazu.
Address: Ruta Nacional 12, Puerto Iguazu, Argentina
From $ 36
Wafi City Mall
While often overlooked in favor of the newer Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, Wafi City Mall is one of the most architecturally interesting (and least crowded) of Dubai’s shopping centers. The exterior of the Egyptian-themed mall borders on kitschy, but once inside, visitors find 350 shops and more than 30 restaurants, many of them international luxury brands.
A highlight of a visit to Wafi City Mall is the Souq Khan Murjan, a modern recreation of a traditional fourteenth century bazaar where 150 additional vendors sell arts and crafts from across the Arab region.
Within the mall, families can play 18 holes of glow-in-the-dark mini golf at Tee and Putt and kids can run off some energy at Kids Connection, a large indoor play center and arcade. Each evening, the mall hosts a free light and sound show in its central courtyard.
Practical Info
The closest metro station to Wafi City Mall is Dubai Healthcare City Metro Station.
Address: Oud Metha Rd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thur-Fri 10am-12am
From $ 11
Wailing Wall
Another element of the World Heritage Site in old Jerusalem, the Wailing Wall (or, as Jews call it, the Western Wall) lies at the foot of the Temple Mount, a remnant of the stone wall that used to surround the Second Temple of Jerusalem. Babylonians destroyed this temple in 425 B.C., and since then it has been a sacred site for Jewish pilgrimage; the name “Wailing Wall” was coined by non-Jews who witnessed the weeping of devoted Jews who had come to mourn and daven (pray with a rocking motion).
Long a hotly-contested symbol for Jews, Muslims and Christians (all three groups have, over time, built houses of worship on this site), the Arab-Israeli Six Day War in 1967 was largely fought over claim to the Wailing Wall. Israel won both the war and the right to include the wall in the boundaries of the Jewish state. Within days, Israeli soldiers also bulldozed the surrounding Moroccan Quarter, an 800-year old Arab neighborhood, forcing the residents out of their homes; the resulting razed land was turned into a huge courtyard where Jews now come to pray.
The Wall today remains the dividing point between the Jewish, Muslim and Christian areas of Jerusalem.
Long a hotly-contested symbol for Jews, Muslims and Christians (all three groups have, over time, built houses of worship on this site), the Arab-Israeli Six Day War in 1967 was largely fought over claim to the Wailing Wall. Israel won both the war and the right to include the wall in the boundaries of the Jewish state. Within days, Israeli soldiers also bulldozed the surrounding Moroccan Quarter, an 800-year old Arab neighborhood, forcing the residents out of their homes; the resulting razed land was turned into a huge courtyard where Jews now come to pray.
The Wall today remains the dividing point between the Jewish, Muslim and Christian areas of Jerusalem.
Address: Israel
From $ 32
Waldemarsudde
Originally the home of Sweden’s Prince Eugen, Waldemarsudde in Stockholm may be the country’s most beautiful art museum. In addition to being one of Sweden’s best known landscape artists, the Prince amassed a massive collection of works by both established and unknown artists over the course of 60 years. Today, more than 3,000 of his own pieces and more than 3,000 other works are housed at Waldemarsudde, with his collection of Swedish art from the turn of the 19th century considered one of the best in Sweden.
Waldemarsudde is set in a 70,000 square meter park surrounded by the Stockholm Harbor on three sides. It consists of a castle-like main building known as the Mansion, the original manor home known as the Old House, a Gallery Building and an old linseed oil mill. The ground floor of the Mansion has been preserved as it was when the Prince was alive, while the upper two floors are now used for temporary exhibitions or for displaying the Prince’s art. The Gallery Building hosts temporary exhibitions as well.
Practical Info
To reach Waldemarsudde, take tram number 7 to Djurgaden/Waldemarsudde. An audio guide is available in the gift ship for 20 SEK per person and guided tours are occasionally given in English on Wednesdays from July 6 to August 31. A restaurant known as the Prince’s Kitchen can be found inside the Mansion, serving hot meals, snacks and beverages.
Address: Prins Eugens väg 6, Djurgården, Stockholm, Sweden
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Thursday to 8:00 p.m. Closed on some public holidays.
Admission: SEK 120
From $ 25
Warner Bros Studio London
Step into the magical world of Harry Potter and journey behind the scenes of one of the most successful film series of all time at the Warner Bros Studio London – The Making of Harry Potter. Fans can step inside memorable sets such as Diagon Alley, Dumbledore's office, and the Great Hall; discover behind-the-scenes secrets and special effects used in the Harry Potter movies; and admire a huge collection of costumes, iconic props, and interactive exhibitions.
The Basics
Visiting the Warner Bros Studio is only possible by guided tour, with most tours including return transportation from London. Potter fanatics can also combine a studio tour with stops at other notable Harry Potter film locations in England, such as Platform 9¾ at Kings Cross St. Pancras in London or the Bodleian Library and Christ Church College in Oxford.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tickets to the Warner Bros Studio must be booked in advance—each visitor is given an assigned time slot.
- Be sure to bring your camera and comfortable shoes, as there’s lots to explore on a walking tour.
- Printed guidebooks and digital guides are available in nine different languages.
- Most areas of the studio are wheelchair accessible, although a few of the sets have uneven ground that may make access difficult.
- Free WiFi is available on-site.
How to Get There
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is located in Watford, about 20 miles (32 km) northwest of central London. The closest railway station is Watford Junction, from where direct services run from London Euston and take about 20 minutes—shuttle buses run from the station to the studio.
When to Get There
The Warner Bros Studio is open all year round, but special events are often held during school holidays and celebrations. At Christmas time, the annual Hogwarts in the Snow event brings a host of seasonal festivities, while at Halloween, the sets get a spooky makeover.
Magical Moments on the Harry Potter Studio Tour
Immerse yourself in JK Rowling’s wizarding world by hopping aboard the original Hogwarts Express steam train, wandering through the Forbidden Forest and the Dark Arts exhibitions, and taking a peek inside Hagrid’s Hut, the Gryffindor Common Room, and the Ministry of Magic. You can even try on costumes, taste a cup of Butterbeer or a Butterbeer ice cream (extra cost), or pose for a green-screen photo to see yourself “flying” on a broomstick. Don’t forget to pick up a wand or another piece of official Harry Potter fan merchandise in the Studio Gift Shop.
Address: Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, England
Hours: Vary
Admission: Varies
From $ 100
Wallace Collection
Amassed by the Hertford-Wallace family throughout the 19th century, the collection was given to the nation by the widow Lady Wallace in 1897 and opened to the public in 1900. The notable works, displayed in a traditional aristocratic townhouse, include French 18th-century painting, furniture, and porcelain, as well as important pieces by Rembrandt, Hals, and Velázquez.
The Basics
This often-overlooked collection offers visitors unique insight into European art and social history with more than 5,000 display pieces lining the stately rooms, including paintings, ceramics, furniture, and sculptures. Select tours offer a visit as part of a private London itinerary, allowing for a fully personalized experience, while the museum itself offers private group tours, out-of-hours visits, and family activity maps, as well as a free highlights tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Wallace Collection is free to enter.
- With one of the best ancien régime collections outside of France, as well as works by the old masters, the museum is a must-see for art enthusiasts and those interested in European history.
- The museum is wheelchair-accessible, with ramp access, a lift between floors, and accessible toilets.
How to Get There
The Wallace Collection is a 10-minute walk from Bond Street, served by the Central and Jubilee lines. Marylebone is the nearest mainline station, about a 20-minute walk away, or a short bus ride (No. 139, 13, 113, 189, or 174) straight down Gloucester Place. Driving in London is not recommended, although there is limited parking available in Manchester Square for disabled visitors.
When to Get There
The collection is open daily, and its on-site restaurant, Peyton and Byrne, offers dining in a glass-covered courtyard from breakfast through afternoon tea daily, and for dinner Friday and Saturday.
Links to British Aristocracy
When the widow of Sir Richard Wallace gifted the collection in 1897, it was an end to a long family legacy of collecting. The Wallace Collection was amassed by the first four Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, the son of Richard Seymour-Conway, the fourth Marquess. The Seymour family are well-known in British history; Jane Seymour, Queen of England from 1536 to 1537, was the third wife of Henry VIII and a distant Wallace relative.
Address: Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN, England
From $ 54
Wallenstein Palace Gardens
Located in Mala Straná (Lower Town) on the left bank of the River Vltava, the 17th-century, Baroque Wallenstein Palace was built by military commander Albrecht von Wallenstein, who achieved great success during the Thirty Years War of 1618–48. He used his wealth to create an extraordinary garden around the palace, filled with fountains and Mannerist bronzes of heroes from Greek mythology created by the Dutch sculptor Adrian de Vries. Von Wallenstein’s fantastical parklands were completed in 1630 but he was murdered four years later at the command of Emperor Ferdinand II, who felt threatened by his power.
Today Wallenstein Palace is home to the Czech Senate and only open occasionally for guided tours; in summer there are concerts in the palace’s frescoed loggia. The Wallenstein Gardens (Valdstejnska zahrada), however, are free to visit; they are a spectacle of bizarre grottoes and follies, neat ornamental topiary, and pathways lines with bronze statues (copies of the originals, which were stolen). A vast statue of Hercules stands over a pond full of ornamental fish, peacocks roam freely and there’s a refuge for owls. Wallenstein is a tranquil spot to linger after visiting Prague Castle and the gardens can also be enjoyed as part of walking tours of Mala Straná.
Practical Info
Valdštejnské náměstí 4, Prague 1. Opening hours daily Apr–Oct 9am–7pm. Admission free. Metro Line A to Malostranská.
Address: Valdštejnské náměstí 4, Prague, Central Bohemian Region, Czech Republic 118 01, Czech Republic
Hours: Open daily Apr–Oct 9am–7pm
From $ 35
Wadi Ghul (Oman's Grand Canyon)
From 3,000 meters at the top of Oman’s tallest mountain, Jebel Shams, to the flat area just below the summit, you can see 1 kilometer straight down into Wadi Ghul, Oman’s Grand Canyon. From this area, called “the balcony,” the drop is so far and the canyon so vast it is hard to get a sense of scale. Rock formations and layers in the ancient rock give the canyon an almost other-worldly feel. It is the deepest canyon in the Middle East, and the second deepest in the world after Arizona’s Grand Canyon.
On the far side of the valley lies the Ghul village, a collection of traditional mud-brick homes built into the mountainside. With small plots of agriculture and date plantations, the green stands out against the orange mountains and lands. There is also an abandoned old Ghul village, where the trailhead for the trekking path begins.
Practical Info
Ghul is less than 30 kilometers from Al Hoota Cave and about 15 kilometers from Al Hamra. The trip is best made via car, and a 4x4 is required to go up the mountain. Be prepared to hike to get to the lookout area.
Address: Nizwa, Oman
From $ 130
Wahiba Sands
Stretching over 125 miles (200 kilometers) from the Eastern Hajar Mountains to the Arabian Sea, the Wahiba Sands desert (Sharqiya Sands) is Oman’s adventure playground. Named after the nomadic Wahiba Bedouin tribes, the region is known for its amber-colored sands and towering sand dunes, some standing up to 330 feet (100 meters) high.
The Basics
A desert safari is a must to experience Oman’s natural wonders, whether its dune bashing in a 4x4, taking a sunset camel ride, or zipping through the dunes on a sandboard or quad bike. Small-group or private tours leave from Muscat or Bidiyah, and typically include a picnic lunch at a traditional desert camp, swimming at Wadi Bani Khalid, and a variety of optional activities.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Heading off-road in the desert is only recommended as part of a guided tour with an experienced local guide.
- It can get hot in the desert and there’s little shade, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. A scarf to protect your face from the sand is also recommended.
- There is no cellphone coverage or Wi-Fi in the area.
How to Get There
The Wahiba Sands desert is about a 3-hour drive from Muscat, off the Muscat-Sur Highway at Al-Mintirib. The most popular way to visit is as part of a guided tour.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Wahiba Sands is during the winter months from October to April. During the summer (May to September), temperatures can reach 104°F (40°C) or more.
Wildlife of the Wahiba Sands
Wahiba Sands is renowned for its unique desert ecosystem and surprisingly rich biodiversity. Some 180 native species of plants, as well as more than 200 species of animals, can be found in the desert, including vipers, desert hares, sand foxes, and birds. The best times for wildlife watching are at sunrise or sunset, but guides will often point out animal tracks as you trek through the desert.
Address: Wahiba Sands, Oman
From $ 75
Walls of Constantinople
Marking the boundaries of Istanbul’s historical center, the Walls of Constantinople still stand on the Old City peninsula. Built in the fourth and fifth centuries, the defensive walls were breached in 1453 when the Ottomans conquered Constantinople. Today many sections have been restored and cut through bustling historical neighborhoods.
The Basics
Strolling along and atop the Walls of Constantinople takes you through many historical Golden Horn neighborhoods, including Edirnekapi, Topkapi, and Yedikule. Historically, the walls had two layers and nine entry gates. A project to restore the walls began in the 1980s with partial financial support from UNESCO, yet even despite this, the World Monument Fund considers the walls an endangered site.
Many private and small-group city tours of the Golden Horn and Byzantine Istanbul visit the Walls of Constantinople. Often these tours also stop at the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, Eyup Sultan Mosque, the Chora Church (Kariye Museum), and Pierre Loti Hill.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Walls of Constantinople are a must-visit for all first-time visitors to Istanbul, especially history buffs. Kids enjoy climbing around on them, but be watchful as the walls’ steps and tops can be uneven.
- Wear comfortable shoes to explore the walls and tote drinking water.
- Most sections of the wall are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, but there is no ramp access to the top of the walls.
How to Get There
The Walls of Constantinople span much of the Old City peninsula. The easiest places to start walking along the walls are at Yedikule Fortress, which is accessible by local bus, and at Ayvansaray. There are metro stops at various points in the wall, as well.
When to Get There
The walls are pleasant to visit at all times during the day, when the vibrant surrounding neighborhoods are bustling with locals as well as visitors. Visit earlier or later in the day to avoid the hot midday sun, though note that the walls are less safe after dark.
The Gardens of the Walls
Around certain sections of the walls are historical gardens, called bostan, that historically provided fruits, vegetables, and greens to the adjacent neighborhoods. Though many of these gardens have been lost over time to development, a few are still maintained around Yedikule and other districts flanking the Walls of Constantinople.
Address: Turkey
From $ 31
Wadi Rum
The brilliantly colored sands and stark rock formations of Jordan’s Wadi Rum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, make this desert wilderness a must-visit for most travelers to Jordan. Signature sights, typically visited by 4WD, include the Burdah Rock Bridge, a natural arch; the Khazali Siq, a narrow canyon; and the scarlet Al Hasany Dunes.
The Basics
There is a small fee to enter the Wadi Rum protected area. Most visitors arrive either on a tour or to stay in one of the desert camps, which range from basic to luxurious. It is also possible to hire a Bedouin 4WD driver directly on arrival.
Wadi Rum is an essential stop on most multi-day Jordan tours, some of which include a night under the desert stars. At around four hours from Amman, it’s a challenging day trip, and better approached from Aqaba—although many would argue that without a night in the desert you’re missing out. Most Wadi Rum tours explore by 4WD, although some include a short camel ride, and longer camel safaris are also possible. Adventure activities include rock climbing and sandboarding.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wadi Rum is a must-do for adventurous travelers, as well as anyone who loves photography.
- Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- A scarf is a great desert accessory to protect against wind-blown sand.
How to Get There
Deep in the south of Jordan, Wadi Rum is about 45 minutes’ drive from Aqaba; guides and camps can generally arrange seats on the minibuses that run the route most of the year. Given that self-driving inside the protected area is only possible in a 4WD with a professional driver to supervise, many will find it easier simply to arrange a Wadi Rum tour that includes round-trip door-to-door transport.
When to Get There
Like other deserts, Wadi Rum can be surprisingly cold on a winter’s night and searingly hot at the height of summer. The tourist peak seasons of spring and fall (mid-March to mid-May and mid-September to mid-November) are also the most convenient times to visit. It’s worth spending the night to appreciate the stillness of the desert and the brilliance of the stars.
Wadi Rum on Film
From Lawrence of Arabia to The Martian, Wadi Rum’s startling colors have long made it a popular film location. The area regularly stands in for Mars, and indeed for other planets: It serves as a setting for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. One desert camp, inspired by The Martian, features domes in the style of the one Matt Damon’s character lived in during the movie.
Address: Jordan
From $ 57
Warnemunde Cruise Port
With its lively promenade and sandy beaches, Warnemünde is one of Germany’s most popular seaside resorts. But for cruise visitors the northern port town is best known for its proximity to Berlin, just two hours away, and other nearby attractions.
The Basics
Day tour destinations from Warnemünde include Rostock (7.5 miles/12 kilometers south), Potsdam (146 miles/235 kilometers south), and Berlin (150 miles/240 kilometers southeast). Full-day shore excursions run to Berlin, where you can take in the many attractions of the German capital, including the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, the Holocaust Memorial, and the remains of the Berlin Wall; or Potsdam, the former home of the Prussian kings and one of Germany’s most celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Shore excursions typically include port pickup and drop-off.
- Small-group and private tours are often covered by a worry-free policy, offering guaranteed on-time return to your cruise ship.
How to Get to Berlin from Warnemünde Port
Ships dock at both Warnemünde on the Baltic Sea coast and Rostock, just up the river, and most ships run free shuttles between the two ports and Warnemunde town center. In Warnemünde, the docks are located right next to the train station, and it’s an easy 10- to 15-minute walk into town. To travel to Berlin or Potsdam on a day trip, the only feasible option is to prebook a shore excursion by chartered train or bus, as public transportation links can take several hours.
Port Information
Warnemünde is one of Germany’s most popular seaports, visited by cruise liners operated by Princess, MSC, AIDA, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Costa, among others. Locals speak German, although English is widely understood. The currency is the euro, available from banks and ATMs in the town center.
Address: Warnemunde, Germany
From $ 228
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
Founded in 1982, Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden comprises 74 acres (30 hectares) of grassland and savanna, home to more than 600 native plant species and over 220 species of birds, including a breeding pair of Verreaux’s eagles who nest near the park’s waterfall.
Considered among the world’s most beautiful botanical gardens, Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens offers visitors the chance to picnic, bird-watch, stroll through the themed gardens or attend various events hosted throughout the year — all far from the noise of Johannesburg’s city center. The garden also offers guided tours and workshops on topics like geological formations or butterflies for guests interested in learning more.
Eagles Fare Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and tea, while Nursery @ the Garden sells some of the same native plants on display within Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden.
Practical Info
Spring (September to November) is one of the best times to visit the garden, as many of the flowers will be in bloom.
Address: Malcolm Road, Johannesburg, Roodepoort, South Africa, South Africa
Hours: Daily 8am-5pm
Admission: R35
From $ 222
Wadi Bani Khalid
One of the wettest wadis in Oman, Wadi Bani Khalid is truly an oasis where villages and plantations spread out across the fertile floor. Famous for its natural beauty, there are two particularly popular spots to visit in Wadi Bani Khalid: Moqal Cave and the crystal clear natural pools at the narrow end of the wadi.
Moqal Cave is a half-hour walk past the village of the same name near the end of the valley floor. It’s possible to head into the narrow cave without a guide; just remember to bring a torch and be prepared for some scrambling.
At the spring-fed natural pools, mini waterfalls tumble down limestone crags to the pools popular with swimmers. Fancy a free pedicure? If you dangle your legs in the water, little fish will come up to nibble away your dry skin! For stunning views of the wadi plantations, stop at the Tourist Service Center parking lot on the approach road from Moqal Cave.
Practical Info
Wadi Bani Khalid is 126 miles (203 kilometers) from Muscat. Both the pools and Moqal Cave are well signposted from the Muscat-Sur Highway, and the Tourist Service Center is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the natural pools, it’s respectful to dress modestly with shorts and a T-shirt covering your swimming costume. There are picnic huts by the pools, which get busy with families on holidays and weekends.
Address: Wadi Bani Khalid, Oman
Admission: Varies
From $ 79
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
When the North Island of New Zealand’s Mt Tarawera erupted in 1886, it forever changed the Rotorua landscape into a valley of steaming wonder. This is a mystical land where lakes boil and mountains are bathed in steam, and walking past pools of bubbling mud is just another daily occurrence for visitors here. Of all the places in Rotorua to encounter this geothermal wonder, the Waimangu Volcanic Valley area offers one of the largest zones for exploring.
This site has an enormous hot spring, which is believed to be the largest in the world. Take an easy 45-minute stroll past geysers, fumaroles and fissures to learn how this exceptionally “young” landscape is literally changing by the day. Avid hikers can split off on the Mt Hazard trail to get better views of the valley and gaze down on the multi-hued lakes, radiant in turquoise and greens. One such lake provides one of the best activities in the valley—taking a cruise on Lake Rotomohana. This naturally formed lake covers 15 separate craters and is a haven for endangered birds. It grew 20 times as large once the Tarawera eruption was completed and serves as the perfect geothermal site in Rotorua. The surrounding beauty of the native bushland just adds to the outdoor experience.
Practical Info
The Waimangu Volcanic Valley sits just 20 minutes from downtown Rotorua.
Address: Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand
Hours: Daily
From $ 58
Wadowice
A small town in southern Poland, Wadowice is best known as the birthplace of Pope John Paul II. The town has been the site of ermanent settlement since the 10th or 11th century and was once a regional center of crafts and trade. Today its primary industry is tourism, attracting 200,000 visitors each year. The primary attractions are the Museum of John Paul II, set in the home where he lived between 1920 and 1938, and the nearby Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin May, which is where the Pope was baptized, confirmed and served as an altar boy. Stop at the tourism office to pick up a booklet outlining a trail of 11 sights related to Pope John Paul II.
Also worth seeing are the 19th-century houses surrounding Pope John Paul II Square, the Municipal Museum of Marcin Wadowita and the monument to writer Emil Zegadlowicz, who often wrote about Wadowice. Don’t leave without trying kremowka, the town’s famous pastry made of cream, eggs, sugar and brandy.
Practical Info
Wadowice is located about 30 miles southwest of Krakow. Trains from Krakow are infrequent and slow, so a bus or mini-bus is a better option. Mini-buses leave from a parking lot across from the Galeria Krakowska mall, and buses leave from a station on the other side of the mall. The Museum of John Paul II is generally open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with tours conducted in groups of up to 25 people.
Address: Wadowice, Poland
From $ 63