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Bramante Sacristy
While many travelers visit the adjacent Santa Maria delle Grazie church—home of da Vinci’s fresco The Last Supper—the Bramante Sacristy is an often-overlooked gem. Designed by architect Donato Bramante, the sacristy features a vaulted ceiling painted by da Vinci and exhibits on the inventor’s Codex Atlanticus.
The Basics
The Bramante Sacristy and Santa Maria delle Grazie church are connected by a cloister and both feature imposing architecture. In the sacristy, you can admire the ceiling painted with golden stars, peruse da Vinci’s sketches and notes, and stroll through the adjoining Cloister of Frogs—a peaceful space with a fountain and flower-lined walls. It’s possible to visit the Bramante Sacristy on some Milan city tours, which often include skip-the-line tickets to view The Last Supper.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Bramante Sacristy is a must-see for art and architecture lovers.
- Tickets to the Bramante Sacristy do not include a visit to The Last Supper, so arrange tickets to both separately or with a combination ticket.
- Avoid long lines to Bramante’s complex and da Vinci’s masterpiece with skip-the-line tickets.
How to Get There
Take the M1 Metro Line to the Milan Cathedral (Duomo), and walk five minutes to the Bramante Sacristy. Alternatively, you can take tram 2, 3, 12, 14, or 16 to the Milan Cathedral stop.
When to Get There
The Bramante Sacristy is open daily, with limited hours on Mondays. Peak season in Milan and Italy is June, July, and August. Visit the city during the shoulder months to avoid crowds.
Why Was the Bramante Sacristy Built?
The Duke of Milan, Ludovico il Moro, commissioned the Bramante Sacristy and The Last Supper in the Santa Maria delle Grazie. When the Sforza family came into power, the duke commissioned two great artists to expand the complex, which would become the ornately decorated mausoleum for the Sforza family.
Address: via Caradosso, 1, Milan 20123, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 80
Bramante Staircase
The Bramante Staircase, designed by Donato Bramante in 1505, is an innovative double-helix spiral lined with Doric columns that connects the Vatican’s Belvedere Palace to the city of Rome below. It was commissioned by Pope Julius II and inspired Giuseppe Momo’s impressive 1930s staircase at the Vatican Museums exit.
The Basics
Many visitors mistake Giuseppe Momo's 1930s staircase for the historic Bramante Staircase, but the original was built more than 400 years earlier and is closed to the general public. Only private groups led by an official Vatican-approved tour guide are authorized to visit the elegant Renaissance staircase.
Some small-group guided tours of the Vatican Museums—among the most popular attractions in Italy—include access to the Bramante Staircase. Book in advance to avoid long ticket and entry lines. Extended tours generally also include stops in the Painting Gallery (Pinacoteca), Gallery of Tapestries, Gallery of Maps, Gallery of the Candelabra, the Sistine Chapel with its frescoes by Michelangelo, and the Raphael Rooms before moving on the St. Peter's Basilica.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is a security check at the entrance to the Vatican Museums, so items like pocket knives, corkscrews, and umbrellas must be left at the coat check.
- If your Vatican tour includes entry to the Sistine Chapel, be sure to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
- Vatican tours generally require quite a bit of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- The Bramante Staircase is not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Vatican Museums are located adjacent St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. The closest metro station is Ottaviano on Line A.
When to Get There
The museums are most crowded at midday, so opt for a morning (or early-access) tour or plan a visit in the offseason winter months if you prefer a quieter experience.
Visiting the Vatican’s Painting Gallery
Most Vatican Museum tours include a stop in the Painting Gallery, a highlight of the museum complex. Here you can view one of the world's best collections of works by Italian masters such as Giotto, da Vinci, Raphael, and Caravaggio.
Address: Vatican Museums, Vatican City, Rome, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
Bratislava Castle
Perched atop a forested hill on the north bank of the Danube River, overlooking the Old Town (Stary Mesto), Bratislava Castle is the city’s most distinctive landmark. Visible from all over the city, the grand Renaissance palace dates back to the 16th century and now houses the Museum of History, part of the Slovak National Museum.
The Basics
A Bratislava Castle tour is at the top of many visitor’s itineraries, and even if you don’t explore the interior, it’s worth climbing the castle hill for a stunning panoramic view over the city. If you don’t want to climb the steps up to the castle, opt for a scenic city tour aboard a Presporacik—a traditional open-top trolley bus—instead.
It’s also possible to take in the highlights of Bratislava, including the castle, on a day trip from Budapest, Hungary, or Vienna, Austria.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Plan to spend up to two hours to tour the castle and grounds.
- Entrance to the castle museum is free on the first Sunday of the month.
- Some parts of the castle are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The castle is located on a hilltop at the western end of Bratislava Old Town. It’s possible to walk to the castle from the city center; it takes around 15 minutes from St. Martin's Cathedral, passing beneath the New Bridge, and then climbing up the steps to the Sigismund Gate. The closest bus stops to the castle are Hrad and Zamocka.
When to Get There
Bratislava Castle is open daily, except Mondays, throughout the year. The busiest time to visit is in peak season (July–August), when it’s best to arrive in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
History of Bratislava Castle
The castle has been at the center of Bratislava history for centuries and was one of the many palatial residences of Europe’s Habsburg dynasty. In the 1750s, Empress Marie Therese gave the castle’s interior a rococo makeover, but after her death in 1780, it became a garrison, before tragically destroyed by fire in 1811. It was reconstructed in the 1950s, and in 1992 the constitution for the newly independent Slovakia was signed here.
Address: Zámocka, Bratislava 811 01, Slovakia
Admission: Varies
From $ 12
Bossons Glacier (Glacier des Bossons)
Located in the Mont Blanc massif in the French Alps, the Bossons Glacier has the largest altitudinal drop of all the alpine glaciers in Europe and is one of the largest glaciers of the Mont Blanc at approximately 7.5 kilometers long. It is located close to the town of Chamonix, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
It is possible to go up 1425 meters in a chairlift to take advantage of an exceptional view of the area’s ice pinnacles and the glacier’s terminal tongue. An interpretative path leads the way to a small chalet, with signs explaining the history of the glacier over the years, until visitors get to the chalet’s outstanding viewing platform. This is also a popular starting point for high-altitude hikes to the mountain’s summit at 2589 meters; it was also the route taken by J. Balmat and Dr. Paccard during the first official ascent of the Mont Blanc back in 1786.
Practical Info
The chair lift is open from 8:30 am until 6:30 pm between June 13 and September 13. Tickets cost between €8.80 and €12 for adults, and €6.80 to €8.80 for children. Family passes are also offered. Les Bossons is easy to reach by public transportation (bus and train) as well as by car.
Address: Route des Tissières, Les Bossons, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes 74400, France
Hours: June 13 until September 13, between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm
Admission: Lift: Adult: €8.80 to €12; Child (4-16yrs old): €6.80 to €8.80
From $ 102
Boyana Waterfall
One of the most notable natural landmarks around Sofia, the Boyana Waterfall can be spotted from the city center on a clear, sunny day. The waterfall drops more than 15 meters on Vitosha Mountain just south of Sofia and is known as the largest and most beautiful waterfall on the mountain. The water flows with the most force in the spring when the snow is melting, but is a stunning sight all year round.
A visit to the waterfall makes a great day trip from Sofia and can easily be combined with a stop at the medieval Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates to the 10th or 11th century. The church provides a starting point for a hike up to the waterfall, with two possible paths. One follows the Boyana River steeply uphill while the other follows a more gradual incline, passing by the Boyansko Lake.
For extreme adventurists, the waterfall can also be visited in the winter months for ice climbing, with up to eight possible climbing routes.
Practical Info
The Boyana Waterfall is located on Vitosha Mountain, near the suburb of Boyana just south of Sofia. To get to Boyana, take bus 64 from the Hladilnika bus station, which is a 10-minute walk from the James Bourchier metro station. Alternatively, hire a taxi or join one of several tours leaving from the center of Sofia. Most tours also include a stop at the Boyana Church.
Address: Sofia, Bulgaria
From $ 52
Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor)
The grand gateway to Unter den Linden Boulevard and Tiergarten Park, the Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) is one of Berlin’s most recognizable landmarks. Built by Prussian kings, this monumental gate stood strong through World War I and the Cold War, becoming a symbol of reunified Germany and a poignant reminder of Berlin’s tragedies and triumphs.
The Basics
No Berlin tour is complete without a glimpse of the Brandenburg Gate. Whether you choose to explore Berlin on a walking tour, on a bike tour, by Segway, or in a Trabant vintage car, you’ll surely stop to snap a photo by this iconic landmark. There are tours to suit all preferences—small-group and private tours that offer a more personalized experience; Berlin Wall and Third Reich tours that offer a greater insight into Berlin’s history; and hop-on hop-off bus tours for those who want to discover Berlin at their own pace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The tourist information center at the Brandenburg Gate has free Wi-Fi.
- The Brandenburg Gate and many surrounding attractions are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Brandenburg Gate is located on the historic square of Pariser Platz in West Berlin, at the western end of Unter den Linden Boulevard and bordering the eastern entrance to Tiergarten Park. The closest subway station is Brandenburger Tor. Monuments such as the Holocaust Memorial and the Reichstag building are within easy walking distance.
When to Get There
As one of the most popular Berlin attractions, the Brandenburg Gate is often surrounded by crowds, especially during the busy months of July and August. Visit after dark to see the monument lit up by dramatic spotlights, or stop by in the early morning to avoid the crush of tourists or grab a rare photograph of the gate without crowds. The Brandenburg Gate is also an important part of annual events such as the October Berlin Lights Festival, Berlin’s holiday illuminations, and the city’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The Historic Importance of the Brandenburg Gate
Built in 1791 in a neoclassical style, the Brandenburg Gate is the last of Berlin’s original city gates. Originally commissioned by Prussian King Frederick William II, the monument took center stage years later during the Cold War, when it was located in an exclusion zone on the Soviet side and inaccessible to residents of both East and West Berlin. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, it was heralded as a symbol of unified Berlin, with huge crowds gathering to celebrate its monumental reopening.
Address: Am Pariser Platz, Berlin 10117, Germany
Admission: Free
From $ 16
Bosphorus
Bosphorus, or the Istanbul Strait, functions not just as a border between Europe and Asia, but as one of the most beautiful sites in all of Turkey. Lined with scenic greenery, palaces, parks, and not to mention an absolutely gorgeous waterfront, Bosphorus has much more to offer than one may initially suspect.
One of its more popular landmarks, Dolmabahce Palace is one of the Ottoman Empire’s most significant and grandiose structures. With more than 240 rooms, and 43 hallways, Dolmabahce was a political hub in Turkey for the better part of one and a half centuries before the collapse of the empire.
If you’re looking to embrace the wonderful outdoors of the area, two of Bosphorus’ more beautiful parks are the Emirgan and Macka Parks. Where Emirgan contains a plethora of water-related scenery including ponds, waterfalls and the Bosphorus itself, Macka too shares views of the Bosphorus’ beauty, but is composed of charming valley terrain, providing the opportunity for energizing strolls about.
Although a bit pricey, there are many places along the Bosphorus to enjoy a proper day out and if you so desire, a night out—including a jazz club, one of Europe’s best nightclubs, and nice selection of restaurants and bars.
One of its more popular landmarks, Dolmabahce Palace is one of the Ottoman Empire’s most significant and grandiose structures. With more than 240 rooms, and 43 hallways, Dolmabahce was a political hub in Turkey for the better part of one and a half centuries before the collapse of the empire.
If you’re looking to embrace the wonderful outdoors of the area, two of Bosphorus’ more beautiful parks are the Emirgan and Macka Parks. Where Emirgan contains a plethora of water-related scenery including ponds, waterfalls and the Bosphorus itself, Macka too shares views of the Bosphorus’ beauty, but is composed of charming valley terrain, providing the opportunity for energizing strolls about.
Although a bit pricey, there are many places along the Bosphorus to enjoy a proper day out and if you so desire, a night out—including a jazz club, one of Europe’s best nightclubs, and nice selection of restaurants and bars.
Practical Info
Rides along the water are not for the light-walleted either, with ferry prices that chase many customers away. However, if you are looking for an opportunity to splurge on one of the world’s hidden gems, this is the place for you.
Address: Turkey
From $ 15
Boyana Church
The three historic buildings that make up the medieval Bulgarian Orthodox icon known as Boyana Church have been attracting visitors for over a hundred years. Each building was constructed in a distinctly different architectural style reflective of the time, taste and period it was created, making a visit to this famous landmark a truly unique experience.
The eastern church, Boyana’s oldest section, is one of the smallest, while the second section, built in the mid-13 century, is a two-floor wonder with tombs, semi-cylindrical vault and quiet family chapel. The final section of the church, which wasn’t built until the 19th century, showcases some of the most contemporary designs. Travelers agree that the architecture and history make Boyana Church a destination, but it’s the 89 frescos with 240 human images painstakingly painted onto interior walls that have placed Boyana at the intersection of religion and art in Bulgaria.
Practical Info
The Boyana Church is a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the outskirts of Sofia in the Boyana quarter. Temperature regulating air conditioning units were installed to protect and preserve the space, but small groups of tourists (between eight and ten people) are permitted to stay inside for only 15-minute periods. Guides are included with admission.
Address: 1-3 Boyansko Ezero St., Sofia, Bulgaria
Hours: April-Oct: 9:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Nov-March: 9:00 - 5 pm
From $ 6
Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle)
Sitting high on top of a 200-foot (61-meter) cliff in the middle of Transylvania, Bran Castle is surrounded by an aura of mystery tied to both the myth of Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula and the infamous Vlad Tepes—also known as Vlad the Impaler—who is said to have made Bran Castle his home. One of the world’s most famous castles, Bran Castle today is a museum dedicated to Queen Marie of Romania.
The Basics
Even if you are not enticed by Bran Castle’s darker history, visiting the so-called Dracula’s Castle makes a lovely day trip from either Bucharest or Brasov. Views from the castle, which overlooks the medieval city of Bran, are epic, and learning about the castle’s rich history is easy, as most of the displays are translated into English. Expect dozens of tunnels, a secret staircase, and nearly 60 rooms, several with museum-like displays around different themes. Don’t miss the room dedicated to Dracula. To experience more of the looming stone edifice, stroll around its base to see it from every angle. See more of Transylvania by booking a one-day tour that combines a visit to Bran Castle with sites like Peles Castle, Poenari Castle, Rasnov Fortress, or Brasov’s Black Church.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bran Castle is a must-see for adventurous travelers and Goth history buffs.
- Allow two to three hours for your visit.
- Expect long entry lines; book tickets in advance to reduce wait times.
- Many parts of the castle have low ceilings, so watch your head.
- Bran Castle is not wheelchair accessible, but admission is free for the disabled.
How to Get There
Bran Castle is easily accessible from Bucharest and Brasov. Take the train from Bucharest to Brasov, about a 3.5-hour ride, and then transfer to a bus or taxi for the remaining 30-mile (48-kilometer) journey to Bran Castle. Buses run between Brasov and the castle every 30 minutes during the week and once an hour on the weekends.
When to Get There
Bran Castle is open year-round (April 1 to September 30: Tuesday through Sunday from 9am to 6pm; Monday from noon to 6pm; October 1 to March 31: Tuesday through Sunday from 9am to 4pm; Monday from noon to 4pm). The castle is best visited during summer, when the weather is pleasant and the castle remains open a few extra hours. That said, winter’s gray skies and chilly temperatures offer an appropriately gloomy ambience. Try to visit on a weekday and arrive first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds. Alternatively, arrive later in the afternoon and stay to watch the sun setting in the distance.
Bran Castle for Dracula Fans
Bran Castle is rumored to have been the home of the infamous ruler of Wallachia, Vlad Tepes, the vicious ruler who is said to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula. In addition to Bran Castle, Dracula fans will enjoy visiting Targoviste, once the capital of Wallachia and where Vlad held court. An hour from there is the Poenari Castle, one of Vlad’s main fortresses. And on the way back to Bucharest is the Snagov Monastery, where Vlad is said to be buried. Visit all four sights together by booking a Dracula tour from Bucharest.
Address: Strada General Traian Moșoiu, Bran, Romania
Hours: Open daily, hours vary by season.
Admission: Adults: 40Lei (8.5€)
From $ 20
Bosphorus Bridge
The Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul is one of three continent-spanning bridges over the Bosphorus Strait, connecting Europe and Asia. When it opened in 1973, the 5,118-foot (1,560-meter) bridge was the fourth-longest suspension bridge in the world. And though it has since slid down the rankings, it is still an impressive sight to behold.
The Basics
The Bosphorus Bridge, officially known as 15 July Martyrs’ Bridge, is only open to vehicles. The bridge can be seen from Ortaköy Mosque on Istanbul’s European side and from Beylerbeyi Palace, an imperial Ottoman summer retreat, on its Asian side.
The best way for visitors to view the bridge is to take a Bosphorus cruise. Many cruises begin at the Golden Horn, from which you can see the minarets of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia before venturing into the Bosphorus Strait, cruising past Dolmabahçe Palace and under the bridge. Some cruises include lunch or dinner on board.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Bosphorus Bridge is an emblem of Istanbul and one of the Turkish city’s most photo-worthy sights.
- While you can admire the bridge from land, be aware you can’t cross it on foot.
- Note that it is a toll bridge and tolls can’t be paid with cash or card. If you are driving in a rental car, make sure it is equipped with a toll transponder.
How to Get There
To reach the Ortaköy side of the bridge from Sultanahmet, take the T1 tram to Kabatas, where you can connect to Ortaköy using local buses or taxi. Alternatively, take the ferry from Eminönü to Ortaköy; note that ferries don’t run on Sundays. To get to Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian side, take the ferry from Eminönü to Üsküdar, then connect to local Beylerbeyi Palace–bound buses.
When to Get There
One of the best times to view the bridge is at night, when the structure is lit by colorful LED lights. If you want to cross the bridge on foot, sign up for the Istanbul Marathon—Turkey’s biggest marathon—which usually takes place in November. The marathon route crosses over the bridge, and this is the only time pedestrians are allowed.
The Best Views of the Bridge
For excellent views of the bridge, head to Ortaköy, a former fishing village turned chic Istanbul suburb on the European side of the Bosphorus. Explore the area around Ortaköy Pier, which offers particularly good views of the baroque-style Ortaköy Mosque with the modern bridge in the background, showing off Istanbul’s old-meets-modern cityscape.
Address: Turkey
From $ 15
Brabo Fountain
In pole position at the heart of Antwerp’s lovely, medieval Grote Markt, the Brabo Fountain stands in front of the ornate, pennant‐encrusted Stadhuis (Town Hall) and was created in 1887 by the renowned Flemish sculptor Jef Lambeaux. The flamboyant Baroque statue represents a legend concerning the origins of the city: more than 2,000 years ago Antwerp was a small settlement in the Roman Empire when a Russian ‘giant’ called Druon Antigoon settled on the banks of the River Scheldt and charged ships to sail up the river; if sailors refused to pay the toll, Druon Antigoon cut their hands off in revenge. A Roman soldier named Silvius Brabo – rumored to be a relative of Julius Caesar – refused to pay and subsequently killed the giant in a duel, cutting off his hand and throwing it into the Scheldt. The hand became a symbol of Antwerp’s freedom and still features on the city’s coat of arms; the bronze Brabo Fountain features Silvius Brabo atop a pedestal awash with mythical sea monster, his body twisted in the act of throwing the hand into the river.
Practical Info
Grote Markt. Accessible on foot and 24 hours a day.
Address: Grote Markt, Antwerp, Flanders 2000, Belgium
From $ 15
Bozburun Peninsula
Jutting out to the south of the Datça Peninsula between the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, the Bozburun Peninsula makes for a popular cruise destination from Bodrum or Fethiye. It is as renowned for its tranquil beaches as its atmospheric nightlife, and many choose to explore the length of the peninsula by jeep or boat from Marmaris.
The long, sandy beaches are the principal draw for visitors to the Bozburun Peninsula, with top spots including the Blue Flag beach of Turunc, Icmeler Beach and the vast Maiden’s Beach or Kizkumu. Additional highlights include the peninsula’s namesake town, known for its production of traditional wooden gülets; Turgut Falls; the hilltop village of Bayir; and the forest-clad mountains, where bird-watchers can spot Eurasian varieties like the jay and hoopoe.
Practical Info
The Bozburun Peninsula lies on Turkey’s southwest coast.
Address: Marmaris, Turkey
From $ 13
Bourbon Tunnel (Galleria Borbonica)
Travelers looking to venture back in time can explore the eight ramps that delve some 33 yards deep into the depths of Chiaia on an incredible tour of the Bourbon Tunnel, or Galleria Borbonica. What was once a veterinary laboratory, and even earlier an escape route from the Royale Palace to a barrack in Via della Pace, is today one of Naples' top attractions for history lovers wanting to gain a deeper understanding of the city's culture and heritage.
Visitors can choose from a number of tours designed to highlight this unique attraction that operated as a military hospital during World War II and even as the Hall Judicial Outpost. Guides share in-depth details and stories while visitors navigate the tunnel's depths. Travelers say that while it can be difficult to find, the experience of stepping back in time and far below the Naples' surface is not to be missed!
Practical Info
Galleria Borbonica is located at Vico del Grottone, 4 in Naples. It is accessible by bus or tram to Piazza Vittoria and walking to Domenico Morelli car park, where the entrance to the Bourbon Tunnel is located. Tours take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Address: Vico del Grottone, 4, Naples, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 12
Bovolo Staircase (Scala Contarini del Bovolo)
Tucked down a Venice side street near the Grand Canal, Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is worth a detour for its Bovolo Staircase (Scala Contarini del Bovolo). Named for the Venetian word for snail, this spiral staircase—the most famous in Venice—is housed in a cylindrical tower with open arches that climbs the facade, offering beautiful views over the city.
The Basics
The Scala Contarini del Bovolo was commissioned by Pietro Contarini at the end of the 15th century, and built by Giorgio Spavento in perfect synthesis to the original palace’s six floors of loggias designed by Giovanni Candi. A dramatic series of white stone arches spiral more than 90 feet (27 meters) up the imposing brick tower and seem inspired by the coils of a snail shell; at the top of the 80 steps, the belvedere has wonderful views over the Venetian rooftops.
Though it’s the city’s most famous staircase, Bovolo is also somewhat of a hidden treasure, and visits to this architectural gem are often a highlight of off-the-beaten-track city tours. Consider joining a Secret Venice tour to explore the lesser-known corners of the city along with must-see sights such as St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge. You can also pair walking tours with a gondola ride, so you can explore the city both by land and water.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Bovolo Staircase is especially interesting for architecture enthusiasts.
- Be sure to bring your camera to capture the lovely views from the staircase and rooftop scenic overlook.
- Tours of hidden Venice require a bit of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
- Due to steps and no elevator to reach the belvedere, the Bovolo Staircase is not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.
How to Get There
The Bovolo Staircase is located at the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, near Campo Manin in the San Marco district of Venice. Take vaporetto line 1 or 2 to the Rialto stop from the train station. Trains to Venice run from most major cities in Italy, including Rome and Florence.
When to Get There
Bovolo Staircase is wonderful any time of day and year. If you’re a photography buff, visit in the late afternoon (before its 6pm closing time) to capture the city of Venice as the sun sets.
Bovolo on the Silver Screen
The Bovolo Staircase became popular among visitors to Venice after being immortalized on screen in Orson Welles’ 1952 adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello.
Address: Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, San Marco 4299, Venezia 30124, Italy
From $ 8
Bourg
Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the confluence of the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, the small town of Bourg (also known as Bourg-sur-Gironde) was built in Roman times, invaded by the Visigoths, ravaged by the Normans, fortified by the English, and visited by royalty such as Louis XIV. His time in town even gave birth to the famous Bourg specialty — the King’s Fig —made of marzipan, figs, cream, chocolate, and fig liqueur.
Surrounded by medieval walls in the Aquitaine region, Bourg has been officially recognized as an historic village that’s known for its beauty. In the upper town you can visit the covered market, the Hôtel de la Jurade, and the old castle. You can also wander its tumbledown alleyways which lead to the port via ‘the King’s stairway’. Bourg is also known for the many orchards and AOC vineyards that surround the town.
Practical Info
Sitting 23 km from Bordeaux in the southwest of France, Bourg is reachable by bus from the nearby town of Lormont.
Address: Bourg, France
From $ 49
Bowmore Distillery
Founded back in 1779, the Bowmore Distillery holds the prestigious title of the Isle of Islay’s oldest distillery and the first of the island’s eight renowned distilleries is often the starting point for whisky-tasting tours. The distillery now has holiday cottages for guests onsite, as well as an award-winning visitor center and a tasting area within the legendary Bowmore No. 1 Vaults - the underground maturation warehouse, where the whisky is aged in oak casks.
Tours of the Bowmore Distillery are also possible and visitors can learn all about the whisky distillation process, watch as the grain is milled and the malt is smoked used a traditional peatfired kiln, and discover how the distillery produces 2 million liters of whisky each year, before sampling a dram of the celebrated Single Malt.
Practical Info
The Bowmore Distillery is located in Bowmore on the island of Islay in the Scottish Hebrides. The distillery visitor center is from April to September, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 12pm-2pm; October-March Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-12.30pm; and Jan-Feb by booking only. Tours start from £6 per person.
Address: School Street, Bowmore, Scotland
Admission: Tours start at £6
From $ 526
Braga
Originally founded by the Romans, 2,000-year-old Braga later became the first Christian settlement in Portugal. Today, it’s a lively university town with a thriving nightlife and a compact yet beautiful Baroque heart.
Most of ancient Braga’s main attractions are centered on the arcaded Praça da Republica, strewn with fairy tale churches and focused on the lovely Arcada fountain. The centerpiece of all this architectural majesty is Portugal’s oldest cathedral, built in the 11th century and now showing off a variety of styles from Romanesque to Baroque. Amid the gilded choir stalls and Baroque flourishes, the King’s Chapel houses the tomb of Henry of Burgundy, the father of Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques.
Along with the tranquil Garden of Santa Barbara, a cluster of historic buildings surround the cathedral, including the church of Santa Cruz and its Mannerist splendor; the serene late-Renaissance Museu dos Biscaínhos, with its fine displays of Asian decorative arts; and the 14th-century Archbishop’s Palace. A short walk from the Praça da Republica down the flowered promenade of Avenida da Liberdade leads to the 18th-century Rococo Casa do Raio, built by eccentric architect André Soares. Its façade is almost entirely encrusted with blue-and-white Portuguese azulejos tiles.
But Braga’s pièce de résistance and Portugal’s most celebrated Christian sight is the Neoclassical Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, located three miles outside the city in Tenões.
Practical Info
Braga is accessible from Porto in under an hour. Regular bus services run between the two, and electric trains leave Porto from the main railway station, with trips taking about an hour and 10 minutes.
Address: Braga, Portugal
From $ 52
Bowness
From the imposing white façade of the Belsfield Hotel to the busy shops in the town centre, much of Bowness reflects its rise to prominence during the Victorian era. It was then that the town’s position on Windermere first made it a magnet for visitors, transforming it from a sleepy village to the hugely popular destination it is today.
Many use Bowness as a base for further travels throughout the Lake District, but the town itself is worth exploring. Visit World of Beatrix Potter, dedicated to the life and work of the renowned children’s author, the 15th century St Martin’s Church and Blackwell, an outstanding example of Arts and Crafts architecture.
The railway station in the adjoining town of Windermere is one of the main transport hubs of the area. Bowness is a starting point for all manner of nautical expeditions on Windermere; take a steamship or hire your own rowing boat or motorboat.
Address: England
From $ 39
Braga Cathedral
Located in city of Braga in northern Portugal, the Braga Cathedral is the oldest surviving church in Portugal and one of the most important monuments in the country. Built in a Burgundian Romanesque style between the 11th and 13th centuries, the cathedral provided architectural inspiration for many other churches and monasteries built in Portugal around the same time. Due to numerous modifications over the centuries, the cathedral today features a mix of styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline and Baroque.
The cathedral consists of several chapels built at different times. The parents of the first Portuguese were buried in the Chapel of the Kings in 1374 and the Chapel of the Glory was built in the mid-14th century as the final resting place of Archbishop Goncalo Pereira. Looks for the tomb guarded by siz life size stone lions and the painted Moorish geometrical designs. Also of note for visitors is the choir with sculptured gilt wood stalls built in the late 1730s and two gilt wood organs carved around the same time.
Don’t miss the Cathedral Museum, which includes elaborately carved 18th century choir stalls, the 10th century chalice of Saint Gerald, a 14th century statue of the Virgin Mary and an 11th century Arab ivory box.
Practical Info
Braga Cathedral is located in the center of Braga, just a 10-minute walk from the main train station, as well as a short walk from Braga Castle. Braga itself is less than an hour from Porto by train, making a visit a nice day trip. It is about three to four hours by train from Lisbon.
Address: Rua Dom Paio Mendes 10, Rossio da Sé, Braga, Portugal
Hours: Open daily 8:30am-6:30pm (in winter until 5:30)
From $ 21
Brancacci Chapel (Cappella Brancacci)
Inside the Santa Maria del Carmine church in Florence’s Oltrarno neighborhood is a particularly famous chapel, the Brancacci Chapel. It’s famous not for who is buried there or who the chapel honors, but for the art that decorates it.
The cycle of frescoes that adorn the walls of the Brancacci Chapel were painted largely by Masaccio. He began work in 1424 when he was only 21 years old. Masaccio died only six years later in Rome, leaving the frescoes unfinished. Some were later completed by Filippino Lippi.
After some restoration work, the chapel - called by some the “Sistine Chapel of the early Renaissance" - has been cleaned of centuries of dirt, making the frescoes appear almost as colorful as they might have been when they were first painted. Among the more famous panels is Masaccio’s “The Expulsion from the Garden of Eden” and “Payment of the Tribute Money.”
The drab exterior of the church belies the art inside, so it’s easy to miss if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Tours of the Oltrarno often include the Brancacci Chapel.
Practical Info
Reservations to see the Brancacci Chapel are free, but they are recommended if you’re not booked on a tour that includes a stop in the church.
Address: Piazza del Carmine 14, Florence 50124, Italy
Hours: Mon & Wed-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun & religious holidays 1pm-5pm
Admission: €6 adults; €4.50 ages 18-25 (under 18 free)
From $ 16