Things to Do in Europe

The last stop on the Asian side of the Bosphorus Strait, Anadolu Kavagi is a former fishing village that sits near the confluence of the Bosphorus and the Black Sea.  Some say that the village historically served as a shelter for trade ships against storms, with sometimes as many as 300 ships stopping at a time.

Anadolu Kavagi may be best known for Yoros Castle, a medieval castle perched on a hill high above the village overlooking the Bosphorus.  In an area originally settled by the Phoenicians and Greeks, the castle was built in Byzantine times and was later restored and reinforced multiple times by both the Genoese and the Ottomans. However, it fell into disrepair after the 18th century and only ruins remain today, including portions of the citadel and the surrounding walls.

Although the walk up Caferbaba Sokagi to the castle is a steep one, taking nearly half an hour, the views when you reach the top are well worth it. Visitors have long had unrestricted access to the ruins of Yoros Castle, which is a popular picnic destination for locals. However, archaeological excavations began in 2010 and may impede access to some extent.

Amsterdam might be most famous for its winding canals and pretty locks, but it’s the Amstel River that the city was first built around, even deriving its name from its early settlement at the ‘Amstel Dam’.

Today the river runs through the center of the city, lined with landmark buildings, stately mansions and colorful houseboats. A walk along the riverside pathway takes in a number of key sights: the regal Carré theatre, still a popular performance house; the post-modernist Stopera city hall and opera house, with its contemporary glass facade; and the neo-baroque domes of the St Nicolas church, all face the river front. A number of landmark bridges also cross the river, the most famous of which is the Magere Brug, or the ‘Skinny Bridge’, a white painted bascule bridge, rebuilt in the early 1900s. Don’t miss out on renowned tourist attractions like the Hermitage Museum, the Amsterdam Museum and Waterlooplein, either – all lie along the shores of the Amstel.

Throughout the year a number of festivities center around the Amstel River – the Bevrijdingsdag (liberation day) celebrations are televised from here; the Gay Pride Canal Parade brings a dash of color to the waters and the annual New Year light-show dazzles crowds along the riverbanks.

Amsterdam’s historical museum recently joined the 21st century with a major rebranding and updates to its permanent displays; it’s now much more user-friendly, with many multimedia and digital activities. Arranged around a cobbled courtyard, where visitors can find the stylish Mokum Café, the museum is housed in a former convent and a 17th-century orphanage, while narrating the history of Amsterdam from its humble beginnings as a fishing village through its time as a world trading power and up to present day.

Bologna is home to the world’s oldest university in continuous operation - founded in 1088 - and one of the many schools in the university is a medical school. You might not think that a medical school would be an attraction worth seeking out, but the historic Anatomical Theatre of the Archiginnasio alone is worth the trip.

The Archiginnasio is a university building, originally constructed in the 16th century, that served for many years as the primary university building. Today, it houses the largest municipal library in the region, but the main attraction is the Anatomical Theatre. Built in 1637, it’s a gorgeous room paneled entirely in spruce with a coffered ceiling. The seating is amphitheatre-style, and the seat from which a professor would deliver lectures more closely resembles a throne or a preacher’s pulpit than a teacher’s desk.

There are niches in the walls of the Anatomical Theatre of the Archiginnasio, in which you’ll see carved wooden statues of historic physicians. Of particular note are the carved statues on each side of the professor’s chair - they’re carved as if they have no skin, to make their muscles visible. The enormous table in the center of the theatre’s floor may look pristine now, but this is where the dissections of both human and animal bodies took place during lessons.

The Archiginnasio building is on one side of the Piazza Maggiore, right in central Bologna, and it’s free to visit, making it a perfect - if slightly off-beat - addition to your itinerary in this lovely city.

With one of the largest and postcard-worthiest historic districts in Europe, Amsterdam is one of the most-visited cities in Europe. It was made for a relaxing day of walking or biking while in port, or if you’ve already seen the city highlights, consider a shore excursion that will take you into the Dutch countryside. Options include cheese farms, villages like Voldendam, a tour of windmills, and, of course, Keukenhof Gardens and its famous tulips (when in bloom).

How to get to Amsterdam

You’ll dock at the Eastern Docklands, about a 10- to 20-minute walk from Central Station (Centraal Station), where you can catch public transport or continue walking to the city center. Amsterdam is a very walkable city, and the public transport is also easy to use. Or, do as the Dutch do and travel around the city by bike! Rentals can be found around the city center.

One Day in Amsterdam

From Central Station, head along the Damrak toward the historical center of the city. Veer off to the left to pass by Oude Kerk, Amsterdam’s oldest building, founded in 1213, and then continue walking to Dam Square, where Amsterdam was founded in 1270.

From the Dam, head west along the Raadhuisstraat and cross three of the city’s canals, lingering to take photos and admire the canal houses. When you get to the fourth canal, turn right to walk to the Anne Frank House.

Then, make your way south along the canal toward Museum Square, where you’ll find the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Check out one or both, and then end your day with a leisurely boat tour through the canals.