Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
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Garage Museum of Contemporary Art
Housed in a spectacular glass pavilion designed by the architectural practice OMA in partnership with Rem Koolhaas 2015 on the site of a derelict restaurant, Garage is the creation of Russian girl-about-town Daria Zhukova, the longstanding girlfriend of Roman Abramovich. Originally found in the Bakhmetevsky Bus Garage (hence the name), which is now the home of the Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center, the art gallery has a spectacular location on the fringe of Gorky Park. The temporary exhibitions held on the gallery’s two levels concentrate on promoting the work of international modern artists, while its permanent holdings specialize in the development of Russian contemporary art from the 1950s to present. Recent big names shown there include Louise Bourgeois and installation artist Rashid Johnson.
Creative workshops are held for kids and there’s a stylish café with views over Gorky Park, an arty bookshop and a research library in the museum too. A welcome addition to Moscow’s burgeoning cool cultural scene, Garage should be on the itinerary of all visitors spending time in the city.
Practical Info
Ulitsa Krymsky Val 9/32, 119049, Moscow. Open daily 11am 10pm. Admission adults RUB 400; students RUB 200; younger than 17 RUB 100. Metro to Oktyabrskaya. The gallery is five minutes’ walk from the main entrance to Gorky Park.
Address: Ulitsa Krymsky Val 9/32, Moscow Oblast, Moscow 119049, Russia
Hours: Daily 11am–10pm
Admission: adults RUB 400; students RUB 200; younger than 17 RUB 100
From $ 123
Gasteig
The exterior of the Gasteig hardly reveals the cultural center's dedication to the arts, but inside, the halls host some of the most outstanding performers that come to Munich. Home to the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, the Richard Strauss Conservatory, the Volkshochschule (education), and the municipal library, the Gasteig is a place to delight the senses and enrich the mind.
Gasteig is also the primary site for the Filmfest Munchen with concert halls that can accommodate over 2,000 people like the Philarmonie, or a more intimate setting with the 120 seats in the Black Box hall. The smaller theaters most often host renowned theater and dance troupes. The wide variety of cultural entertainment and performance at the Gasteig truly make it Munich's "Kulturzentrum".
Practical Info
The Philharmonic Hall's wood-paneled shell structure creates great acoustics for instrumental and vocal performance. But if chamber music isn't your style, there are also cafes and shops to explore in Gasteig.
Address: Rosenheimer Straße 5, Munich 81667, Germany
Hours: Open daily 10am - 7pm. Hours vary for each attraction
Admission: Free. Ticket prices for special events vary
From $ 45
Garden Museum
Dedicated to the history and art of gardening, London’s Garden Museum offers a tranquil break from the busy city. It’s a must-see for any traveler with a green thumb, with a permanent display of paintings, tools, and historic artifacts representing 400 years of gardening in Britain.
The Basics
Travelers typically visit the Garden Museum independently or on a tour of London’s most famous gardens. In addition to the museum’s permanent collection and four to six annual temporary exhibitions, there is (of course) a beautiful garden to walk through. Visitors can also climb 131 steps to the top of the site’s medieval tower for city views. Several exhibitions, topical presentations, and events are held each year to explore the creation of British gardens.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is accessible to wheelchairs, with an elevator straight to the permanent collection on the first floor.
- The small onsite garden cafe serves tea and small bites.
- Entry to the Garden Museum is included in the London Pass.
- The medieval tower closes one hour before the museum’s closing time.
How to Get There
The Garden Museum is located in central London on the South Bank of the Thames, beside Lambeth Palace and across from the Tate Britain and Parliament. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Westminster. The museum can be reached by taking the tube to Westminster, Waterloo, Victoria, or Vauxhall, or by taking bus 3, 344, 360, 507, or C10 directly to the museum.
When to Get There
The Garden Museum is open daily from 10:30am to 5pm, with the exception of Saturdays, when it closes at 4pm. The museum is closed the first Monday of every month. Expect the largest crowds in the afternoon; visit early in the morning for a quiet visit.
Garden Museum Past and Present
The Garden Museum resides in the once-abandoned Church of St-Mary-at-Lambeth, and therefore carries centuries of history in its medieval tower and archbishop’s tomb. The church is the burial place of John Tradescant, a famous British naturalist and gardener, and his tomb now forms the centerpiece of a knot garden. The church was turned into a museum by John and Rosemary Nicholson in 1977 to preserve the tomb of Tradescants (both John and his son) and the church.
Address: Lambeth Palace Road, London, England
Hours: Sun - Fri: 10:30am - 5pm, Sat: 10:30am - 4pm, closed first Monday of each month.
Admission: Adults: £10
From $ 90
Garonne River
Flowing down from the Spanish Pyrenees all the way to France’s Atlantic coast, the Garonne River is the most important river of southwestern France. Passing through two major cities—Toulouse and Bordeaux—the Garonne also runs into the Gironde estuary, the largest of its kind in Europe.
The Basics
A boat cruise along the Garonne River is a popular choice for visitors to Bordeaux, and there are numerous options available. Take a sightseeing cruise past riverside landmarks, such as the Basilica of St. Michael, Louis XV's grand Place de la Bourse, and Quai Richelieu; enjoy lunch or a wine tasting on board; or set sail on an evening dinner cruise, with a view of Bordeaux’s illuminated skyline. In Toulouse, sightseeing cruises along the Garonne often link up with the Canal du Midi, offering views of the Chateau d’Eau, Notre-Dame de la Daurade, and the Pont Neuf.
Walking and Segway tours also take in sights along the Garonne River.
Things to Know Before You Go
- River tour options include cruise ships, Viking-style sailboats, jet boats, and canoes.
- Bring warm clothing if traveling on an open-air boat—it can get chilly, especially at night.
- Many boat cruises are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check in advance.
How to Get There
The Garonne River runs for 274 miles (441 kilometers) through southwest France and Northern Catalonia. In Bordeaux, most boat cruises set sail from Quai Richelieu or Cité du Vin. In Toulouse, boats set sail close to the Pont Neuf.
When to Get There
Garonne River cruises in Toulouse run from July to October, while cruises run year-round in Bordeaux. For the most impressive views, opt for a sunset sightseeing cruise or a night cruise.
Gironde Estuary
The Gironde estuary, located where the Garonne and Dordogne rivers meet the Atlantic, is the biggest in Europe and teems with wildlife. The estuary’s nine uninhabited islands and surrounding marshlands are home to a wide variety of migratory birds, including storks, spoonbills, ospreys, and black-winged stilts, while the waters have eels, river lampreys, and wild sturgeon.
Address: Toulouse, France
From $ 24
Gambino Winery
From a road winding through the Sicilian countryside, family owned Gambino Winery appears atop a hillside in the Etna wine region. The unique climate and soil of the area produces some of Italy’s tastiest wines, both white and red. Most wines are derived from either Nerello mascalese or Nerello cappuccio grapes, many of which are given DOC designation. Innovative winemakers in this region are making some of Sicily’s best wines, and while not all are available to taste Gambino Winery allows you to sample quite a few.
Mount Etna being an ancient volcano (the largest in Europe,) views from the winery are scenic and the surrounding landscape is beautiful to take in. There’s nothing like drinking a glass of wine right in the place in which it was produced, and there’s no shortage of great wine or views at Gambino. The winery also serves delicious food, cheeses, and local olive oils.
Practical Info
Gambino Winery is located just a short drive from the towns of Taormina or Catania, in Linguaglossa, located on the northern side of the volcano. You can taste wine daily from 11 am to 7 pm, though advance reservations are recommended. It’s 10 Euros to partake in a tasting.
Address: Contrada Petto Dragone, Linguaglossa CT, Italy
Hours: 11 am - 7 pm
Admission: 10€
From $ 45
Gardens of Augustus
Perched atop the dramatic cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples and just a short stroll from Capri’s central Piazzetta square, the lush Gardens of Augustus are a quiet oasis offering mesmerizing views of the tiny cove of Marina Piccola and the soaring Faraglioni sea stacks just off shore.
The Basics
Laid out by Friedrich August Krupp in the early 20th century, these exquisite botanical gardens are a tribute to Capri’s native flora, with flower-lined footpaths, lawns, and monumental fountains; and terraced gardens bursting with vibrant geraniums and dahlias. Perhaps the most impressive feature of the park is its striking location directly above Via Krupp, a paved switchback footpath that snakes down the cliff side to the water’s edge below. The path has been closed due to rock slides, but the view of its zigzagging path from above is unforgettable.
The Gardens of Augustus is one of the most beloved attractions on the island of Capri, and a highlight of any tour, day trip, or shore excursion to the island from Rome, Naples, or Sorrento. Most boat tours or day cruises to the island include free time on land to explore sights like the gardens and the Charterhouse of San Giacomo, along with a sail around Capri’s coast and a stop to visit the Blue Grotto.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most of the towns of Capri and Anacapri are pedestrian only, so must be explored on foot. The lanes are often steep and paved with cobblestones, so wear comfortable shoes and, in summer, sunscreen and a hat.
- The gardens are not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers due to stairs at the entrance.
- There are sweeping views from the panoramic overlooks in the gardens, so bring your camera.
- No food or drink is allowed inside the gardens.
- Visitors must stay on the footpaths, so young children who may be tempted to strike out across the lawns should be carefully supervised.
How to Get There
The Gardens of Augustus are adjacent the Charterhouse of San Giacomo in the center of Capri town. From the main Piazzetta square, follow Via Vittorio Emanuele to Via Federico Serena, and then take Via Matteotti to the garden entrance.
When to Get There
The gardens are lovely when there are few visitors, so time your visit either in the early morning or late afternoon.
The Marvelous Via Krupp
The Gardens of Augustus overlook one of the most remarkable feats of engineering on the island of Capri: the paved pedestrian footpath that follows a series of switchbacks steeply down the mountainside from the gardens to sea level below. Commissioned by the German steel magnate Friedrich Alfred Krupp at the beginning of the 20th century to provide a route to reach his private yacht moored below, this magnificently scenic route clinging to the cliffside has been closed for the past few years due to falling rocks.
Address: Via Matteotti, Capri 80073, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 64
Galway Bay
Off the west coast of Ireland and beside Galway City, Galway Bay is a beautiful bay that has inspired many Irish legends and songs. You may have heard it sung in Arthur Colahan's Galway Bay or John Lennon’s Luck of the Irish. Yet the Atlantic coast of Ireland is a scenic, natural beauty that deserves to be seen with your own eyes. It’s also a magnet of authentic Irish and Celtic culture and has been called “the most Irish place in Ireland.”
Galway Bay is known for a few things in particular, including its morning dew and unique sailing culture, including a boat type called the Galway Hooker. As Galway was the center of maritime activity in western Ireland at the time, the Hooker boats were prominent in the mid-19th century. Many beaches dot the coastline that are accessible for swimming. Deep sea fishing, boating, and visiting the nearby Aran Islands are other popular activities on the bay.
Practical Info
The coastal area beside Galway Bay is best explored by car. Travel time from Dublin is about two hours. Be sure to check out the cobblestone streets and Irish pubs in nearby Galway City.
Address: Galway Bay, Ireland
From $ 29
Galway Atlantaquaria
Designated as the National Aquarium of Ireland and the largest aquarium in the country, Galway Atlantaquaria is one of western Ireland’s most popular attractions. An incredible 170 saltwater and freshwater species inhabit the aquarium’s tanks, imaginatively designed to mimic their natural environments and showcasing Ireland’s incredible diversity of marine ecosystems. Seahorses, stingrays, eels, lobster and even sharks are among the highlights, as well as the world’s only White Skate on public display, lovingly nicknamed ‘Valentine’.
It’s not only the colorful sea creatures that draw in the crowds - the aquarium’s unique displays and hands-on approach has proven a hit with all ages. Visitors can help out at feeding time, delve into the waters inside a model submarine and visit the aquarium’s popular ‘touch tanks’ for the chance to hold starfish and spider crabs. The enlightening exhibits include the chance to experience a waterfall from a ‘fish eye view’ or follow a Galway Salmon on its journey from the Corrib River to Galway Bay. There’s even an enormous skeleton of a Fin Whale on display.
It’s not only the colorful sea creatures that draw in the crowds - the aquarium’s unique displays and hands-on approach has proven a hit with all ages. Visitors can help out at feeding time, delve into the waters inside a model submarine and visit the aquarium’s popular ‘touch tanks’ for the chance to hold starfish and spider crabs. The enlightening exhibits include the chance to experience a waterfall from a ‘fish eye view’ or follow a Galway Salmon on its journey from the Corrib River to Galway Bay. There’s even an enormous skeleton of a Fin Whale on display.
Address: Seapoint Promenade, Galway, Ireland
Hours: Wed-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat-Sun 10am-6pm.
Admission: Adults, €10.25; Children, €6.25
From $ 301
Gaudí Experience
At the Gaudí Experience, visitors learn more about the life and works of Barcelona’s favorite son through a series of interactive touchscreens, unpublished models, and a 4D film that takes you through the city streets to some of the Catalan architect’s most enduring masterpieces. Kids have their own area to explore Gaudí’s architecture.
The Basics
While you can get to know Antoni Gaudí by seeing his works in person, the imaginative Gaudí Experience offers valuable context for a visit to Barcelona. Choose between a basic admission ticket to the 4D theater, or combine admission with a visit to Gaudí’s Crypt at the Colonia Güell workers’ village. The large multimedia area within the Gaudí Experience is free and open to the public.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Gaudí Experience is a must for architecture buffs and families traveling with kids.
- Because the 4D movie has no narration, it’s suitable for visitors no matter what language they speak.
- The facility is accessible to wheelchairs.
How to Get There
The Gaudí Experience is located steps away from Park Güell. The easiest way to get there is to take the Metro to Lesseps or Vallcarca, or ride the Barcelona hop-on hop-off bus to Park Güell.
When to Get There
The Gaudí Experience is open daily throughout the year, with reduced hours from October through May. The 4D film is screened throughout the day, with the last showing 30 minutes before closing time. Try to visit early to get an overview of Gaudí’s works. It’s also a good option while waiting for your entrance time at the Park Güell monument area.
A Day of Gaudí
You really shouldn’t leave Barcelona without visiting some of Antoni Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces, and there are several of them. If you only have time to visit one, make it the towering Sagrada Familia cathedral. The panoramic views and colorful tile work of Park Güell are a hit with travelers, and those with a special interest in architecture will appreciate the details of Gaudí’s two residential buildings, Casa Batllo and La Pedrera (Casa Mila).
Address: Calle Larrard 41, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain 08024, Spain
Admission: Varies
From $ 10
Gare St Lazare
There are few railway stations more photo-worthy than Gare St Lazare—Paris’ busiest train station. Its iconic architecture, sky-high halls and old-world charm have inspired the likes of impressionist painters Edouard Manet and Calude Monet. With 27 platforms servicing more than 100 million passengers a year, this transport hub will likely be a part of any traveler’s visit to the City of Lights. And while the station’s easy eticket system, pay toilets and well-kept grounds are a delight for travelers, visitors should also plan to spend some time taking in the people, the architecture and the energy that inspired an entire generation of artists.
Practical Info
Gare St Lazare is located in the 8th arrondissement near one of the city’s most popular shopping districts. Approximately 1,600 trains depart the station daily.
Address: Paris, France
From $ 87
Gamla Stan
With its tangle of cobblestone streets, brightly painted buildings, and bustling squares, Gamla Stan is one of Stockholm’s most photogenic districts. The historic center also boats the city’s oldest quarter, dating back to 1252, and home to some remarkably preserved medieval monuments.
The Basics
The many historic landmarks of Gamla Stan are easily explored on foot, starting with the Royal Palace, Storkyrkan (Stockholm Cathedral), and the Riksdagshuset (Swedish parliament building). Other highlights include the central square of Stortorget, the main streets of Vasterlanggatan and Osterlanggatan, the Nobel Museum at Borshuset, and Riddarholmen Church.
Stockholm sightseeing tours and hop-on hop-off bus or boat tours typically stop at Gamla Stan, but the best way to explore the Old Town is by foot. Opt for a guided walking tour or biking tour; discover Stockholm’s dark history on an after-hours ghost tour; or maximize your chances of capturing the perfect snapshots on a photography tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There are free Wi-Fi spots located around Gamla Stan.
- Most of the main attractions of Gamla Stan are wheelchair accessible, but some of the narrow cobblestone lanes might be tricky to navigate.
How to Get There
Gamla Stan comprises the main island of Stadsholmen and the smaller islands of Riddarholmen, Helgeandsholmen, and Stromsborg. The pedestrianized district can be reached on foot from Norrmalm or by taking the Tunnelbana (subway) to Gamla Stan station.
When to Get There
Gamla Stan is atmospheric both by day and night, but many visitors opt to time their sightseeing for midday, to coincide with the changing of the guards at Stockholm Royal Palace. The district is at its busiest during the peak summer season, but it’s also a popular destination during the holidays, when it hosts one of Stockholm’s most popular Christmas markets.
Address: Sweden
From $ 20
Gatchina Palace
Among stiff competition, the elegant Neo-classical crescent of Gatchina Palace is one of St Petersburg’s loveliest palaces, built for Count Gregory Orlov, a favorite (read: lover?) of Catherine the Great, in 1782 by the maestro Antonio Rinaldi, who was responsible for many churches and Imperial palaces around the city. After Orlov’s death, Gatchina was home to four generations of the Romanov Tsars before being requisitioned by the state in 1917. All but destroyed in World War II, the doors of the palace only reopened when refurbishment started in 1985; it is so breathtakingly huge that restoration still goes on today.
Today a visit to this most romantic of palaces encompasses a treasure trove of Romanov riches — what style these guys lived in — in a series of ever-more opulent rooms; the standout collections among the art, coins and armory being the moving black-and-white photographs charting the life of the Romanov family, more than 30,000 rare Russian books and priceless 16th-century Sèvres porcelain.
The palace is surrounded by landscaped gardens that could take all day to explore. They are ornamented by winding pathways through birch trees, bridges hopping across to islands in the lakes, fountains, orangeries, aviaries and a variety of wood and stone follies — including the Priory Palace, which was given to the Romanovs by the Maltese Knights of St John in 1799 — as well as greenhouses nurturing tropical plants and botanical gardens neatly divided into parterres.
Practical Info
1 Krasnoarmeysky prospect, Gatchina. Open Tue–Sun 10am–6pm; closed Mon and first Tue of month. Admission adults RUB 300; students RUB 150; family ticket RUB 700 (entry free with St Petersburg Card). Gatchina Palace is 28 miles (45 km) south of St Petersburg along the Kievskoe highway and there’s a train from Baltiysky railway station or a shuttle bus from Moskovskaya metro station.
Address: 1 Krasnoarmeysky prospect, Gatchina, Leningrad Oblast 188306, Russia
Hours: Tue–Sun 10am–6pm; closed Mon and first Tue of month
Admission: adults RUB 300; students RUB 150; family ticket RUB 700
From $ 9
Gallipoli
For many Australians and New Zealanders visitors, Gallipoli is the focus of their trip to Turkey.
During World War I, the tiny cove on the Dardanelles was the site of a long and entrenched skirmish between Turkish and Allied troops. Horrendous casualties resulted on both sides, and for the Allies the operation was a failure.
These days Gallipoli is synonymous with the incompetence of Britain’s leaders and the sacrifice of the empire’s Commonwealth soldiers. The leader of the Turkish troops was none other than Ataturk, who went on to lead Turkey into the modern era.
The Gallipoli Peninsula is now a national park, with moving memorials to those who died here almost a century ago. Antipodean visitors come here in their thousands to commemorate ANZAC Day on 25 April.
Practical Info
Gallipoli is 350 km (200 miles) west from Istanbul, along the Sea of Marmara. Coaches leave from Istanbul’s main bus station, but you’ll have more freedom to sightsee if you hire a car or a private tour. The drive from Istanbul to Gallipoli takes around five hours.
Unless you’ve boned up on history, take a tour to get the most out of your visit to Gallipoli.
Address: Anzac Cove, Gelibolu 17500, Turkey
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 103
Gargano National Park (Parco Nazionale del Gargano)
Puglia’s Gargano National Park is one of the largest in Italy, covering more than 467 square miles (1,211 square km) of the promontory in Puglia that looks like the boot-shaped country’s spur. The park is named for Monte Gargano, a mountain peak on the promontory, and includes an archipelago of islands off the coast called the Tremiti Islands.
Like other national parks in Italy, Gargano is popular with visitors (Italians and foreign alike) for the great natural beauty and diversity of terrain, which means there is a variety of outdoor activities you can do in the park. There are two lakes, in addition to all the coastline along the edge of the region, so there are many opportunities to go boating. Hiking is also extremely popular. One of the main attractions within the park, however, is San Giovanni Rotondo, where Padre Pio (now a saint) is buried. It’s a beloved pilgrimage location.
Organized hiking or trekking tours in Gargano National Park are available for those seeking an opportunity to explore the park’s natural wonders. There are also day trips to San Giovanni Rotondo from as far away as Sorrento or Naples.
Practical Info
The Tremiti Islands were once used to imprison people, including those deemed enemies during Mussolini’s reign. Today, there are a few hundred residents on the islands and they are popular tourist destinations.
Address: Via Sant’Antonio Abate 121, Monte Sant’Angelo 71037, Italy
From $ 196
Gare du Nord
Gare du Nord is one of the six major train stations in Paris, with service to London, Brussels, Amsterdam and other destinations north of the French capital. Strictly speaking, Gare du Nord is the busiest railway station in Europe and the busiest in the world outside Japan with over 700,000 passengers every day for a grand yearly total of 190 million.
Because of the role it plays in Paris’ daily transports, Gare du Nord was featured in many movies, including Ocean’s Twelve, the Bourne Identity and The Da Vinci Code.
The train station itself was built in the 1860s and comprises 36 platforms, including a separate terminal for the Eurostar trains which require security and customs checks. The U-shaped terminal is made out of cast iron and stone, including the statues that decorate the main entrance – each representing destinations outside of France.
Practical Info
Gare du Nord is located on Rue de Maubeuge in Paris’ 10th arrondissement. It is possible to get there by car via Boulevard de Magenta (there is an underground parking on Rue de Compiègne), and by metro, with service on lines 4, 5, and RER B and D. The station concourse is open every day from 4:30am to 1:00am.
Address: 112 Rue de Maubeuge, Paris, Ile-de-France 75010, France
Hours: Daily from 4:30am to 1:00am
From $ 10
Gardaland Park
If you are touring Italy with kids who have had their fill of majestic churches and Roman ruins, a day at Gardaland may be in order. This landmark amusement park sits on the eastern flanks of Lake Garda and is the country’s most popular family-oriented resort, with more than 30 rides, musical performances and light shows, and an aquarium.
The Basics
Offering everything from dizzying drops on Space Vertigo to the very gentlest of carousels for toddlers, Gardaland theme park will keep the whole family happily entertained all day. Between the Jungle Rapids water ride, the San Andreas 4-D adventure, the spectacular musical and light shows in the Gardaland Theatre, and the thrilling roller coasters—the most popular are the Black Hole, Italy’s first “dive” roller coaster, and the Blue Tornado, a hair-flipping inverted coaster—there’s something here for children of all ages.
Gardaland is hugely popular in Italy and very crowded from mid-June to mid-September, when schools are closed for the summer. Booking skip-the-line entry tickets is a good idea any time of year, but imperative during the summer months to avoid long waits at the ticket office.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A monorail scoots around the perimeter of the park to take footsore kids (and parents) to their next adventure.
- The range of eating opportunities inside the park, from fast-food stands to themed restaurants, serves families well.
- Gardaland offers a number of dedicated services for wheelchair users and visitors with other special needs.
- The resort includes two Gardaland hotels with themed rooms, kid-friendly activities, and the Blue Lagoon pool.
How to Get There
Gardaland is located in Castelnuovo del Garda, on the eastern flank of Lake Garda in northeast Italy. To reach Gardaland from Milan or Verona, take the train to Peschiera del Garda; there is a free shuttle bus from the station to Gardaland Park. If driving, take the A4 motorway to the Peschiera del Garda exit.
When to Get There
Gardaland Park is open from April through October, and is most crowded from June through August. From mid-June to mid-September, the park closes at 11pm, giving you even more time to enjoy the rides. There are also select December dates when certain areas of the park reopen for winter festivities.
Gardaland Sea Life Aquarium
Combine a ticket to Gardaland with entry to Sea Life Aquarium, where you’ll see sharks, manta rays, and turtles; observe shark-feeding sessions; and discover the underwater mysteries of Lake Garda.
Address: Via Derna, 4, Castelnuovo del Garda, Verona 37014, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 24
Garden of Oranges (Giardino degli Aranci)
A lush garden overlooking Roman rooftops and domes, the Giarino degli Aranci was once an ancient fortress and now offers some of the best panoramic views of Rome. Full of orange trees, there are many benches and grassy areas to relax on and escape the bustle of the city. Views stretch across the skyline from Trastevere all the way toward St. Peter’s Basilica.
Legend says that Saint Dominic planted a single bitter orange tree in the courtyard of the nearby Basilica di Santa Sabina in 1200 AD. It is said to be the first orange tree in the whole of Italy, and today the gardens have a pleasant orange aroma from the groups of many trees.
Upon entering the gardens, visitors can see the face of Giacomo Della Porta's fountain, believed to have been made in reference to the river god Oceanus. Overlooking the Tiber River, it has been called one of the most romantic spots in Rome.
Practical Info
Open from dawn to dusk, the Garden of Oranges is within the Parco Savello, on Via di Santa Sabina on the top of the Aventine Hill. It is nearby to the Piazza Pietro d’Illiria. The nearest metro stop is Circo Maximo. Admission is free.
Address: Via di Santa Sabina, Rome 00153, Italy
From $ 50
Gap of Dunloe
The lake-studded glacial valley known as the Gap of Dunloe is wedged between County Kerry’s Purple Mountain and MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range. The rugged natural scenery along the 7-mile (11-kilometer) paved mountain pass made it a magnet for sublime-seeking, 19th-century, Romantic writers such as William Thackeray and Alfred Lord Tennyson, who waxed lyrical about its beauty. Despite its popularity, the landscape remains as unspoiled as ever.
The Basics
The pass can be traversed on foot, by bike, or by traditional jaunting cart (pony trap), and can be seen as part of guided and self-guided half- and full-day Gap of Dunloe tours from Killarney. The Gap of Dunloe is bookended by two pubs: at the south end is Lord Brandon’s Cottage, while Kate Kearney’s Cottage—supposedly named after a previous resident who poured out poitín (a traditional moonshine popular in Ireland) to parched travelers—is at the north end. Due to the narrowness of the road and the presence of walkers, sheep, and horses, driving is not advised. Private tours from other destinations along the Ring of Kerry, including Kenmare, Cahersiveen, and Sneem, can incorporate the Gap of Dunloe as well as Ross Castle in Killarney National Park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A one-way walk along the length of the pass, from Kate Kearney’s Cottage to Lord Brandon’s Cottage, typically takes about 2.5 hours.
- Wear comfortable footwear and bring rain gear in case of showers.
- Choose to end your tour on a high note by adding an optional boat ride across the Lakes of Killarney.
How to Get There
To get to the Gap of Dunloe, follow the Ring of Kerry (N72) west from Killarney for about 4 miles (7 kilometers) before turning left onto the Gap Road. Free parking is available at Kate Kearney's. Organized tours allow visitors to walk, cycle, or travel by horse and cart along the whole length of the pass without having to double back to their car.
When to Get There
The gap sees most footfall in July and August, when the parking lot at Kate Kearney’s often fills up by late morning. If you want a quieter experience, go in early morning or outside peak tourist season, either in spring or autumn.
Tips for Crossing the Pass
Crossing the pass on foot requires a moderate level of physical fitness. If you don’t feel up to the full hike, simply turn back at the head of the gap. It’s also possible to take a jaunting car from Kate Kearney’s to Lord Brandon’s and walk back from there, or join an organized tour that includes pickup, either by bus or by boat, at the end of the route.
Address: Killarney, Ireland
Admission: Free
From $ 12
Gate of Dawn
Vilnius’s medieval defensive walls originally had nine entry gates, all built in the early 16th century; as was custom then, each was decorated with a portrait of the Virgin Mary to ensure the protection of the city. Today only remnants of these walls still stand after the Russian attacks of 1799, and the whitewashed Gate of Dawn, completed in 1522 with an ornate pediment, is the last remaining of the original fortified city entrances.
Around 1630, Carmelite monks from a nearby monastery replaced the original image on the Gate of Dawn with a new icon named the ‘Vilnius Madonna’, painted on oak boards and widely believed in both Catholic and Orthodox faiths to have mystical healing powers. The Renaissance-style, pastel-blue-and-white Chapel of Our Lady of the Dawn was grafted on to the southern side of Gate of Dawn around 1706 to house the painting, which became one of Lithuania’s most revered icons.
Today it is encrusted in gold and silver and its pretty little chapel is adorned with silver votives donated by pilgrims. Masses are held in both Polish and Lithuanian and on holy days the streets around the chapel are brought to a standstill as worshippers flock to pray in front of the icon.
Practical Info
The Gate of Dawn is open daily from 6 a.m until 7 p.m.
Address: Aušros Vartų gatvė 14, Vilnius 01303, Lithuania
Hours: Daily 6am-7pm
From $ 12
Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Overview
Gatwick Airport is one of six international airports to serve the city of London and is second in size only to Heathrow Airport. A major transport hub, London Gatwick has two terminals and welcomes more than 40 million passengers every year, accommodating flights to and from some 200 global destinations.
The Basics
Avoid the stress of getting to and from the airport by prebooking a Gatwick transfer. Private and shared airport transfer services include pickup at arrivals and drop-off at Central London hotels, or at cruise ports, such as Southampton Cruise Port and Dover Cruise Port.
Private transfers offer more flexibility and comfort—drivers will often track your flight number online, so they’ll know if you’re delayed—and can transport passengers between Gatwick and other London airports, including Heathrow, Luton, Stansted, and London City airports.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Passenger amenities at Gatwick include a chapel and prayer room, currency exchange, and luggage storage facilities.
- Gatwick offers free charging ports and 90-minutes free Wi-Fi.
- Shops and restaurants can be found in both North and South terminals and are open from early morning until about 10pm.
- An inter-terminal shuttle service carries passengers between the two terminals.
How to Get There
Gatwick is situated around 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Central London. London black cab fares can be high; save money by prebooking transfers. The easiest way to get into Central London is to ride the Gatwick Express Train from the station near the Gatwick South Terminal to London Victoria. Trains leave every 15 minutes from approximately 6am until just after 11pm. The journey takes about 30 minutes.
When to Get There
Gatwick is a busy airport and lines can form during peak travel times (i.e., the summer months of June, July, and August, and over the Christmas holiday). Busy periods include weekends (Friday–Monday). Midweek, the busiest times are morning and early to midevening. Arrive three hours in advance for international flights.
Things to See Near Gatwick Airport
If you find yourself in Gatwick for a short layover and don’t want to make the journey into London, you might want to take the short trip to Gatwick Aviation Museum, just a 5- to 10-minute drive from the airport. It houses a collection of British aircraft and displays documenting Gatwick’s history. If you have more time to spare, you may want to journey to the seaside town of Brighton, about a 25- to 45-minute train journey away.
Address: England
From $ 17