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Giverny
Known less for its name and more for the lily ponds that inspired Claude Monet's iconic paintings, Giverny is a provincial gem located just a short train journey from Paris. The tiny village, home to only 500 inhabitants, is an area of outstanding natural beauty, whose landscapes are comprised of ponds smothered in water lilies, weeping willow trees, and quaint painted bridges. Escape from Paris' metropolitan mayhem and spend the day in Giverny, a heaven for fans of Impressionism—you're sure to come back full of inner peace.
The Basics
When to Get There
The Basics
The best way to visit Giverny is on a day trip from Paris. All tours cover Monet's home (Maison et Jardins de Claude Monet), a beautifully preserved pastel-pink house flanked by gardens filled with flowers and a famous Japanese bridge, and the Museum of Impressionisms (Musee des Impressionnismes), dedicated to various forms of Impressionist painting.
Perfect for travelers short on time, many tours combine Giverny and the house of Monet with a visit to the Palace of Versailles or Auvers-sur-Oise, the village in which Vincent van Gogh spent his final days. Alternatively, more active travelers can take Monet's garden bike tour and pedal down Rue Claude Monet past an array of water gardens, flower beds, and the cemetery where Monet was laid to rest.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to Giverny
Giverny is about 45 miles (75 kilometers) from Paris by road. To get there by train from the city, catch the SNCF from the Saint-Lazare Paris train station to Vernon on the Paris-Rouen-Le Havre line. From Vernon you can catch a local bus, or opt to hire a taxi or bicycle. The majority of tours include round-trip train or minibus transport from Paris; the journey, along the banks of the Seine River and through the sunflower fields of Normandy, is a feast for the eyes.
- A Giverny tour is ideal for art enthusiasts.
- There are no ATMs or currency exchange bureaus in the village, so be sure to bring cash.
- Although accommodations are available, the village's small size means availability is limited; book in advance if you plan on staying overnight.
Giverny is about 45 miles (75 kilometers) from Paris by road. To get there by train from the city, catch the SNCF from the Saint-Lazare Paris train station to Vernon on the Paris-Rouen-Le Havre line. From Vernon you can catch a local bus, or opt to hire a taxi or bicycle. The majority of tours include round-trip train or minibus transport from Paris; the journey, along the banks of the Seine River and through the sunflower fields of Normandy, is a feast for the eyes.
When to Get There
Between November and Easter weekend, Monet's house, along the majority of Giverny's restaurants and guesthouses, are closed to the public, rendering a visit to the village far less rewarding than at other times of year. Although very busy in the summer months, large tour groups fail to make the hamlet any less beautiful.
Address: Rue Claude Monet, Giverny 27620, France
Admission: Varies
From $ 65
Glasnevin Cemetery Museum
This museum documents the story of Dublin’s Glasnevin Cemetery, which was opened in 1832 to serve as a multifaith burial place. Exhibits memorialize many notable Irish figures who are interred here, and tell the history of burial practices, religious beliefs about the afterlife, and even instances of body snatching.
The Basics
Guests pay to explore the museum, and then wander around the graveyard at their leisure. For a more informative visit, join a guided cemetery tour, which includes entrance to the museum. On a general history tour, guides share tales about the cemetery and the prominent figures buried there; the Dead Interesting tour focuses on the sculptures and symbols, and secrets of the graveyard. Museum entrance is also included with select Dublin sightseeing passes.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Glasnevin Cemetery Museum is a must for history buffs.
- Glasnevin Cemetery is a functioning graveyard so be respectful when burial ceremonies are taking place or people are visiting the graves of loved ones.
- The museum is fully wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get There
Glasnevin Cemetery is on Finglas Road, about 2 miles (3 kilometers) north of Dublin city center. Dublin Bus routes 40 and 140 travel to the cemetery from O’Connell Street in the city center. Some hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus routes also stop at the cemetery.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily and can be visited year-round. Summer is peak tourist season in Dublin, so you can expect to encounter more people at this time, especially on weekends. Try coming early in the morning or in late afternoon to beat the crowds.
Climb the O’Connell Tower
In addition to touring the graveyard and exploring the museum’s exhibits, it’s also possible to climb the O’Connell Tower. Set above a vault that holds the remains of Daniel O’Connell, a 19th-century Irish politician and campaigner for Irish sovereignty, the round tower rises to a height of 180 feet (55 meters) and offers excellent views over Dublin.
Address: Finglas Rd, Dublin, Ireland
Admission: Varies
From $ 15
Glymur
Iceland’s second-highest waterfall has a drop of 198 m (650 ft) and is located in the Botnsdalur Valley near Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord) northeast of Reykjavik. Fed by the deep lake of Hvalvatn, the crystal-clear waters of the Botnsá River flow xx and its spindly cascade flings itself over sheer rock to form a deep, narrow canyon covered in mosses and best seen from the southeast side of the river. There is parking space at the end of the road (leave it at junction 47) and a challenging dirt track leads to a dramatic viewing point in the canyon over rough ground and via a spectacular rock arch. Round-trip hikes to the waterfall at Glymur take around three hours and are often combined with visits to Þingvellir National Park to see the source of Iceland’s geothermal activity as the Eurasian and American tectonic plates grind together as they slowly pull apart.
For many years it was believed that Glymur was the highest waterfall in Iceland but the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in 2010 caused ice melt and subsequently revealed a higher – but very inaccessible – fall coming off the Vatnajökull glacier, which has a drop of over 200 m (656 ft).
Practical Info
Hvalfjörður/Botnsdal 47, 301 Akranes. Hiking boots are recommended. A 90-minute drive from Reykjavik.
Address: Hvalfjörður/Botnsdal, 47, Akranes, Iceland
From $ 1,081
Glacier Express
The bright-red Glacier Express passes over glaciers, across gorges, and above river valleys through Switzerland’s spectacular mountain scenery. This narrow-gauge line is the only direct service between the exclusive ski resort of Zermatt and chic St. Moritz—and is considered among the most beautiful scenic trains in Europe.
The Basics
The Glacier Express train is fitted with picture windows and glass skylights so passengers can admire the breathtaking scenery of the Swiss Alps along the panoramic route that winds through the cantons of Valais, Uri, and Graubunden. Much of its track runs along and through the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes.” On its 180-mile (290-kilometer) journey, the train makes five stops, passes under 91 tunnels, and goes over 291 bridges and viaducts; its highest point is the Oberalp Pass between Andermatt and Disentis, which sits at 6,667 feet (2,033 meters). You can take a one-way trip in a single day, or stop off at the towns along the way and stay overnight in Zermatt or St. Moritz for a three-day, round-trip journey. To fully appreciate the stunning landscape and easily manage your seat reservation and connections, book a Glacier Express tour and make the trip accompanied by a private guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Known as “the slowest express train in the world,” the full journey between Zermatt and St. Moritz takes 7.5 hours.
- Tickets for children between the ages of 6 and 16 are half the adult price; children 5 years old and younger are free.
- Tickets must be booked in advance and seats are reserved.
- Lunch is not included in the ticket price.
- Glacier Express trains are accessible for wheelchair users.
How to Get to There
Most passengers board the Glacier Express at Zermatt or St. Moritz, though you can purchase tickets for shorter sections of the route. From Interlaken, take a train to Brig and board the Glacier Express there; from Lucerne or Zurich, take a train to Chur to make your connection. From Geneva, connect to the Glacier Express in Zermatt.
When to Get There
The Glacier Express service runs daily, with the exception of a few weeks in fall when service is suspended. For lush Alpine scenery, take one of the three trains that depart each morning in the summer. For dramatic winter views, book the one daily departure that runs from December to May.
Other Linked Routes
Additional train lines that link to the Glacier Express route run to Davos in the Engadine, and to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Bernina Express route to Lugano (via Tirano) on the Swiss shores of Lake Maggiore.
Address: Zermatt: MGB Bahnhof Zermatt; St Moritz: Via Grevas, Switzerland
Hours: Hours vary by season.
Admission: Fares vary
From $ 505
Glenkinchie Distillery
The Glenkinchie Distillery is a classic lowland distillery in Scotland, one of six distilleries in the Lowland region. Originally founded in 1837, the distillery today produces the well-known Edinburgh Malt, a light, fruity, dry whisky. The distillery closed in 1853 and was converted to a sawmill until 1890, when it was re opened by a group of brewers, blenders and wine merchants from Edinburgh and Leith. It stopped malting its own grain in 1969 and turned the malting floors into a museum of whisky featuring a miniature replica of the distillery. It now hosts more than 25,000 visitors each year, including many who stop at the distillery as part of a tour from Edinburgh, taking in the Roslyn Chapel and the Melrose Abbey as well.
Visitors to the distillery will tour the old malting room, the mashing, fermentation and distillation rooms, the distillery cellar and, finally, the bar. At the end of the tour, visitors are able to taste the Glenkinchie single malt whisky and receive a coupon for three pounds off a bottle of whisky.
Practical Info
The Glenkinchie Distillery is located 30 minutes from Edinburgh in East Lothian, near the town of Pencaitland. Local bus number 113 runs to Pencaitland from Edinburgh, but it is another 2.5 kilometers to the distillery. Visitors can instead book a combined ticket that includes a shuttle bus from Edinburgh, leaving from Waterloo Place at 9:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.
Address: Pencaitland, East Lothian, Scotland
Hours: January and February, 10am-4 pm, last tour at 3:00 pm; March to October, 10am - 4 pm, last tour at 4:00 pm; November and December, 10am - 4pm, last tour at 3:00 p.m.
Admission: 8 pounds for the basic tour; 20 pounds including the shuttle bus
From $ 51
Glacier 3000
A snow-coated wonderland perched high in the Vaud Alps of Western Switzerland, the Glacier 3000 resort is a one-stop destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Just an hour from Montreux, it offers spectacular mountain views, ample opportunities for hiking and skiing, and a huge range of adrenaline-fueled activities.
The Basics
After riding the cable car to the 9,842-foot (3,000-meter) mountaintop of Glacier 3000, visitors can take in the views from the Botta restaurant and terrace, ride the Ice Express chairlift, and brave the Peak Walk by Tissot, the only mountain peak suspension bridge of its kind in the world. Guided tours run from Montreux, Geneva, and Lausanne, often combined with a stop in the village of Les Diablerets or at viewpoints around Lake Geneva.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tickets for Glacier 3000 include entrance to the Fun Park, Glacier Walk, the Ice Express chairlift, and the Peak Walk.
- It can be chilly on the mountaintop even in the summer months, so be sure to wear appropriate clothing.
- The cable car and Botta restaurant are both wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
To get to Glacier 3000, take the Ski Bus from the town of Les Diablerets to the cable car station in Col du Pillon. Les Diablerets can be reached by train from Montreux via Aigle, or Gstaad (both around an hour away).
When to Get There
The Glacier 3000 area is open all year-round, aside from a month of annual scheduled maintenance (typically late September to early October). The best time to visit depends on your chosen activities—skiers will want to visit in the winter season (October to May), while some activities, such as the alpine coaster and snow bus, are only open in the summer months (June to September).
Outdoor Adventures at Glacier 3000
Along with more than 16 miles (26 kilometers) of ski and snowboard runs and a snow park, winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, sledding at the Fun Park, and glacier hiking, while summer visitors can choose from a range of hiking trails or tackle the Via Ferrata climbing route. Other activities include dog sledding, helicopter flights over the glaciers, snow bus rides, and the Alpine Coaster, the world’s highest toboggan run.
To get to Glacier 3000, take the Skibus from the town of Les Diablerets to the cable car station in Col du Pillon. Les Diablerets can be reached from Geneva via Lausanne, Montreux, and Aigle, while it can be reached from Zurich via Bern, Spiez, and Zweisimmen.
Address: Les Diablerets, Switzerland
From $ 81
Glengoyne Distillery
Get a taste of Highland whisky without leaving the lowlands with a visit to the Glengoyne Distillery, located right on border of the Highlands, just half an hour’s drive from Glasgow. The historic distillery dates back to 1833 and is renowned for its award-winning malt whiskies, famously distilled at a third of the usual rate and matured in sherry oak casks.
Along with its fine whisky, Glengoyne is celebrated for its scenic location, hidden away amid the wooded valleys of the Campsie Hills, with its own wetlands, beehives and renewable energy source. Visitors to the distillery can choose from a number of guided tours and tastings, including the chance to peek into the legendary Warehouse No.1, take a Malt Master
tour or indulge in a comprehensive whisky tasting masterclass.
Practical Info
Glengoyne Distillery is located in Dumgoyne, around 12 miles north of Glasgow, and is open daily, March – November from 10am-5pm, and December-February from 10am- 4pm. A range of guided tours and tastings are available starting from £9.
Address: Dumgoyne G63 9LB, Scotland
Hours: Daily: Mar – Nov: 10am-5pm, Dec-Feb: 10am- 4pm
Admission: Tours start from £9
From $ 30
Glienicke Bridge
Glienicke Bridge is located in the southwestern corner of the Berlin region and crosses the Havel River, which connects Glienicke Lake and Jungfernsee Lake. When you cross the bridge from east to west, you leave the Berlin region and enter the surrounding region of Brandenburg. The first bridge built here was in the mid 1600s, and it has been replaced several times since then. After World War II, the East German government named it the Bridge of Unity because the border between East Germany and West Berlin ran through the center of the bridge.
It is also known as the Bridge of Spies because during the Cold War, this was where the Soviets and the Americans exchanged spies who had been captured. The bridge was once again open to the public once the Wall came down in 1989. It has been used in the filming of commercials, television shows, and movies, including the 2015 movie Bridge of Spies, starring Tom Hanks.
Practical Info
The road that runs on Glienicke Bridge is Königstrasse. To get to the bridge, take bus 316 to the Glienicke Lake stop.
Address: Glienicke Bridge, Berlin 14467, Germany
From $ 20
Glendalough Monastic Settlement
Home to one of the country’s most popular historic sites, a 6th-century monastic complex, Glendalough, or ‘the valley of the lakes’, is set in an idyllic location between two lakes. An hour south of Dublin, Glendalough makes a popular day trip, as well as a common stop-off for hikers attempting the famous Wicklow Way, which runs through the valley.
The monastery was founded by the hermit monk St Kevin around 618AD and by the 9th century was among the leading monastic cities of Ireland, up until its destruction by the English in 1398. The ruins remain impressive today, with a collection of ancient churches, burial sites and monastic buildings sprawled around the Upper and Lower lakes. Most famous is the 112-foot-tall round tower, measuring 52 feet in circumference and featuring a conical roof, rebuilt with its original stones in the late 19th century. Other key sights include a 10th-century cathedral, the largest building on the plot, home to granite ‘St Kevin’s Cross’; St Kevin’s church with its conical capped belfry and a monumental gateway, unique in Ireland with its two-storied granite arches.
A huge part of Glendalough’s appeal lies in its spectacular surroundings, with the two lakes encircled with woodlands, verdant pastures and the hilltops of the nearby Wicklow Mountains National Park. Make the most of a visit by hiking around the lakes and following the marked trails between the ruins, then head to the Glendalough Visitor center, where a video and exhibition details facts and background information on the monuments.
The monastery was founded by the hermit monk St Kevin around 618AD and by the 9th century was among the leading monastic cities of Ireland, up until its destruction by the English in 1398. The ruins remain impressive today, with a collection of ancient churches, burial sites and monastic buildings sprawled around the Upper and Lower lakes. Most famous is the 112-foot-tall round tower, measuring 52 feet in circumference and featuring a conical roof, rebuilt with its original stones in the late 19th century. Other key sights include a 10th-century cathedral, the largest building on the plot, home to granite ‘St Kevin’s Cross’; St Kevin’s church with its conical capped belfry and a monumental gateway, unique in Ireland with its two-storied granite arches.
A huge part of Glendalough’s appeal lies in its spectacular surroundings, with the two lakes encircled with woodlands, verdant pastures and the hilltops of the nearby Wicklow Mountains National Park. Make the most of a visit by hiking around the lakes and following the marked trails between the ruins, then head to the Glendalough Visitor center, where a video and exhibition details facts and background information on the monuments.
Address: Wicklow, Ireland
From $ 25
Glasgow Cathedral
Dating back to medieval times, Glasgow Cathedral is the only medieval cathedral on Scotland’s mainland to have survived the Reformation almost fully intact. A magnificent Gothic construction, it features stained-glass windows, a 15th-century stone choir screen, and the tomb of St. Mungo, Glasgow’s patron saint.
The Basics
Glasgow Cathedral is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and is among just a few surviving medieval buildings in all of Glasgow. Visitors can explore the church independently or go as part of a private guided tour around the city. Some sightseeing passes provide free entry to the cathedral as well as other well-known historic Scottish attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, and Melrose Abbey. Guided tours, lasting one hour, are conducted by volunteer guides as required.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Glasgow Cathedral is a must for history buffs and fans of ecclesiastical architecture.
- The west entrance to the cathedral provides access to the nave via a stair lift. Inside, some sections of the cathedral, such as the crypt and the Blackadder Aisle, are not wheelchair accessible.
- Visitors are welcome to attend Choral Evensong, which takes place most Sundays at 4pm.
How to Get There
The cathedral is situated in Glasgow’s Cathedral Precinct, just north of Glasgow High Street. The nearest train station is High Street, a 10-minute stroll away. Walk north from the station along High Street and Castle Street. The cathedral will be on your right.
When to Get There
The cathedral sees most visitors during the peak tourist months of June, July, and August. In winter, the cathedral receives less visitors. Volunteer guides are not available on Sundays. If you want to explore the interior, avoid going during service times because the Lower Church is closed and you may disturb worshippers.
Glasgow Necropolis
Situated directly behind the cathedral, this vast Victorian cemetery spreads across the hillside, offering views of the surrounding city. Take a walk along the meandering paths, which area lined with some elaborate examples of funerary art. Some of the monuments, mausoleums, and tombs were designed by leading 19th-century architects.
Address: 28-32 Cathedral Square, Glasgow G4 0XA, Scotland
Admission: Free
From $ 19
Glastonbury
Since the now-legendary Glastonbury Festival began making headlines back in the 1970s, the small Somerset town of Glastonbury has become synonymous with its self-named music festival, now the world’s biggest greenfield festival, drawing more than 175,000 revellers to the small town each year. The new-age festivities aren’t the town’s only draw, though – Glastonbury remains a lively place to visit at all times of the year, with a cluster of historic buildings and a traditional weekly market.
Glastonbury’s star attraction is the historic Glastonbury Abbey, founded in the 7th-century and becoming one of England’s most important monasteries in the Middle Ages, as well as allegedly being the burial site of King Arthur. Additional highlights include the 525-foot sacred hill of Glastonbury Tor, home to the ruins of St Michael’s church; the ancient Chalice Well and the fascinating Somerset Rural Life Museum.
Practical Info
Glastonbury is located in Somerset in southwest England, approximately 130 miles from London.
Address: Glastonbury, United Kingdom, England
From $ 52
Glass and Crystal Museum (Museo del Vidrio y Cristal)
Málaga’s Museo del Vidrio y Cristal (Glass and Crystal Museum) showcases 700 pieces of glass and crystal that date from the 6th century BC to the 20th century. Located in an 18th-century Casa Palacio (“palace house”) in the center of town, the decorative arts museum is one of the few dwellings from this era to be preserved in Málaga. With spacious patios and gardens, the museum is furnished like a home and has an intimate atmosphere. Antique sofas, rugs, mirrors, and paintings take their places alongside the glass pieces displayed in cabinets.
The collection is divided across two floors into various historical eras, with period furniture from each era to complement the glass. On the ground floor, visitors will see English pre-Raphaelite stained glass windows. The first floor has several sections, starting with the Ancient Civilizations: Egyptian, Phoenician, Greco-Roman, Islamic, and Byzantine. Keep an eye out for the pretty, brightly-colored Phoenician pieces that date from the 6th century BC. The 16th- and 17th-century exhibits feature Catalan, Dutch, Bohemian, and Venetian lead glass; the 18th-century exhibit has glass made in La Granja; the19th-century exhibit shows English cameo glass by Thomas Webb; and the 20th century showcases Lalique and Whitefriars pieces.
Practical Info
All visits to the Museo del Vidrio y Cristal are guided, for which there is no additional charge. Visits last for about an hour, and tours are conducted in Spanish, English, French, and Italian. Groups of more than ten must be reserved in advance by telephone or email, and pay a reduced rate of 4€ per person. It is not necessary to make a reservation for groups of fewer than ten people. The museum is closed during the month of August.
Address: Plazuela Santísimo Cristo de la Sangre, 2, Malaga, Spain
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-7pm; closed during the month of August
Admission: Adults, 6€; Students, Seniors, and Children ages 7-12, 4€; Children younger than 7 visit for free
From $ 7
Girona Cathedral
The baroque facade of the Girona Cathedral stands at the top of a grand staircase, high above the old city. The structure was built between the 11th and 18th centuries in a variety of styles: The cathedral boasts a Romanesque cloister and tower, Gothic nave (the widest of its kind in the world), and a baroque exterior.
The Basics
Girona Cathedral stands as the most prominent landmark in Girona and one of its most popular attractions. Many visitors explore the cathedral and surrounding town on a day trip from Barcelona; some trips also include stops at the Dalí Museum in nearby Figueres or the sacred mountaintop monastery of Montserrat. Entrance to the cathedral includes an audio guide in several languages, and access to the nave, treasury, cloister, and Basilica of Sant Feliu.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Girona Cathedral is a must-visit for spiritual travelers and first-time visitors to Girona.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to climb about 90 steps to reach the cathedral entrance.
- Much of the cathedral is wheelchair accessible, with the exception of the Conventual Chapel, cloister, and Sala del Tinell.
How to Get There
The cathedral is located in Plaça de la Catedral in the heart of Girona’s old city. The easiest way to get there is on foot, though it’s also possible to take a local bus to Plaça de Sant Doménec station or hire a taxi.
When to Get There
The cathedral is open daily throughout the year, with slightly reduced hours during the winter months (November to March). This sight is particularly beautiful during the annual Temps de Flors flower festival, when the steps are adorned in colorful blossoms.
Cathedral Treasury Museum
Visitors to the Girona Cathedral should make sure to explore Cathedral Treasury Museum. This collection showcases works of religious art dating as far back the 10th century. Notable pieces include the Beatus illuminated manuscript, the 11th-century Tapestry of Creation, and a Renaissance altarpiece of St. Helena.
Address: Plaça de la Catedral, Girona, Catalonia 17004, Spain
Admission: Varies
From $ 110
Giralda Tower (El Giraldillo)
There is no more representative symbol of Seville’s layered history than the 322-foot (98-meter) Giralda Tower (El Giraldillo). The bell tower of the city’s cathedral stands a little apart from the main building; it was once the minaret of a mosque that stood on the site before it was razed to make way for the cathedral.
The Basics
Giralda Tower, with its added baroque lantern, belfry, and bronze weather vane, is one of Seville’s most notable landmarks, and is often included as a stop on city sightseeing tours. Most visitors choose to climb the tower to a viewing platform some 230 feet (70 meters) up via a series of 35 ramps, originally built so that guards could access the tower on horseback. The panoramic views over the city are well worth the climb.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Giralda Tower is a must-see for photographers and first-time visitors to Seville.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces, and be prepared to climb up fairly steep ramps.
- Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for enjoying the sunny observation platform.
- While parts of the cathedral of Seville are accessible to wheelchair users, the tower is not.
How to Get There
La Giralda stands just next to the Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Sevilla) in the Centro Histórico, a few blocks from the bullring by the Guadalquivir river. To get there by public transportation, take the light rail to Archivo de Indias station.
When to Get There
The tower and cathedral are open daily, but hours vary widely depending on the day of the week. The best weather for enjoying the tower and Andalucia’s other outdoor attractions comes in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Expect temperatures to soar to 95°F (35°C) during the summer months.
Inside the Cathedral of Seville
The Giralda Tower isn’t the only point of interest within the Seville Cathedral. The 15th-century Gothic cathedral—one of the world’s largest—also houses a collection of religious art, the tomb of Christopher Columbus, and the world’s largest altarpiece depicting more than 1,000 carved biblical figures. Among the masterpieces on display within the cathedral are Santas Justa y Rufina by Francisco de Goya, Pedro de Campaña’s El Descendimiento, and La Inmaculada by Spanish baroque painter Bartolomé Esteban Murillo.
Address: Seville, Spain
Hours: Mon: 11am - 3:30pm. Tues - Sat: 11am - 5pm. Sun: 2:30pm - 4pm
Admission: Adults: € 9
From $ 23
Girona Jewish Quarter
Girona, one of Catalonia’s most atmospheric towns, is also home to one of the world’s best-preserved Jewish quarters, known as the Call. This neighborhood dates back to the 12th century when Girona was home to a thriving Jewish community. Its maze of medieval streets and narrow back alleys hasn’t changed much in the centuries since.
The Basics
Girona is one of the most convenient and popular day trips from Barcelona, with a bulk of the town’s attractions situated in or near the Jewish Quarter. A typical tour might include sights, such as the impressive hilltop Cathedral of Santa Maria and the nearby Arab baths, while Jewish history tours often include a stop at the Museum of Jewish History.
In recent years, the Jewish Quarter was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, and TV-themed walking tours take visitors to key filming sites.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Jewish Quarter is a must-see for history buffs and first-time visitors to Girona.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces; cobbled streets are still the norm.
- Keep in mind that many shops and restaurants in the Call close during the afternoon hours, so plan accordingly.
- Day trips from Barcelona can last anywhere from six to 13 hours, depending on the activities chosen.
How to Get There
The Jewish Quarter is located in the old part of the city, around Carrer de la Força and within easy walking distance of the Girona train station.
When to Get There
With a mild climate, there’s no real bad time to visit Girona and its Jewish Quarter, though it can be rather busy during the month of August. For the best balance of good weather and sparser crowds, plan to visit during the spring or fall shoulder seasons. The old city hosts a wildly popular flower festival in mid-May.
Museum of Jewish History
The collection at the Museum of Jewish History in Girona recounts the history of Catalonia’s Jewish communities throughout the medieval period. Eleven themed galleries lead visitors through the collection, covering topics such as family life, Jewish culture, synagogues, and the Inquisition.
Address: Força Vella (Old Quarter), Girona, Catalonia, Spain
From $ 41
Glenfinnan Monument
The Glenfinnan Monument stands in the village of Glenfinnan in the Lochaber area of the Scottish Highlands. It was erected in 1815 to commemorate the Jacobite Rising of 1745 that began in Glenfinnan when Prince Charles Edward Stuart raised his standard on the shores of Loch Shiel claiming the thrones of England and Scotland in the name of his father, James Stuart. Designed by Scottish architect James Gillespie Graham, the monument stands 60 feet tall at the head of the lock and has also come to honor Alexander MacDonald, who built the tower but died before it was completed. Jacobites still gather at the monument each year on August 19 to commemorate the 1745 uprising.
The monument has been in the care of the National Trust of Scotland since 1938 and a visitor center offers information and exhibitions, as well as a café and ticket booth. An audio guide is available that details the Prince’s final campaign from Glenfinnan to Derby and back to Dulloden.
Practical Info
Glenfinnan is located halfway between Fort William and Mallaig on the West Highland Railway and the Glenfinnan train station is located about one mile from the Glenfinnan Monument visitor center. Shiel Buses also run from Fort William to Mallaig and stop at Glenfinnan. The monument site is open daily all year round, while the visitor center is open from March 28 to October 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and July 1 to August 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The monument itself is visited by guided tour only and closes after September 1.
Address: Glenfinnan, Lochaber, Highland, UK PH37 4LT, Scotland
Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
Admission: Adult £3.50
From $ 298
Glencoe
Bordered by steep, waterfall-threaded mountains, this dramatic glen is the stuff of Scottish postcards. Though it has historical significance—it was the site of the 1692 Glencoe Massacre of the MacDonald Clan—and its very own ski resort, Glencoe Mountain Resort, the valley’s main draw is its spectacular scenery.
The Basics
Soak up Glencoe’s stunning scenery during a drive along the A82 road, which cuts through the glen. More active travelers may want to explore on foot, taking advantage of the area’s excellent hiking. Organized day and multi-day tours from Edinburgh and Glasgow often go through Glencoe, passing by locations featured in films such as Skyfall, Braveheart, and the Harry Potter series, as well as other notable beauty spots. Some organized tours stop for photos or even embark on guided walks in the scenic valley before continuing to other destinations in the Scottish Highlands such as Fort William, Ben Nevis, and Loch Ness.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Glencoe is ideal for outdoor lovers and scenery-seekers.
- Wear layers and sturdy shoes, and bring a waterproof jacket as the weather can be unpredictable.
- Rangers at the Glencoe Visitor Centre can offer advice and recommend suitable walking routes.
- The Glencoe Visitor Centre, which features a viewing platform, is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Glencoe is situated in the Scottish Highlands along the A82 highway. The road runs from Glasgow to Fort William to Inverness, passing by Rannoch Moor, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Loch Ness, and the Great Glen. If you don’t have a car, numerous sightseeing tours frequent the area. The Glencoe Visitor Centre is 17 miles (27 kilometers) south of Fort William.
When to Get There
Each season in Glencoe brings its own majesty. Summers are best for hikers, with long days, mild weather, and carpets of purple heather. Spring brings bluebells and rhododendrons, autumn yields a palette of fiery rust, and winter is good for skiing. Summers are peak tourist season, but with so much space, Glencoe never feels overrun. That said, get there in early morning to avoid the midday rush.
Getting Active in Glencoe
Glencoe offers a wealth of activities for visitors. Search for red squirrels, deer, and golden eagles; admire the rushing Glencoe Gorge Waterfall; tackle a Via Ferrata climbing route; or summit a Munro (a mountain over 3,000 feet/914 meters). Lots of gentler hiking trails can be found too, such as the woodland walk to Signal Rock. Glencoe Mountain Resort has a 12-minute chairlift that carries sightseers up to a height of 2,200 feet (670 meters).
Address: Scotland
Admission: Free
From $ 52
Glenlivet Distillery
Amid the rolling glens of Scotland’s premier whisky region, Speyside in the Cairngorms National Park, The Glenlivet Distillery opened in 1824 and is considered as the granddaddy of all single malts. Distilled in unique lantern-shaped copper stills and matured in the obligatory oak casks for at least 12 years, The Glenlivet has a fruity, smooth flavor thanks to using Scottish barley and spring water from the local Josie's Well. Now owned by French company Pernod Ricard, it is one of the largest distilleries on Speyside and the biggest selling whisky in the USA, producing nearly six million liters of single malt each year while still maintaining many traditional production methods, all be it on an industrial scale. Unlike most of the smaller Speyside distilleries, bottling does not take place onsite but it has an award-winning visitor center with an exhibition showcasing the development of the brand as well as a café selling whisky-drenched cakes.
One of the major highlights of the self-driven Malt Whisky Trail through Speyside, The Glenlivet Distillery is open for guided tours and tutored tastings of various drams; visitors can also bottle their own single malt to take home.
Practical Info
Ballindalloch, Banffshire AB37 9DB. Open mid Mar–mid Nov
Mon–Sat 9.30am–4pm; Sun 12pm–4pm. Free 45-minute tours take place every 20 minutes; others must be booked and pre-paid in advance. Best accessed by car; from Inverness take the A9 and A95; journey time is an hour and 10 minutes.
Address: Ballindalloch, Inverness, Banffshire AB38 9DB, Scotland
Hours: Open mid Mar–mid Nov: Mon–Sat 9.30am–4pm; Sun 12pm–4pm
Admission: Tour prices range from free to £60
From $ 108
Gleis 17, Grunewald
Track 17 (Gleis 17 in German) at the Grunewald S-Bahn station in Berlin is a memorial site that honors the Jewish citizens who were deported by Deutsche Reichsbahn during the Nazi era. Deutsche Reichsbahn was the company that preceeded Deutsche Bahn, the current national railway company. Over 50,000 Jews from Berlin and surrounding areas were deported from Track 17 at the Grunewald station between 1941 and 1945, destined for various concentration camps east of Germany.
For years after the war, the railway companies in East and West Germany avoided the topic of the deportation their predecessors had been involved with. But research easily showed that without the Deutsche Reichsbahn, the mass deportation would not have been possible. When the two companies merged after the reunification of Germany, Deutsche Bahn set up the memorial site in 1998 to commemorate the victims.
The memorial is made up of 186 cast steel bars embedded in the gravel along the track, all referring to the number of transports that left Berlin. Inscribed on them are the dates of the transports, the number of deportees and the train's route. There are also sculptures, plaques and trees that were brought in from Auschwitz to honor the victims. Trains no longer run from this memorial track.
Practical Info
To reach the Track 17 memorial, take the S-bahn line S7 to the Grunewald station. On Friday and Saturday nights, the S5 line replaces the S7 line.
Address: Gleis 17, Berlin, Germany
Hours: Daily
From $ 45
Glen Ord Whisky Distillery
Founded in 1838, Glen Ord Distillery is one of the oldest in Scotland. Here, at the only remaining malt whisky distillery on the remote Black Isle, it’s possible to go on a behind-the-scenes tour to see and understand the process of making a single malt from start to finish. You’ll get to check out the barley maltings as well as the fermentation and distillation methods, wandering among the barrels and huge copper stills as you go.
As is tradition, at the end of the hour-long tour you’ll get to enjoy a single malt tasting or two. As you sip, you’ll learn how to compare and identify the flavors in whisky. And be sure to make the most of your swig; you won’t be able to buy and enjoy Glen Ord whisky anywhere else in the country, as outside the distillery’s whisky store, the single malt is only sold in Asia.
Practical Info
There are buses from Inverness to Glen Ord village, 30 minutes’ drive away, and the distillery is open all year. An hour-long tour of Glen Ord distillery costs 6 GBP. This includes a complimentary tasting and a visit to the distillery exhibition. From June to August, the distillery is open seven days a week, while from November to February, it's open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is open on occasional Saturdays in March, April, September and October.
Address: Muir of Ord, Ross-shire, Scotland
Hours: Hours vary
Admission: Tours: £5 adults, £2.50 children (8-17)
From $ 53