Things to Do in Piedmont & Liguria

Cape Town's Kirstenbosch gardens may be more famous, but Durban's Botanic Gardens hold the title of Africa's oldest surviving botanical gardens.

Founded in 1851, Durban's Botanic Gardens were a response to Kew Gardens' challenge of creating botanic gardens around the world. The goal was not only to furnish Kew with new plants, but also to help raise global awareness of potentially valuable plants. The first garden in Durban was established in 1849 in a different location – it has been at its current location, closer to the city, since 1851.

The gardens cover more than 37 acres and are known for their collection of cycads, ferns, and orchids. There are also several events held in the gardens throughout the year, including concerts, tea parties, and an indigenous plant fair in September.

Petrópolis is as town that was originally founded upon royal opulence and wealth, and nothing says lavish, regal design than a building constructed of crystal. Today, the Crystal Palace is a large greenhouse that’s comprised mostly of glass, although the sparkly chandelier inside the building still has the crystal touch. 

Built in France and transported here to the hills outside of Rio, the palace was initially offered as a gift from Count D’Eu to Princess Izabel. For years this venue was used to host the royalty’s extravagant balls, and there are still concerts and opera events that are held in the palace today. If staying in Petrópolis, check the schedule of events for the palace to experience one of the shows. Or, if visiting on a day trip from Rio de Janeiro, wander around the manicured grounds that line the historic greenhouse—imagining life as a Brazilian Princess in a palace with crystal walls. 

Deep in a sheltered gorge at the foot of the Pitons, the Diamond Botanical Gardens is part of the Soufriere Estate, one of the oldest and best-preserved estates on the island, still owned by the original family to whom the land was granted by King Louis XIV in 1713. The gardens sit at the edge of the Sulphur Springs Park, and the rich volcanic soil nourishes an incredible collection of tropical plants and flowers.

In addition to walking trails flanked by a lush mix of flora and fauna, the garden is home to a historic mill, a waterwheel and the Diamond Waterfall, one of the most colorful falls in the Caribbean with mineral-laced water that gives it a rainbow-like appearance. Proximity to the sulphur springs means these grounds also boast volcanically heated mineral baths that have been used as relaxing soaking tubs since King Louis XVI built his troops a bathhouse here in 1784.

This expansive nutmeg garden is the home and source of a variety of nutmeg products made by the company De La Grenade. As Grenada is famous worldwide for its spice exports, particularly nutmeg, the gardens here give visitors the chance to experience the heart of the “Isle of Spice.”

Learn about the historical, traditional and medicinal uses of spices and other local plants. The highlight of the experience is an aromatic walk through the herb and spice gardens, which spans over two acres. Walk over nutmeg shells, enjoying the smell of local fruit trees, flowering plants and of course—the nutmeg spice.

In addition to seeing many of the natural plants and flavor sources, visitors can sample De La Grenade’s many beverage concentrates, syrups, jams and house La Grenade liqueur. The processing area grants behind-the-scenes insight into how these products are created and then shipped all over the world. There are also various homegrown fruits and spices—all native to the area—for tasting and purchase.

The World War I struggle for the strategic ground of Delville Wood lying at the heart of the Somme battlefields took place between Commonwealth and German soldiers during July and September 1916. During this time a number of fierce battles were fought and even though the Commonwealth troops ultimately won through, there was huge loss of life on both sides. Delville Wood Cemetery at Longueval commemorates the heroism of 5,523 Commonwealth dead, lying at peace in a memorial designed by British architect Sir Herbert Baker just post-war, with an entrance arch topped by a bronze equestrian sculpture by Alfred Turner. A huge percentage of the graves at Delville Wood are unmarked as many of the fallen were reburied there after the Armistice in 1918. 

Right across the road is the South Africa (Delville Wood) National Memorial, also built by Sir Herbert Baker and honoring the South African military personnel who were killed in World War I. With around 229,000 soldiers fighting on the Western Front, the SA dead at Delville Wood numbered around 10,000 and their names are inscribed in a memorial book in the hexagonal-shaped Delville Wood Museum, built to salute all South African troops who have died in combat across the world. 

From riding Space Mountain to flying with Peter Pan and snapping a selfie with Mickey Mouse, few theme parks serve up as much fairy-tale magic as Disneyland. With some 14 million annual visitors, Disneyland Paris is Europe’s biggest and busiest theme park, boasting adrenaline-fueled rides, state-of-the-art movie sets, and spectacular shows and parades that make it a fantasyland for kids and adults alike. 

Two theme parks make up Disneyland Paris—the Disneyland Park and the Walt Disney Studios Park—and a variety of ticket options are available. Choose from single-day and multi-day passes, hopper tickets that allow full-access to both parks, and FASTPASS® tickets that offer skip-the-line entrance to the most popular rides and attractions. It’s impossible to see everything on a day tour, so if you only have a one-day pass, plan your schedule carefully to ensure you don’t miss the shows, parades, and rides that most interest you. To ensure a hassle-free vacation, pre-book a one-way or round-trip transfer to Disneyland Resort Paris from your Paris hotel or Charles de Gaulle Airport.

 

Disneyland Paris is located 20 miles (32 kilometers) east of Paris in Marne-la-Vallée. The RER A train from central Paris takes about 40 minutes to reach the Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station, and regular shuttle buses run to and from the Orly and Charles de Gaulle airports. Private transfers and taxis typically take about an hour, depending on traffic.

Disneyland Paris is open year-round, and most attractions, shows, and parades run even in low season. The busiest and most crowded times are the summer and Christmas holidays, when lines are long but opening hours are extended. Those on a budget can find deals by visiting in the low season (November to March) or midweek rather than on weekends, but be aware that there will be fewer shows. For an extra dose of Disney magic, visit during special events such as Halloween, Bonfire Night (early November), New Year’s Eve, or Christmas.

At Disneyland Park, the most popular rides include Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain: Mission 2, Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, and Pirates of the Caribbean. The top rides at Walt Disney Studios Park are Ratatouille: The Ride, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, and Flying Carpets Over Agrabah. Other must-do experiences include meet-and-greets with Disney characters, the Disney parades, a ride on the Disneyland Railroad, and the chance to have dinner with Mickey Mouse. 

Located on the wave-beaten western edge of Ireland, this former fisherman’s village is known for its traditional Irish music scene. Every night, patrons squeeze into a trio of popular pubs to listen to fiddlers, singers, flutists, tin whistlers, and bodhrán (a traditional Irish drum) players take part in toe-tapping jam sessions.

Doolin is a popular base for travelers who want to explore the natural beauty of north County Clare. Organized tours to the Cliffs of Moher often make a stop at Doolin (the town is just a 10-minute drive from the famous UNESCO-listed beauty spot), as well as at the Burren, a region known for its unusual karst topography. For those who want a different perspective on the Cliffs of Moher, cruises to the cliffs depart from Doolin Pier.

In Doolin itself, visitors can explore the town and admire the brightly painted fishermen’s cottages. The town’s biggest attraction is its trio of music pubs: Gus O’Connor’s, McDermott’s, and McGann’s. Visitors can enjoy a typical Irish lunch, such as fish-and-chips or beef-and-Guinness stew, or settle in for an evening of live music. 

Doolin is located along the Wild Atlantic Way in north County Clare in the west of Ireland. The village is about 1.5 hours from Galway by car. Bus Éireann route 350 runs from Galway city center to Doolin. 

Doolin is at its liveliest during summer, when warmer, calmer weather allows boat cruises to run and other area tourist attractions are up and running. During the summer months, music sessions normally take place nightly. In winter, Doolin is much quieter, though live traditional music sessions still take place on weekend nights in its cozy pubs.

Though its music scene and the nearby Cliffs of Moher are Doolin’s biggest attractions, there are other activities in town well worth trying too. Follow the Doolin Cliff Walk, which offers views of the stunning and sheer Atlantic cliffs, or visit Doolin Cave, whose 24-foot-long (7.3-meter-long) stalactite is said to be the longest free-hanging stalactite in Europe. 

From getting your adrenaline pumping on Space Mountain and flying with Peter Pan, to snapping a selfie with Donald and Mickey, and hunting down all your favorite characters, a visit to Disneyland Paris can be exhausting! Thankfully, there’s also the on-site Disney Village with its myriad of shops and restaurants, where you can take a break from the action and refuel in preparation for the next round of shows and rides. 

Of course, the Disney fun doesn’t end just because its lunchtime and many of the restaurants continue the fantastical theme. Tuck into a Tex-Mex buffet at Billy Bob's Country Western Saloon; join the gang for brunch at Café Mickey; picnic in the wilderness at the Rainforest Café; or book an extra special Disney dinner show (don’t worry, there’s old favorites like Starbucks, the Hard Rock Café and McDonalds, too). Once you’ve finished eating, get your credit card ready for a tour of the official Disney souvenir stores, where you can pick up adorable toys, exclusive collectables and Disney-inspired fashions to transform your little ones into real-life pirates and princesses.

Disneyland© Paris

A fascinating dive into the beautiful underwater world of the Caribbean, the Curacao Sea Aquarium in Willemstad Curacao has much to discover. Set in an old naval vessel, just stepping into the Curacao Sea Aquarium lets you know that you’re embarking on a unique marine adventure.

Once aboard, visitors can take in the sight of sharks, turtles, stingrays, rockfish, flamingoes and other vibrant sea creatures that constitute the local waters and surrounding shores. Other highlights include the legendary seal and dolphin shows, while the opportunity to swim with dolphins is a family favorite. With all this, the Curacao Sea Aquarium is one of the top attractions in this little corner of the lesser Antilles.

The Dunajec River runs through the Pieniny Mountains from the northern part of Slovakia into southern Poland, forming part of the border between the two countries. The Dunajec River Gorge is one of the most scenic areas of the river and is currently on a list of tentative UNESCO World Heritage sites. Located within the Pieniny National Park, the gorge features layers of limestone and dolomite rock, with cliffs rising 300 meters above the river and is understandably one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region.

One of the best ways to experience the gorge is undoubtedly by water, traveling along the river from the village of Sromowce Nizne to the town of Szczawnica by wooden canoe, traditional wooden raft or modern pontoon. The trip covers about 11 miles (18 km) and takes about two to three hours. In addition to rafting, there are hiking trails on either side of the gorge, as well as two castles worth visiting: Niedzica Castle and Czorsztyn Castle.

Daniel’s Head Park is situated on some of the most gorgeous coastline in Bermuda. Located on the southeastern coast of the island, Daniel’s Head Park covers 17 acres. Making up part of this land are two glorious beaches that are a big part of the draw of Daniel’s Head Park. The water framing the beaches is shallow in most parts, making it an ideal place for families to go swimming. Snorkelers will also love donning some goggles and seeing what lies underneath the surface of the sea. Thanks to clear, calm water, you can usually see the underwater sea life well.

Tropical fish isn’t all you can see in this area snorkeling; you can take a boat from the Daniel’s Head coast to the snorkeling hot spot of the shipwreck MVS Vixen, which still has part of its hull sticking out of the water making it very easy to snorkel around. Daniel’s Head Park has other water activities, too, including kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. There is also a restaurant, picnic tables and bathrooms located in Daniel’s Head Park.

The triangular spur of land created where the might of the Rhine and Moselle converge is one of the most poignant memorials to German unity in the country. In 1897, an equestrian bronze was placed on this spit in honor of Keizer Willem I with an inscription that read in German: "Never will the Empire be destroyed, so long as you are united and loyal."

That statue was badly damaged by American shelling during the Allied advancement in 1945 and was eventually taken down. Following World War II as part of a reparation package, Germany was split into the capitalist west and the communist Democratic Republic, and at this juncture President Heuss of West Germany reinstated Deutsches Eck as a monument to German patriotism by placing the coats of arms and flags of all the regions on display there.

After the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, three sections of the wall were installed at the site, and in 1993 came a replica of the original statue of Willem I, which was placed on a massive neo-Classical plinth that can be seen for miles around. Recent additions have seen the inclusion of the U.S. flag in honor of the dead of 9/11. In 2002 Deutsches Eck became a UNESCO World Heritage site, and now more than 2 million people journey each year to see the monument.

Built during the Tang Dynasty (seventh to tenth century) and rebuilt in 984 AD, Dule Temple — also known as the Temple of Solitary Joy — is one of China’s oldest surviving wooden structures. Two of the Buddhist Temple’s oldest structures also rank among the oldest. The Shan Gate, a single-story wooden structure, serves as the south entrance to the temple. The Guanyin Pavilion houses one of the biggest ancient statues of the goddess Guanyin in the country, measuring over 50 feet (16 meters) tall.

While the temple structure is significant for its ancient architecture, the interior impresses with its collection of colorful and intricate frescoes depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology. Guided tours of Tianjin often include a stop at Dule Temple, as well as the Hyangyaguan Great Wall and Imperial Mausoleums.

Stalactite chandeliers, delicate crystal soda straws, and mirrored underground pools are only some of the remarkable features of Bermuda’s evocatively named Crystal and Fantasy Caves. The best part about these fairytale-esque attractions is how very real they are as one of Bermuda’s top natural attractions.

Crystal Cave and Fantasy Cave are indeed separate and distinct caves, but their neighboring entrances (linked by a landscaped pathway) and equally amazing geology means that they are most often visited together. Join a tour guide—included with your admission ticket—and descend down a series of wooden walkways, staircases, and bridges to explore the underground wonderland. Floodlights highlight the caves’ most spectacular attractions, including a fossilized tree root, while your guide tells the story of their historic discovery and formation. Make the most of your time in the area by combining a tour of Crystal and Fantasy Caves with other nearby attractions such as the beach at Horseshoe Bay, a Hamilton city tour, or a visit to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo.

The Crystal and Fantasy Caves are in Hamilton Parish, north of Harrington Sound in the lagoon-filled north of Bermuda. They are roughly equidistant between the cities of Hamilton and St. George’s, and only a 3-minute drive from Grotto Bay. While most guided tours provide round-trip transportation from Kings Wharf, if you have your own car, you’ll find parking in an on-site lot. You can also take bus number 1, 3, 10, or 11.

Crystal and Fantasy Caves are open daily (except holidays) from 9am to 5pm, with guided tours leaving every 20 minutes until 4:30pm. The area tends to be quiet in the morning, with crowds arriving in the afternoons.

Legend has it that two boys discovered Crystal Cave when they lost a ball during a cricket game in 1907—in searching for their ball, they crawled right into the cave entrance!

Located off the coast of Venezuela, Curacao is a tiny island nestled in crystal-blue waters. Once the center of Caribbean commerce, today Curacao still retains influences from its of French, Dutch, and Portuguese colonial past, as seen in its food, architecture, and culture. 

Curacao shore excursions often explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Willemstad. Join a half-day motorcoach tour to visit the Curacao Museum, Hato Caves, Queen Emma Bridge, Queen Juliana Bridge, Rif Fort, and Chobolobo (where the famous blue Curacao liqueur is made). Meanwhile, water sports–based shore excursions include jet ski rentals or boat tours that offer the chance to snorkel or dive in the coral reefs in the surrounding Caribbean Sea. Nature lovers will enjoy a sightseeing tour through Shete Boka National Park and the Curacao Ostrich Farm. 

Most cruise ships visiting Curacao dock in Willemstad, the island’s cosmopolitan capital city. The area is divided into two districts connected by a floating pedestrian bridge, and the tourist-friendly city is full of storefronts and cafes that are easily accessible on foot or by taxi from the cruise port.

Although the Netherlands Antillean Florin is the official currency of Curacao, most shops and cafes near port accept US dollars (USD). ATMs and money-exchange offices are easy to find, and English, Dutch, and Spanish are widely spoken on the island.

Encompassing a 10-acre (4-hectare) plot of forest in the Krau Forest Reserve of Pahang, Deerland Park is home to some 30 Indonesian deer (Cervus timorences), as well as a couple other species of deer, sun bears, monkeys, snakes, peacocks and ostriches.

The deer enjoy a large enclosure where visitors can view them at close range. A wooden walkway leads up to an observation platform where visitors can watch the deer from above.

For those interested in the natural flora of the region, Deerland Park leads medicinal herb treks into the jungle, where about 40 species of herbs grow. Other activities include blowpipe lessons, bird-watching seminars, cooking classes, fishing and night walking.

Crystal Cave, also known as Mountain Cow Cave, is located within the Blue Hole National Park near Belmopan, Belize’s capital city. To get to Crystal Cave, you may have to start with a moderately challenging, 50-minute hike through lush rain forest and steep terrain. Depending on your entrance point, you then descend by rope for 15 feet to drop into the mouth of the cave.

Ancient Mayans believed this to be the domain of their gods, earning it the name of Xibalba. Mayans said this is the portal between the tangible human world and the invisible world of the gods. Sacred rituals and important ceremonies were once performed here, and visitors today will see remnants such as ceremonial bowls, pots, and even skeletal remains from sacrificial victims. 

Crystal Cave is also full of natural wonders including unique rock formations, massive stalagmites and crystal clusters, a major attraction. The calcite formations cover the floors, walls, and ceiling of Crystal Cave. Some tours include the opportunity to explore Crystal Cave in the water, as you can embark on a refreshing cave tubing journey as you meander along the waters of Xibalba and through an impressive Gothic chamber with hidden pottery dating back to 300 AD.