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Taormina Cruise Port
The chic Mediterranean town of Taormina, on Sicily’s northeast coast, is located high in the mountains—which means rewarding hikes and beautiful views. For visitors arriving in the city’s port who want to stay closer to town, Taormina’s medieval center is thick with unique shops, historical monuments, and sidewalk cafés.
The Basics
Because of the dense traffic and rather unrestrained drivers, it’s best to explore the pretty center of Taormina as part of a walking tour, or take a private tour on a Segway with a local tour guide. Explore the main sights in the historic Borgo Medievale—including the Piazza del Duomo, with its pretty baroque fountain, and the former monastery of San Domenico—and stroll through the Villa Comunale, Taormina’s beautiful park. Spend some free time nursing a cappuccino on Corso Umberto, the pedestrian thoroughfare that winds through the town’s main shopping district. Don't miss the city’s beautiful Teatro Greco, the outdoor theater built by the Romans in the third century BC and one of the most famous ancient theaters in Italy—a highlight of any Taormina tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Outdoor enthusiasts shouldn’t miss climbing Mount Etna, one of Europe’s biggest active volcanoes. Consider joining a half-day Mt. Etna shore excursion with transportation and an Etna tour up to the crater with a local guide.
- To explore the coastline near Taormina, head to Isola Bella near Lido Mazzaro beach. Connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand often covered with water at high tide, this picturesque rocky outcrop can be reached by land or sea.
- For some of the best views over the coastline and sea, head up to the hilltop village of Castelmola above Taormina.
- Taormina is located along Sicily’s eastern coast halfway between Messina and Catania, and well connected to both by train. The train station is located along the coastline below the city center.
How to Get to Taormina from the Taormina Cruise Port
Most ships offer shuttles to Taormina from Giardini Naxos. The trip takes about 20 minutes and requires guests switch to a minivan to navigate the narrower streets. Taxis are also available for hire and tend to be a faster—if more expensive—option.
Port Information
Cruise ships anchor in Giardini Bay in Giardini Naxos, about 20 minutes from Taormina, and passengers travel to the dock on tenders. Italian is the main language here, but it’s easy enough to find English speakers at major tourist attractions. Taormina’s primary currency is the euro, and there are a number of ATMs and exchange bureaus near the port.
Address: Giardini-naxos, Messina, Sicily, Italy
From $ 115
Tate Britain
Tate Britain is an art gallery in Pimlico, London. It contains the largest collection of British art in the world and is one of four Tate museums across the UK. Visitors come to see priceless works by painters from the last 500 years, including JMW Turner, Lucian Freud, and David Hockney.
The Basics
Entirely devoted to British works of art, the collections here cover an extremely wide range, from modern sculptures by Barbara Hepworth to prints and paintings by the 18th-century satirist William Hogarth. For any visitor to London who wants to learn more about the cultural heritage of the UK, it’s a must-visit spot. The museum also hosts the annual, and sometimes controversial Turner Prize, which celebrates contemporary British artists.
The gallery building is also worthy of note. It was purpose-built by industrialist Henry Tate to house his own art collection, which included many important Pre-Raphaelite works after he tried to donate them to the National Gallery and was turned down. The museum opened at Millbank along the River Thames in 1897. Many visitors opt for a guided tour to learn more about the different paintings.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entry to Tate Britain is free; special exhibitions require a separate (paid) ticket.
- Special tours of the museum can be booked ahead of time.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
- You’ll find a cafe, restaurant, and museum store on-site.
How to Get There
Tate Britain is located at Millbank, in Pimlico, London. The closest tube (subway) stations are Victoria Line’s Pimlico and Vauxhall. Overground trains also run to Vauxhall. Bus no. 87 stops at Millbank. A shuttle boat service runs every 40 minutes between Tate Britain and Tate Modern on the South Bank in Central London.
When to Get There
Tate Britain is open daily from 10am–6pm. Weekends are especially busy so plan to visit during the week for a quieter experience.
Visit Tate Modern, Too
While Tate Britain is dedicated to British art, its sister museum across town on London’s South Bank features contemporary works from artists across the world. Its huge central space, Turbine Hall, offers a revolving display of thought-provoking installations, and the museum has mounted special exhibitions of artists from American artist Edward Hopper to French post-impressionist Henri Matisse.
Address: Millbank, London SW1P 4RG, England
From $ 39
Tarxien Temples
Tarxien is the largest of the major overground megalithic temple sites open to visitors on Malta, which combined, form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just south of Valletta, the four interconnecting temples were built between 3,600 BC and 2,500 BC in honor of a mother-goddess of fertility. Today they are oxymoronically surrounded by modern housing but remain of importance thanks to their iconic spiral decorations and the central temple which comprises six apses.
The ancient temples are covered with carvings of domestic animals and evidence of animal sacrifice has been found here, including blades and bones. Some of the altars are still intact but many of the artifacts remaining such as the pottery bowls and urns are replica, as is the curious 'Fat Lady' statue, appearing to consist of a skirt and two dumpy legs. The originals are now ensconced in the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta for preservation. The spherical stones found in abundance at the site appear to suggest that the cornerstones of the temples were moved here on primitive rollers.
Practical Info
The Tarxien Temples are on bus routes 81 and 82 from Valletta bus station. If hiring a car, follow the signs to Paola and Tarxien; it is a 15-minute drive and there is plenty of parking near the site. The Paola Hypogeum, another great Maltese ancient site, is only a 10-minute walk away.
The Heritage Malta Multisite Pass covers entry to Tarxien. Take sun cream, water, and a hat if visiting in summer.
Address: Tarxien Temples, Tarxien, Malta
Hours: Open daily from 9am to 5pm
Admission: €6 (USD$8) for adults, €4.50 (USD$6) for youth and seniors, €3 (USD$4) for children
From $ 23
Tatra Mountains Museum
Dr. Tytus Chalubinski was a Polish physician who first established Zakopane as a health resort during the nineteenth century. He was also a known admirer of the culture and folklore of the local people living in the Tatra Mountains. In 1888, a group of the doctor’s friends founded The Tatra Mountains Museum in his honor.
The collections at the Tatra Mountains Museum cover a range of topics, from natural history and ethnography to Tatra art from the early nineteenth century. The oldest items in the collection are the 400-plus taxidermy birds and mammals, as well as Tytus Chalubinski’s moss herbarium and a set of Tatra rocks. The collection has since expanded to include more than 70,000 items that showcase the natural and cultural history of the Tatra Mountains.
Practical Info
Pick up an informational sheet in English when you purchase your entrance ticket.
Address: Krupowki 10, Zakopane, Poland
Hours: Wed -Sat 9am to 5pm; Sun 9am to 3pm
Admission: 7,00 zl
From $ 44
Tallinn Song Festival Grounds
The Tallinn Song Festival Grounds (Lauluvӓljak) was the site of one of the most stirring events in Estonian history. Here, in September of 1988, 300,000 people (more than a quarter of the country’s population) filled the grounds for the Song of Estonia festival. Together they sang patriotic hymns and demanded independence in what later became known as the Singing Revolution. Two years later, half a million people came to the festival grounds for the Estonian Song Festival, which was the last major event before Estonia finally gained its independence.
The open-air amphitheater has an official capacity of around 100,000 and hosts the Estonian Song Festival every five years in July, as well as regular rock concerts. The festival was established in 1869, along with the Estonian National Awakening, a period when the country was still under the rule of the Russian Empire. The festival is one of the world’s largest amateur choral events, usually featuring more than 25,000 singers and an audience of at least 100,000.
Next to the concert arena is the 137-foot (42-meter) Song Ground Light Tower where every song festival is opened by the lighting of a flame atop the tower. A photo exhibition of song festival history lines the tower’s staircase and there is an observation platform at the top where you can get excellent views of the Old Town and even, on clear days, the coast of Finland.
The grounds are around two miles east of Tallinn’s old town center, past Kadriorg Park, and are free to visit.
The open-air amphitheater has an official capacity of around 100,000 and hosts the Estonian Song Festival every five years in July, as well as regular rock concerts. The festival was established in 1869, along with the Estonian National Awakening, a period when the country was still under the rule of the Russian Empire. The festival is one of the world’s largest amateur choral events, usually featuring more than 25,000 singers and an audience of at least 100,000.
Next to the concert arena is the 137-foot (42-meter) Song Ground Light Tower where every song festival is opened by the lighting of a flame atop the tower. A photo exhibition of song festival history lines the tower’s staircase and there is an observation platform at the top where you can get excellent views of the Old Town and even, on clear days, the coast of Finland.
The grounds are around two miles east of Tallinn’s old town center, past Kadriorg Park, and are free to visit.
Address: Estonia
From $ 23
Tablao Flamenco Cardenal
Situated in what was once part of an archbishop's palace, Tablao El Cardenal is the most-coveted spot in Córdoba to catch one of Spain's most beloved art forms.
Indeed the south of Spain is steeped in a history of flamenco, as it is believed that this is where the tradition originated. Consisting of clapping, guitar playing, singing and of course dancing, tablaos -- places where flamenco is performed -- are the ideal venue to become acquainted with the soulful tradition.
Just meters away from the Mezquita, in the city's Jewish Quarter, the 25-year-old Tablao El Cardenal offers what is considered the best of Cordoban flamanco in a ultra-traditional setting. During fall and winter, the shows take place in the indoor auditorium, meanwhile in spring and summer, they move to the courtyard, so emblematic of this southern city of patios.
The hour-and-a-half to two-hour performances typically include several different dancers, who perform alongside guitarists and singers. The show also features various types of flamenco from different time periods, ranging from sevillanas to allegrías, seguilladas, and more.
Practical Info:
As the most popular destination in the city for flamenco, it's a good idea to book tickets well in advance, not only because they sell out, but also because you can ensure a better table (the closer to the stage, the better!).
Address: Calle de Torrijos, 10, 14003, Cordoba, Spain
Hours: Mon-Sat: 10:30pm - 12am
Admission: General: €23
From $ 27
Tanners House (Maison des Tanneurs)
At the heart of Strasbourg’s La Petite France district, tucked amid the half-timbered houses and snaking canals of the historic neighborhood, the Tanners House, or Maison des Tanneurs, is one of the area’s most famous landmarks. A lasting vestige of the old tanners district, the former tannery was built in 1572 and is known for its timbered galleries and slanted roofs, where dyed hides were once draped to dry in the sun.
Transformed into a restaurant in 1949, the Tanners House is now home to La Maison de la Choucroute, which serves up traditional Alsatian cuisine in authentic surroundings, with the original 16th-century beams complemented by antique furnishings and window boxes overflowing with geraniums. For the most atmospheric spot, book a table on the open-air terrace, from where the views stretch along the riverfront.
Practical Info
The Tanners House (Maison des Tanneurs) is located in La Petite France on Strasbourg’s Grand Île. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from midday until 1:45 p.m. and from 7 to 10 p.m. Reservations are required.
Address: La Petit France, Grand Ile, Strasbourg, France
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday midday-1:45 p.m.; 7-10 p.m.
From $ 46
Taittinger
Unlike many of the other prominent champagne producers in Reims, Taittinger Champagne house carries the distinction of being owned and operated by the same family who opened its doors in 1930. It may not be the oldest champagne producer, but it is regarded as among the best, bearing a grand marque, the highest honor in French Champagne.
In addition to its famed champagnes, Taittinger also carries a reputation for being very visitor-friendly. Tours include a film, a guided walk through its cellars and plenty of interesting anecdotes about Reim, and the hostesses are capable interpreters.
In addition to its famed champagnes, Taittinger also carries a reputation for being very visitor-friendly. Tours include a film, a guided walk through its cellars and plenty of interesting anecdotes about Reim, and the hostesses are capable interpreters.
In the vein of interesting anecdotes, the Marquetterie gardens, prior to the establisment of the Taittinger vineyards, were also a base of operations for WWI General Joseph Joffre, from which he directed a number of famous battles. Perhaps less auspiciously, the Taittinger vineyards were also featured in the international scavenger-hunt show Amazing Race 16, during which competitors had to pour out a magnum of Taittinger champagne as part of a clue and find a bunch of grapes among the winter-dormant vines.
Practical Info
The Taittinger family, in addition to the champagne vintages that made it famous, is also known for its large stake in Concord hotels. Its flagship, is the famed the Hotel Crillon in Paris.
Address: Reims, France, France
Hours: From mid March to mid November : everyday, sundays and bank holidays.
From mid November to mid March : Monday to Friday (closed on bank holidays)
Admission: €56
From $ 139
Tate Modern
Perched on the banks of River Thames, Tate Modern is the epicenter of London’s contemporary art scene. It’s a culture lover’s paradise and one of the world’s largest modern art museums, complete with cutting edge works, thought-provoking installations, and dramatic think pieces.
The Basics
Many visitors explore the museum independently, but taking a private guided tour means you can benefit from the expertise of an experienced art critic. Combine your tour with a visit to the nearby Tate Britain museum by hopping on the scenic Tate Boat, which runs between the two sites every 40 minutes during gallery opening times. Or, choose a London Pass and enjoy access to dozens of other London attractions in addition to the museum. Alternatively, admire the striking Tate Modern façade on a London sightseeing tour or Thames River cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entrance to the museum is free, but donations are appreciated and ticket prices for special exhibitions vary.
- Visitor facilities include restrooms, a coat check, gift shops, a café, and a restaurant.
- Tate Modern is wheelchair accessible with lifts and ramps are available on all floors.
How to Get There
Tate Modern is located on the Thames River’s southern bank, opposite St. Paul’s Cathedral. The museum is easy to reach on foot, either by crossing the Millennium Bridge from the north bank or strolling along the riverfront from the Southbank entertainment district. The closest tube stations are Southwark, Mansion House, and Blackfriars. Visitors to the nearby Tate Britain museum can reach Tate Modern by cruising across Thames River on the Tate Boat.
When to Get There
Tate Modern is open year-round from 10am to 6pm from Sunday to Thursday and until 10pm on Friday and Saturday. The museum can get busy in summer, so plan to arrive early or opt for a weekday visit during this time. Don’t miss the spring and autumn Museums at Night festival, when the museum hosts a range of special events and parties after dark.
Modern Masterpieces at Tate Modern
The museum’s vast permanent collection includes works by iconic artists such as Cézanne, Bonnard, Matisse, Picasso, Rothko, Dalí, Pollock, Warhol, and Bourgeois. The grand centerpiece of Tate Modern is the enormous Turbine Hall, where specially commissioned art installations have included headline-grabbing works such as Ai Weiwei's Sunflower Seeds and Olafur Eliasson’s The Weather Project.
Address: Bankside, London SE1 9TG, England
Hours: Open every day except December 24-26.
Admission: Entry is free except for major exhibitions.
From $ 12
Tallin Old Town (Vannalin)
Guidebook descriptions of Tallinn’s Old Town often use the phrase ‘chocolate box’ or ‘jewel box’ because the area is a delight that is filled with treasures.
The Old Town is the heart of Tallinn. This compact and largely pedestrian area is an enchanting, atmospheric and often confusing mix of medieval churches, soaring steeples, towers, cobblestone alleys, medieval warehouses and gabled merchant houses. The whole area was once completely walled, with stretches of those walls and 26 towers still seen today. You will likely lose your bearings navigating the winding streets and interconnecting passageways, but that is all part of the charm. Let yourself get lost and you will find yourself drifting through centuries of history.
Significant attractions in the Old Town include Tallinn City Museum and the St. Nicholas Church, which holds an excellent collection of medieval artwork. It is worth walking up to the castle district of Toompea Hill for views across the rooftops of Old Town and across the Baltic Sea. The hill is also home to one of Tallinn’s most iconic sights, the onion-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
One of the most pleasant things to do, however, is to just relax in one of the many unique cafes that line the streets of Old Town. The main square is filled with cafes and restaurants, but they tend to be busy and expensive. A far better idea is to duck into one of the smaller places on the side streets: Café Chocolaterie Pierre and its sister business, Café Josephine, are highly recommended.
The Old Town is the heart of Tallinn. This compact and largely pedestrian area is an enchanting, atmospheric and often confusing mix of medieval churches, soaring steeples, towers, cobblestone alleys, medieval warehouses and gabled merchant houses. The whole area was once completely walled, with stretches of those walls and 26 towers still seen today. You will likely lose your bearings navigating the winding streets and interconnecting passageways, but that is all part of the charm. Let yourself get lost and you will find yourself drifting through centuries of history.
Significant attractions in the Old Town include Tallinn City Museum and the St. Nicholas Church, which holds an excellent collection of medieval artwork. It is worth walking up to the castle district of Toompea Hill for views across the rooftops of Old Town and across the Baltic Sea. The hill is also home to one of Tallinn’s most iconic sights, the onion-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
One of the most pleasant things to do, however, is to just relax in one of the many unique cafes that line the streets of Old Town. The main square is filled with cafes and restaurants, but they tend to be busy and expensive. A far better idea is to duck into one of the smaller places on the side streets: Café Chocolaterie Pierre and its sister business, Café Josephine, are highly recommended.
Address: Tallinn, Estonia
From $ 20
Tatra Mountains
Spilling over Poland’s southern border into Slovakia, the Tatra Mountains are the highest part of the Carpathian range and make up Tatrzański Tatra National Park. Protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this wild and mountainous region is rich with snow-topped peaks, alpine lakes, and sparkling waterfalls.
The Basics
Most visitors opt to explore the Tatras Mountains on a day trip, and tours run from Krakow in Poland or from Poprad in Slovakia. Popular destinations for a day tour include the resort town of Zakopane, where you can visit the Tatra Museum and ride the funicular to the top of Mt. Gubalówka; Morskie Oko Lake, where horse carriage rides are a fun activity; the mountain village of Zdiar in Slovakia, known for its traditional log cabins; and the ski resort of Kasprowy Wierch, reached by cable car. If you want to venture farther into the mountain landscapes, you’ll also find plenty of options for hiking in the High Tatras Mountains.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Tatras Mountains are a must for avid hikers and outdoor adventurers.
- The weather in the mountains can change quickly, and it can get cold at high altitudes even in the summer months, so pack for all seasons.
- Unless you are an experienced hiker, it’s recommended to hike with a local guide.
- A 4WD is recommended for driving in the Tatras Mountains.
- Facilities for hikers are very limited, so take everything you need, including sunscreen, snacks, and plenty of water.
How to Get There
The most convenient entry point to the mountains on the Polish side is Zakopane, about a 2-hour drive south of Krakow. To reach Zakopane by public transportation, it’s a scenic 3.5-hour train ride or a less-scenic but quicker 2.5-hour bus ride from Krakow. To get around in the mountains, transportation is limited so it’s best to book a group or private tour.
When to Get There
May through September are the best months for hiking and visiting the lakes. While resorts like Zakopane can get busy in July and August, the vast mountains make it easy to escape the crowds. For winter visitors, the main ski season runs from December to early May.
Outdoor Activities in the Tatras Mountains
During the summer months, you can hike the Tatras’ 155-mile (250-kilometer) network of trails, ranging from challenging mountain summits to short scenic walks, or venture into the caves around the Koscieliska Valley. Other popular activities include mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and even paragliding. In winter, Kasprowy Wierch is the go-to destination for skiing and winter sports, with around 9 miles (15 kilometers) of runs.
Address: Poland
From $ 36
Tarn Hows
One of the most-popular tourist attractions in the Lake District, “the Tarns,” as the locals call it, is a picturesque area visited by over half a million tourists per year since the 1970s. Rightfully so: not only is this an area of outstanding beauty, but it’s also yet another gem bequeathed to the National Trust by Lake District aficionado Beatrix Potter.
A tarn is a mountain lake that was formed in a cirque excavated by a glacier, which is later filled with rain or river water. Despite being an icon of the Lake District, Tarn Hows is not typical of the region in terms of landscapes; surrounded by thick conifer woodlands, the actual tarn is partly artificial, having been created by James Garth Marshall in the 1850s. It consists of three distinct tarns, which merged in the 19th century.
Located in the low-level valley nestled between the villages of Coniston and Hawkshead, Tarn Hows is now just more than half a mile long (just under 1 km) and 820 feet (250 meters) wide, and contains five islands. It is fed at its northern end by numerous valleys and basin mires and drained by several waterfalls that cascade down the Glen Mary Bridge.
Hikers and trekkers will enjoy the accessible 1.5-mile (2.4-km) path that circles the tarn, while fauna enthusiasts will appreciate the heavy presence of Galloway cattle and Herdwick sheep.
Practical Info
Tarns Hows is just under two hours from both Liverpool and Manchester (via M6, A591 and B5286) and 2.5 hours from Newcastle (via A69, M6, A66 and A591). Car parking is free for National Trust members but costs a small fee to nonmembers. The Tarns are open all day, every day of the year, free of charge.
Address: Boon Crag, Coniston, England
From $ 39
Tardis Police Box
In the 1960s, the popular science fiction series, Doctor Who, decided to use a police box as the time machine that features heavily in the show. Police boxes were introduced in Britain during the late 1800s as a way for police officers to communicate back to the police station. They functioned as a mini police station with a direct phone line and allowed officers a place to handle paperwork and temporarily hold prisoners until transport arrived.
Known as a TARDIS, which stands for Time And Relative Dimension In Space, the police box time machine is one of the most iconic symbols from the show. The TARDIS is larger on the inside than it is on the outside, and it has chameleon-like qualities that allow it to change to blend in better when it lands in another time and place. However, it often malfunctions and still looks like the old police box. In real life, due to more modern forms of communication, most boxes have been removed or are in a state of disrepair. However, one remaining police box, located on Earl's Court Road, attracts fans of Doctor Who from around the world.
Practical Info
The TARDIS Police Box is located outside the eastern entrance to the Earl's Court tube station in London.
Address: 236 Earls Court Road, Kensington, London, England
From $ 16
Tara River Canyon
Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Europe and running a course of 150 km (93.75 miles), the truly spectacular Tara River Canyon is one of the longest gorges in Europe and at its deepest cuts more than 1,300 meters (4,300 feet) through the Durmitor National Park in Montenegro. Running northwards and feeding into the Drina River, which rises in neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Sutjeska National Park, the Tara is fed in its turn by five tributaries and its canyon is blessed with more than 40 cascading waterfalls bringing crystal-clear water from the Dinaric Alps.
Along the canyon’s limestone walls are numerous cave complexes; at the foot of its sheer cliffs are pebble-sized beaches, rocky viewpoints and vast boulders dumped by the force of the river; and at its highest point rises the peak of Ćurevac, which looms 1,625 meters (5,331 feet) over the river. Since plans to dam and flood the Tara river canyon were shelved in 2005, the river has become the most challenging and popular white-water rafting attraction in the country thanks to its bubbling rapids, emerald water and awesome canyon scenery, lined with lush, overhanging forest. A variety of river-borne adventures are available, dependent on experience, from one-day to four-day packages; rafting tours can also be combined with jeep safaris or several days’ hiking into the national parks.
Practical Info
Best reached by car from Zabljak. The canyon is free to access, but there are charges for white-water rafting expeditions.
Address: Durmitor National Park, Zabljak, Zabljak Municipality, Montenegro 84220, Montenegro
From $ 81
Tallinn Cruise Port
Located along the Baltic Sea coast, the Estonian capital of Tallinn is a popular stop on Baltic cruises, welcoming more than 300 cruise ships each season. The Port of Tallinn also receives regular ferries from Helsinki, Stockholm, and St. Petersburg, making it a convenient choice for a day trip or weekend getaway.
The Basics
Most cruise visitors spend their time exploring Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, and the medieval center is easy to take in on a walking tour. Attractions like Toompea Castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Museum of Occupation, and St. Olaf’s Church can be reached on foot, but another option is to take a hop-on hop-off bus tour of the city—buses leave from right outside the cruise terminal.
Those wanting to explore farther afield can take a shore excursion to the magnificent Kadriorg Palace, built by Czar Peter the Great for his wife, Catherine, or explore Lahemaa National Park, which stretches along the coast of the Gulf of Finland.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Shore excursions typically include port pickup and drop-off.
- Aside from walking, the easiest way to get around Tallinn is by tram.
- Wear comfortable shoes—the Old Town is full of narrow streets, cobbled lanes, and steps.
How to Get to Tallinn from the Port of Tallinn
Most cruise ships dock at one of the passenger terminals in the Old City Harbor, about a 10-minute walk from Tallinn’s Great Coast Gate—the medieval entrance to the Old Town area. If you aren’t up for walking, bus 2 departs regularly from passenger terminals A and D. Taxis are also readily available, as are velo-taxis in the summer months.
Port Information
The local language is Estonian, but English is widely spoken. The official currency is the Euro and most shops and restaurants take credit cards. Luggage storage, ATMs, currency exchange houses, and free Wi-Fi are available at the port.
Address: Tallinn, Estonia
From $ 29
Tartini Square
Piran’s Tartini Square is one of the most impressive plazas in Slovenia, and that's not just because of its grand Venetian and neo-Renaissance surroundings. Originally outside city walls, the square first served as a fishing dock, and by the end of the 19th century, was completely overrun with sewage, prompting city officials to build the public square on top. Today, the pedestrian-only plaza sits between Piran's Town Hall and Court House, and serves as a scenic venue for concerts and events, as well as a popular meeting spot for city locals. Go for the people-watching or for excellent views of the surrounding hills, architecture, and Adriatic Sea.
Within the square, you'll see a 19th-century monument of the violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini, for whom the square is named for, and two stone flag poles from the 15th century at either side of its entrance.
Practical Info
Set in the center of Piran, Tartini Square is within walking distance from most centrally-located hotels. For day trippers, free buses carry passengers to and from the car parks outside of the center. During the summer months, free mini buses run to and from Tartini Square and other coastal towns in Slovenia.
Address: Tartinijev Trg 1, Piran, Slovenia
From $ 77
Tabernas Desert
Located within the mountains of Almeria in Spain sits Europe’s only semi-desert, a surreal landscape of arid slopes, dry river beds and ravines known as the Tabernas Desert. While the name of the desert might not strike many as familiar, the landscapes probably will; this area is a Hollywood favorite — it’s been featured in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade", "Lawrence of Arabia" and the Clint Eastwood "Dollars" trilogy.
Movie buffs can walk in the footsteps of famous actors in the film villages of Fort Bravo, Mini Hollywood and Western Leone, some of the more than a dozen villages built in the desert for filming purposes. Visitors will also find hiking trails, ruined hilltop castles and plenty of stunning desert views.
Practical Info
The nearest permanent settlement in the area is the village of Tabernas, located to the southwest of the desert. Another option for a base is Gergal to the north.
Address: Tabernas, Almería 04560, Spain
From $ 39
Tagus River
Climb to the top of any of Lisbon’s seven hills and you’ll be rewarded with the sight of the Tagus River glistening in the distance. It is the longest river on the Iberian Peninsula, flowing 626 miles (1,007 km) from the Sierra de Albarracín in eastern Spain to empty itself into the Atlantic at Lisbon, and has been the focus of the city since ancient times. The Tagus has shaped Lisbon’s maritime glories in the past, and it continues to shape its future as well.
Great 15th-century adventurers Henry the Navigator and Vasco da Gama sailed the Tagus as they left on explorations across unknown seas, and the Monument to the Discoveries in waterfront Belèm honors their seafaring successes. Lisbon’s favorite landmark, the Belèm Tower, and its neighboring ornate Jerónimos Monastery stand on the banks of the Tagus, built with money raised from Portugal’s colonies. Today, equally beautiful contemporary architecture has become part of the Tagus story; it is crossed by the elegant spines of both the Vasco da Gama Bridge and the 25th of April Bridge and bordered by the innovative architecture of the Parque das Nacoes, with its gleaming high-rises, Oceanarium and marina.
The Tagus is still a revenue earner for Lisbon; it is the busiest port in Europe, with three terminals handling cruise liners and several marinas for smaller crafts. Indeed, the best way to appreciate the beauty of the river and the city it feeds is to take a boat trip along the waterway. There are several hop-on, hop-off services that allow sightseers to develop their own itinerary, and other options include two-hour cruises to get up close with the suspension bridges or romantic evening sails as the sun slips down in the sky.
Practical Info
Boat trips down the Tagus River are seasonal and subject to both weather conditions and tides. Sailing tours leave from below the 25th of April Bridge. Hop-on, hop-off services leave from several points along the waterfront, including Doca de Santa Amaro, Doca do Bom Sucesso at Belèm, Cristo Rei in Almada and Praça do Comércio in Alfama.
Address: Lisbon, Portugal
From $ 18
Taormina Duomo and Piazza
As is the case with most small Italian towns, Taormina’s main street will lead you to the town’s main church. In Taormina, that means when you walk along the Corso Umberto, you will eventually arrive in the Piazza del Duomo and at the Duomo itself.
Taormina’s Duomo, dedicated to San Nicolò di Bari, was built in the 13th century and its design is typical of many churches of its era - the exterior more closely resembles a fortified castle than a house of worship. For this reason, it has the nickname of the “fortress cathedral,” or “cattedrale fortezza.”
The Duomo was built over the ruins of a small existing church, and some of the signature Taormina pink marble used in the construction of the columns appears to have been taken from the ruins of the Teatro Greco that sits above the town. The main door was rebuilt in the 1630s in the Renaissance style, and a rose window added in that same wall.
The piazza in front of the Duomo is, unsurprisingly, the Piazza del Duomo. The Baroque fountain at the center of the piazza is capped by a statue of a female centaur, which is Taormina’s symbol. Other buildings facing the piazza include Taormina’s town hall and a former palazzo turned hotel. The Duomo is open to visitors every day from 9am until 8pm.
Taormina’s Duomo, dedicated to San Nicolò di Bari, was built in the 13th century and its design is typical of many churches of its era - the exterior more closely resembles a fortified castle than a house of worship. For this reason, it has the nickname of the “fortress cathedral,” or “cattedrale fortezza.”
The Duomo was built over the ruins of a small existing church, and some of the signature Taormina pink marble used in the construction of the columns appears to have been taken from the ruins of the Teatro Greco that sits above the town. The main door was rebuilt in the 1630s in the Renaissance style, and a rose window added in that same wall.
The piazza in front of the Duomo is, unsurprisingly, the Piazza del Duomo. The Baroque fountain at the center of the piazza is capped by a statue of a female centaur, which is Taormina’s symbol. Other buildings facing the piazza include Taormina’s town hall and a former palazzo turned hotel. The Duomo is open to visitors every day from 9am until 8pm.
Address: Taormina, Sicily, Italy
From $ 115
Taksim Square
Taksim Square, Istanbul’s main modern hub, is located at the end of the pedestrian thoroughfare Istiklal Avenue (Istiklal Caddesi). A popular meeting place, Taksim Square is anchored by the Monument of the Republic and buzzes with activity day and night. The area historically hosts public celebrations, parades, and demonstrations.
The Basics
As a cultural and transportation center of the city, Taksim Square is always vibrating with energy. Abutted by Gezi Park, one of the few remaining green spaces in the center of Istanbul, Taksim Square sits at the head of Istiklal Avenue and serves as a gateway to the shops, restaurants, and bars that dot the area.
Most small-group and private tours explore the food and culture of the area and combine a visit to Taksim Square with a broader exploration of nearby neighborhoods, including Galata and Karakoy.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Taksim Square is a main meeting place and hub in Istanbul and can be crowded.
- The area is a must-visit for people-watching and shopping.
- Wear comfortable shoes, if you are planning on walking down Istiklal Avenue.
How to Get There
While Taksim Square itself is closed to vehicles, it is easily accessible by metro located right in the square. Taxis, buses, and shared cabs, called dolmus, all stop on the road that is adjacent to Taksim Square. There is a funicular from the seaside road that goes directly to Taksim Square.
When to Get There
Taksim Square is always open and active. The area gets very busy in the afternoon and into the evening, as people flock to the area for shopping, dining, and nightlife. In the morning, delivery cars are allowed on the otherwise pedestrian boulevard. Go early in the day to beat the crowds.
Street Food
As one of Istanbul’s main gathering places, Taksim Square has a wealth of street food. Sample simit, a circular bagel-like pastry covered in sesame seeds. In the evening, men selling mussels stuffed with rice and spritzed with lemon dot the square. Wet burgers soaked and steamed in spicy tomato sauce are popular among Taksim Square’s late-night crowd.
Address: Turkey
From $ 37