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Visegrad
Located about 25 miles north of Budapest, Visegrad is a tiny castle town on the banks of the Danube River. It makes a nice day trip from Budapest, but is also worth a couple days in its own right, as it makes a great base for hiking and other adventure sports in the surrounding area. Visegrad was first mentioned in the history books more than 1,000 years ago and was a Roman stronghold in the time of Constantine the Great. The Turks destroyed most of the town in 1543, but it gradually rose again and regained town status in 2000.
One of the most popular sites in Visegrad is the Royal Palace, originally built in the 14th century and reconstructed in a Renaissance style by King Matthias Corvinus in the 15th century. The palace felt into ruin after the Turkish occupation of Visegrad and eventually became completely buried. Excavations began in 1934 and today the reconstructed palace is open to the public and includes exhibits on its long history.
The Citadel, or Upper Castle, was built by King Bela IV in the 13th century to defend against the Mongols and is also open to the public. The Solomon Tower, which is part of the Lower Castle, also dates to the 13th century and today is home to exhibits of Gothic and Renaissance artifacts discovered in Visegrad. Climbing the tower offers great views of the surrounding area.
Practical Info
Visegrad is easily accessible from Budapest by bus, train and boat. Hydrofoils leave from Vigado ter in Pest and from Batthyany ter in Buda once a day between April and September and take about an hour. A cheaper (but less scenic) option is to take the train from the Nyugati train station to Nagymaros-Visegrad and then hop a five-minute ferry across the Danube to Visegrad. The train runs every hour and takes about 40-60 minutes. Finally, you might catch a bus from the Arpad hid bus station, which takes about 80 minutes, departing every 20-60 minutes.
Address: Visegrad, Hungary
From $ 74
Vittoriano Museum Complex
The Vittoriano monument, among the most famous landmarks in Rome, is home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Vittoriano Museum Complex. This is where some of the city’s most important art exhibitions are held each year, so it’s a particularly interesting for art enthusiasts.
The Basics
The Vittoriano, also known as the Altare della Patria or Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II, was inaugurated in 1911 to honor the first king of the newly united Italy. Today, in addition to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Museo Centrale del Risorgimento (Museum of Italian Unification), and the Sacrario delle Bandiere gallery of Italian military flags, the enormous building houses a large exhibition space in the eastern wing (Ala Brasini), which is used as a venue for temporary exhibitions. For one of the best views in the city, take the panoramic Roma dal Cielo elevator, which was added to the building in 2007, up to the rooftop Terrazza delle Quadrighe.
The Vittoriano dominates the central Piazza Venezia square near the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and is included in many small-group walking tours of Rome, or guided tours by bike or car. The monument is particularly striking at night, so consider joining an evening tour to see its white-marble staircase and dramatically lit facade.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum complex inside the Vittoriano hosts important exhibitions and retrospectives of Italian and international artists, which change regularly.
- Be sure to bring your camera if you’re taking the Roma dal Cielo elevator up to the monument’s rooftop terrace.
- The monument is accessible to wheelchairs via the Via del Teatro di Marcello entrance on the right side of the building.
How to Get There
The Vittoriano has three entrances: Piazza Venezia; Via di San Pietro in Carcere on the left side of the building; and Via del Teatro di Marcello on the right. All are easily accessible from Piazza Venezia, one of the main squares in the center of Rome and a transit hub for buses and trams from the Termini train station.
When to Get There
The museum complex at the Vittoriano is open daily into the evening hours, so consider visiting after the midday crowds have dispersed. Catch the elevator to the panoramic terrace either first thing in the morning or as the sun is setting for the best photographs.
The Vittoriano Controversy
Since its completion at the beginning of the 20th century, the Vittoriano has been one of Rome’s most controversial monuments, an object of derision for many Romans due to its massive size and elaborate architecture. Over the decades, it has earned a number of nicknames from locals, including “the typewriter”, “the wedding cake”, “the dentures”, and “the trifle.”
Address: Piazza Venezia, Rome, Italy
From $ 22
Village Museum (Muzeul Satului)
Eastern Europe’s foremost open-air museum was opened in 1936 and presents a collection of more than 60 historic rural buildings from across Romania and of different eras, all carefully reassembled in 15 hectares of parkland on the shores of Lake Herăstrău in Bucharest. Featuring farms, churches, windmills, wooden cottages, cow sheds and farm machinery from remote districts such as Moldavia, Hunedoara and Transylvania, each building is painstakingly labeled with its exact geographical and cultural provenance and accompanied by a multi-lingual commentary on its original use, building up an accurate picture of rustic village life in a Romania before the advent of Communism. Highlights include earth houses from Straja and cheerily painted, shuttered houses from Tulcea, as well as the 35-meter (115-foot) belfry of the wooden church from Maramureş, embellished with faded icons on its interior. Making a wonderfully family-friendly day out, the museum has a souvenir store, a range of eating options from stalls selling candy to a restaurant in a 19th-century inn, and regular displays of traditional crafts such as weaving and winemaking.
Practical Info
Șoseaua Pavel Dimitrievici Kiseleff 28-30, Bucharest. Open Air Exhibition open daily 9am–5pm; temporary exhibitions open Wed–Sun 9am– 5pm. Admission adults 10 lei; seniors 5 lei; students & children 2.5 lei. Take the metro to Aviatorilor.
Address: Șoseaua Pavel Dimitrievici Kiseleff 28-30, Bucharest, Bucharest Municipality, Romania 011347, Romania
Hours: Open Air Exhibition open daily 9am–5pm; temporary exhibitions open Wed–Sun 9am– 5pm
Admission: Adults: 10 lei; Children: 2.5 lei
From $ 41
Villefranche Cruise Port
Connected to a picturesque fishing village on France’s Mediterranean coast just west of Cap Ferrat, Villefranche cruise port—officially named Port de la Santé—serves as a gateway to the French Riviera. With its quaint harbor, pastel-painted buildings, and sloping streets, the medieval village of Villefranche-sur-Mer is a charming place to spend the day. The port also makes a strategic starting point for trips to glamorous Cote d’Azur resort towns, including Nice, Cannes, and Monaco, as well as the enchanting villages of Provence.
The Basics
Travelers disembarking at Villefranche cruise port are spoiled for choice when it comes to half-day and full-day shore excursion options. The port is within easy reach of Nice’s old town (3 miles or 5 kilometers away), Monte Carlo in Monaco (9 miles or 15 kilometers away), attraction-packed Antibes (22 miles or 35 kilometers away), chic Cannes (25 miles or 40 kilometers away), and celebrity favorite St. Tropez (80 miles or 128 kilometers away). Also nearby are smaller, more laid-back villages such as Eze (5 miles or 8 kilometers away), St Paul de Vence (16 miles or 26 kilometers away), and Valbonne (23 miles or 38 kilometers away). Some shore excursions include food and wine tastings, private yacht cruises, sports-car driving experiences, and the opportunity to cross the border to tour the Italian Riviera.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most Villefranche shore excursions include pickup and drop-off at the Villefranche cruise port.
- Most shore excursions last for between four and eight hours.
- Opt for a private tour to ensure you get to see all the sights you want.
How to Get to Nice from Villefranche Cruise Port
Regional TER trains connect Villefranche to Nice. The walk from the port to Villefranche train station should take under 10 minutes, while the train journey to Nice takes just eight. TER trains also connect Villefranche to Monaco, with the journey taking around 20 minutes. The 100 bus runs from Nice to Menton, making stops at Villefranche, Eze, and Monaco along the way. The bus departs every 15 to 20 minutes during the day. If you are taking the bus, be sure to allow plenty of time to get back to Villefranche port, as during the busy summer months buses often fill up, meaning you may not be able to board the first one that comes along.
Port Information
Villefranche is a tender port. Large cruise ships anchor in the harbor and transport passengers to a small terminal in the heart of town via smaller vessels, known as tenders.
Address: La Darse, Villefranche-sur-Mer 06230, France
From $ 66
Vitoria
Until the 1980s, when the Basque Country earned autonomous status from the Spanish government, Vitori-Gaitez was just another quaint provincial capital, notable for its two outstanding cathedrals, Gothic 14th-century Santa María and 1907 María Inmaculada, surrounded by scores of monumental buildings, some housing museums focusing on art, history, and in the 1525 Palacio de Bendana’s Museo Fournier, playing cards.
The hilltop old town was founded in the 6th century, though the oldest surviving structures are part of the well-preserved Medieval stronghold. This is surrounded by newer (14th to 18th-century) plazas and shady pedestrian promenades lined with shops and cafes.
The more affluent and energetic modern center of the young capital, however, showcases today’s talented architects, heralding the bright future of the Basque region.
Practical Info
Although Vitoria-Gasteiz isn't (yet) a top tourist destination, make reservation in advance during the popular July International Jazz Festival and August Azkena Rock Festival.
The city is home to tiny Airport Vitoria-Foronda (VIT), with direct flights to Madrid, but most visitors fly into Bilbao or Zaragoza. There are also train connections to Madrid and Barcelona, and buses to most major Spanish cities.
Address: Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
Admission: Free
From $ 87
Villa Romana del Casale
Just outside the town of Piazza Armerina in southern Sicily, the ruins of Villa Romana del Casale are home to the world’s largest collection of ancient Roman mosaics. These incredible designs date from the fourth century and were stunningly preserved by a 12th-century landslide before being unearthed in the 19th century.
The Basics
Villa Romana del Casale, once an ancient hunting lodge and today one of Italy’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, includes an extensive array of excavated rooms. Admire the spectacular mosaic floors and decorations covering over 32,000 square feet (3,000 square meters), including the famous Bikini Girls and a mythological scene that shows the labors of Hercules.
The best way to visit is by booking a private tour that includes transportation from Agrigento, Taormina, or Palermo. Because there are so many rooms to see—including private apartments, state rooms, and thermal baths—visiting with a tour guide helps travelers appreciate the site’s historical importance and interpret the mosaics’ compositions and themes. Villa entry is ticketed and there can be long lines at the entrance, so it’s best to consider booking a tour that includes skip-the-line tickets.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Villa Romana del Casale is a must-see for fans of ancient Roman history and art.
- If traveling with children, consider booking a tour with a family-friendly guide so the kids can fully enjoy their visit.
- The villa has not yet been fully excavated, but there is still plenty to see.
- Entrance to the villa is ticketed—consider booking a skip-the-line tour to save time.
- Most of Villa Romana del Casale is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Villa Romana del Casale is located in the Sicilian countryside outside Piazza Armerina, an easy day trip from Agrigento, Taormina, or Palermo. Public buses run from the town center to the archaeological site.
When to Get There
The villa is partially covered, so it can be visited even during inclement weather. The site is open daily (except Christmas and New Year’s Day) from 9am and closes at 4pm in winter and 6pm in summer. On weekends in July and August, the villa closes at 11pm, so consider an evening visit to avoid the daytime heat and crowds.
Visiting the Nearby Valley of the Temples
Not far from Villa Romana del Casale, the Valley of the Temples houses seven spectacular Doric temples dating from the fifth century BC, when the area was part of Magna Graecia. Consider visiting both of these archaeological sites on a single tour.
Address: Contrada Casale, Piazza Armerina, Sicily, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 64
Vilnius Old Town
A UNESCO World Heritage-listed treasure trove, Vilnius Old Town is cradled in the confluence of two rivers and is the best-preserved medieval town center in Europe.
It was created over the centuries in an abundance of architectural styles from Gothic to Renaissance and is centered on the Neo-Classical Cathedral and its airy surrounding piazza. From here labyrinthine cobbled streets abuzz with restaurants, stores and bars lead upward towards the Higher Castle among pastel-painted Baroque churches and centuries-old townhouses constructed of tiny red bricks.
Many of the myriad attractions of Vilnius lie within this district, from the Neo-Classical Presidential Palace to the Gothic St Anne’s Church, the Baroque chapel at the Gate of Dawn and the convoluted backstreets of one of the city’s two former Jewish quarters.
Overlooking all this stands the Higher Castle, which can also be reached by funicular from the Lower Castle next to the Cathedral. Although not much of the castle has survived the wars and revolutions that have marred Lithuania’s history, the Gediminas Tower has become a squat, hexagonal symbol of peace and there’s a panoramic vista across the city from the viewing platform atop the tower.
Practical Info
Much of Vilnius Old Town is car-free, and parking space is at a premium. There is plenty of free parking on Klaipedos gatve, a 10-minute walk away. All sights are within easy walking distance of each other.
Address: Vilnius, Lithuania
From $ 12
Vitosha Boulevard
Named after the mountains that bound Sofia to the south, Vitosha Boulevard is the Romanian capital city’s most prestigious shopping street, snaking through the center of the city. Here visitors will discover all the top-end international designer stores, a massive bookshop, quality restaurants and cool bars, plus a backdrop of imposing civic buildings dating from Sofia’s expansion between the two world wars. As well as the National Palace of Culture, which marks the northern end of Vitosha, the former Communist Party HQ and the Central Department Store (TSUM) stand just off the boulevard and form part of tours of Sofia’s Soviet heritage.
Fully pedestrianized from Boulevard Evtimiy in the south to Alabin Street in the north, Vitosha’s recent facelift has included pretty floral beds, benches to chill on, Art Nouveau kiosks, street cafés and wrought-iron lampstands. The corner of Vitosha and Evtimiy is Sofia’s most popular meeting spot and it’s also worth diving into the side streets off the main drag for more retail opportunities in independent boutiques. Come evening, there’s a whole world of cuisine on tap, with restaurants offering everything from traditional Bulgarian byurek (stuffed filos) to Irish pints.
Practical Info
Vitosha Boulevard, Sofia. Open 24/7, free admission. Metro to NDK.
Address: Vitosha Boulevard, Sofia 12052, Bulgaria
Hours: 24/7
From $ 49
Villany
Villany is both a town and region in the southernmost part of Hungary, located at the confluence of the Great Hungarian Plain, the Baranya Hills and the Villanya Mountains. One of Hungary’s best wine regions, known primarily for its reds and roses, the winemaking traditions in Villany can be traced back to Roman times.
The Villany-Siklos wine route claims to be the first established in Hungary in 1994. Following the route allows visitors to stop at some of the country’s best vineyards in Kopar and Jammertal and to taste wine by some of Hungary’s top winemakers: Bock, Gere and Tiffan.
The town of Villany itself is charming with its Swabian style whitewashed cellars, most of which are still in use. Elsewhere in the area, visitors may enjoy the thermal baths in Harkany or the medieval castle in Siklos. The nearby city of Pecs is also a popular tourist destination, boasting a 4th century Christian necropolis that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Practical Info
The town of Villany is a three hour drive from Budapest. Buses to Villany leave from Budapest’s Nepliget bus station, with the trip taking about four hours. The town is just 40 minutes from the city of Pecs by car and trains from Pecs, Mohacs and Osijek run to Villany regularly. Visiting the wineries throughout the region is best done with your own vehicle or by booking a tour.
Address: Villany, Hungary
From $ 285
Villa Savoye
Located 20 miles (33 kilometers) northwest of Paris, Villa Savoye a Poissy (Villa Savoye for short) was built by Swiss-born architect Charles-Édouard Jeanneret between 1928 and 1931. The architect, more popularly known as Le Corbusier, was a founding member of the International Congress on Modern Architecture and a major player in Paris’s avant-garde architectural movement.
Villa Savoye, built as a country retreat for the Savoye family, was the last project in Le Corbusier’s “white villa” period and one of the best examples of the International Style that became popular in the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by rectilinear forms, flat surfaces without ornamentation or decoration, open interiors and the use of cantilever construction to give buildings a visual weightlessness.
Villa Savoye was eventually abandoned by its occupants and restored by the French government between 1964, when it was declared a historic monument while Le Corbusier was still living, and 1997.
Practical Info
Guided tours in English are available on Wednesdays and Fridays at 11am and 2:30pm.
Address: 82 Rue de Villiers, Poissy, France
Hours: Closed on Monday
Admission: Adult: 7,50 €
From $ 9
Villa San Michele
The Villa San Michele on the island of Capri is a 20th century villa built by Swedish doctor and author Alex Munthe, who lived on Capri for nearly six decades. Now a museum, it is home to more than 1,600 pieces from as far back as 1250 B.C. A collection from the Etruscan period includes a marble sphinx and a head made of terracotta while Roman antiquities on display include a variety of mosaics, sculptures and columns. Highlights of the collection include an Egyptian sphinx in red and black granite from the time of Ramses II and a mask of Medusa. In the chapel, visitors will see examples of medieval church art, as well as pieces from the Neapolitan Renaissance, and in the dining room and kitchen are collections of 18th century Swedish pewter and 16th century Lombard copper vessels. Munthe’s personal effects are also on display, including a manuscript of his book, “The Story of San Michele.”
The villa gardens include more archaeological finds and offer panoramic views of the town of Capri, the harbor, the Sorretine peninsula and Mount Vesuvius.
Practical Info
To reach the Villa San Michele, take the bus from Anacapri and then follow the signs. The villa sits on a ledge on top of Venetian steps. To get to the island of Capri, catch a ferry or hydrofoil from Naples.
Address: Viale Axel Munthe, 34,, Anacapri, Capri, Italy
Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to one hour before sunset (typically 3:30 p.m. November to February; 4:30 p.m. in March; 5 p.m. in April and October; and 6 p.m. May through September).
Admission: 7 Euro
From $ 64
Vitosha Mountain
Vitosha Mountain is the fourth highest mountain in Bulgaria. It is just outside of the capital city of Sofia. The mountain is the oldest nature park on the Balkan Peninsula, which was established in 1934 and today covers an area of almost 67,000 acres. In the winter, Vitosha Mountain is a popular place for downhill skiing, cross country skiing, and other snow sports. Ski season here lasts about 120 days.
In the summer months, Vitosha Mountain offers good hiking and trekking. There are several trails that are good for single day hikes and hikers of all levels. The mountain is home to a diverse number of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. Throughout the year, 200 bird species can be seen here, with 120 of them nesting within the park. The longest cave in Bulgaria, at about 11 miles long, is also located at Vitosha Mountain. Other sites located here include a medieval orthodox church called Boyana Church and the Boyana Waterfall.
Practical Info
Vitosha Mountain is located 6 miles outside of Sofia.
Address: Bulgaria
From $ 46
Vintgar Gorge (Soteska Vintgar)
Shaped over the millennia by the raging waters of the River Radovna, the Vintgar Gorge slices through 1.6 km (one mile) of the Borst and Hom hills in northwestern Slovenia. First discovered in 1891, the narrow, winding river gorge was then impenetrable thanks to the vertical erosion of the limestone rock, but two years later a sandy trail and wooden pathways were built along the canyon length to open up its awesome waterfalls, icy cold pools and boiling rapids to visitors as it repeatedly crosses the river. One man‐made spectacle to look out for while hiking through the canyon is the stone arch of the Bohinj railway bridge, constructed in 1906 and hanging 110 feet (33.5 meters) above the river, which has become a magnet for adrenaline‐fueled whitewater rafters. The trail ends at the impressive Sum waterfall – the highest in Slovenia and spewing 52.5 feet (16 meters) into a pool at the head of the gorge. From Sum, walkers can retrace their steps along the gorge or make a circular tour towards the east, walking over the peak of Hom, past the pilgrim church of St Catherine and on down to Bled.
Practical Info
Practical information: Gorje, near Bled. The gorge is open daily in April to November from 8am to 7pm. Admission adults €4, children aged 6–14 €2. Vintgar Gorge is 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) north of Bled and accessed by bus from the main bus station, by car or on foot in about an hour.
Address: Gorje, Bled, Upper Carniola 4247, Slovenia
Hours: Apr–Nov 8am–7pm
Admission: Adults: €4, Children: (6–14) €2
From $ 40
Villa Tugendhat
The Villa Tugendhat in Brno is the only example of Modern architecture in the Czech Republic. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was designed by famed architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in the early 20th century. The villa was confiscated by the Gestapo in 1939, suffered serious damage at the end of World War II, when it served as quarters and stables for the Soviet military. The original owner, Greta Tugendhat, returned to the villa in 1967 and a group of Czech architects began work to return it to its original state. After another renewal and restoration in 2010-12, the villa now appears much as it did in 1930.
Since 1994, the villa has been open to the public as a museum. The interior features exact replicas of the original furnishings and an exhibition tells the story of van der Rohe, the Tugendhat family and the era during which is was built. Guided tours take visitors through the main living space, kitchen, bedrooms, garden and, on extended tours, the technical floor where the boiler room, engine room and laundry room can be found.
Practical Info
The Villa Tugendhat is located in Brno’s Cerna Pole neighborhood. It can be seen only by booking a guided tour and it is recommended to book at least two months in advance. A maximum of 15 people are allowed in a single group and tickets can be purchased online. Several types of tours are available: the basic tour includes the residential areas of the villa and the garden, while the extended tour also includes the technical floor. High heeled shoes may not be worn in the villa. A separate garden tour is unguided.
The villa is accessible by public transport but requires a walk of 15-20 minutes from the nearest bus and tram stops. Take tram no. 9 to Tomanova, bus no. 67 to Schodova or tram no. 3 or 5 to Detska Nemocnice.
Address: Černopolní 45, Brno, Czech Republic
Hours: Jan-Feb: Wed-Sun 9am-5pm; Mar-Dec: Tues-Sun 10am-6pm. Visits are by tour only.
Admission: Tour prices range from 50 to 350 Czech koruna
From $ 35
Villa Valmarana ai Nani
An easy detour from Vicenza and just minutes from Villa Capra, Villa Valmarana ai Nani is a striking example of a Venetian villa, perched on the slopes of San Bastian hill, looking out over the Valletta del Silenzio (Valley of Silence). Still inhabited by its aristocratic namesake, the Valmarana family, Villa Valmarana takes its suffix ‘ai Nani’ or ‘the Dwarves’ from the 17 stone sculptures that adorn its wall – a homage to the dwarf princess who once lived in the villa, if you believe the legend.
The villa is also open to the public and visitors can stroll the idyllic gardens and peek inside the Palazzina (the main residence), the Foresteria (the guest residence) and the Scuderia (the stables). The highlight of a visit is admiring the magnificent frescoes, painted in the 18th century by the Tiepolos and celebrated as some of their finest work.
Practical Info
Villa Valmarana ai Nani is located around 2km south of Vicenza and opening hours are: Tues-Fri 10am-12.30pm and 3-6pm, and Sat-Sun 10am-6pm. Adult admission is €10.
Address: Via dei Nani, 8, Vicenza 36100, Italy
Hours: Tues-Fri 10am-12.30pm and 3-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm
Admission: Adult: €10, Child €7
From $ 12
Vilnius University
As one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe, Vilnius’ seat of learning opened in 1579 and has since been extended to incorporate just about every architectural style, from Baroque to Neo-Classical.
Built around a series of arcaded courtyards, the university also holds Lithuania’s oldest public library as well many suites of ornately frescoed and vaulted apartments. Like many other public buildings in the Baltic, the university has suffered or thrived according to the regime in power at any given time. Initially run by Jesuits, it was transferred to secular power in 1773 but closed in the late 19th century on the orders of Tsar Nicholas I.
The university reopened in 1919 just before Lithuania was annexed by Poland, who ran the university until World War II, when it was administered by the Nazis and subsequently by the Soviet Union. Today it has been safely back in local hands since 1990, when Communism finally collapsed.
Famous students at Vilnius University include the Polish Romantic poet Adam Mickiewicz and Nobel prizewinner Czeslaw Milosz. Today there are 15,000 students procuring 5,000 degrees annually and contributing to the buzzing social life so evident on the city’s streets.
Practical Info
Vilnius University is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Admission for tours costs 5LTL.
Address: Universiteto g. 3, Vilnius 01513, Lithuania
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm
Admission: Tours: 5LTL
From $ 12
Vilnius Cathedral (Arkikatedra Bazilika)
Vilnius Cathedral - or Arkikatedra Bazilika - can trace its history back to the 13th century when the Lithuanian King Mindaugas built the original cathedral in 1251.
Having been burnt down and rebuilt several times over the years, the cathedral’s final reconstruction is in the neoclassical style (1801) according to the design of Laurynas Gucevicius.
Under Soviet occupation, the cathedral was used as a garage and several statues were destroyed. It has undergone several restorations since that time and its elegant colonnaded façade, ornate interior and 57m-(187ft) tall belfry, continue to stand proud as a symbol of the country’s Catholic faith.
Practical Info
Vilnius Cathedral is in bustling Cathedral Square, at the base of Gediminas Hill in the Old Town.
Address: 1 Katedros Sq, Old Town, Vilnius, Lithuania
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 12
Villers-Bretonneux
Villers-Bretonneux is an important stop on the Australian Remembrance Trail of the Western Front, a popular route for visitors looking to learn more about that country's efforts in France during World War I. The Australian National Memorial remembers April 24, 1918–the day Australian troops pushed back against the Germans and retook the land they had gained.
But more importantly, the memorial lists over 10,000 soldiers from WWI for whom there is no grave. Also of note in Villers-Bretonneux is the Franco-Australian Museum, located in the Victoria School–by far the most iconic building in the village. Both the memorial and the surrounding cemetery are the setting of ANZAC Day events in France each year on April 25.
Practical Info
Villers-Bretonneux is located roughly 10 miles east of Amiens. It is about 15 minutes by local commuter train from Amiens and between two and three hours by train from Paris, depending on the route. The Australian National Memorial is a mile outside the town center; the tower is closed in inclement weather. The Franco-Australian Museum is closed on Sundays and over the Christmas holidays; otherwise it is open from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. from November through February and 5:30 p.m. the rest of the year.
Address: Villers-Bretonneux, France
From $ 230
Vistula River
Running an incredible 654.5 miles (1,053 kilometers) and traversing the entire length of the country, the Vistula River (Wisla) is Poland’s longest river, passing through both Warsaw and Krakow.
The Basics
In Krakow, it’s possible to explore the riverfront on a bike tour or Segway tour, while Vistula River cruises leave from the wharf beneath Wawel Castle and afford magnificent views of the royal castle, the Wawel Dragon Statue, the Church of St. Stanislaus, and the old Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz.
Boat tours also run along the River Vistula in Warsaw, or you can hop off to explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or stroll around the atmospheric Vistula Boulevards.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring warm clothing if traveling on an open-air boat—it can get chilly, especially in the evening hours.
- Some boat cruises are wheelchair accessible.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the many attractions and beautiful scenery you’ll see.
How to Get There
Originating on the slopes of the Beskidy Mountains in Southern Poland, the Vistula winds its way north through Krakow and Warsaw until it tips itself into the Baltic Sea in the Gdansk delta. In both Warsaw and Krakow, the river runs right through the heart of the city, and it’s easy to reach the riverfront on foot from many of the central attractions.
When to Get There
In Warsaw and Krakow, sightseeing cruises typically run between March and October.
Towns Along the Vistula River
In addition to Krakow and Warsaw, towns along the Vistula River include the UNESCO-listed medieval town of Toruń, where Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was born; Kazimierz Dolny, known for its striking Renaissance architecture; and the hilltop town of Plock. The vast UNESCO-listed Gothic castle of Malbork lies on the Nogat river, the easternmost tributary of the Vistula, and in Gdansk there’s even a museum dedicated entirely to the river.
Address: Poland
From $ 21
Vimy
Just southwest of Lille is the historic farming town of Vimy, a popular day trip destination from Paris among history buffs and the site of aggressive fighting during World War I. The town’s definitive Battle of Vimy Ridge, fought between Canadian and German troops in 1917, resulted in a Canadian victory that proved essential in the advancement of British forces.
Even so, this led to more than 10,000 Canadian casualties, and the Canadian National Viny Memorial has since been instated on a 250-acre portion of the former battleground to honor those lost. In 1922, France granted the land for the memorial, and in 1936, it opened for all to come and pay respects.
Although a portion of the site is still off limits to the public due to dangerous wartime trenches and craters, the twin statuary, which have the names of all who fought in the battle inscribed on the stone foundation surrounding them, can be seen from miles away. The memorial cemetery serves as the final resting for most of the 3,598 soldiers who gave their lives in the fight.
Practical Info
Vimy is located at the junction of the D51 and the N17 roads. It is on the crest of Vimy Ridge, which overlooks the Artois region. The Canadian National Vimy Memorial is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Mondays from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. In December and January, it is open only by appointment. Guided tours of the battlefield and its underground tunnels are available.
Address: Vimy, France
From $ 14