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Wall of Love (Le Mur des Je t'aime)

The Wall of Love (Le Mur des Je T'aime) is a massive work of art featuring the words “I love you” written in over 250 languages. Composed of 612 dark-blue tiles, this work by artist Frédéric Baron and calligraphist Claire Kito is a favorite meeting spot for lovers and offers more evidence that Paris is in fact the City of Love.

The Basics

A must-see for couples visiting Paris from around the world, the Wall of Love is a monument to love, peace, and harmony. The artist, Frédéric Baron, wanted to give lovers a meeting place and began collecting the words “I love you” in as many languages as he could. Splashes of color on the dark-blue wall represent broken hearts.

A visit to the Wall of Love in Jehan Rictus Square is often included in tours of the Montmartre district of Paris. The park is also a lovely spot to enjoy a picnic lunch and rest a bit before continuing your exploration of Montmartre.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Wall of Love is a must-see for couples and honeymooners.
The wall is open to visitors free of charge.
Jehan Rictus Square is a good spot to take a rest on your Montmartre explorations.
If you want to take a Wall of Love photograph without the crowds, arrive early in the morning.

How to Get There

The Wall of Love is located in Jehan Rictus Square in the Montmartre district of Paris. Montmartre is in the 18th arrondissement on the city’s right bank, just north of the infamous Pigalle red-light district. From central Paris, take metro line 12 to the Abbesses stop and you’ll be within a few minutes’ walk of the park.

When to Get There

Like many attractions in Paris, The Wall of Love can be visited year-round. Keep in mind that parks in Paris have opening and closing times that vary with the seasons, so the Jehan Rictus Square does closer earlier during the winter months. Visit early in the morning during the summer months for the chance to photograph the wall without the crowds.

Other Attractions in Montmartre

Located in the 18th arrondissement north of central Paris, Montmartre is one of the most colorful districts in the city. Visit the hilltop Sacré-Coeur Basilica, where you’ll enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the city, and then wander the historical cobblestones and famous staircases of Montmartre’s North Slope.

Square Jean Rictus, Place des Abbesses, Paris 75018, France

From $ 266

Vittorio Emmanuele II Monument

One of the most famous (and, for many Romans, infamous) landmarks in Rome, the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument is home to the Complesso del Vittoriano museum complex, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Roma dal Cielo elevator that connects to the panoramic rooftop terrace overlooking The Eternal City.

The Basics

The Vittorio Emanuele II Monument (or Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II) overlooking Piazza Venezia in central Rome—also known as the Altare della Patria, or simply the Vittoriano—was inaugurated in 1911 to honor the first king of the newly united Italy. Today, the enormous and, some might argue, ostentatious building is home to Italy’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Museo Centrale del Risorgimento (Museum of Italian Unification), the Sacrario delle Bandiere gallery of Italian military flags, and an important art exhibition space in the eastern wing (Ala Brasini). The Roma dal Cielo elevator, which transports visitors up to the Terrazza delle Quadrighe scenic rooftop terrace, was added in 2007.

Located near the Palatine Hill, the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument is included in many hop-on-hop-off bus tours tours of Rome, as well as guided walking, bike, or Segway tours that also include skip-the-line-access to the nearby Colosseum and Roman Forum. The monument’s white-marble staircase and facade are particularly striking at night, so consider joining an evening tour to see the building at its most dramatic.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Ala Brasini exhibition space, which hosts temporary art exhibitions, is an interesting stop for art enthusiasts.
The monument is accessible to wheelchair users through the Via del Teatro di Marcello entrance on the right side of the building.
Bring your camera—you’ll want to capture the views from the monument’s rooftop terrace.

How to Get There

The Vittorio Emanuele II Monument’s 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—are all easily accessible from Piazza Venezia, one of Rome’s main squares and a transit hub for buses and trams.

When to Get There

The museum complex at the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument is open daily into the evening hours, so visit at the end of a day after the midday crowds have thinned. For the best picture, catch the elevator to the rooftop terrace either first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon.

The Famous (or Infamous) Vittoriano

The Vittoriano has been one of Rome’s most controversial monuments since it was completed at the beginning of the 20th century, both because a historic quarter of the city was destroyed to make room for its construction and because of its pompous architecture. Over the decades, Romans have given the monument a number of unflattering nicknames, including “the typewriter”, “the wedding cake”, “the dentures”, and “the trifle”.

Piazza Venezia, Roma, Province of Rome 00186, Italy

From $ 29

Vouliagmeni Lake

Vouliagmeni Lake is located approximately 15 miles outside of Athens, Greece. It is an oval-shaped lake with brackish water that is fed by both the sea and underground springs. The lake is only 20 inches above sea level, so it often overflows and is replenished by the underground springs. At the bottom of the lake is a labyrinth of underwater caves with 14 tunnels. The composition of the lake's water consists of various elements and is used as a mineral spa famous for its healing properties. Many people come here to treat various physical ailments such as skin conditions, arthritis, headaches and more.

Aside from therapy reasons, the lake is also popular for leisure and recreational activities. The water temperature is consistently between 71 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit which makes for pleasant swimming. There are beach chairs and umbrellas near the shores of the lake, and a nearby restaurant serves traditional Greek food. The lake also has a fish spa, yoga and Pilates classes, and walking trails.

Practical Info

Vouliagmeni Lake is on the western coast of Attica and can be reached by bus from Athens. The lake is open for swimming daily from 7am to 8pm. General admission is 9 euros on weekdays and 10 euros on weekends.

Athens, Greece

Open for swimming daily 7am-8pm

9 Euros on weekdays, 10 Euros on weekends

From $ 103

Vucciria Market (La Vucciria)

While Palermo has a number of bustling outdoor markets worth exploring for the lively atmosphere, the most famous is Vucciria Market. Located in the historic center around Piazza San Domenico, the stalls predominantly sell fish, meat, and produce—but you can find a little of everything here.

The Basics

The name “La Vucciria” comes from the Sicilian word for “voices,” a reference to the noise level in this busy street market. In addition to the seafood, fresh fruit and vegetables, and street foods that have been the staples of the Vucciria Market for hundreds of years, vendors also sell a huge variety of other products to stock your pantry or even your home. You’ll find everything from pasta and herbs to cheap clothing and CDs.

Unique ways to experience the neighborhood feel of Sicily’s vibrant capital city include seeing this colorful street market as part of a market food tour, Palermo walking tour, or Palermo bike tour. Guided walking tours highlighting traditional Palermo street food almost always include a stop here, as well as at the city's Ballarò and Capo markets.

Things to Know Before You Go

The heart of this Palermo street market is Piazza Caracciolo in Palermo's old city center, a good place to begin your stroll.
La Vucciria, like all of Italy's outdoor food markets, is a fantastic destination to snap photos, so be sure to bring your camera.
Market tours through the open-air Vucciria Market are on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
As at any busy outdoor market, it’s best to keep your belongings safe as you wander.

How to Get There

The market is located in the historic center along Via Roma, la Cala, il Cassaro, Via Cassari, Piazza del Garraffello, Via Argenteria Nuova, Piazza Caracciolo, and Via Maccheronai—an easy walk from any of the city's main sights.

When to Get There

The market is open Monday to Saturday from dawn until roughly 2 pm. Arrive in the morning when you can see it at its bustling best.

Vucciria Market in Art

The Italian artist Renato Guttuso painted his famous Vucciria di Palermo, depicting the cheerful market stalls, in 1974. It now hangs in Palermo's Palazzo Chiaramonte-Steri.

Piazza Caracciolo, 1, Palermo, Italy

From $ 32

Wachau Valley

With rolling vineyards of grapes and apricots, plus a collection of more than 5,000 historic monuments, it's no wonder that the Wachau Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Austria's most popular tourist attractions. The Danube River carves a picturesque path through the valley's towns of Melk and Krems, uniting a harmonious blend of wineries, Gothic churches, and medieval castles.

The Basics
The Wachau Valley (Danube Valley) is most commonly visited on a day-trip from Vienna. Wine tasting is regularly at the top of Wachau Valley tours' itineraries, as is Melk Abbey, an 11th-century Benedictine monastery adorned with bright frescoes. The valley is also a popular place for a bike tour thanks to its flat paths and stunning scenery.

Full-day tours typically combine visits to the castle ruins of Burgruine Durnstein, the village of Spitz, and the medieval town of Krems with a Danube River cruise. Energetic sightseers can also add Salzburg — the birthplace of Mozart and setting for 'The Sound of Music' to their schedule on an excursion that covers the Salzkammergut Valley and Salzburg's Mirabell Palace and Gardens. Lower Austria's close proximity to Bratislava and Budapest, the respective capitals of Slovakia and Hungary, make the region an ideal launchpad for exploring more of Europe.

History buffs and wine lovers are spoiled for choice of things to do in Wachau Valley.
The region can be explored by car, coach bus, or bike.
Most tours include hotel pickup and dropoff in Vienna.

How to Get to the Wachau Valley
From Wien Westbahnhof in central Vienna, catch the REX train to Melk Bahnof (a one-hour journey) or to Krems, which requires changing trains at St. Polten. If visiting from Salzburg, you should also change trains at St. Polten for the REX line destined for Melk. Although catching the train to Melk is a breeze (especially from Vienna), it's best to explore the valley with a tour guide as part of a sightseeing or biking tour. With more than 5,000 historic landmarks, it's tough to see the best independently.

When to Get There
The spring months of March to May are undoubtedly the best time to visit the Wachau Valley, when wine and food festivals such as the Wachau Gourmet Festival and Wachau Weinfr¸hling take place. In late March and early April, the area's landscapes are awash with the pastel-pink blossoms of apricot trees.

Between Melk and Krems 3390, Austria

From $ 87

Votivkirche (Votive Church)

In Vienna’s Alsergrund district, the two imposing towers of the Votivkirche welcome travelers to the city. The Votive Church is one of the most important neo-Gothic buildings in the world and is the second highest building in the city, right after the St. Stephen’s Church. As pretty as the church looks, the reason for its construction was actually a failed assassination attempt on the Habsburg Emperor. On the 18th of February 1853, tailor Janos Libenyi attacked young Franz Joseph I with a dagger, but the assassination attempt failed and the emperor survived. In gratitude for the salvation of His Majesty, his brother, Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, called for a fundraiser to build a new church in Vienna. Soon after, construction began on the votive offering, a monumental white cathedral with rose windows, gabled portals and delicate spires and buttresses.

The interior of the Church shines with numerous chapels and altars. Most impressive are the main altar with the elaborately painted baldacchino, the octagonal baptismal made of Egyptian marble and a masterful Flemish woodcarving showing different scenes from the Passion. A special feature is also the Walcker-Organ, a beautiful instrument built in 1878 that is largely preserved in its original state.

Practical Info

The Votive Church can be found on the Ring Road in the Alsergrund district of Vienna. Opening hours for the church are Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 1pm and from 4pm to 6pm and on Sundays from 9am to 1pm. The adjoining museum can be visited Tuesday through Friday from 4pm to 6pm and on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. To get there, take subway number U2 or a variety of trams to the station Schottentor.

Rooseveltplatz, Vienna, Austria

From $ 58

Waldemarsudde

Originally the home of Sweden’s Prince Eugen, Waldemarsudde in Stockholm may be the country’s most beautiful art museum. In addition to being one of Sweden’s best known landscape artists, the Prince amassed a massive collection of works by both established and unknown artists over the course of 60 years. Today, more than 3,000 of his own pieces and more than 3,000 other works are housed at Waldemarsudde, with his collection of Swedish art from the turn of the 19th century considered one of the best in Sweden.

Waldemarsudde is set in a 70,000 square meter park surrounded by the Stockholm Harbor on three sides. It consists of a castle-like main building known as the Mansion, the original manor home known as the Old House, a Gallery Building and an old linseed oil mill. The ground floor of the Mansion has been preserved as it was when the Prince was alive, while the upper two floors are now used for temporary exhibitions or for displaying the Prince’s art. The Gallery Building hosts temporary exhibitions as well.

Practical Info

To reach Waldemarsudde, take tram number 7 to Djurgaden/Waldemarsudde. An audio guide is available in the gift ship for 20 SEK per person and guided tours are occasionally given in English on Wednesdays from July 6 to August 31. A restaurant known as the Prince’s Kitchen can be found inside the Mansion, serving hot meals, snacks and beverages.

Prins Eugens väg 6, Djurgården, Stockholm, Sweden

Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Thursday to 8:00 p.m. Closed on some public holidays.

SEK 120

From $ 25

Vrana Palace

Once the favorite palace of the Bulgarian Royal Family, Vrana is found in the suburbs of Sofia, surrounded by 100 hectares of parkland that were acquired by Tsar Ferdinand in 1889 for 56,000 lev. He created a farm and transformed the remaining land into gardens scattered with lakes and meandering pathways, planted with more than 400 exotic trees and shrubs garnered from his travels overseas. By 1906 a two-story wooden hunting lodge had been built by architect Georgi Filov, and this was followed by the Vrana Palace itself; designed by Nikola Lazarov and completed in 1914, it is a gigantic confection of Baroque and Art Nouveau styling.

With the advent of Communism in 1946, the Royal Family was exiled from Bulgaria and their land repossessed by the state. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989, the palace and grounds were returned to Simeon, the grandson of Ferdinand (and Prime Minister of Bulgaria from 2002 to 2005), who promptly donated the park back to the city on the understanding that it was opened to the public. It may only be open at the weekend but free, guided tours depart every hour, explaining the history of the palace and detailing the landscaping of the gardens. Today there are many shady walks past wooded copses, flower beds and rock gardens to enjoy but the palace remains closed to the public as it is once again the official home of the former Royal Family.

Practical Info

Boulevard Tsarigradsko Shosse 387, Sofia. Open Sat–Sun 10am–4pm; admission adults 5 leva; children aged between seven–18 2 leva; family ticket 8 leva. Take the metro to Interexpo Centre or No 505 bus from Orlov Most.

Boulevard Tsarigradsko Shosse 387, Sofia 1784, Bulgaria

Open Sat–Sun 10am–4pm

Adults: 5 leva; Children: 2 leva; Family: 8 leva

From $ 41

Vladslo German War Cemetery

The Vladslo German War Cemetery is a burial ground located near the village of Vladslo, Belgium, which is about 16 miles north of Ypres and 25 miles southwest of Brugge. By the end of World War I, German soldiers were buried all over Belgium, from single or group sites in the woods to larger cemeteries with several thousand soldiers. In the years after the war, German officials worked with Belgian officials to gather and relocated many of the graves scattered throughout the country to give the soldiers a proper burial. This resumed after World War II, and in 1954 an agreement was made to have most of the fallen German soldiers from World War I moved to three different collecting cemeteries.

The cemetery in Vladslo is essentially a mass grave containing more than 25,000 graves from 61 locations. Each simple tombstone has the names, ranks, and dates of death for 20 deceased German soldiers. One of the soldiers buried here was Peter Kollwitz, the 18-year-old son of famous artist Käthe Kollwitz. Out of sorrow for her son, Kollwitz created two statues called “The Mourning Parents” which are located at the back of the cemetery.

Practical Info

The Vladslo German War Cemetery is located at Houtlandstraat 3 in Vladslo Diksmuide. The cemetery is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Entry is free.

Houtlandstraat 3, Diksmuide, Belgium

From $ 88

Vjetrenica Cave

Almost on the border with Croatia, the UNESCO-listed Vjetrenica cave system is the deepest in Bosnia and Herzegovina, disappearing 3.7 miles (six km) below the Dinaric Alps into a magical world of subterranean rivers, limestone galleries and glittering lakes. Spectacular tumbling stalagmites and stalactites loom in the semi-darkness of the meandering tunnels and its ever-running waters flow into the Trebisnjica River on the southern edge of the Popovo Polje valley.

Skeletons of bears and leopards have been found in the Vjetrenica caves along with primitive drawings dating back 10,000 years, which can clearly be seen etched into the walls. Many hundreds of rare animal species have been discovered here, including the olm, a salamander-cum-fish with legs, lungs and gills that is peculiar to the region. Visited by thousands before the tragic civil war of the 1990s tore former Yugoslavia apart, infrastructure for tourism at Vjetrenica has recently been upgraded and the caves are once more open to explore. Temperatures underground are at a constant and cool 11°C, so dress warmly as guided tours last around 60 minutes. As the underground pathways are slippery, take sturdy footwear; jackets and hard hats are provided.

Practical Info

Zavala. Opening hours: Apr–May Mon–Sat 10am–2pm; Sun 12pm–2pm. June–Oct Mon–Sat 10am–6pm; Sun 12pm–6pm. Outside these months, visits can be arranged on request. Admission: adults 10 KM; seniors & students 8 KM; children 4–15 5 KM. If coming to Vjetrenica from the Croatian side of the border, a passport is required.

Zavala 88370, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Adults: 10 KM; Children: 5 KM

From $ 131

Wailing Waterfall

Known in Romania as the Urlatoarea Cascada, the Wailing Waterfall is one of the most spectacular waterfalls, and one of the most impressive tourist sights, in the country. Located in the Bucegi Mountains at an altitude of about 1,100 meters, it stands nearly 15 meters high and gets its name from the sound of the water flowing down. Two smaller falls are nearby as well: Urlatoarea Mare and Urlatoarea Mica. One of the paths leading to the waterfall from the town of Poiana Tapului was built by King Carol I to connect the fall with Peles Castle.

The Wailing Waterfall can be combined with the fortified church at Prejmer and the fortified church Harman to make a good day trip from Brasov with a tour group or your own car.

Practical Info

The Wailing Waterfall can only be reached on foot. Visitors can follow a path from the cable car in the town of Busteni along a path marked with a red dot for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, follow the path from the town of Poiana Tapului marked with a blue dot.

Romania

From $ 83

Wadowice

A small town in southern Poland, Wadowice is best known as the birthplace of Pope John Paul II. The town has been the site of ermanent settlement since the 10th or 11th century and was once a regional center of crafts and trade. Today its primary industry is tourism, attracting 200,000 visitors each year. The primary attractions are the Museum of John Paul II, set in the home where he lived between 1920 and 1938, and the nearby Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin May, which is where the Pope was baptized, confirmed and served as an altar boy. Stop at the tourism office to pick up a booklet outlining a trail of 11 sights related to Pope John Paul II.

Also worth seeing are the 19th-century houses surrounding Pope John Paul II Square, the Municipal Museum of Marcin Wadowita and the monument to writer Emil Zegadlowicz, who often wrote about Wadowice. Don’t leave without trying kremowka, the town’s famous pastry made of cream, eggs, sugar and brandy.

Practical Info

Wadowice is located about 30 miles southwest of Krakow. Trains from Krakow are infrequent and slow, so a bus or mini-bus is a better option. Mini-buses leave from a parking lot across from the Galeria Krakowska mall, and buses leave from a station on the other side of the mall. The Museum of John Paul II is generally open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with tours conducted in groups of up to 25 people.

Wadowice, Poland

From $ 63

Vizcaya Bridge

This transporter bridge is the oldest in the world and the singular UNESCO World Heritage site in the Basque County. Built in 1893 and made of iron, it is considered to be one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century and a symbol of progress in the Industrial Revolution.

It links the towns of Portugalete and Las Arenas high over the Ibaizabal River. Designer Alberto Palacio brought engineer Ferdinand Joseph Arnodin in to the project to connect the two towns without disrupting the shipping traffic of the Port of Bilbao. Much of the iron used to construct the bridge was mined in nearby areas, while the lightweight steel twists designed by Arnodin were the first of their kind. It is recognized for its industrial heritage and combination of beauty and functionality.

At 164 meters long, the bridge still transports cars and passengers every eight minutes using a suspended gondola. Visitors can take a lift from a few of the bridge’s pillars to walk out onto the platform and take in views of Abra Bay and the port.

Practical Info

Vizcaya Bridge is situated close to Bilbao. To get there, take the Metro to Areeta / Portugalete. There is a guided audio tour available in English that costs 9 Euros.

Bizkaia, Spain

From $ 110

Vondelpark

As vital to Amsterdam as Rembrandt, canals, and coffee shops, on a sunny day there’s not place better than Vondelpark. As people from all walks of life descend on this sprawling English-style park - beautifully appointed with ponds, lawns, thickets, and winding footpaths - a party atmosphere ensues.

Some kick back by reading a book, others hook up with friends to cradle a beer at one of the cafes, while others trade songs on beat-up guitars. Still others jog, cruise on inline skates, ride bikes, and fly kites. Let us not forget families with prams, couples in love, teenagers playing soccer, and children chasing ducks - Vondelpark encourages visitors to enjoy and explore its bucolic surroundings.

On a summer day, a great place to follow the action is the upper terrace of Café Vertigo. Also check out the open-air theater and the lovely ponds and rose gardens.

Practical Info

Vondelpark is easily accessible by tram and bus. You’ll find bicycle rentals near the park’s main entrance and the Amstelveenseweg entrance, at the southwestern end of the park. Restaurants and shops populate the blocks northeast of the park. A few blocks southeast of the park is the Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum.

Vondelkerkstraat 12, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Open daily

Free

From $ 23

Vltava River

The Czech Republic’s longest river, the Vltava begins in southern Bohemia before meandering 270 miles (430 kilometers) northward toward Prague. The river has shaped the Czech capital over millennia, splitting Malá Strana (Lower Town) in the west from Staré Mĕsto (Old Town) and the modern city to the east.

The Basics

As it runs through Prague, the Vltava River’s most famous sight is the 14th-century Charles Bridge, lined with looming statues, buskers, and souvenir sellers. Many city tours include river cruises, which afford the perfect vantage point for views of hilltop Prague Castle, the church spires in Malá Strana, and the towers of the Staré Mĕsto. Most cruises start from beneath the Charles Bridge.

Turning north through the heart of the city, cruisers pass the Rudolfinum and National Theater, the Strahov Monastery (Strahovský klášter), and the giant metronome in Letná Park (Letenské sady). Small open-topped wooden barges also venture into the Devil’s Canal (Čertovka), once a millrace around Kampa Island and now a sleepy backwater lined with baroque townhouses. Even if you don’t take a cruise on the Vltava, a stroll along the riverbank affords some excellent city views.

Things to Know Before You Go

Many Vltava River cruises include lunch or dinner, sometimes with live musical accompaniment.
A cruise along the Vltava offers excellent views of Prague’s skyline.
River cruises are sometimes included as an add-on to a city tour.
A total of 107 bridges span the river, and 17 of these are within Prague.

How to Get There

Cruises typically start close to the Charles Bridge, a 10-minute walk from the heart of Old Town. Staromĕtská metro station is a five-minute walk away. Some tours pick guests up from the center of Prague or directly from their hotels.

When to Get There

Evening cruises typically include dinner and offer views of Prague at its most atmospheric, as the castle is lit up by floodlights. Summer is the city’s busiest tourist season. If you want to skip the crowds but avoid the cold of winter, visit in spring or fall.

The Musical River

Vltava (The Moldau), the symphonic poem by Bedřich Smetana, is a musical interpretation of the river’s course through Bohemia and one of the best-known classical works by a Czech composer. It is part of a set of six symphonic poems called Má vlast (My Country).

Vltava, Czech Republic

From $ 12

Wallace Collection

Amassed by the Hertford-Wallace family throughout the 19th century, the collection was given to the nation by the widow Lady Wallace in 1897 and opened to the public in 1900. The notable works, displayed in a traditional aristocratic townhouse, include French 18th-century painting, furniture, and porcelain, as well as important pieces by Rembrandt, Hals, and Velázquez.

The Basics

This often-overlooked collection offers visitors unique insight into European art and social history with more than 5,000 display pieces lining the stately rooms, including paintings, ceramics, furniture, and sculptures. Select tours offer a visit as part of a private London itinerary, allowing for a fully personalized experience, while the museum itself offers private group tours, out-of-hours visits, and family activity maps, as well as a free highlights tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Wallace Collection is free to enter.
With one of the best ancien régime collections outside of France, as well as works by the old masters, the museum is a must-see for art enthusiasts and those interested in European history.
The museum is wheelchair-accessible, with ramp access, a lift between floors, and accessible toilets.

How to Get There

The Wallace Collection is a 10-minute walk from Bond Street, served by the Central and Jubilee lines. Marylebone is the nearest mainline station, about a 20-minute walk away, or a short bus ride (No. 139, 13, 113, 189, or 174) straight down Gloucester Place. Driving in London is not recommended, although there is limited parking available in Manchester Square for disabled visitors.

When to Get There

The collection is open daily, and its on-site restaurant, Peyton and Byrne, offers dining in a glass-covered courtyard from breakfast through afternoon tea daily, and for dinner Friday and Saturday.

Links to British Aristocracy

When the widow of Sir Richard Wallace gifted the collection in 1897, it was an end to a long family legacy of collecting. The Wallace Collection was amassed by the first four Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, the son of Richard Seymour-Conway, the fourth Marquess. The Seymour family are well-known in British history; Jane Seymour, Queen of England from 1536 to 1537, was the third wife of Henry VIII and a distant Wallace relative.

Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN, England

From $ 54

Vrsic Pass

At an elevation of more than 1600 meters, the Vrsic Pass is the highest mountain pass in Slovenia, crossing the eastern Julian Alps. Part of the Russian Road built for military use in the early 19th century, the pass connects Upper Carniola with the Trenta Valley. This includes a series of 50 numbered hairpin turns leading up to the pass. A Russian Orthodox chapel stands on the north side of the pass near hairpin 8 and a Russian cemetery can be found near hairpin 4. Both the chapel and cemetery honor the Russian prisoners of war who died in an avalanche while building the road. On the south side of the pass, a bronze monument honors Slovenian mountaineer and writer Julius Kugy.

Those wishing to stretch their legs along the way can park near the top of the pass and follow a footpath to a mountain hut. From there, the path leads up to a summit for panoramic views of the surrounding area. The route can be covered on foot in about 45 minutes.

Practical Info

The Russian Road leading up to the Vrsic Pass begins in Kranjska Gora and then descends into the Soca Valley. The road and pass are open about seven months out of the year, with the highest part of the pass impassable due to snow in the winter months.

Soca, Slovenia

From $ 93

Vouliagmeni Beach

Vouliagmeni Beach lies south of Athens on the route down to Cape Sounion, and forms part of a necklace of soft, sandy beaches on the sun-drenched Apollo Coast. One of four beaches in the town of the same name, it is privately owned and requires an admission fee, but for this visitors are rewarded with lifeguards, manicured sand, sun-loungers and parasols, extensive tennis and volleyball facilities, play areas for kids, canoes and pedalos for hire, water slides and private changing cabanas. It is one of the most popular beaches in the region and its beach bars are rammed with the great and good of Athens on summer weekends; despite the crowds, its shallow Aegean waters are consistently awarded Blue Flag status. Backed by plenty of shops and fish restaurants, the beach is also known for its buzzing nightlife.

Practical Info

There is an €8 charge to use the beach. Vouliagmeni is 23 km (14.25 miles) south of Athens and can be reached by public buses E2 or E22 from Akadamias in Athens, or by car in 40 minutes (longer on summer weekends).

Vouliagmeni, Athens, Attica, Greece 16671, Greece

€8

From $ 52

Walker Art Gallery

Take time out from the bustling city streets with a visit to the Walker Art Gallery, home to a diverse collection of artwork that spans eight centuries. Peruse masterpieces by artists, such as Monet, Rembrandt, and David Hockney, and enjoy an experience in the Big Art for Little Artists gallery, a hands-on space designed for young children.

The Basics

Noted for its neoclassical facade and entrance sculptures, the Walker Art Gallery is a popular stop on cycling tours that provide an overview of the city. For those who want a closer look at the rich interior, flexible hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tours allow the opportunity to explore at your own pace. Visitors can also opt to combine a visit with a cruise along the Mersey, or a journey to the Liverpool Cathedral’s bell tower.

Things to Know Before You Go

Featuring one of the largest collections in England, the gallery is a must-visit for art aficionados.
The gallery is popular with all age ranges, with a space specifically curated for those under 8. It also offers pram storage and a breastfeeding-friendly atmosphere.
For those with limited time, take advantage of the combined tours to see the gallery, along with other top city attractions.
The gallery is wheelchair accessible and an autism-friendly space. It offers accessible toilets and large-print guides/menus.

How to Get There

The Walker Art Gallery is situated centrally, just a few minutes’ walk north of Lime Street Station, and northeast of Queen Square bus station, on William Brown Street. Due to traffic congestion and expensive parking in the city center, visitors traveling by road often opt for a tour that includes a convenient hop-on hop-off service.

When to Get There

The gallery opens daily year-round, except Christmas and New Year bank holidays. Morning is the optimal time for a tranquil stroll through the collection, before the lunchtime crowds arrive. Weekends in the city center are often lively, while midweek brings a quieter vibe.

Discover the Cultural Quarter

Walker Art Gallery is situated on William Brown Street, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its uniquely high concentration of public, listed buildings. Gain further insight into the city’s culture with a visit to neighboring landmarks, including St. John’s Gardens, St. George’s Hall, and the Liverpool Empire Theatre.

William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EL, England

From $ 21

Volendam

Volendam is a glimpse into the past. Here, colorful wooden houses surround a boat-filled harbor, and locals wear traditional Dutch clogs, aprons, and bonnets. Once a favorite inspiration spot for artists such as Picasso and Renoir, the village now draws visitors for its cheese, seafood, and historic atmosphere.

The Basics

Volendam is an ideal day trip destination from Amsterdam. Visit on a guided excursion and walk the maze-like streets with a local tour guide to peruse souvenir shops, seafood stalls, and quaint cafés, or delve into the town’s history at the Volendam Museum, which houses paintings, sculptures, and pottery. You can also learn about the evolution of Dutch cheese-making at the Cheese Factory and Museum, or visit a clog maker to try on traditional Dutch costumes. The surrounding countryside is also filled with charming fishing villages—get an overview of the area on a group coach or cycling tour from Amsterdam, and hit must-see spots such as the Zaanse Schans windmills, the village of Marken, and the famous cheese-making town of Edam. Or, give your experience a maritime touch by visiting Volendam on a boat tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

Don’t miss the local seafood; for a signature meal, order salmon with dill or a bouillabaisse-style seafood stew.
Much of Volendam are wheelchair accessible.
There is a tourist office on the corner of Juliana-Weg and Populierenlaan, and a tourist information stand near the waterfront.

How to Get There

Volendam is located on Gouwzee Bay, 13.5 miles (22 kilometers) northeast of Amsterdam, or 30 minutes by road. The village is easily accessible from the capital city by bus, car, or bicycle. Public car parking is available in town.

When to Get There

Though there is plenty to do year-round in Volendam, much of the village’s charm lies in its outdoor attractions, so late spring and summer are the best times to visit. Volendammer Weekend in June is especially festive, with traditional crafts and eel-smoking demonstrations, people in authentic Dutch dress, sailing competitions, and more. Winters in the Netherlands can be rainy and windy, so dress accordingly.

Things to Do Near Volendam

The historic cheese-making town of Edam is set just a few minutes inland of Volendam, and the working windmill village of Zaanse Schans is also nearby. Across the bay lies the fishing village of Marken, which can be reached by a 45-minute ferry ride. You can visit the Alkmaar cheese market from April through September. If visiting Volendam in spring, consider going to Keukenhof Gardens to see the millions of flowering seasonal bulbs.

Volendam, Netherlands

Open daily

Free

From $ 10