A grand city on a grand river, Liverpool was once a thriving home to industry and trade before post-war decline set in. Now with a rejuvenated waterfront and soundtrack by the greatest band of all, the city’s friendly character gives an added warmth to its wealth of unique attractions.

From the splendour of Pier Head and Sefton Park to the passion of its two famous football teams and the beat of the Cavern Club, Liverpool is a pulsating, happy city that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Here are a few ways to get the most out of a trip to Liverpool.

Cross the Mersey in the best way possible

You’ve probably heard the song (and yes, it does briefly get played onboard), but if you want to see Liverpool’s famous skyline in all its glory then there’s no better introduction than taking the ferry ‘cross the Mersey. Choose the River Explorer cruise and, along with the great views, you’ll also hear an expert commentary throughout the 50-minute journey pointing out less-heralded sights such as the multiclock-faced Victoria Tower and the imposing Wallasey Town Hall.

Enjoy a 360 view from Liverpool’s most famous building

Topped by its two mythical Liver Birds and boasting clock faces larger than Big Ben, the majestic Royal Liver Building on Pier Head is perhaps Liverpool’s most iconic sight.

Built in 1911, the Edwardian building soars to a height of 322 ft and it’s now possible to enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the city from its wind-whipped summit by taking the RLB360 tour. Just remember to hold onto any hats, as the strong gusts blasting in from the Mersey take no prisoners.

Learn about Liverpool's past

Despite its centuries-long, and continuing, impact on humanity there are not many museums that tell the story of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Liverpool’s International Slavery Museum, however, depicts the horrors of the slave trade and acknowledges Liverpool’s own significant role as a port city during that time.

Spread across three large rooms inside the Merseyside Maritime Museum, there is also a dedicated exhibition exploring the stories of the harrowing trans-Atlantic crossings. You won’t fully appreciate the history of Liverpool (or Britain) without a visit.

Visit two very different cathedrals

Words like yawning and cavernous don’t really do justice to the scale of Liverpool Cathedral, Britain’s largest religious building. Constructed between 1904 and 1978 in a gothic revival style, it needs to be visited for its grandeur to be appreciated. Also, don’t miss the beautiful Lady Chapel in the southeastern corner of the main building

Just a short 10-minute walk north lies Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, built for the city’s large Catholic community in the 1960s and one of Liverpool’s most distinct buildings. The outside may be eye-catching due to its conical shape but there’s plenty to see inside too. The colourful interior is striking, while downstairs the mysterious Lutyens Crypt tells the fascinating story of how this almost became the world’s second-largest cathedral.

See an iconic stadium up close

Stadium tours can often be a routine affair, but Anfield houses a whole host of fascinating stories, iconic scenes and original artefacts that take it beyond most tours of its kind.

Home to Liverpool Football Club since 1892, its passionate tour guides (especially season ticket-holding local Terry) will get you up close to the famous Kop End and into the team dressing rooms. You’ll also hear why there’s a mast of the SS Great Eastern in one corner of the stadium and how the split with fierce rival Everton occurred, dividing the city in two.

Discover Liverpool’s finest local creatives

Located inside an elegant redbrick Victorian building on the fringes of the sprawling 17-hectare Liverpool ONE shopping complex, MerseyMade is the charming antithesis to those familiar global brand names.

This friendly space is packed full of work by local artists and creatives, often proudly using distinct Liverpool iconography. They even have resident artists upstairs displaying their works; many are happy to chat and show you their studio. The Gordon Smith Cafe downstairs is a lovely spot for a coffee and a cake too.

Embrace the Fab Four

Whatever your musical tastes, you can’t come to Liverpool and pretend The Beatles never existed. Embrace the city’s most famous sons and see the sights and locations that formed and inspired the Fab Four.

While the Beatles Story is a good start for any fan, a night at the legendary Cavern Club or going to visit Penny Lane on the Magical Mystery Tour is where the fun really begins. Even better, take a tour of the Casbah Coffee Club basement to see where the Beatles played their very first gig in 1959

Escape the hum of the city in Sefton Park

Sandwiched by the neighbourhoods of Toxteth and Aigburth, Sefton Park is a vast 235-acre green space (one of many in Liverpool) that’s a world away from the bustle of the city centre.

Flat as a cricket pitch in parts, while rising and falling around charming lakes and wooded areas in others, it’s perfect for a morning or late afternoon stroll. And don’t forget to check out the impressive Grade-II listed Palm House and the bronze and marble statues of explorers of the natural world such as Charles Darwin and Carl Linnaeus.

Eat out in Lark Lane

If you’re taking a walk around the leafy climes of Sefton Park, there’s no better way to enjoy some post-walk refreshment than to finish amid the bright pubs, cafes and restaurants of Lark Lane.

In fact, you don’t really need any excuse to head out to this vibrant Aigburth street. Whether it’s eating Turkish BBQ at Elif or simply relaxing with a pint at traditional corner pub The Albert, Lark Lane is one of Liverpool’s liveliest neighbourhood quarters.

Tour the Georgian Quarter’s historic pubs

Speaking of quarters, the city’s Georgian Quarter is a well-preserved window into the past that’s now one of Liverpool’s most pleasant areas. With its handsome townhouses evoking the wealth of its status as a booming port city, these charming streets are a treat to stroll.

Drop into a few of its historic pubs, such as the ornate Peter Kavanagh’s or The Grapes on Roscoe Street. Located just off Hope Street, Ye Cracke was a favourite of John Lennon during his art school days.

Get crafty in the Baltic Triangle

While being the proud owner of some of the UK’s most ornate Victorian pubs, Liverpool hasn’t been afraid to move with the times, boasting a number of superb craft ale taprooms today.

Deep in the heart of the Baltic Triangle’s industrial chic, the likes of Love Lane Brewery and Black Lodge Brewing are home to cool airy spaces and fine craft beer. Though the pick of the bunch has to be the weird and wonderful Hobo Kiosk on Jamaica Street. With its bizarre decor and gregarious owners, this downstairs hideout guarantees good times.

Bring out your radical side at News from Nowhere

With bookshelf genres such as ‘anti-capitalism’, ‘radical futures’ and ‘questioning gender’, you know that News from Nowhere isn’t your average Waterstones. Offering the finest in alternative literature since 1974, this not-for-profit community bookshop fits perfectly within Bold Street’s independent stores and businesses.

As well as books, they also sell equally radical t-shirts, postcards and mugs if you want to display your convictions as well as read about them.

Feel the wind at Crosby Beach

If you want to escape the city for the day, perhaps head up to the soft sands of Crosby Beach for one of the UK’s most interesting landscapes. Looking out toward the Irish Sea, it’s particularly stunning at sunset though the beach is most famous for another reason.

Pockmarked by Antony Gormley’s 100 cast iron figures as part of his Another Place sculptures, Gormley’s work makes the view at Crosby Beach at once arresting and beautiful.

Explore The Bluecoat

Not only is Liverpool’s oldest building one of its prettiest, but The Bluecoat is also a quirky contemporary arts centre that’s home to several independent shops, a busy cafe and a peaceful back garden.

Located on School Lane in Liverpool’s busy shopping heart and dating back to 1716, it’s a fine place to escape the bustle and uncover unusual finds in the likes of Kernaghan Books. A rustic bookstore in the pleasant courtyard, its enticing old shelves are packed with out of print and secondhand books.

Look up

Second only to London for having the most listed buildings in the UK, one of the more striking things about a walk through Liverpool is the grandeur of its architecture. With the city’s well-documented economic struggles during the 1970s and 1980s, it’s easy to forget how powerful Liverpool once was.

While the “Three Graces” on Pier Head ( Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building) garner much of the attention, check out some of the neoclassical architecture around Lime Street Station (itself impressive) such as the World Museum and St George’s Hall.

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Picture the scene: you’re gliding along a road curling around a snowy hillside. On your right, a steep, rocky slope, the top shrouded in fog. On your left, the surf beats against vertical cliffs, with sea birds circling overhead. Before you, the crystal blue waters of yet another fjord stretches out to the horizon.

Driving in Iceland is a dreamy experience, and having your own set of wheels offers the freedom to explore the country at your own pace. To this end, there’s no better feeling than heading out and seeing where the road takes you. But, should you require a little more structure to your overland odyssey, we’ve selected eight unforgettable Iceland road trips to get you started.

The Blue Diamond

Start/End – Keflavík International Airport; Distance – approx 50-70 miles (75-115 km)

From Keflavík International Airport, the Blue Diamond tourist route loops around the otherworldly lava landscapes of Reykjanes Peninsula, through quiet seaside villages and the wondrous Reykjanes Geopark, recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2015.

Nowhere else are the borders between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates as visible. All around are signs of geothermal and volcanic activity: the milky blue waters of Blue Lagoon steam into the sky, while the ongoing volcanic eruption in Geldingadalir (which began in March 2021 and is still happening; there’s even a live feed!) continues to wow visitors.

There are many more discoveries to be made on the route, including the windswept shore by Reykjanes lighthouse and Kleifarvatn lake (home, according to legend, to a wormlike monster the size of a whale), and there’s a myriad of hiking trails. You can do a roundtrip in less than a day, but it’s worth staying for a few days to fully explore the region.

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Alternative Golden Circle

Start/End – Reykjavík; Distance – approx 140 miles (225 km)

For a different take on the Golden Circle – Iceland’s most popular day tour – try Nesjavallaleið (Road 435) which is open in the summer. It slings through moss-covered lava landscapes and up and down steep hills, with a breathtaking view of Þingvallavatn lake in the distance. Along the road are quite a few marked hiking trails, beckoning roadtrippers to temporarily ditch the car and get up-close-and-personal with the stunning landscape.

Puffs of steam are the telltale sign that you’re approaching Nesjavallavirkjum Power Plant and the exclusive ION Adventure Hotel. The road continues along placid lakes, including Úlfljótsvatn with a lonely church on its banks. You drive through a summer house region – where city dwellers go for weekend breaks – and then onto the main road past the perfectly-circular Kerið crater lake, one of the obligatory Golden Circle stops.

After gawking at Gullfoss waterfall and spying Geysir (from which all other geysers take their name!), you can drive back via Þingvellir National Park with a quick visit to the curious caves houses of Laugarvatnshellar. Bookworms should also consider making a stop at Gljúfrasteinn museum in Mosfellsdalur. The museum is the former home of prominent Icelandic writer Halldór Laxness, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1955.

Remote East Fjords

Start/End – Egilsstaðir; Distance – approx 510 miles (820 km)

Set up camp in Egilsstaðir and you’ll be in prime position to uncover the magical East Fjords. First, visit the village of Vopnafjörður, home to Selárlaug, a swimming pool on the banks of a salmon-filled river, which is also popular for fishing. In summer, you could cross the spectacular mountain pass Hellisheiði eystri (Road 917) to get here – but with its narrow and steep gravel road, it’s not for the faint hearted.

Regardless, take the easy way back (Road 85 and Road 1) to Borgarfjörður eystri, and recharge at the village of Bakkagerði with a hotel and spa, puffing watching house and popular music festival Bræðslan, held in July. It’s also a good base for hiking in the stunning surroundings, with the trek to Stórurð, a turquoise lake enclaved by massive boulders, a particularly popular route.

You must return to Egilsstaðir before moving on to the next fjords on the route: Eskifjörður and Neskaupstaður. Here, the maritime heritage of this region is honored in elegantly renovated historic houses: Randulfssjóhús in Eskifjörður and Beituskúrinn in Neskaupstaður; both of which now function as excellent, atmospheric restaurants. Drive back through Fáskrúðsfjörður to Stöðvarfjörður, where Petra’s Stone Collection museum amazes, showcasing the sheer variety of minerals that can be found in the mountains in the country’s east. From here, it’s a straight run back to Egilsstaðir for the last time – remember to watch out for reindeer!

The Best of the West by road and ferry

Start/End – Reykjavík; Distance – approx 475 miles (765 km)

On the way to the Westfjord from Reykjavík, you’ll drive through the rural region of Dalir. Here, dairy farm Erpsstaðir makes for a great first pitstop on the journey, where you can learn about traditional farming life and sample the homemade cheeses and other treats. There are also a number of historical sites nearby, including Eiríksstaðir, a living museum about life in the Viking era, and Guðrúnarlaug, the replica of the pool where the beautiful heroine of Laxdæla saga (one of the famous medieval Icelandic sagas) used to bathe.

Leaving Dalir in the rearview mirror, the first Westfjordian town you’ll reach is Reykhólar, home to Sjávarböðin, a spa specialising in seaweed baths (said to have all manner of healing properties). From here, the drive along the peninsula’s southern coast on steep gravel roads is both awe-inspiring and borderline scary, but your reward is a stroll on red-sand beach Rauðasandur and the view from Látrabjarg, Iceland’s westernmost point. Látrabjarg is also a haven for birdlife, with thousands of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills and guillemots, nesting in the cliffs.

You can take the ferry from Brjánslækur back, via Flatey, an idyllic island which seems to be frozen in time. It used to be the bustling center of the Breiðafjörður islands, but today, only seven people live there year-round. From here, the ferry takes you onwards to Stykkishólmur on Snæfellsnes, entering via a beautiful harbour overlooked by a distant lighthouse. It’s a view that might tempt you to stay a while; if you do, make sure to check out the Library of Water, a modern art museum, and sample the locally-sourced seafood on offer at Sjávarpakkhúsið.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Start/End – Reykjavík; Distance – approx 275 miles (440 km)

In clear weather you can see the alluring ice cap Snæfellsjökull from Reykjavík. The drive there is an adventure with ever-changing landscapes. You’ll find sand and pebble beaches, volcanoes, a glacier and rhyolite mountains, lava fields and grassy terrain, caves, bird-filled cliffs and waterfalls.

The peninsula’s southern side is graced by white-sand beach Löngufjörur, a hotspot for horseback riding, the otherworldly lava landscape around Búðir and the many wonders of Snæfellsjökull National Park.

On the northern side there are charming fishing villages and Kirkjufell, one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains – particularly popular when the northern lights are out. Although it’s possible to do a whirlwind tour of Snæfellsnes in a day, you can easily spend a few: hiking, bird watching, sailing or simply taking in the views of the immense glacier.

Ring Road plus Kjölur

Start/End – Reykjavík; Distance – approx 856 miles (1,378 km)

Spice up your Ring Road (Route 1) adventure by cutting through the barren interior of the country. Road 35, which splinters off from Route 1 past Gullfoss waterfall, continues along the ancient Kjölur route between glaciers Langjökull and Hofsjökull. It’s an F-road, so it requires a 4x4 vehicle and is only open in the summer, but it is not as difficult as some of the other highland routes (for example, there are no river crossings.)

Around the halfway point is Hveravellir, an oasis of sorts in the snowy desert landscape, with a lodge, natural pool for bathing and a multicolor geothermal area with marked hiking trails, including to Kerlingarfjöll mountains. You enter the Ring Road again about an hour’s drive from Akureyri, the “capital” of the north, which is great for catching up on some culture, visiting galleries or having a night on the town (with at least three bars to choose from!)

The Ring Road will take you from fjord to fjord, past eerie mountains and into quiet seaside villages. Fáskrúðsfjörður is known for a museum which honors the legacy French sailors, located inside the beautifully renovated French hospital. In Breiðdalsvík drop by microbrewery Beljandi (named after a waterfall by the same name) and in Djúpivogur take a look at the granite egg sculptures in Gleðivík by renowned artist Sigurður Guðmundsson.

Diamond Circle

Start/End – Húsavík; Distance – approx 155 miles (250 km)

North Iceland’s answer to the Golden Circle is the Diamond Circle. Make your base in the whale watching town of Húsavík and head east to Ásbyrgi at the northern realms of Vatnajökull National Park. The horseshoe shaped canyon is characterized by vertical cliffs – walk to the top of Eyjan for an amazing view of the sand beaches to the north and the North Atlantic. This is gyrfalcon territory, the largest falcon in the world, so keep an eye out for the majestic raptors.

With its lovely lake, lava fields, steaming fumaroles and bubbling hot springs, the Mývatn area is an obligatory stop on the drive back to Húsavík. Take time to marvel at the mighty Goðafoss waterfall in Skjálfandafljót. It’s called “waterfall of the gods” because legend has it that the lawspeaker (a role in ancient Scandinavian society where someone is entrusted to recite the law) Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði threw his pagan sculptures in the falls after deciding that Icelanders should convert to Christianity in 1000AD. Further upstream is Aldeyjarfoss, another spectacular waterfall surrounded by columnar basalt.

Don’t forget to reserve some time for Húsavík itself, a bustling town with interesting museums and fabulous seafood restaurants. Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths are perched up on Húsavíurhöfði next to a yellow lighthouse with an unobstructed view of the whale watching boats on Skjálfandi bay.

Arctic Coast Way

Start – Hvammstangi; End – Bakkafjörður; Distance – approx 560 miles (900 km)

Designed for slow travel, the Arctic Coast Way slings along Iceland’s northern coastline, encompassing sleepy villages, six islands and amazing natural sites few people get to see. The route starts at the seal-watching town Hvammstangi in Northwest Iceland and ends in windblown Bakkafjörður in the northeast. On route, drivers will encounter dramatic views, lonely lighthouses, and some interesting stories.

At Þrístapar, you can learn about the gruesome fate of Agnes Magnúsdóttir, the heroine of Hannah Kent’s Burial Rites who was the last woman executed in Iceland. At Brimslóð in Blönduós, there’s the option to go foraging for your dinner, and in Skagaströnd have your fortune told at the museum of Þórdís the Prophetess. In summer, the midnight sun bounces off the ocean surface, and in winter, the northern lights dance across the night sky in between blinking stars – far from light pollution.

Other interesting stops include Hvítserkur sea stack, the massive Arctic Henge in Raufarhöfn, an ancient stone monument inspired by Norse mythology, and the gannet colony at Stóri Karl on Langanes. Take your time to explore on foot, or book whale watching, kayaking or diving tours for a different perspective of this wild coastal region.

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This article was first published in October 2020.

8 unforgettable road trips in Iceland

After an 18-month ban on most inbound travel, the US will relax its stringent border rules on November 8, allowing vaccinated travelers to enter. Here's what you need to know about the new travel policy.

The US closed its borders to most travelers back in March 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. While many countries around the world have loosened their restrictions around international travel—including neighboring Canada, which has lifted entry restrictions for vaccinated American and international tourists—the US had lagged behind on easing its strict border policy. However, this is set to change next month.

When will travel restrictions be lifted?

The White House will introduce a new policy that will allow for many vaccinated international travelers to visit the US, beginning on November 8.

On Friday, White House Assistant Press Secretary, Kevin Munoz, tweeted an update on the policy, noting: "The US’ new travel policy that requires vaccination for foreign national travelers to the United States will begin on Nov 8. This announcement and date applies to both international air travel and land travel. This policy is guided by public health, stringent, and consistent".

Who can then travel to the US?

At present, travelers who, in the last 14 days, have been in the UK, European Schengen Zone, Republic of Ireland, China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa and India, are barred from the US with few exceptions. But that will change from November 8 when the US will permit all fully vaccinated international travelers to enter by air, provided they show proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of traveling to the US. The US will also open its land borders with Canada and Mexico to vaccinated visitors, however a negative COVID-19 test will not be required, according to the CBC.

Travelers will have to wear a mask throughout their journey and provide their telephone number and email address as part of a new contract-tracing system for inbound travelers.

Read more: England updates international travel rules with a "new, clearer system"

What about returning vaccinated Americans?

Fully vaccinated Americans will only need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before traveling to the US by air, as per CDC guidelines.

What about returning unvaccinated Americans?

US citizens and permanent residents who are not fully vaccinated will still be able to enter the US by air, but they will need to be tested within 24 hours of flight departure time, and undergo testing upon arrival.

What vaccines does the US accept for travel?

The CDC accepts vaccines authorised by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which currently include the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson jabs. The government also announced it will allow vaccines approved by the World Health Organisation for emergency use such as AstraZeneca, which is widely used throughout Europe, and China’s Sinovac.

Will I need a health pass?

Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test are increasingly required for aspects of daily life in the US, such as eating indoors, going to a museum or tourist site, or attending concerts and large events. But the patchwork of rules surrounding these passes can be a little confusing, particularly as there is no standardized system in the US. So what you need and where you're expected to use it depends on where you're going.

In New York City, for example, proof of vaccination is required to dine or drink indoors at restaurants, bars and cafes; and to visit gyms, fitness classes, theaters and other entertainment venues. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result are needed to gain entry to similar venues in New Orleans, and in O'ahu and Maui in Hawaii.

In California, proof of vaccination is required across many indoor venues in San Francisco and in Los Angeles County. It's also needed to visit theme parks such as Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags.

There are other cities and counties across the US where proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is required as a condition of entry, so always check ahead before planning any travel. As a tourist, you'll need to have proof of vaccination to enter the US regardless,  so it's a good idea to keep that proof with you at all times to reduce the risk of being denied entry to certain places.

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The US will open to vaccinated travelers on November 8 

One of the world's most popular travel destinations, France is the land of love, fine wine, gratifying gastronomy and landmarks that feature on pretty much every bucket list. If you haven't been to France, so they say, you haven't lived.

There's so much to take in: world-class art and architecture; gorgeous beaches; medieval market towns; vibrant cities; Renaissance châteaux; phenomenal cuisine; sprawling vineyards; magnificent landscapes; and the mountain wonders of the Alps and Pyrennes. So how do you decide where to go on your visit to France? To help you plan your trip, here are the country's highlights.

Paris

The city of Paris is awash with world-class landmarks that need no introduction – the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe and Sacré-Cœur among them, along with a trove of smaller specialist museums and galleries. More than six million people visit the Eiffel Tower annually, and a visit is magical, whether you come for an evening ascent amid twinkling lights over a flute of Champagne or a lazy lunch in one of its restaurants.

But a just-as-integral part of Paris' attraction is simply flânerie – city strolling without any particular goal in mind. You'll discover lesser-known sights, from laid-back parks and hidden squares to vibrant street art and cute bars and brasseries, with plenty of surprises along the way.

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Mont St-Michel, Normandy

The dramatic play of tides on this abbey-island in Normandy is magical and mysterious. The rich history and legends of Mont St-Michel can be keenly felt as you make your way across the bridge – or barefoot across rippled sand – to its stunning architectural ensemble. Celtic mythology marks this spot as a tomb for the souls of the dead, and subsequent Christian residents topped the island with soaring abbey spires.

When the tide is out, you can walk all the way around Mont St-Michel, a distance of about 0.6 miles (1km), with a guide (doing so on your own is very risky). The Mont’s one main street, the Grande Rue, leads up the slope to the abbey, passing souvenir stores and places to eat. Be prepared for lots of steps, some of them spiral – it’s one of the least accessible sites in France.

Chamonix

Mountains loom large almost everywhere you look in Chamonix, the birthplace of mountaineering and a famous winter playground to the rich, famous and not-so-famous. At this iconic French Alps ski resort, snow-sports fiends fly down slopes on skis or boards, surrounded by breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and surrounding mountains. But there's absolutely no obligation to take to the pistes: nonskiers can hop aboard the Aiguille du Midi cable car – and onwards to Italy aboard the Télécabine Panoramique Mont Blanc – for the ride of a lifetime above 3800m. In the summer months, enjoy hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails.

The Normandy Beaches

A trip to the thought-provoking D-Day Beaches is one of France's most emotional journeys. From the coastal port of Le Havre, you can follow the shoreline past broad stretches of fine sand and breeze-blown bluffs that echoed with a cacophony of gunfire and explosions during WWII. The Normandy landings were the largest seaborne invasion in history – and one of the most tragic. While you try to comprehend the vastness of what happened here, roam north to Étretat for some peaceful contemplation amongst the chalk cliffs and arches.

The most famous of the D-Day beaches, Omaha Beach, is backed by long rows of symmetrical gravestones at the Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial – a solemn, silent testament to the profound price paid for France's liberation from Nazi tyranny. Caen ’s Le Mémorial and Bayeux ’ Musée Mémorial provide comprehensive overviews of the events of D-Day. Dozens of villages near the landing beaches also have museums focusing on local events.

Carcassonne

Perched on a rocky hilltop and bristling with zigzag battlements, stout walls and spiky turrets, the fortified city of Carcassonne in the Languedoc looks like something out of a children’s storybook. A Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997, it’s most people’s idea of the perfect medieval castle – that first glimpse of it is enough to make your hair stand on end.

To properly savor this fairy-tale walled city, linger at dusk after the crowds have left, when the old town belongs to its 100 or so inhabitants and the few visitors staying at the handful of lovely hotels within its ramparts. Don't forget to look back when you leave to view the old city, beautifully illuminated, glowing in the warm night.

Champagne

Famous-name Champagne houses in the main towns of Reims and Épernay are celebrated the world over. But much of Champagne 's finest liquid gold is created by passionate, small-scale vignerons (winegrowers) in drop-dead-gorgeous villages. Exploring the region's scenic routes by bike or car is by far the loveliest way to sample fine bubbly, in a landscape of rolling vineyards.

Cellar visits reveal the magical processes – governed by the strictest of rules – that transform the world’s most pampered pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay grapes into this Unesco World Heritage-listed region’s most fabled wines. Explore the region’s best Champagne museum, the Musée de la Vigne et du Vin, in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, followed by a tasting and lunch in the village at Le Mesnil.

The Loire Valley

If it's aristocratic pomp and architectural splendor you're after, the regal Loire Valley is the place to linger. The valley is riddled with beautiful châteaux sporting glittering turrets and ballrooms, lavish cupolas and chapels. To be blinded by brilliance, you can’t miss the big three: François I’s country extravaganza Chambord; Renaissance-era, river-spanning Chenonceau; and the supremely graceful – and superbly furnished – Cheverny.

If you're a hopeless romantic seeking the perfect fairy-tale castle, head for moat-ringed Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry and its gardens, and less-visited Château de Beauregard. Flowing for more than 620 miles (1000km) into the Atlantic Ocean, the Loire is one of France's last fleuves sauvages (untamed rivers) and its banks provide a 1000-year snapshot of French high society.

Nice and the Three Corniches

With its mix of real-city grit, old-world opulence, year-round sunshine, vibrant street life and stunning sand, Nice is extraordinary. Officially there are 25 named beaches strung out along the Baie des Anges, some of which are free, others of which are for paying sun-seekers only. One of the best ways to appreciate the coastline is outside the city on the drive between Nice and Monaco, one of France's best road trips.

The Three Corniches is a dramatic trio of coastal roads, each one higher and more winding than the next, but all offering absorbing views of the sweeping blue sea fringing Europe's most mythical coastline. It's impossible to drive this route without conjuring up cinematic images of Grace Kelly, Alfred Hitchcock, the glitz of Riviera high life, and the glamour of the Monaco set. To make a perfect day out of it, shop for a picnic at the Cours Saleya morning market before leaving Nice.

Lyon

Outstanding museums, a dynamic cultural life, busy clubbing and drinking scenes, a thriving university and fantastic shopping lend Lyon a distinctly sophisticated air. Lyon is also celebrated as the gastronomic capital of France (though many other cities also claim the crown). Adventurous gourmands can indulge in their wildest foodie fantasies – you won't want to leave the city without sampling some Lyonnais specialties in a bouchon (small bistro). Local cuisine together with quaint culinary customs, such as totting up the bill on the paper tablecloth, or serving wine in a glass bottle wrapped with an elastic band to stop drips, make Lyon's bouchons unique even in foodie France.

Pont du Gard, Nîmes

Southern France has no shortage of superb Roman sites, but nothing can top the Unesco World Heritage-listed Pont du Gard, which lies about one mile (2km) south of the village of Vers-Pont-du-Gard. One of the most impressive surviving Roman ruins in Europe, this exceptionally well-preserved aqueduct is simply remarkable. Thirty-five arches straddle the Roman aqueduct's 275m-long upper tier, containing a watercourse that was designed to carry 20,000 cubic meters of water per day.

At the visitors center on the northern bank, there's an impressive, high-tech museum explaining more about the bridge, the aqueduct and the role of water in Roman society. View the bridge from afloat a canoe on the River Gard and take your swimming gear for some daredevil diving and high jumping from the rocks nearby. Pont du Gard is an easy day trip from towns such as Nîmes, Uzès and Avignon, but there are also places to stay within walking distance.

Dune du Pilat, Pyla-sur-Mer

It is for one reason alone that most people venture to pretty Pyla-sur-Mer: to excitedly scamper up, and frolic on, the curvaceous sands of Europe's largest sand dune. The Dune du Pilat is a "mountain" that has to be climbed, and gleefully romped down at speed. Not only is the coastal panorama from the top a stunner – ogle at the Banc d'Arguin bird reserve and Cap Ferret across the bay – but nearby beaches have some of the Atlantic Coast's best surf. Cycle here from Arcachon and feast afterward on locally farmed oysters and crepinettes (local sausages) at place-to-be-seen La Co(o)rniche.

Alsatian Wine Route

The Route des Vins d'Alsace is one of France's most popular drives – and for good reason. Starting from Strasbourg, you can meander through a kaleidoscope of lush green vines, perched castles and gentle mist-covered mountains. The only pit stops en route are half-timbered villages and roadside wine cellars, where fruity Alsace vintages can be swirled, tasted and bought. To be truly wooed, drive the Route in fall (autumn) when vines are heavy with grapes waiting to be harvested and colors are at their vibrant best.

Carnac's megaliths

Spreading out across the plains inland from the Baie de Quiberon, the megaliths of Carnac are one of the great wonders of the ancient world – a huge complex of ancient stone alignments, constructed by Neolithic people between 5000 BCE and 3500 BCE. The best way to appreciate the stones' sheer numbers is to walk or bike between the Ménec and Kerlescan groups. Pedaling past open fields dotted with these mysterious standing stones raises some fascinating questions about Brittany 's ancient human inhabitants.

No one knows for sure what inspired these gigantic structures to be built. A sun god? Some phallic fertility cult? Find out more at the Maison des Mégalithes in Carnac. Afterward, mull over the mystery on La Grande Plage, Carnac’s longest and most popular beach, with a 2km-long stretch of pearly white sand.

Southern France's hilltop villages

Impossibly perched on a rocky peak above the Mediterranean, gloriously lost in the backcountry, fortified or château-topped… The portfolio of villages perchés dotted around the Luberon massif is vast and impressive. Exploring these loft settlements calls for go-slow touring on foot, by bicycle or car. Most villages are medieval, built from golden stone and riddled with cobbled lanes, flower-filled alleys and hidden squares silent but for the glug of a fountain.

You'll find spellbinding views of the Med and windy pebbled lanes in magical Èze near Nice, while sand-colored Gordes is arguably the most dramatic of all the Luberon's hillside villages. Combine a village visit with lunch alfresco – Restaurant Dan B near Aix-en-Provence is one dreamy address that you'll never want to leave.

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With its lively streets layered with history, just walking around Istanbul is an attraction in itself. You can feast on street food for pocket change or visit the city’s marvelous mosques, markets and parks for no cost at all.

Here are the best free things to see and do in Istanbul, Turkey’s largest metropolis.

1. Süleymaniye Mosque

Splendid Ottoman-era mosques, all free to visit, top the historic seven hills of Istanbul's Old City and adorn many streets. The elegant Süleymaniye Mosque is the finest of them all, with a grand complex of buildings around it, and an impressive perch overlooking the Golden Horn.

2. Rüstem Paşa Mosque

Tucked away in the bustling market streets of Eminönü, the intimate Rüstem Paşa Mosque boasts wonderfully rich tile work. As with all mosques, non-worshippers should avoid going inside at prayer times, which are displayed near the entrance. All visitors must dress modestly, and women must cover their heads.

3. Gülhane Park

Two favorite local pastimes are picnicking and promenading, and there are some lovely parks and gardens in Istanbul open to the public. With its stately old trees and winding paths, Gülhane Park – once part of the Topkapı Palace gardens – is particularly beautiful.

4. Aqueduct of Valens

The 4th-century Aqueduct of Valens once carried water into Istanbul and is still an impressive sight, towering over a multi-lane roadway. The Women's Bazaar that sits in its shadow is a colorful neighbourhood square lined with popular kebab restaurants.

5. Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar

Often referred to as the world’s oldest mall, the Grand Bazaar sprawls over 61 covered and maze-like streets. The best exploring is in the crumbling hans (caravanserais) along its fringes where a few artisans still ply their long-practiced trades. Alternatively, get a sense of vibrant local life in the streets behind the Spice Bazaar in Eminönü.

6. Wednesday Market in Fatih

Traditional weekly street markets retain a loyal following, despite the proliferation of modern malls and grocery stores. The Wednesday Market in Fatih, which tumbles through the streets surrounding the Fatih Mosque, is among the biggest and best. On Saturdays, head to Feriköy for Turkey’s first organic bazaar.

7. Kadıköy Produce Market

A stroll through the Kadıköy Produce Market, a lively strip of mostly open-air shops near the ferry port, makes for great photographic opportunities, with its colorful, carefully arranged displays of olives, produce, dried fruit and nuts, fish, cheese, pickles and more.

8. Church of St. Stephen of the Bulgars

Istanbul has a number of still-functioning Christian churches, many with great historical significance. Perhaps the most distinctive is the Church of St. Stephen of the Bulgars, built from cast-iron pieces shipped in from Vienna. The nearby Patriarchal Church of St. George is the symbolic headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Church.

9. Hünkâr Kasrı

This private pavilion used by the sultan during his visits to the Yeni Cami (New Mosque) is resplendent with tiles, carpets, inlaid wood and stained glass. Access to the Hünkâr Kasrı is through a long enclosed ramp behind the mosque.

10. Pera Museum

Well-curated temporary exhibitions of contemporary art and a fine collection of Turkish Orientalist paintings are the draws at the Pera Museum, which offers free admission every Friday between 6pm and 10pm.

11. Eyüp Sultan Mosque

One of the most sacred sites in the city, Eyüp Sultan Mosque is surrounded by grand tomb complexes and a leafy cemetery stretching up the hillside, affording fine views of the Golden Horn from the top.

12. SALT Galata

Housed in the beautifully restored former headquarters of the Imperial Ottoman Bank, SALT Galata is a cultural center and library that hosts exhibitions and special events. Its sister institution up the hill, SALT Beyoğlu, is worth a visit too.

13. Beyoğlu art galleries

Istanbul’s vibrant contemporary art scene is on display throughout the Beyoğlu district. A range of intriguing galleries and cultural centers – including Mesher, Akbank Art, DEPO, Galerist, Galata Rum Okulu, Mixer and Anna Laudel – host rotating exhibitions that can be visited for free.

14. Yıldız Park

Well-kept paths, plenty of trees and some charming Ottoman-era pavilions make hilly Yıldız Park in Beşiktaş a lovely place for a picnic or a stroll. Further up the Bosporus, Emirgan Park is especially popular during the Istanbul Tulip Festival each April, when millions of bulbs planted around the city bloom in a riot of colors. Maçka Park in Şişli is a favorite place for locals to while away a sunny weekend afternoon.

15. Istanbul Research Institute

From urban planning to street animals, the Istanbul Research Institute presents different, often lesser-known, aspects of the city’s history through exhibitions that draw on its rich archival collection. The nearby Koç University Research Centre for Anatolian Civilizations does similarly with Turkey’s archaeological heritage.

16. Aşiyan Museum

The sweeping panorama of the Bosporus may be its most eye-popping feature, but the Aşiyan Museum also offers a glimpse into early 20th-century upper-class life in Istanbul. Full of vintage furniture and photographs, this sweet little house-museum was once home to noted poet Tevfik Fikret.

17. Şerefiye Sarnıcı

Two underground cisterns (underground water storage) dating back to Byzantine times can be visited for free in Sultanahmet. One is the restored Şerefiye Sarnıcı (Theodosius Cistern), opened in 2018, which sometimes hosts concerts and art exhibitions. The other can be found in the basement of the Nakkaş carpet store.

18. Turkish Hamam Culture Museum

You won’t get a scrub, but you will get an insight into the hamam (Turkish bath) tradition at the Turkish Hamam Culture Museum, where bathing accessories and depictions of the ritual are displayed in the restored chambers of an early-16th-century bath.

19. Hippodrome

Not much remains of the Byzantines’ old chariot-racing venue, but the historic Hippodrome in Sultanahmet is still an evocative place to take a stroll.

20. Beyazıt State Library

The oldest and largest library in Istanbul, the architecturally impressive Beyazıt State Library is worth a peek for its multi-domed reading room and artful restoration blending old and new.

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Small as it is, Florence looms large on the world's 'must-sees' list – primarily for its positively indecent treasure chest of Renaissance art.

With priceless statues, sculptures and architecture to rival the finest Botticelli littering practically every street corner, the Tuscan city is a living museum. When you fancy a real museo, these are our favorites.

Galleria degli Uffizi: best Italian Renaissance art

This world-class art museum is a Florentine rite of passage. Lapping up the energizing vibe – buskers, mime artists, singers, selfie-wheeling tourists – in the elongated courtyard by the entrance is as much part of the experience as losing your mind in the 16th-century palace’s gargantuan maze of 100-odd rooms.

The gallery spans Ancient Greece to 18th-century Venice, but its USP is the world’s largest collection of Italian Renaissance art. Quirks include the Corridoio Vasariano, a 1km-long elevated passageway linking the Uffizi with Palazzo Pitti across the river (to open May 2022); and the sustainability-driven Uffizi Diffusi project which is ‘scattering’ Uffizi masterpieces across less-trodden galleries in Tuscany to a bid to share Florence’s heavy tourist load.

Manifattura Tabacchi: best ‘non-museum’

Convention flies out the window at this contemporary arts center, an exciting regeneration project inside a 1930s tobacco-processing plant and cigarette factory near the main city park. Counter-culture art, fashion and design exhibitions in its rolling NAM (Not a Museum) arts program are a brilliant antithesis of anything you’ll ever see in Florence’s ancient centro historico (historical center); pockets of the massive complex could be a street-art museum.

Experiential exhibits in some of the 16 hangars already restored – Manifattura Tabacchi is very much a work-in-progress – include cutting your own 4-minute vinyl or USB key in a factory elevator-turned-studio, arts-and-crafts workshops led by resident creatives, and craft-beer sessions. Architecture buffs, note: the complex is a sensational example of Italian Rationalist architecture. Watch for more edgy spaces to open in 2022, including central hub The Factory.

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Museo delle Capelle Medicee: best Medici bling

For serious glitzy razzle-dazzle hit the Medici Chapels Museum, the burial place of the Medici dynasty since 1429. So excessive is the Medici bling, it’s hard not to ogle in disbelief at the conceited riot of polychrome marbles, granite and glittering semi-precious stones adorning the funerary tombs in the mausoleum and crypts. No less than 49 dynasty members are buried here, a trio of which slumber in the shadow of haunting, voluptuous funerary sculptures depicting Dawn and Dusk, Night and Day and Madonna and Child by Renaissance maestro Michelangelo.

Save euros with a 72hr-pass covering entry to the Capelle Medicee, Museo del Bargello, Palazzo Davanzati, Casa Martelli and unusual church-turned-grain market Chiesa e Museo di Orsanmichele.

Museo degli Innocenti: best post-museum drinks

It’s impossible for your curiosity not to be piqued by the shiny sky-blue, glazed-terracotta medallions of swaddled babies peppering the facade of Florence’s former Ospedale degli Innocenti. The round arches and Roman capitals designed by Brunelleschi (yes, of cathedral cupola fame) in 1421 make this the first Renaissance building in Florence. Inside, state-of-the-art museum exhibits bring to life the moving tale of Florence’s foundling hospital – and later Europe's first orphanage – where unwanted children were cared for from 1421 until 1875.

End with coffee or an aperitivo as the sun turns the city pink on the panoramic terrace of the museum’s gorgeous rooftop Caffé del Verone, the hospital’s verone (drying room) where washed linen was hung to dry.

Galleria dell’Accademia: best celebrity nudes

A queue often marks the door to this gallery, purpose-built to house the world’s most famous nude (buy tickets in advance online to cut queue time). Any wait is worth it. Michelangelo sculpted David from a single block of marble in 1501-04 and the subtle detail – the veins in his sinewy arms, the leg muscles, the change in expression as you pace around the statue – is bewitching.

Closeup, there is no denying the nude boy warrior's incongruously large head and hands, and small penis. The 5.2m-tall sculpture (17ft) was originally intended to stand up high on a cathedral buttress in the apse, from where his head and hands would have appeared in perfect proportion. Why the small penis? In classical art a large or even normal-sized packet was not deemed elegant, hence the daintier size. Michelangelo’s unfinished Prigioni (Prisoners; 1523-23) are other nudes worth contemplation.

Museo dell’Opera del Duomo: best for cathedral history

No museum provides such gargantuan insight and essential background into Florence’s celebrity cathedral complex starring the Duomo with its iconic flame-red cupola (don’t miss the climb inside), standalone bell tower and baptistery. The awe-inspiring story is told through a mesmerizing collection of priceless sacred and liturgical treasures – this is as much a showcase of extraordinary Florentine craftsmanship as a history lesson.

A spectacular life-sized reconstruction of the duomo’s original facade, ripped down in the 16th century, looms large in the main hall. The restored, 14th- and 15th-century gilded-bronze doors from the baptistery, carved in mind-blowing detail to illustrate biblical tales, take your breath away. Further in the museum, Michelangelo's powerfully emotive La Pietà – sculpted when he was almost 80 and intended for his own tomb – is a complete heartbreaker.

Palazzo Strozzi: best for families

Whether you have art-curious kids or not, the attention-grabbing contemporary art at this 15th-century Renaissance palazzo captures everyone’s interest. Themed hands-on workshops and tours aimed squarely at families accompany each blockbuster exhibition: immersive games, activities and imaginative narratives plunge families into the vibrant world of Jeff Koons, modern American artists, contemporary French artist JR, all sorts.

Strozzi’s elegant interior courtyard is a trendy spot to linger with locals and the café-bar beneath its arches is a buzzy spot for coffee, Tuscan wine, cocktail-fueled aperitivi and the finest iced cappuccino in town.

Museo Villoresi: best for artisan craftsmanship

Adding a heady note to any museum day, the Museo Villoresi explores the world of artisanal perfumery with interactive digital exhibits, olfactory booths, short films and a scent library. Intimate tours (book in advance online) end in a gloriously sweet-smelling terrace garden, perfumed with 80 different types of aromatic plants, trees and herbs – lemons, bergamot, yuzu, roses, jasmine, frangipane, laurel, olive, cypress and iris.

The museum is at home in the 15th-century family palazzo of Florentine perfumer Lorenzo Villoresi whose bespoke fragrances really do evoke the Tuscan countryside, garden and seaside – bottled in utterly irresistible, vintage-glass vaporizers for you to buy in the adjoining boutique and take home.

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If your Mediterranean fantasy involves balmy days on sandy beaches, beside sapphire waters, with views of medieval city walls, Croatia ticks all the boxes. The Adriatic Coast is dotted with sandy beaches, rocky headlands and famous walled cities from the height of the Venetian empire.  It's the very vision of the Mediterranean, and many regions are so far unmarred by resort strips and villa developments.

As a primer, Croatia's island-speckled coastline is indisputably its main attraction. When set against a dazzling white pebbly beach, the waters sparkle with an almost jewel-like intensity in shades of emerald and sapphire. But shift your gaze from the glittering waters and chances are an almighty mountain will loom into view. Croatia's limestone karst landscapes are a wonderland of craggy peaks, caverns, river canyons, waterfalls and ridiculously picturesque lakes.

There's a lot to choose from, so here's a guide to the best places to visit.

Editor's note: during COVID-19 there may be additional travel restrictions. Check the latest guidance in Croatia before planning a trip, and always follow local government health advice.

1. Dubrovnik

Croatia’s most popular attraction, the extraordinary walled city of Dubrovnik, is a Unesco World Heritage Site for good reason. Despite being relentlessly shelled in the 1990s during Croatia’s Homeland War, its mighty walls, sturdy towers, medieval monasteries, baroque churches, graceful squares and fascinating residential quarters all look magnificent again. For an unrivaled perspective of this Adriatic pearl, take the cable car up Srđ, the city's craggy backdrop. For a more intimate glimpse, circle the city walls and peer into hidden gardens and ancient lanes strung with laundry.

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2. Plitvice Lakes National Park

A turquoise ribbon of lakes linked by gushing waterfalls in the forested heart of continental Croatia, Plitvice Lakes National Park is an awe-inspiring sight. There are dozens of lakes – from 2.5-mile-long Kozjak to reed-fringed ponds – and their startling colors are a product of the underlying bedrock. Travertine expanses covered with mossy plants divide the lakes, while boardwalks allow you to easily traverse this exquisite watery world. To escape the crowds by the water, follow hiking trails through the beech, spruce, fir and pine forests.

3. Hvar Town

Come high summer, there’s no better place to dress up and get your groove on than Hvar Town. Gorgeous tanned people descend from their yachts in droves, rubbing shoulders with up-for-it backpackers at après-beach parties as the sun drops below the horizon. While the cashed-up yachtie types keep the town's top-notch restaurants and cocktail bars in business, sun-dazed young revelers do the same for the little dance bars that are the mainstay of the Hvar scene. Pack beach gear and shoes suitable for dancing on tables and you'll be set.

4. Mljet

Cloaked in dense pine forests, marvelous Mljet is an island idyll. Legend has it that Odysseus was marooned here for seven years, and it’s easy to appreciate why he took his time leaving. The entire western section of Mljet is a national park, where you’ll find two sublime cobalt-colored lakes, an island monastery and the sleepy little port of Pomena, which is as pretty as a bouquet. Don’t neglect eastern Mljet, home to some tranquil little bays, brilliant beaches and a couple of excellent eateries.

5. Zagreb

Zagreb is made for strolling. Wander past the red roofs and cobblestones of the Upper Town, which is peppered with church spires. Afterward, do as the locals do and head to a cafe. Zagreb's cafe culture is just one facet of this city's vibrant street life, egged on by a year-round roster of events that brings music, pop-up markets and food stalls to parks and plazas. Even when there's nothing on, the center thrums with youthful energy, so it's no surprise that Croatia's capital is now bringing in the city-break crowd.

6. Istria

La dolce vita reigns supreme in Istria, Croatia’s top foodie destination. The seafood, truffles, wild asparagus and boškarin (an indigenous species of ox) all stand out, as do myriad regional specialties and award-winning olive oils and wines by small local producers. Sample the best the region has to offer in upmarket restaurants by the sea, in traditional family-run taverns in medieval hilltop villages and in farmhouses all over the peninsula’s verdant interior. If you're not consuming at least one truffle dish a day, you're not doing it right.

7. Vis Island

The most remote of Croatia's main islands, Vis is also one of its most captivating. Two attractive towns add historic interest to its northern and western coasts, while hidden to the south and east are some of the nation's most idyllic little coves, some pebbly and some sandy, and all completely irresistible. Scattered around the island – in villages, on farms and at isolated beaches – are an assortment of excellent traditional taverns, making the most of the island's organic produce and thriving fishing traditions.

8. Bol

Bol, on the southern coast of Brač Island, is home to illustrious Zlatni Rat beach, a spit of tiny golden pebbles extending like a horn into the bay. This pretty harbor town is a favorite among windsurfers: the channel between the islands of Brač and Hvar provides ideal wind conditions, thanks to the maestral (strong, steady westerly wind) that typically blows between April and October. The wind picks up slowly in the morning, an excellent time for beginners to hit the water. By early afternoon, the winds are strong – perfect for those looking for a real adrenaline kick.

9. Korčula

Like Dubrovnik in miniature, the sweet little seaside town of Korčula has its own set of imposing walls and towers, but it only sees a fraction of the tourists of its more famous sibling. The highlight is its extraordinary cathedral, adorned with a downright kooky set of carvings. You can walk every one of the marbled streets of its compact old town in an hour, leaving plenty of time for lazing on the beach or heading into the hinterland for a memorable meal at a village konoba (tavern).

10. Krka National Park

This fascinating national park has Roman ruins, historic watermills and two fascinating monasteries (one on an island and one built over ancient catacombs), but the star of the show is the Krka River itself, as it rushes through canyons, broadens into lakes and splashes over numerous falls and cascades. You can stroll along boardwalks and marvel at the multitude of fish darting through the emerald waters, then cap off your visit with a dip in a lake at the foot of a mighty waterfall.

11. Split

Split deserves its popular acclaim. Experience life as it’s been lived for thousands of years in Diocletian’s Palace, one of the world’s most imposing Roman remains. The maze-like streets of the buzzing old town – the living heart and soul of Split – are chock-full of bars, shops and restaurants. Getting lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets, passageways and courtyards is one of Croatia’s most enchanting experiences – and it’s small enough for you to always find your way out again easily. Before you leave, escape the palace walls for a drink on the marble-paved, palm-fringed Riva along the water’s edge.

12. Zagorje

The postcard-perfect medieval castles of Zagorje sit waiting for time travelers. Journey back to 1334 in Trakošćan Castle, whose neo-Gothic 19th-century exterior hides far older internal structures. Learn about the excesses of the Croatian aristocracy in its well-presented museum and wander 215 acres of castle grounds, landscaped into a romantic English-style park with exotic trees and an artificial lake. Further west, the hilltop castle of Veliki Tabor offers a trip to the 16th century, with its pentagonal towers and turrets, atmospheric interiors, and bucolic landscapes all around.

13. Zadar

Set on a peninsula shaped like a hitchhiker’s thumb, the old town of Zadar has history and culture in spades. Roman ruins protrude haphazardly from the city streets, while museums and churches lurk around every other corner. Artsy types, students and trend-setters rub shoulders in bars ranging from utterly classy to deliciously divey, while foodies frequent the many excellent restaurants and cafes. Backpackers are well served by some brilliant hostels, while families gravitate to the surrounding beach resorts and charming boutique hotels reel in the romantics.

14. Cres

Leafy, sparsely populated and never overwhelmed by tourists, the island of Cres stands out among Croatia’s Adriatic isles. Strolling through the Tramuntana region in the north you might even believe the old people’s stories about elves lurking in the ancient forests. At the other end of the island, tiny Osor is a walled town as sleepy as you’ll find on the entire coast. Scattered in between are gorgeous beaches, lost-in-time hilltop villages and the pretty pastel-hued harbor of Cres Town.

15. Cape Kamenjak

It’s the rugged beauty and end-of-the-world vibe of Cape Kamenjak that have earned cult status for this small Istrian peninsula. An undeveloped nature reserve on Istria's west coast, Cape Kamenjak showcases a carpet of heath plants, shrubs and wildflowers, crisscrossed by a maze of dirt tracks. It’s fringed by a string of pebble bays and secluded rocky beaches, surrounded by a crystalline blue-green sea. It gets busy in summer, but there’s always an empty beach to escape to, followed by a refreshing drink at a buzzy beach bar.

16. Kopački Rit Nature Park

On the flood plain of the Danube and Drava Rivers, Kopački Rit Nature Park is part of a Unesco biosphere reserve – come here for some of Europe’s best birdwatching opportunities. Join a boat trip and keep your eyes peeled for white-tailed and imperial eagles, black storks, purple herons and woodpeckers – just some of the nearly 300 species recorded here. Alternatively, you can explore a flooded forest by canoe, or hike the nature trails and try to spot red deer and wild boar.

17. Motovun

The approach to Motovun is almost as captivating as the destination itself. This picture-perfect hilltop town rises from a forested valley that appears untouched by the 21st century. Centuries-old houses line the steep approach to the outer gate of the even-older walled town, where a final gate opens onto the town square. The views from the fortifications are virtually unchanged from when they were built, taking in a lush expanse of green and the rolling hills beyond. Go forth to hunt down truffles, fine wine and even finer olive oil.

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England streamlined its COVID-19 border rules in early October, replacing the green, amber and red traffic light policy with a "new clearer travel system" and scrapping the two-test rule for people who are fully vaccinated. Traveling or returning to England? Here's what you need to know.

On the back of the UK's successful vaccination campaign, a new system for international travel is now in place. Under the new policy, the previous traffic light system is replaced by a single list of red countries and territories that are considered high-risk in the context of COVID-19. People coming from red-list countries are subject to stricter rules including quarantine. Anywhere not on the red list is considered low-risk and therefore approved for non-essential travel.

New testing requirements

Testing requirements are reduced for most fully vaccinated arrivals from non-red list countries, provided they were vaccinated in the UK, the US, the EU or one of these 50-plus countries and territories. These arrivals will no longer need to take a pre-departure travel test when traveling to England.

TRAVEL UPDATE🔊: we’re making testing easier for travel 🧳💉 From Mon 4 Oct, if you’re fully vax you won’t need a pre-departure test before arrival into England from a non-red country and from later in Oct, will be able to replace the day 2 PCR test with a cheaper lateral flow.
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) September 17, 2021

However, these passengers will need to book and pay for a day two COVID-19 test to be taken after arrival in England.

Starting on October 24, full vaccinated passengers and most people under the age of 18⁠—arriving from countries not on the red list⁠—will be able to take a cheaper lateral flow test, instead of a PCR test, on day two of their arrival. The test are available through private providers, which will be listed on gov.uk, and can be booked starting October 22. The move comes just in time for those returning from half-term breaks.

Travelers will have to take a photo of the test and a booking reference from the private provider, and send it to the provider to verify their test results. Passengers can also book a test at some airports. If a test shows a positive result, the traveler will need to self-isolate and take a PCR test to confirm.

Red list rules

Only British and Irish citizens or UK residents may return to England from red list countries, but as of October 11, that list has been considerably reduced, from nearly 50 countries to just seven: Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. "With half-term and winter sun around the corner, we’re making it easier for families and loved ones to reunite, by significantly cutting the number of destinations on the red list, thanks in part to the increased vaccination efforts around the globe," transport secretary Grant Shapps said in a statement. "Restoring people’s confidence in travel is key to rebuilding our economy and levelling up this country. With less restrictions and more people traveling, we can all continue to move safely forward together along our pathway to recovery."

Entry is denied for everyone else from a red-list location unless traveling for essential reasons. Arrivals from red-list countries, including returning citizens, must take a pre-departure test and then quarantine in a government-designated hotel for 10 days at a cost of £2285 per person, as well as taking two more PCR tests on days two and eight of their quarantine period.

Unvaccinated travelers

Under the new policy, unvaccinated passengers need to take tests before departure, on days two and eight of arriving/returning to the UK and will also need to quarantine for 10 days.

Read more: Do you need a visa to go to the United Kingdom?

Traveling with kids

As of mid-October, anyone under the age of 18 traveling from the 50-some countries with UK-approved vaccination programs is exempt from taking a pre-trip test, whether they're vaccinated or not, and all children under the age of 11 are exempt as well, no matter where they're traveling from.

Children ages 11 to 17 traveling from red list countries have to take a COVID-19 test within three days of their arrival in England. Upon arrival, those aged 5 to 17 are required to quarantine for 10 days and take two tests, while those ages 4 and under are just required to quarantine. All passengers will need to fill in a passenger locator form ahead of travel.

The rest of the UK

Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales use the same travel system as England, keeping the red list and merging the current green and amber travel lists into one to determine entry policies. Each government's website has more details.

For more information on the UK's entry requirements, see here.

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At the beginning of October, Indonesian officials announced that Bali would soon reopen to international travelers, and this week, the island began welcoming tourists once again—but only from a handful of countries. "We have given permission to 19 countries to be able to travel to Bali and the Riau Islands," Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, said on Wednesday, according to CNN. Those places—chosen for their low COVID-19 positivity rates—are Bahrain, China, France, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden and United Arab Emirates. All international travelers must be fully vaccinated, have insurance that covers coronavirus treatment, test negative, and quarantine at their own expense for five days upon arrival.

Though the international airport technically opened on October 14, there were no international flights scheduled then, the AP reported.

“These things take time. These countries and the visitors need time," Bali governor I Wayan Koster said, per Reuters. “We hope that by end of October at the latest there will be incoming flights, whether it's a charter or commercial flight as signs of the start of tourism recovery in Bali.”

Before the pandemic, some 6 million people visited Bali on an annual basis; last year, that number dropped to just 1 million, according to the AP. Coronavirus cases surged in Indonesia this summer, peaking in July, but they’ve been declining steadily since early September. As of October 13, 22 percent of the country’s population had been fully vaccinated.

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Bali is now open to international travelers from these countries

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