Trail runs 3/4 mile from Smelt Sands State Park, north to the sandy beach that lays between Yachats and Waldport.

A 2.2-mile double-loop through old-growth redwoods. Great trees throughout, plus a giant walk-through redwood stump in the middle of the trail. Numerous engraved benches, some at the end of short side trails.

Trail runs along steep, spruce-covered bluffs high above the ocean, with no roads or other development in sight. Most of the trail is wooded so you can't see the ocean, but for the last half-mile the woods end and the views really open up.

Museum in a 1700s villa featuring paintings, decorative art & a garden with Bay of Naples views. -Google. The Museum Correale, this valuable bulwark of Sorrento art and culture, has often been defined 'the most beautiful province museum of Italy'. It is situated in an ancient patrician villa, surrounded by a citrus grove that looks onto the tuff ridge just in front of the Gulf of Naples. The villa and the citrus grove, as well as the wonderful terrace of Belvedere, are part of a donation to the town of Sorrento by the brothers Pompeo and Alfredo Correale, the last descendants of the ancient patrician family. The family Correale was native of Scala, an ancient town situated in front of Ravello and, from historical data available in some documents as early as 1268, we know that they were part of the 'Sedile' (ancient nobles associations) of Porta in Sorrento, of Portaretese in Salerno, of Porto in Naples. The brothers Correale therefore put at Sorrento community’s disposal the villa belonged to their family, for housing the art collections gathered in their numerous travels all over Europe. The original character of patrician villa has been taken into account in the arrangement of the numerous collections, disposed as if they constituted the original furniture of the house. Sorrento - Correale di Terranova MuseumThe Museum keeps one of the most beautiful collections of Neapolitan painters dating from the seventeenth and eighteenth century, some works of the famous 'School of Posillipo' and by some masters of the Flemish and French schools dating from the same period. It contains valuable Capodimonte and Sévres ceramics, Murano glassware, Bohemia crystals and a collection of watches. The archaeological collection is very interesting as well. A special mention deserves the collection of Sorrento inlaid works dating from the nineteenth century, that occupies the whole hall and is rich in tables, furnishings and finely inlaid jewel cases. The poet and cabinet - maker Salvatore Gargiulo (Saltovar), from Sorrento, donated many of these pieces to the Museum. The library, containing various editions of works by Torquato Tasso and manuscripts of different kinds, is very interesting as well. It keeps also Torquato Tasso’s mortuary mask. READ MORE ->

Housed in a 9th-century basilica, this museum displays Catholic artifacts, paintings & sculptures. -Google. The Museum is housed in the Basilica of the Crucifix, the originally Cathedral Church, whose origin dates back to the year 596. In 1100, the new cathedral was built next to it and together formed a single church of Romanesque style with six aisles. The Diocesan Museum is undoubtedly the most important container of works of art of Salerno. The present location is not the original one but it corresponds to the restoration of the structure of the Diocesan Seminary, which, with the Library and Archives, is a major cultural center of the city and the province. READ MORE ->

Three floors of the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology are dedicated to original finds and the story of Ötzi, the Man from the Ice: from the media hype surrounding his discovery to the research into the 5,000-year-old, exceptionally well-preserved mummy and the associated items, as well as all sorts of oddities, fascinating interviews, and interactive experiences. The highlight of the exhibition is a lifelike reconstruction of Ötzi himself. The top floor of the Museum hosts an annually changing exhibition of archaeological topics. READ MORE ->

Built in 1385. Once a Renaissance palace, this museum exhibits historical artwork, including celebrated frescoes. -Google. The most familiar place in the museum - the Salone dei Mesi (Room of the Months) displaying Ferrara's most famous frescoes done by Francesco del Cossa in 1470, which depict the months, seasons and signs of the zodiac

Symbol and main tourist attraction of the city of Bologna

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These iconic leaning towers, Asinelli and Garisenda, are a symbol of Bologna. You can climb to the top of the Asinelli Tower for panoramic views of the city.

Due Torri , also known as the Two Towers, are iconic landmarks in Bologna, Italy. They are located in the city center, near Piazza di Porta Ravegnana. The two towers, named Torre degli Asinelli and Torre Garisenda, are an important symbol of Bologna and represent its medieval past.

The taller tower, Torre degli Asinelli, stands at approximately 97.2 meters (319 feet) and is one of the tallest leaning towers in Italy. It was built between 1109 and 1119 by the Asinelli family, who were wealthy merchants. The tower was originally used as a defensive structure and a symbol of power. Today, visitors can climb the 498 steps to reach the top and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

The shorter tower, Torre Garisenda, stands at around 47 meters (154 feet) but has a noticeable lean. It was built around the same time as Torre degli Asinelli by the Garisenda family. However, due to its unstable foundations, it was shortened in the 14th century to prevent it from collapsing. Despite its reduced height, the tower still leans at an angle of about 3.2 meters (10.5 feet)

The Two Towers, along with other medieval towers that once dominated the city's skyline, were built by noble families as a display of wealth and power. These towers served as defensive structures, lookout points, and symbols of prestige. At the peak of Bologna's history, there were reportedly over 100 towers in the city, but only a few remain standing today.

Due to their historical and architectural significance, the Two Towers have become an important attraction in Bologna. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and draw numerous visitors who are intrigued by their unique design and leaning structure.

Famous for its sculptures by the great Renaissance artist, Michelangelo. His Prisoners (or Slaves), his St. Matthew, and, above all, the magnificent statue of David within the Tribune are what first draw most of the hundreds of thousands of visitors the museum welcomes every year. The main halls at the Accademia also offers visitors works by great Italian artists such as Sandro Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Pontormo, Andrea del Sarto, Allessando Allori and Orcagna ... READ MORE ->

The beautiful Cappella Brancacci is a small chapel within the otherwise pretty plain Santa Maria del Carmine Church (due to the fact that most of the church was destroyed in a fire in 1771). It is considered a miracle that the Brancacci and Corsini Chapels survived the intense fire that destroyed everything else in less than 4 hours. The Church belongs to the Carmelite order, and like San Lorenzo, offers an unfinished facade. READ MORE ->

Art museum. An extraordinary collection of Gothic masterpieces from the Sienese school sits inside the once grand but now sadly dishevelled 14th-century Palazzo Buonsignori. The pick of the collection is on the 2nd floor, including magnificent works by Duccio di Buoninsegna, Simone Martini, Niccolò di Segna, Lippo Memmi, Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti, Bartolo di Fredi and Taddeo di Bartolo. READ MORE ->

The Duomo in Siena lies in a piazza above the Piazza del Campo, a great Gothic building filled with treasures by Pisano, Donatello, and Michelangelo as well as frescoes by Pinturicchio.

The cathedral's exterior is pretty impressive, and if you don't have a lot of time in Siena, you might not even go inside and enjoy the outside.

Built between 1215 and 1263 on the site of an earlier structure, the cathedral is a Latin cross with a slight projecting dome and bell tower. The exterior and interiors are decorated in white and greenish-black marble in alternating stripes, black and white being the symbolic colors of Siena.

The Cathedral of Siena contains numerous masterpieces from every epoch. A work that in many respects is exceptional, is the floor, 'the most beautiful ... largest and most magnificent ... that ever was made' in the words of Giorgio Vasari. Crafted by about forty artists and artisans between the 14th and 16th centuries ...

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Rossellino's masterpiece. Palazzo Piccolomini is one of the main architectural feats in Pienza built according to the humanist project of the 'ideal city' imagined by Enea Silvio Piccolomini, also known as Pope Pius II. Built in 1459 as a summer home for the pope, it is considered the first example of Renaissance architecture and its back garden the first example of a 'roof garden' in the Renaissance. READ MORE ->

Large open-air collection of Medieval buildings & indoor culture & lifestyle exhibits. -Google.

One of Europe's largest art centers for contemporary art and photography.

Riverside Museum of sculpture & Byzantine art, with regular exhibitions & events, plus a shop. -Google. In 1904, the neo-baroque Kaiser Friedrich Museum at the tip of the Museum Island, today’s Bode Museum, opened. The magnificently designed Bode-Museum is home to two collections: the Sculpture Collection and Museum of Byzantine Art and the Münzkabinett. In addition, the museum also contains paintings from the Gemäldegalerie, which are presented alongside the European sculpture to form a dialogue between the two art forms. READ MORE ->

Large museum for ancient Egyptian artifacts & rare antiquities, such as a 1340BC bust of Nefertiti. -Google. One of the world’s leading collections of artifacts and texts of ancient Egypt. It began in the 18th century as part of the Prussian royal art collection and steadily expanded through gifts, contributions, and finds. The museum was heavily damaged during World War II and, after the war, was divided between East Berlin and West Berlin. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the collection was reunited to once again constitute one of the finest records of ancient Egypt, containing more than 45,000 artifacts and 60,000 texts. READ MORE ->

Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park with a nature center & trails with views of the ice mass.-Google.

The 8.2-mile round trip Harding Icefield Trail is a spectacular day hike. Starting on the valley floor, the trail winds through cottonwood and alder forests pass through heather-filled meadows and ultimately climbs well above the tree line to a breathtaking view of the Icefield. The top of the trail is a window to past ice ages - a horizon of ice and snow that stretches as far as the eye can see, broken only by an occasional nunatak, or lonely peak.

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Tropical forest area featuring a long, subterranean cave formed by ancient flowing lava.-Google. The lave tube Nāhuku formed 500 years ago. This lava tube is paved and lighted providing a safe and easy way to visit. READ MORE ->

CLOSED. READ MORE: READ MORE -> One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Hawaii is located at a small, closed park called Sacred Falls State Park, on the northeast side of Oahu in Hau’ula, past Kaneohe going north and west up the Kamehameha Highway past Kahana Beach.

Waimano Trail lower is a 5.1 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Pearl City, HI that offers scenic views. The trail is rated as moderate and primarily used for hiking. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. READ MORE ->

This short, sometimes narrow trail features 2 military bunkers & a panoramic view of Lanikai Beach. The Lanikai Pillbox Hike, also popularly known as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail, is one of the most picturesque and pleasant Oahu hiking trails. This intermediate hike rises just above beautiful Lanikai Beach Oahu, rewarding hikers with some of the best vistas of Oahu’s windward side. Lanikai Pillbox Hike is ranked intermediate because of the steady steep grade of the uphill climb right from the start of the trail head. READ MORE ->

For many Hawaii hikers, rain is a sign that it’s time to go hunting for waterfalls. Over the last week or so, I’ve been doing just that. One of the waterfalls that I decided to check out was Kalauao Falls, located off of the Aiea Loop Trail. It was a lazy Sunday. Joel drove down from Waialua to pick me up in Salt Lake. From Salt Lake, Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area is a short five-ish minute drive away. We drove to the end of the park and then set off looking for the junctions and side trails that would lead us to Kalauao Falls. READ MORE ->

Beginning the steep ascent from the Pali Lookout, the Pali Puka trail climbs along the narrow ridgeline of the Ko’olau Mountains. High winds and sheer vertical drops make this short hike an exciting trip. The panoramic vistas provided by this exposed trail are incredible, offering breathtaking views of O’ahu’s windward coast, from Kailua and Kane’ohe all the way to Kualoa. At the trail’s peak is the Pali Puka, a small “window” in the rock face of the mountain, said to be a hiding spot for Hawaiian warriors as they watched for approaching enemies. This hike is one of Trails of Freedom’s favorite on the island, with the history of the Pali adding to the overall experience. Parking at the Pali Lookout is free for HI residents (with an ID), but is $3 per car for non-residents. Read more:

This trail doesn’t ease you in. From the very first moment it throws you into a world of enchantment. After no more than five steps I felt like I was in the middle of the jungle, fighting for survival, on the swivel looking for wild animals. A glistening creek was lined by majestic trunks, so tall my neck hurt looking for the treetops. Dangling vines were strewn from the canopy as rays of sunlight broke through the dense foliage creating a natural theatre with a magical atmosphere. Shortly after being blown away by the surreal amphitheatre, we began our trek along what we suspected would be a round trip journey of five hours. It didn’t take long for my shoes to be engulfed in thick mud and for my first slip of the hike to send me to the ground. READ MORE ->

Makapuu Tom-Tom is an adventurous 4 mile ridge hike located on the eastern side of Oahu that starts at the Makapuu Lookout and ends in a little neighborhood in Waimanalo. Makapuu tom-tom was named after Tom Mcguire and Tom Cadle, who rediscovered the old Hawaiian trail that connects Waimanalo to the Koolau Summit. The views one will get of the stunning ocean colors along this trail are hard to beat. The Makapuu Tom-Tom trail starts at the Makapuu Lookout parking lot just past the parking lot where everyone parks for the Makapuu lighthouse hike. You will need two cars for this hike because you will be exiting in Waimanalo via the tom-tom trail and will need a car stationed there to bring you back to your car at the makapuu lookout. Our friends staged their car behind the 7-11 in Waimanalo (you can park in the neighborhood in Waiokeola, right where the trail ends also, but the residents over there tend to get a little testy) and then we drove them back to the makapuu lookout where the rest of our crew was waiting for us to begin the hike. We darted straight across the road at the lookout. Once on the other side of the street, a faint trail became clearly visible. If you can not see it just head towards the fenceline that hugs the cliffs edge to the right and follow the fenceline to the top of the hill. Immediately after reaching the top of the hill beautiful views of manana (rabbit) and kaohikaipu island and makapuu beach came into view. The colors of the ocean amazed us and yet they just got better and better as the hike went on. Once at the top of the hill we headed right and towards the cliffs edge and picked up a faint trail. The trail is kind of hard to find at points but as long as you remember to stay near the cliffs edge you shouldn't get lost and the trail should always come back into view. READ MORE ->

The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail, also known as the Kaiwi Scenic Shoreline, is the second most popular of all the Oahu hiking trails, next to the Diamond Head Hike. This easy to moderate summit trail is definitely one of the most memorable, with stunning views overlooking Makapuu Beach, Koko Head, the windward coast, and Molokai & Lanai neighboring islands. You will also discover some exciting points of interest along the way including Makapuu Point, old military pillboxes, giant tide pools, a hidden blowhole, and the popular Makapuu lighthouse landmark. - See more at: READ MORE ->

The trail will start off very dry, however, the deeper that you go into the ridge, the more muddy the terrain will become. There are no narrow ridges to walk on this trail, so it’s a good one to do if you’re not a fan big drop offs. Overall, Hawaii Loa Ridge offers a relatively safe upwards climb towards the Ko’olau Summit Trail. READ MORE ->

Kamiloiki Ridge Trail is not sanctioned by the state, but it is quite a beautiful hike.

There are some giant Makapu'u tide pools and a giant blowhole that erupts on windy and/or big surf days. - See more at: READ MORE ->

Pele’s Chair is a seat-shaped lava rock formation located approximately dead-center between half-a-dozen different dormant tuft cone volcanoes on the eastern tip of Oahu. In this case, the Pele we’re talking about is the legendary Hawaiian volcano goddess . The seat landmark itself is easily visible from the parking lot and/or from the Makapuu Lighthouse trail. Directly below Pele’s chair is a secluded cove of crystal-clear water and surprisingly expansive clean white sand. READ MORE ->

This interesting hike climbs the entire length of Kulepeamoa Ridge to the Ko'olau Summit. Along the way are lush greenery, patches of jungle and shrubbery, ironwood groves, primitive campsites, lots of ups and downs, some steep climbs, a few narrow spots and several false summits. The top offers panoramic views of the windward coast. The first part is lightly traveled and overgrown, with obscured footing and some tricky navigation. The middle and upper parts are better defined and easier to follow. READ MORE ->

Koko Crater Trail, better known as “Koko Head Stairs”, is your StairMaster workout for the day, with a rewarding panoramic view up top. This Oahu hike will test your endurance and strength to continuously take each additional step up the mountain as you stride over 1000 steps to reach the top! As challenging as it sounds, hiking the Koko Head trail is a fun and very popular hike on Oahu. - See more at: READ MORE ->

Sprawling collection of sports fields, gardens, picnic areas & stairs climbing a volcanic crater.

But this hike isn’t on a sanctioned trail, so there doesn’t seem to be any consensus on the name. Hanauma Bay Loop Hike & Koko Head Rim Trail - to name the two.

Hämelschenburg Castle is delightfully set in the Weserbergland hills between Hamelin and Bad Pyrmont. It was built between 1588 and 1613 for Jürgen von Klenke and his wife Anna von Holle on the site of a feudal estate that had been destroyed several times before. The castle has all the attributes of a picture-postcard scene – an imposing triple-wing arrangement with moats, a fortified bridge providing access and two splendid octagonal towers housing the staircases. The most striking features are the 24 elaborately decorated gabled dormers that can be seen from quite a distance. Hämelschenburg Castle was built of Weser sandstone, a much sought-after material at the time. The founders of the castle lived with their 14 children in the most magnificent section – the three-storey south wing, richly decorated in the Italianate Renaissance style. It was thanks to this exceptional family's bravery that the entire castle was saved from being plundered and destroyed in the Thirty Years' War. An in-depth insight is given into the life of the nobility in the Renaissance, baroque and late 19th century periods. Many rooms are complete with furniture, paintings, porcelain, glassware and historical weaponry. The reconstructed Minnegarten is a colourful reminder of an era in which the garden was an intimate refuge for Minne or courtly love. Those in search of quiet contemplation after all this art and culture can enjoy idyllic strolls near to the castle on St. James' Way – the famous pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Good news for walkers: this former country estate has a café and beer garden with views of the castle's magnificent south facade. READ MORE ->

Renovated castle, the Hohenlohe family's princely home, with museum, chapel & rose garden with cafe. -Google. Langenburg Castle was built on a high rocky hill. It was first mentioned in 1226. Since the 13th century, it has been in the possession of the Hohenlohe family. Part of the castle is given over to a museum. Visitors also have the opportunity to enter the chapel and take a stroll through the baroque park. READ MORE ->

Lüneburg is the salt town of the North. For over 1000 years salt ruled the life of the town. It made the town rich and powerful.

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Museum on Martin Luther & the Reformation in a historic half-timbered house where he likely lived.-Google.

The house itself is one of the oldest surviving half-timbered houses in Thuringia.

Luther spent three years in Eisenach as a teenager. He came to the town in 1498, at the age of 15, to study Latin; during that time, he boarded with the family of Alderman Cotta.

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Museum dedicated to Bach's life in a 1400s house, with live performances using baroque instruments.-Google.

Bach was born and baptized in Eisenach, and he lived in the city until he was 10 years old. Today, Eisenach is home to the Bachhaus, or Bach House, which is the world's leading museum about the great composer and his works.

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Medieval castle on a high rock in parkland, housing museum focused on art from the Middle Ages.-Google.

The town of Arnstadt is home to one of the most important places of residence of the Bach family: the house at Kohlgasse 7. No other Bach location, known as a 'Bachstadt', in Germany contains a preserved building that is directly linked to Johann Sebastian Bach and was frequently visited and maybe even called home by the famous composer.

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'Extremely rich and full of the greatest curiosities and treasures' - this is how in the 18th century the cathedral treasury was described in a contemporary travelogue, which dates back to the founding of the bishopric at the beginning of the 11th century. by Emperor Henry II (+ 1024) and his wife Kunigunde (+1033). Both presented a unique set of valuable liturgical equipment, relics, paraments and books. Despite many losses, the imperial robes still form the core of the cathedral treasury and the highlight of the museum's important medieval textile collection, which is very atmospheric in the chapter house built in 1733 by Balthasar Neumann. This collection includes the gold-embroidered starry coat of Emperor Henry, the fully preserved unique papal clause of Clement II (+ 1047), as well as the magnificent cathedral cross (11th-19th century) and the early Gothic original figures of the Dukes and Adams portals of the cathedral. READ MORE ->

Offers breathtaking views overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu. In fact the view is so good, it was used by the US military as a post for preventing attacks against Honolulu. The trail takes you to the edge of a 300,000 year old crater. While the hike isn’t that long in terms of distance, it can be somewhat challenging due to its ascent. Parts of the trail are over uneven rock, and the 99 steps near the end of the hike are steep. Also, the only water fountains are at the beginning of the trail, so you’ll want to bring a water bottle or bottled water to stay hydrated. READ MORE ->

The place of wonder. The ocean has created curvy layers in the rock that are delightful. Underneath you, as you stand on the rocks, the ocean is pounding out a cave! When the waves spill into the cave, they come spitting out in a huge horizontal gush! Summer is the best time to see this. Water sprays up over rocks below on all sides. And the sunset is gorgeous. You are so high up that you don't get wet. This area is where they filmed the sixth episode of the TV show "Lost: 2nd Season" !!! Directions: park along the road ( Lumahai St) at the end. You will see the path between houses on your right. The walk down is a bit steep and slippery but doable.

This beginning section of the Kalalau trail brings you to Hanakapi`ai beach (2 miles in) with the option to hike an additional 2 miles up Hanakapi`ai Valley to the falls. Remote and beautiful, this Na Pali hike is gorgeous but challenging. READ MORE ->

The Hanakapiai or Kalalau Trail, beginning in Haena at Ke'e Beach, is a world renowned north shore Kauai hiking trail offering some of the best views of the scenic and dramatic northwest Na Pali Coastline that you can enjoy from land. This trail takes you into Kalalau Valley, ending at a secluded beach 11 miles up the trail. Used by both locals and visitors, this hike won't leave you disappointed (don't forget the camera!). READ MORE ->

When visiting Waimea Canyon in northwest Kauai it's almost hard not to notice two-tier Waipo'o Falls dropping some 800ft into the Canyon below. You're first glimpse of the falls is at the Waimea Canyon Overlook, past mile marker 10 on Highway 550. Both the canyon and the falls are spectacular from this lookout. Further up the road at Pu'u Ka Pele lookout, near mile marker 13, you can get your closest (though partially obstructed) view of the falls from Highway 550. You're still a remarkable distance away from the falls, but it's a beautiful photo opportunity. READ MORE ->

Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle – Germany’s oldest castle. A masterpiece of late-Gothic architecture. A trendsetter since 1471.

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Historic castle that overlooks the town of Meißen and the Elbe River. It is one of the oldest castles in Germany and holds great historical significance.

Built between 1471 and 1524, Albrechtsburg Castle was originally constructed as a residence for the House of Wettin, who were rulers of the Electorate of Saxony. The castle was named after Albert III, Duke of Saxony, who initiated its construction. It was designed as a late Gothic-style fortress and served as a symbol of the Wettin family's power and wealth.

The castle's architecture is impressive, featuring a combination of Gothic and Renaissance styles. It consists of four wings surrounding a central courtyard and is characterized by its ornate façade, towering spires, and decorative details.

Inside the castle, visitors can explore various rooms and halls that showcase the castle's rich history and art collections. The castle is home to the Albrechtsburg Museum, which houses a collection of medieval and Renaissance artifacts, including sculptures, paintings, ceramics, and historical documents.

One of the notable highlights of Albrechtsburg Castle is the Golden Room (Goldener Saal), a lavishly decorated banquet hall with intricate woodwork and gold leaf detailing. This room was used for prestigious events and festivities during the Renaissance period.

Additionally, the castle offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the town of Meißen, the Elbe River, and the nearby Meissen Cathedral, which is renowned for its intricate stained glass windows.

Albrechtsburg Castle is not only a historical landmark but also a cultural hub. It hosts various events, exhibitions, and concerts throughout the year, attracting visitors from all over the world.

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