Secrets of the world’s most incredible castles

Slide 1 of 61: Whether they've faced down bloody wars, revolutions or even careless owners, these historic forts and castles have survived the centuries to tell a tale. From lion enclosures to hidden passages, read on to discover the secrets these magnificent treasures contain.

If walls could talk

Whether they’ve faced down bloody wars, revolutions or even careless owners, these historic forts and castles have survived the centuries to tell a tale. From lion enclosures to hidden passages, read on to discover the secrets these magnificent treasures contain.

Slide 2 of 61: Perched within the mouth of a cave in Slovenia, it’s difficult to see where the rock ends and Predjama castle starts. This dramatic 13th-century fortress is rumored to have influenced George R.R.Martin, the author behind the TV series Game of Thrones.

Predjama Castle, Slovenia

Perched within the mouth of a cave in Slovenia, it’s difficult to see where the rock ends and Predjama castle starts. This dramatic 13th-century fortress is rumored to have influenced George R.R.Martin, the author behind the TV series Game of Thrones.

Slide 3 of 61: Visitors can explore the castle’s many rooms but there’s more than sumptuous interiors to Predjama. The legend of one of the castle owners, Knight Erazem, says he stole food from the rich to feed the poor using a series of intricate cave tunnels. Today, Erazem’s network of passages can be discovered on tours of the site.

Predjama Castle, Slovenia

Visitors can explore the castle’s many rooms but there’s more than sumptuous interiors to Predjama. The legend of one of the castle owners, Knight Erazem, says he stole food from the rich to feed the poor using a series of intricate cave tunnels. Today, Erazem’s network of passages can be discovered on tours of the site.
Slide 4 of 61: The imposing Alcázar of Toledo in central Spain, was built on the site of a Roman Palace in the 3rd century and completed by Emperor Charles V in the 15th century. A symbol of importance, the Alcázar was damaged in 1936 when it was held by Spanish Republicans in the country's Civil War.

Alcázar of Toledo, Spain

The imposing Alcázar of Toledo in central Spain, was built on the site of a Roman Palace in the 3rd century and completed by Emperor Charles V in the 15th century. A symbol of importance, the Alcázar was damaged in 1936 when it was held by Spanish Republicans in the country’s Civil War.
Slide 5 of 61: However, the Alcázar was restored in the 1940s and is now the site of Spanish Army offices and a military museum that welcomes visitors. The interior courtyard, pictured here, is a lovely place to stop and shelter from the midday sun. Planning a visit? Discover what to see in Toledo here. 

Alcázar of Toledo, Spain

However, the Alcázar was restored in the 1940s and is now the site of Spanish Army offices and a military museum that welcomes visitors. The interior courtyard, pictured here, is a lovely place to stop and shelter from the midday sun. Planning a visit?

Slide 6 of 61: The breathtaking Chateau De Chambord in the Loire Valley is a stunning example of French Renaissance architecture. Designed as a hunting lodge for King Francis I it was completed in 1547 and it's rumored Leonardo Da Vinci played a part in the design. After the French Revolution in 1792, some of the furnishings were sold but the Chateau survived.

Chateau De Chambord, France

The breathtaking Chateau De Chambord in the Loire Valley is a stunning example of French Renaissance architecture. Designed as a hunting lodge for King Francis I it was completed in 1547 and it’s rumored Leonardo Da Vinci played a part in the design. After the French Revolution in 1792, some of the furnishings were sold but the Chateau survived.
Slide 7 of 61: Although the chateau’s interior is as grand as the outside it’s the famous double staircase that draws in the biggest crowds. The "double helix" serves all the chateau’s many floors and is designed so that if two people are using each staircase they can see each through the windows yet never cross paths.

Chateau De Chambord, France

Although the chateau’s interior is as grand as the outside it’s the famous double staircase that draws in the biggest crowds. The “double helix” serves all the chateau’s many floors and is designed so that if two people are using each staircase they can see each through the windows yet never cross paths.
Slide 8 of 61: This impressive feat was originally called La Cuesta Encantada (“Enchanted Hill” in Spanish). It was dreamed up by media man William Randolph Hearst, who was inspired by his childhood travels in Europe. He teamed up with architect Julia Morgan in 1919, and the pair would spend almost three decades toiling away on the castle. Poor health meant Hearst never saw it completed, but even in its unfinished state the castle contained some 165 rooms and more than 100 acres of gardens.

Hearst Castle, California, USA

This impressive feat was originally called La Cuesta Encantada (“Enchanted Hill” in Spanish). It was dreamed up by media man William Randolph Hearst, who was inspired by his childhood travels in Europe. He teamed up with architect Julia Morgan in 1919, and the pair would spend almost three decades toiling away on the castle. Poor health meant Hearst never saw it completed, but even in its unfinished state the castle contained some 165 rooms and more than 100 acres of gardens.
Slide 9 of 61: Hearst was an art lover, too, and paintings and sculptures practically spill from the property: a highlight is Venus Italica, a sculpture of Venus by Italian Antonio Canova. The castle also has a dreamy Italianate terrace and the glittering Neptune pool, also of Roman influence. A range of tours are available to the public, including those themed around art and even Hollywood (Charlie Chaplin and Cary Grant were among the glittering parade of guests to visit the castle).

Hearst Castle, California, USA

Hearst was an art lover, too, and paintings and sculptures practically spill from the property: a highlight is Venus Italica, a sculpture of Venus by Italian Antonio Canova. The castle also has a dreamy Italianate terrace and the glittering Neptune pool, also of Roman influence. A range of tours are available to the public, including those themed around art and even Hollywood (Charlie Chaplin and Cary Grant were among the glittering parade of guests to visit the castle).
Slide 10 of 61: King Ludwig II of Bavaria built Neuschwanstein Castle in the 19th century to use as a private retreat from public life. So we’re willing to bet he’d have been shocked to see the 1.4 million annual visitors the castle welcomes today. While the stunning Neuschwanstein is an attraction on its own, many of today’s visitors flock to the fortress because it was the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle in California.

King Ludwig II of Bavaria built Neuschwanstein Castle in the 19th century to use as a private retreat from public life. So we’re willing to bet he’d have been shocked to see the 1.4 million annual visitors the castle welcomes today. While the stunning Neuschwanstein is an attraction on its own, many of today’s visitors flock to the fortress because it was the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle in California.
Slide 11 of 61: But the castle was also a dream world for its designer, Ludwig. Neuschwanstein’s interiors display Ludwig’s desire to escape into the medieval world that inspired the operas of German composer Richard Wagner. The castle is dedicated to Wagner and much of the art inside depicts the kings, poets and knights that appear in the composer’s work.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

But the castle was also a dream world for its designer, Ludwig. Neuschwanstein’s interiors display Ludwig’s desire to escape into the medieval world that inspired the operas of German composer Richard Wagner. The castle is dedicated to Wagner and much of the art inside depicts the kings, poets and knights that appear in the composer’s work.
Slide 12 of 61: Mehrangarh Fort has guarded the northwestern city of Jodhpur since 1459. Built by Rao Jodha, the Rajasthani ruler who founded Jodhpur, entry to the fort is only obtained by passing through seven elaborate gates.

Mehrangarh Fort, India

Mehrangarh Fort has guarded the northwestern city of Jodhpur since 1459. Built by Rao Jodha, the Rajasthani ruler who founded Jodhpur, entry to the fort is only obtained by passing through seven elaborate gates.
Slide 14 of 61: The Tower of London may now be a world-famous tourist attraction, but the castle was once a notorious prison. Built in 1078, many of the Tower’s former inmates met a grisly end including Anne Boleyn (Henry VIII's second wife who was beheaded in 1536) and Guy Fawkes, (whose plot to overthrow the British monarchy is remembered in the annual firework night on 5 November). The last prisoners held in the Tower were surprisingly recent though – the notorious East End criminals the Kray twins in 1952. 

Tower of London, UK

The Tower of London may now be a world-famous tourist attraction, but the castle was once a notorious prison. Built in 1078, many of the Tower’s former inmates met a grisly end including Anne Boleyn (Henry VIII’s second wife who was beheaded in 1536) and Guy Fawkes, (whose plot to overthrow the British monarchy is remembered in the annual firework night on 5 November). The last prisoners held in the Tower were surprisingly recent though – the notorious East End criminals the Kray twins in 1952.

Slide 15 of 61: As well as being a prison, the Tower has served as an armory and a menagerie and is now the home of The Crown Jewels. You can see the crown Queen Elizabeth II wore on her coronation as well as the spot where Anne Boleyn lost her head. St John's chapel (pictured) was built for William the Conqueror in 1240. These days visitors are welcome at the Tower and unlike some of its previous guests, they're allowed to go home at the end of the day... After exploring the Tower, why not see what else London has to offer?

Tower of London, UK

As well as being a prison, the Tower has served as an armory and a menagerie and is now the home of The Crown Jewels. You can see the crown Queen Elizabeth II wore on her coronation as well as the spot where Anne Boleyn lost her head. St John’s chapel (pictured) was built for William the Conqueror in 1240. These days visitors are welcome at the Tower and unlike some of its previous guests, they’re allowed to go home at the end of the day..Slide 16 of 61: One of the finest lasting examples of Japanese castle architecture, Himeji Castle in the Hyōgo Prefecture, dates to the 14th century. But the castle was lucky to survive. In 1871 it was put up for auction after the end of the han feudal system. The buyer wanted to demolish the castle in order to develop the land but changed their mind when they realized the cost involved of destroying it.  

Himeji Castle, Japan

One of the finest lasting examples of Japanese castle architecture, Himeji Castle in the Hyōgo Prefecture, dates to the 14th century. But the castle was lucky to survive. In 1871 it was put up for auction after the end of the han feudal system. The buyer wanted to demolish the castle in order to develop the land but changed their mind when they realized the cost involved of destroying it.

Slide 17 of 61: Himeji also miraculously escaped damage during bombing in the Second World War and the Great Hanshin earthquake in 1995. Venture inside and you’ll find the castle’s interior is plain with little decoration. However, looks can be deceptive. Many of the castle’s walkways turn back on themselves to confuse invaders and even today’s visitors can end up bamboozled.

Himeji Castle, Japan

Himeji also miraculously escaped damage during bombing in the Second World War and the Great Hanshin earthquake in 1995. Venture inside and you’ll find the castle’s interior is plain with little decoration. However, looks can be deceptive. Many of the castle’s walkways turn back on themselves to confuse invaders and even today’s visitors can end up bamboozled.
Slide 18 of 61: You’d need a lot of time to fully explore Prague Castle. At 735,000 square feet (68,000 square meters) the complex is one of the largest in the world and home to St Vitus Cathedral as well as several other churches. Dating from the 9th century, the castle’s architecture spans almost every design style of the last millennium and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

Prague Castle, Czech Republic

You’d need a lot of time to fully explore Prague Castle. At 735,000 square feet (68,000 square meters) the complex is one of the largest in the world and home to St Vitus Cathedral as well as several other churches. Dating from the 9th century, the castle’s architecture spans almost every design style of the last millennium and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Slide 19 of 61: This picture was taken in Rudolph Gallery, one of five halls within the grounds. The gallery was first built in the 16th century but the stuccos you can see here were only added in the 19th. It's an area of the castle that's only open to the public on special occasions, such as for concerts, so it's worth planning your visit in advance.

Prague Castle, Czech Republic

This picture was taken in Rudolph Gallery, one of five halls within the grounds. The gallery was first built in the 16th century but the stuccos you can see here were only added in the 19th. It’s an area of the castle that’s only open to the public on special occasions, such as for concerts, so it’s worth planning your visit in advance.
Slide 20 of 61: One of the few real palaces in the USA, Iolani Palace was home to the Hawaiian monarchy in the 19th century. The royal residence was completed in 1882, a sumptuous property ahead of its time, complete with electricity and modern plumbing. Its architectural style is unique, dubbed “American Florentine” for its blend of traditional Hawaiian and Italian Renaissance features – its elegant columns and bold corner towers are most striking.

Iolani Castle, Hawaii, USA

One of the few real palaces in the USA, Iolani Palace was home to the Hawaiian monarchy in the 19th century. The royal residence was completed in 1882, a sumptuous property ahead of its time, complete with electricity and modern plumbing. Its architectural style is unique, dubbed “American Florentine” for its blend of traditional Hawaiian and Italian Renaissance features – its elegant columns and bold corner towers are most striking.
Slide 21 of 61: The interiors are equally as opulent, and the Throne Room is the plushest of them all. Red velvet curtains frame vast windows, chandeliers hang heavily from the ceiling and a pair of gilded thrones sit on a raised platform. King Kalakaua and Queen Kapi‘olani were the first royals to live here, moving in as soon as their regal abode was completed. The monarchy occupied the palace until 1893 when the then-leader Queen Lili'uokalani was overthrown. Today it's a public museum.

Iolani Castle, Hawaii, USA

The interiors are equally as opulent, and the Throne Room is the plushest of them all. Red velvet curtains frame vast windows, chandeliers hang heavily from the ceiling and a pair of gilded thrones sit on a raised platform. King Kalakaua and Queen Kapi‘olani were the first royals to live here, moving in as soon as their regal abode was completed. The monarchy occupied the palace until 1893 when the then-leader Queen Lili’uokalani was overthrown. Today it’s a public museum.
Slide 22 of 61: The formidable Malbork Castle was built by the Teutonic Knights, a group of German Catholic crusaders, in the 13th century. At the time of its completion it was the largest brick castle in the world. Malbork served as a residence for the Polish royal family until it was occupied, first by the Swedes in the 16th century, then by the Germans during the Second World War.

Malbork Castle, Poland

The formidable Malbork Castle was built by the Teutonic Knights, a group of German Catholic crusaders, in the 13th century. At the time of its completion it was the largest brick castle in the world. Malbork served as a residence for the Polish royal family until it was occupied, first by the Swedes in the 16th century, then by the Germans during the Second World War.
Slide 23 of 61: At the end of the war, the castle was returned to Poland. Visitors can explore its many rooms as well as the on-site museum. And Malbork still holds the title of the largest brick building in Europe.

Malbork Castle, Poland

At the end of the war, the castle was returned to Poland. Visitors can explore its many rooms as well as the on-site museum. And Malbork still holds the title of the largest brick building in Europe.
Slide 24 of 61: The Saladin Citadel is a magnificent medieval Islamic fort in Cairo. Constructed in the 12th century, the citadel was the first stage of ruler Salah-al-din’s plans to defend the cities of Cairo and Fustat from the Crusaders.

Saladin Citadel, Egypt

The Saladin Citadel is a magnificent medieval Islamic fort in Cairo. Constructed in the 12th century, the citadel was the first stage of ruler Salah-al-din’s plans to defend the cities of Cairo and Fustat from the Crusaders.
Slide 25 of 61: This picture is of the Mosque of Muhammed Ali, one of three places of worship at the Citadel. The mosque was built in the 19th century and is in an Ottoman style of design. On a clear day you can see as far as the Pyramids of Giza from outside the mosque.

Saladin Citadel, Egypt

This picture is of the Mosque of Muhammed Ali, one of three places of worship at the Citadel. The mosque was built in the 19th century and is in an Ottoman style of design. On a clear day you can see as far as the Pyramids of Giza from outside the mosque.
Slide 26 of 61: As legends go, Bran Castle is home to one of the spookiest. The 12th-century castle in Transylvania is known as "Dracula’s castle" – despite Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, never having visited Romania. The castle’s turrets and hill location contribute to its eerie air. 

Bran Castle, Romania

As legends go, Bran Castle is home to one of the spookiest. The 12th-century castle in Transylvania is known as “Dracula’s castle” – despite Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, never having visited Romania. The castle’s turrets and hill location contribute to its eerie air.

Slide 27 of 61: The castle is now used to exhibit furniture and artifacts collected by Romania’s late Queen Marie. However, in 2016 two vampire fans became the first people to spend the night in Bran Castle after winning an Airbnb competition. The Canadian siblings slept in velvet lined coffins and despite some people’s fears, survived the night.

Bran Castle, Romania

The castle is now used to exhibit furniture and artifacts collected by Romania’s late Queen Marie. However, in 2016 two vampire fans became the first people to spend the night in Bran Castle after winning an Airbnb competition. The Canadian siblings slept in velvet lined coffins and despite some people’s fears, survived the night.
Slide 28 of 61: Perched on a hill, Amer Fort dwarfs the small town of the same name that lies below. Jaipur – around eight miles away – is known as the "Pink City" and this fortress, built entirely of red sandstone and marble is typical of the region's style. The imposing castle was started in 1592 and has been the home of many Rajasthani royals over the years. 

Amer Fort, near Jaipur, India

Perched on a hill, Amer Fort dwarfs the small town of the same name that lies below. Jaipur – around eight miles away – is known as the “Pink City” and this fortress, built entirely of red sandstone and marble is typical of the region’s style. The imposing castle was started in 1592 and has been the home of many Rajasthani royals over the years.

Slide 30 of 61: Edinburgh Castle’s imposing battlements overlook the city’s Old Town. The castle dates back to the 12th century and has reportedly been a part of 26 attacks, earning it the dubious accolade of being "the most besieged place in Great Britain".

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, UK

Edinburgh Castle’s imposing battlements overlook the city’s Old Town. The castle dates back to the 12th century and has reportedly been a part of 26 attacks, earning it the dubious accolade of being “the most besieged place in Great Britain”.
Slide 31 of 61: Today the castle is Scotland’s most visited tourist attraction and hosts the Edinburgh Military Tattoo every year during August. Inside, the castle’s dark wood interiors emphasize its grandeur with The Great Hall, built for James IV in 1511, the palace's glorious centerpiece. If you're visiting Scotland look out for the Scottish currency as you'll find Edinburgh Castle is now even featured on some £10 notes. Spending the weekend in Edinburgh? Find out what else to discover.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, UK

Today the castle is Scotland’s most visited tourist attraction and hosts the Edinburgh Military Tattoo every year during August. Inside, the castle’s dark wood interiors emphasize its grandeur with The Great Hall, built for James IV in 1511, the palace’s glorious centerpiece. If you’re visiting Scotland look out for the Scottish currency as you’ll find Edinburgh Castle is now even featured on some £10 notes. Spending the weekend in Edinburgh? Find out what else to discover.

Slide 32 of 61: Dario Sattui didn’t rush into building Castello di Amorosa in Napa, California in 1994 – he did his groundwork first. Modeled on a 13th-century Tuscan castle, and surrounded by acres of woodland, this romantic idyll is the perfect place to enjoy fine Italian-style wines – just as its maker intended it to be. Sattui spent years visiting Europe before setting up his winery in Napa Valley, buying and renovating a slew of smaller palatial properties in Italy before he embarked on his master project.

Castello Di Amorosa, California, USA

Dario Sattui didn’t rush into building Castello di Amorosa in Napa, California in 1994 – he did his groundwork first. Modeled on a 13th-century Tuscan castle, and surrounded by acres of woodland, this romantic idyll is the perfect place to enjoy fine Italian-style wines – just as its maker intended it to be. Sattui spent years visiting Europe before setting up his winery in Napa Valley, buying and renovating a slew of smaller palatial properties in Italy before he embarked on his master project.

Slide 34 of 61: Granada’s impressive Alhambra was built during Spain’s Moorish period in the mid-13th century. The Alhambra served as a royal palace and its exquisite gardens are home to many beautiful walkways and fountains.

The Alhambra of Granada, Spain

Granada’s impressive Alhambra was built during Spain’s Moorish period in the mid-13th century. The Alhambra served as a royal palace and its exquisite gardens are home to many beautiful walkways and fountains.
Slide 35 of 61: The Alhambra’s buildings are elaborately decorated from floor-to-ceiling and it’s easy to imagine Spanish royals walking through the gardens. Its beauty has inspired many works of literature and film including Washington Irving’s Tales of the Alhambra. Discover more of what Spain's Andalucía region has to offer.

The Alhambra of Granada, Spain

The Alhambra’s buildings are elaborately decorated from floor-to-ceiling and it’s easy to imagine Spanish royals walking through the gardens. Its beauty has inspired many works of literature and film including Washington Irving’s Tales of the Alhambra. Discover more of what Spain’s Andalucía region has to offer.

Slide 37 of 61: Though it’s now rarely filled with water, this was the swimming pool or public bath in the castle complex of Gondar. Today the bath is used for the Timkat festival, a unique Christian orthodox celebration of Jesus’ baptism. Believers gather at the waterfront to watch the priest bless the water. You can also see the lower halls, kitchens, steam rooms and lion enclosures at the Gondar site.

 

Castles of Gondar, Ethiopia

Though it’s now rarely filled with water, this was the swimming pool or public bath in the castle complex of Gondar. Today the bath is used for the Timkat festival, a unique Christian orthodox celebration of Jesus’ baptism. Believers gather at the waterfront to watch the priest bless the water. You can also see the lower halls, kitchens, steam rooms and lion enclosures at the Gondar site.
Slide 38 of 61: The first historical record of the De Haar castle in Utrecht is from 1391, but the castle that today’s citizens know and love was rebuilt in 1892. Etienne van Zuylen van Nijevelt inherited the castle and spent 20 years restoring it with the backing of his wife’s family, the Rothschilds.

De Haar Castle, the Netherlands

The first historical record of the De Haar castle in Utrecht is from 1391, but the castle that today’s citizens know and love was rebuilt in 1892. Etienne van Zuylen van Nijevelt inherited the castle and spent 20 years restoring it with the backing of his wife’s family, the Rothschilds.
Slide 39 of 61: De Haar’s interior is decorated with richly ornamented woodcarving mirroring Roman Catholic design at the time and there are 200 rooms and 30 bathrooms, some of which are open to the public. The castle is situated in beautiful parkland and its grounds often play host to weddings too.

 

De Haar Castle, the Netherlands

De Haar’s interior is decorated with richly ornamented woodcarving mirroring Roman Catholic design at the time and there are 200 rooms and 30 bathrooms, some of which are open to the public. The castle is situated in beautiful parkland and its grounds often play host to weddings too.
Slide 40 of 61: The enchanting Pena Palace, near Sintra, could be from a fairy tale. Designed in a 19th-century romantic style, it started life as a chapel. King Ferdinand II of Portugal elevated it to its current magnificence after buying the property in the 1830s.

 

Pena Palace, Portugal

The enchanting Pena Palace, near Sintra, could be from a fairy tale. Designed in a 19th-century romantic style, it started life as a chapel. King Ferdinand II of Portugal elevated it to its current magnificence after buying the property in the 1830s.
Slide 41 of 61: This is the kitchen inside the palace where today’s visitors can get an idea of the scale of preparation needed to keep the castle’s royal inhabitants happy. Discover what else to see in nearby Lisbon and its surrounds too, with our full guide to the Portuguese capital. 
 

Pena Palace, Portugal

This is the kitchen inside the palace where today’s visitors can get an idea of the scale of preparation needed to keep the castle’s royal inhabitants happy. Discover what else to see in nearby Lisbon and its surrounds too, with our full guide to the Portuguese capital.

Slide 42 of 61: Oman’s Nizwa Fort, around an hour outside the capital of Muscat, was finished in the 17th century, although the original structure is from the 12th century. The construction took 12 years to complete and the design is famous for its architectural deception, involving spiked wooden doors and so-called "murder holes" used to pour boiling date syrup onto intruders.

Nizwa Fort, Oman

Oman’s Nizwa Fort, around an hour outside the capital of Muscat, was finished in the 17th century, although the original structure is from the 12th century. The construction took 12 years to complete and the design is famous for its architectural deception, involving spiked wooden doors and so-called “murder holes” used to pour boiling date syrup onto intruders.
Slide 43 of 61: With its thick walls and numerous openings for mortar fire, the Nizwa Fort was certainly built to withstand military attacks. Today, however, it's an illustration of how the Omani people used to live. The pictured room has been converted into a library to help the fort’s many visitors discover the country's history.

 

Nizwa Fort, Oman

With its thick walls and numerous openings for mortar fire, the Nizwa Fort was certainly built to withstand military attacks. Today, however, it’s an illustration of how the Omani people used to live. The pictured room has been converted into a library to help the fort’s many visitors discover the country’s history.
Slide 44 of 61: The picturesque Peles Castle was constructed for Romanian King Carol I in 1883. King Carol fell in love with the Carpathian Mountains and decided to build a summer retreat in Sinaia, central Romania. It's not a modest affair however, as the castle’s architectural style is a mix of neo-Renaissance and Gothic revival.

 

Peles Castle, Romania

The picturesque Peles Castle was constructed for Romanian King Carol I in 1883. King Carol fell in love with the Carpathian Mountains and decided to build a summer retreat in Sinaia, central Romania. It’s not a modest affair however, as the castle’s architectural style is a mix of neo-Renaissance and Gothic revival.
Slide 45 of 61: There are over 170 rooms, many of which are decorated to reflect different world cultures, such as the Turkish Salon. This picture shows the magnificent, wood-paneled dining room. Peles Castle is open for tours and also houses the Peles National Museum, so it's worth a detour if you're at Bran Castle, around an hour away by car.

45/61 SLIDES © Vlad Vulturar/Shutterstock

Peles Castle, Romania

There are over 170 rooms, many of which are decorated to reflect different world cultures, such as the Turkish Salon. This picture shows the magnificent, wood-paneled dining room. Peles Castle is open for tours and also houses the Peles National Museum, so it’s worth a detour if you’re at Bran Castle, around an hour away by car.
Slide 46 of 61: Let them eat cake! Whether Marie Antoinette, Chateau De Versailles’ most famous resident, said the line or not, the palace near Paris is renowned for its decadence. Constructed in the 17th century, Versailles served as the French royal family’s home until the Revolution in 1789. 
46/61 SLIDES © Pichetw/Shutterstock

Chateau De Versailles, France

Let them eat cake! Whether Marie Antoinette, Chateau De Versailles’ most famous resident, said the line or not, the palace near Paris is renowned for its decadence. Constructed in the 17th century, Versailles served as the French royal family’s home until the Revolution in 1789.

Slide 47 of 61: During the Revolution, the palace was stripped of many of its furnishings but lots of the pieces were returned and the Chateau has since been restored. It receives millions of visitors a year and although the many rooms and gardens take a whole day to see, most tourists are angling to see the Chateau’s famed Hall of Mirrors, pictured here. Once you've explored Versailles, here's where to eat and sleep in the French capital. 

Chateau De Versailles, France

During the Revolution, the palace was stripped of many of its furnishings but lots of the pieces were returned and the Chateau has since been restored. It receives millions of visitors a year and although the many rooms and gardens take a whole day to see, most tourists are angling to see the Chateau’s famed Hall of Mirrors, pictured here. Once you’ve explored Versailles, here’s where to eat and sleep in the French capital.

Slide 48 of 61: Jaisalmer fort was constructed in 1156 and its clever design ensures it's camouflaged to baffle intruders. A tawny color in the day it fades to honey as the sun sets, blending in with the surrounding Thar desert. 

49/61 SLIDES © Shutterstock

Jaisalmer Fort, India

The fort is believed to be one of the only “living forts” in the world today, as nearly a fourth of the old city’s population still reside within its walls. Inside you’ll find Raj Mahal Palace and several Jain temples, as well as the havelis (townhouses) where the local merchants lived. This picture shows an elaborately decorated havelis with ornate doorways typical of the time.

Slide 50 of 61: Moszna Castle was constructed in the 17th century and thanks to its 365 rooms and 99 turrets, it would be possible to spend every day in a different room over the course of a year. The park the castle stands in is a beautiful environment of canals, meadows and forest too.

Moszna Castle, Poland

Moszna Castle was constructed in the 17th century and thanks to its 365 rooms and 99 turrets, it would be possible to spend every day in a different room over the course of a year. The park the castle stands in is a beautiful environment of canals, meadows and forest too.
Slide 51 of 61: In 1945, Moszna was occupied by the Soviet Red Army leading its owners to flee to Germany. The occupation caused significant damage to Moszna’s interior furnishings but this grand staircase has stood the test of time. Although the castle was briefly used as a hospital following the Second World War it’s now open to tourists as well as housing an art gallery.
 

Moszna Castle, Poland

In 1945, Moszna was occupied by the Soviet Red Army leading its owners to flee to Germany. The occupation caused significant damage to Moszna’s interior furnishings but this grand staircase has stood the test of time. Although the castle was briefly used as a hospital following the Second World War it’s now open to tourists as well as housing an art gallery.
Slide 52 of 61: Touting itself as “America’s largest home”, Biltmore Estate is modeled on a French chateau and was completed in 1895, after six years of construction. Location is the real draw here, though. When young George Vanderbilt, a New York businessman from a distinguished family, visited the smoky Blue Ridge mountains, he knew he wanted to make them his backyard. Upon its completion, Biltmore Estate boasted an impressive 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms.
 

Biltmore Estate, North Carolina, USA

Touting itself as “America’s largest home”, Biltmore Estate is modeled on a French chateau and was completed in 1895, after six years of construction. Location is the real draw here, though. When young George Vanderbilt, a New York businessman from a distinguished family, visited the smoky Blue Ridge mountains, he knew he wanted to make them his backyard. Upon its completion, Biltmore Estate boasted an impressive 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms.
Slide 53 of 61: He soon filled them with friends and family, and his future wife, Edith, who he married three years later. After Vanderbilt’s death in 1914, his son William set up Biltmore Estate Wine Company and began growing vines on the property. The estate remains a winery today, and visitors can take a tasting at the bar, explore the sprawling grounds and vineyards, and stay in one of the several ritzy lodgings.

 

Biltmore Estate, North Carolina, USA

He soon filled them with friends and family, and his future wife, Edith, who he married three years later. After Vanderbilt’s death in 1914, his son William set up Biltmore Estate Wine Company and began growing vines on the property. The estate remains a winery today, and visitors can take a tasting at the bar, explore the sprawling grounds and vineyards, and stay in one of the several ritzy lodgings.
Slide 54 of 61: If you look closely at the Alcázar of Segovia, you’ll notice something unusual about its design. Despite Segovia being landlocked, the fortress is shaped like the bow of a ship. The first historical record of the Alcázar’s existence is from the 12th century but the majority of the construction was probably completed by King Philip II in the 1500s.

 

Alcázar of Segovia, Spain

If you look closely at the Alcázar of Segovia, you’ll notice something unusual about its design. Despite Segovia being landlocked, the fortress is shaped like the bow of a ship. The first historical record of the Alcázar’s existence is from the 12th century but the majority of the construction was probably completed by King Philip II in the 1500s.
Slide 55 of 61: The Hall of the Galley (pictured) is in keeping with the ship theme of the Alcázar, designed in the shape of an inverted ship hull. Although the Alcázar has been used as the royal court, a prison and a military college it is now open for tourists to explore.

 

Alcázar of Segovia, Spain

The Hall of the Galley (pictured) is in keeping with the ship theme of the Alcázar, designed in the shape of an inverted ship hull. Although the Alcázar has been used as the royal court, a prison and a military college it is now open for tourists to explore.
Slide 56 of 61: Built in the 15th century, the Citadel was designed to protect the kingdom of Alexandria in the country's north. It is believed to have been erected on the same spot as the city's famous Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The Citadel of Qaitbay, Egypt

Built in the 15th century, the Citadel was designed to protect the kingdom of Alexandria in the country’s north. It is believed to have been erected on the same spot as the city’s famous Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Slide 57 of 61: A British invasion in 1882 heavily damaged the fortress leaving it in disrepair for several years. However, in the 20th century restoration work began and today it’s open to tourists. Although there are no artifacts on display, guests can wander the cavernous hallways and enjoy spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea.

The Citadel of Qaitbay, Egypt

A British invasion in 1882 heavily damaged the fortress leaving it in disrepair for several years. However, in the 20th century restoration work began and today it’s open to tourists. Although there are no artifacts on display, guests can wander the cavernous hallways and enjoy spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Slide 59 of 61: Although the castle fell into ruin after one of its owners started selling it off in parts, it was restored by the royal family in the 19th century. Members of the Luxembourg resistance even used the castle during a battle against the Nazis in 1944. Today Vianden can be visited year-round with highlights including the Renaissance-style dining room pictured here. 
 

Vianden Castle, Luxembourg

Although the castle fell into ruin after one of its owners started selling it off in parts, it was restored by the royal family in the 19th century. Members of the Luxembourg resistance even used the castle during a battle against the Nazis in 1944. Today Vianden can be visited year-round with highlights including the Renaissance-style dining room pictured here.

Slide 60 of 61: Lithuania’s Trakai Castle is in a stunning location in the center of Lake Galve. The castle was built in the 14th century and is the only island castle in Eastern Europe. It has served many purposes in its lifetime going from fortress to residence to a prison. Sadly, in the 17th century the castle was damaged and fell into disrepair.  Discover more grand residences, palaces and stately homes you can actually explore

Trakai Castle, Lithuania

Lithuania’s Trakai Castle is in a stunning location in the center of Lake Galve. The castle was built in the 14th century and is the only island castle in Eastern Europe. It has served many purposes in its lifetime going from fortress to residence to a prison. Sadly, in the 17th century the castle was damaged and fell into disrepair.

Slide 61 of 61: Happily, the castle was reconstructed after the Second World War in 1961 and is now one of Lithuania’s major tourist attractions. Pictured here is the castle chapel, but it's not just the interiors drawing visitors – there is a program of events and concerts too.  Look up: the world's jaw-dropping ceilings

Trakai Castle, Lithuania

Happily, the castle was reconstructed after the Second World War in 1961 and is now one of Lithuania’s major tourist attractions. Pictured here is the castle chapel, but it’s not just the interiors drawing visitors – there is a program of events and concerts too.

A ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Themed Bar Is Opening in Disney World

a group of people sitting at a table in front of a building: Beauty and the Beast Bar at the Grand Floridian at Walt Disney World Resort

Come this fall, Disney World will invite you to be their guest at a new “Beauty and the Beast” themed lounge and bar.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is opening a four-part lounge and bar, inspired by the 2017 live action film. Renovations are expected to be completed by fall 2019, according to the park.

In the signature bar area, a gold chandelier, inspired by Belle’s famous ball gown, will be the centerpiece. A motif of the Beast’s magical rose will appear throughout the room. Or visitors could take a hint from Belle and spend their time in the library room, decked out in classical baroque themes and French furnishings. The garden room will be inspired by the enchanted forest that surrounds the Beast’s castle and an outdoor patio area will be reminiscent of the castle’s terrace.

The bar is taking over the former Mizner’s Lounge on the second floor of the hotel, where nightly live jazz and high-end cocktails were in full rotation.

If you prefer the animated film Disney released in 1991 to the live-action remake, consider dining at the Be Our Guest Restaurant or Gaston’s Tavern, opened in 2012 in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland area. Both dining areas feature nods to the film, with French-inspired fare and menu options like “LeFou’s brew.”

If the park’s previous “Beauty and the Beast” themed spaces are any indication of what’s to come, guests can expect plenty of French-themed options on the menu and many references to the hit song “Be Our Guest.” Don’t believe me? Ask the dishes…

14 Mysteries of the Ocean Scientists Still Can’t Explain

Slide 1 of 14: Seventy percent of the Earth's surface is below the ocean, yet 95 percent of it remains unexplored to the human eye. Although the oft-heard statistic is that we know more about the surface of Mars than we do about the ocean seabed, scientists have been able to map the entire ocean floor—but the resolution is incredibly poor, so we can only visualize features larger than three miles. Ongoing research like Seabed 2030 aims to bring the ocean floor into greater focus, so we can better see and understand what's really down there. For now, we can just marvel at the most stunning deep-sea sights in the world.

The ocean floor

Seventy percent of the Earth’s surface is below the ocean, yet 95 percent of it remains unexplored to the human eye. Although the oft-heard statistic is that we know more about the surface of Mars than we do about the ocean seabed, scientists have been able to map the entire ocean floor—but the resolution is incredibly poor, so we can only visualize features larger than three miles. Ongoing research like Seabed 2030 aims to bring the ocean floor into greater focus, so we can better see and understand what’s really down there.
Slide 2 of 14: For hundreds of years, sailors have reported randomly encountering a strange 'milky' cast to the sea as far as the eye can see, but scientists have been unable to explain it—or even know for sure if it was real. In 2006, researchers were actually able to capture a satellite image of a milky sea, and several years later, experiments discovered the glow was likely from bioluminescent bacteria that attract fish in order to be eaten and survive in their guts. But, scientists still aren't sure how or why the bacteria gather in such huge numbers as to be able to be seen from space. In addition, their glow is continuous, unlike the more commonly seen 'dinoflagellate' organisms that produce brief flashes of light.

Milky sea phenomenon

For hundreds of years, sailors have reported randomly encountering a strange ‘milky’ cast to the sea as far as the eye can see, but scientists have been unable to explain it—or even know for sure if it was real. In 2006, researchers were actually able to capture a satellite image of a milky sea, and several years later, experiments discovered the glow was likely from bioluminescent bacteria that attract fish in order to be eaten and survive in their guts. But, scientists still aren’t sure how or why the bacteria gather in such huge numbers as to be able to be seen from space. In addition, their glow is continuous, unlike the more commonly seen ‘dinoflagellate’ organisms that produce brief flashes of light.
Slide 3 of 14: In 2016, researchers from Ocean Exploration Trust (founded by oceanographer and Titanic discoverer Robert Ballard) aboard the Exploration Vessel Nautilus found a strange purple blob on the ocean floor off California. Stumped as to what it could be, the scientists joked about it being a spider egg sac or a 'tiny momma octopus,' and nicknamed it Blobus purpilis before battling with a crab to retrieve the specimen. Research is ongoing as to what the orb is, but it's hypothesized to be a new species of velutinids, a type of snails. Here are more of the most stunningly beautiful underwater photos ever taken.
 

Purple orb

In 2016, researchers from Ocean Exploration Trust (founded by oceanographer and Titanic discoverer Robert Ballard) aboard the Exploration Vessel Nautilus found a strange purple blob on the ocean floor off California. Stumped as to what it could be, the scientists joked about it being a spider egg sac or a ‘tiny momma octopus,’ and nicknamed it Blobus purpilis before battling with a crab to retrieve the specimen. Research is ongoing as to what the orb is, but it’s hypothesized to be a new species of velutinids, a type of snails. Here are more of the most stunningly beautiful underwater photos ever taken.
Slide 5 of 14: This huge animal could be the mythical kraken featured in Pirates of the Caribbean and Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Although it's unlikely that the giant squid actually attacked ships, very little is known about this mysterious creature of the deep. It wasn't even photographed alive until 2004 and not filmed until several years later, when it was caught at the surface. Underwater video was not accomplished until 2012. Scientists have learned virtually nothing about the lives of these deep-sea giants, not even how big they get, although some estimates predict they grow up to 66 feet. Only their cousin the colossal squid might be bigger in weight, although probably not length—but even less is known about them.

 

Giant squid

This huge animal could be the mythical kraken featured in Pirates of the Caribbean and Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Although it’s unlikely that the giant squid actually attacked ships, very little is known about this mysterious creature of the deep. It wasn’t even photographed alive until 2004 and not filmed until several years later, when it was caught at the surface. Underwater video was not accomplished until 2012. Scientists have learned virtually nothing about the lives of these deep-sea giants, not even how big they get, although some estimates predict they grow up to 66 feet. Only their cousin the colossal squid might be bigger in weight, although probably not length—but even less is known about them.
Slide 6 of 14: We might not know much about the terrain of the ocean, but we have seen is just as stunning as what's on land—and in fact, may be strikingly similar. 'Brine pools,' where the salt water concentration is greater than the surrounding ocean, create lake-like surfaces and shorelines. Earth's largest waterfall is actually underwater in the Denmark Strait, where colder water tumbles over a huge drop in the ocean floor, falling 11,500 feet (the largest land waterfall is only 3,212 feet). Underwater volcanoes erupt—the largest one ever recently happened, and scientists almost missed it. Although researchers know all of these things exist, their exact mechanisms are still being investigated, making them one of the perplexing science mysteries no one has figured out.

 

Undersea geology

We might not know much about the terrain of the ocean, but we have seen is just as stunning as what’s on land—and in fact, may be strikingly similar. ‘Brine pools,’ where the salt water concentration is greater than the surrounding ocean, create lake-like surfaces and shorelines. Earth’s largest waterfall is actually underwater in the Denmark Strait, where colder water tumbles over a huge drop in the ocean floor, falling 11,500 feet (the largest land waterfall is only 3,212 feet). Underwater volcanoes erupt—the largest one ever recently happened, and scientists almost missed it. Although researchers know all of these things exist, their exact mechanisms are still being investigated, making them one of the perplexing science mysteries no one has figured out.
Slide 7 of 14: These mysterious giants of the sea are the largest animal to live on Earth—ever. But partially due to the whaling trade hunting them nearly to extinction, plus their slow reproduction, there just aren't many of them out there to study. As a result little is known about these elusive creatures, including how long they live, when they reach sexual maturity, or the specifics of their reproduction. The animals' shyness also makes them hard to observe. In 2017, a video of never-before-seen blue whale behavior off Sri Lanka caused controversy among experts as to whether or not the rolling and racing caught on camera was a mating ritual. The researchers plan to return this summer to see if they can learn more.

Blue whales

These mysterious giants of the sea are the largest animal to live on Earth—ever. But partially due to the whaling trade hunting them nearly to extinction, plus their slow reproduction, there just aren’t many of them out there to study. As a result little is known about these elusive creatures, including how long they live, when they reach sexual maturity, or the specifics of their reproduction. The animals’ shyness also makes them hard to observe. In 2017, a video of never-before-seen blue whale behavior off Sri Lanka caused controversy among experts as to whether or not the rolling and racing caught on camera was a mating ritual. The researchers plan to return this summer to see if they can learn more.
Slide 8 of 14: Nothing like the mysterious 'bloop' sound recorded in the South Pacific in 1997 had ever been heard before. It was very loud, low-frequency, and had a unique pattern that made some think it was a newly discovered creature lurking in the depths. (It didn't help that the sound came from near the location of HP Lovecraft's fictional sunken city of R'yleh, where a creature called Cthulhu is imprisoned.) Researchers continued to look for the origin of the noise for years, until in 2005 they announced it had been an 'icequake,' which occurs when icebergs break off of glaciers. Although that reasoning has been generally accepted, some conspiracy theorists still feel the explanation is a little thin. Check out some less mysterious, but still fascinating, facts you never knew about our oceans.

 

Bloop sound

Nothing like the mysterious ‘bloop’ sound recorded in the South Pacific in 1997 had ever been heard before. It was very loud, low-frequency, and had a unique pattern that made some think it was a newly discovered creature lurking in the depths. (It didn’t help that the sound came from near the location of HP Lovecraft’s fictional sunken city of R’yleh, where a creature called Cthulhu is imprisoned.) Researchers continued to look for the origin of the noise for years, until in 2005 they announced it had been an ‘icequake,’ which occurs when icebergs break off of glaciers. Although that reasoning has been generally accepted, some conspiracy theorists still feel the explanation is a little thin. Check out some less mysterious, but still fascinating, facts you never knew about our oceans.
Slide 9 of 14: Could this tiny jelly hold the secret to curing cancer? Smaller than a pinky nail, this sea creature has the Benjamin Button-like ability to revert back to a polyp stage when threatened with starvation or injury, earning it the nickname 'immortal jellyfish' for how it outsmarts death. Although the species had been known about for a hundred years, it wasn't until the 1990s that this incredible phenomenon was discovered. Scientists still are unsure exactly how its cells are able to regress and regrow, but the immortal jellyfish could hold promise for fighting diseases like cancer in humans. Check out more rare photos of our ocean's invertebrates like you've never seen them before.
 

‘Immortal’ jellyfish

Could this tiny jelly hold the secret to curing cancer? Smaller than a pinky nail, this sea creature has the Benjamin Button-like ability to revert back to a polyp stage when threatened with starvation or injury, earning it the nickname ‘immortal jellyfish’ for how it outsmarts death. Although the species had been known about for a hundred years, it wasn’t until the 1990s that this incredible phenomenon was discovered. Scientists still are unsure exactly how its cells are able to regress and regrow, but the immortal jellyfish could hold promise for fighting diseases like cancer in humans. Check out more rare photos of our ocean’s invertebrates like you’ve never seen them before.
Slide 10 of 14: The points of the so-called Bermuda Triangle are Miami, Puerto Rico, and Bermuda—but don't worry if you've booked a trip to any of those destinations. Despite the area being known for the unexplained disappearances of ships and planes, there really isn't any evidence that it's more dangerous than anywhere else in the world, or that there's any supernatural phenomenon at work. But, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) does admit there could be scientific reasons for the disappearances, such as the likelihood of hurricanes, rapid changes in weather due to the Gulf Stream, and the numerous islands in the Caribbean that make for tricky navigation. NOAA also acknowledges that the area could possibly mess with navigational tools, making them point true north as opposed to magnetic north; or that 'oceanic flatulence,' a burst of methane gas from the sea, could somehow have affected the vessels and planes.

 

The Bermuda Triangle

The points of the so-called Bermuda Triangle are Miami, Puerto Rico, and Bermuda—but don’t worry if you’ve booked a trip to any of those destinations. Despite the area being known for the unexplained disappearances of ships and planes, there really isn’t any evidence that it’s more dangerous than anywhere else in the world, or that there’s any supernatural phenomenon at work. But, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) does admit there could be scientific reasons for the disappearances, such as the likelihood of hurricanes, rapid changes in weather due to the Gulf Stream, and the numerous islands in the Caribbean that make for tricky navigation. NOAA also acknowledges that the area could possibly mess with navigational tools, making them point true north as opposed to magnetic north; or that ‘oceanic flatulence,’ a burst of methane gas from the sea, could somehow have affected the vessels and planes.
Slide 11 of 14: This spot in the ocean off the Mariana Islands near Guam is the deepest point on Earth—nearly seven miles down. In comparison, Mount Everest is only 5.5 miles tall. This little-explored area of the sea has only ever been visited by three people: two oceanographers in 1960, and filmmaker/ocean explorer James Cameron in 2012 in the first solo expedition. In the trench, it's completely dark and only a few degrees above freezing, with intense pressure of eight tons per square inch. But somehow marine life has managed to survive, even thrive, in such an environment. Further research, though, is needed into the unique ecosystem. And even though it's so remote, it's not immune to pollution: Just this year, researchers found evidence of a plastic bag there in a database of images from the trench. Sadly, pollution also affects the other most stunning natural wonders on Earth.

 

Mariana Trench

This spot in the ocean off the Mariana Islands near Guam is the deepest point on Earth—nearly seven miles down. In comparison, Mount Everest is only 5.5 miles tall. This little-explored area of the sea has only ever been visited by three people: two oceanographers in 1960, and filmmaker/ocean explorer James Cameron in 2012 in the first solo expedition. In the trench, it’s completely dark and only a few degrees above freezing, with intense pressure of eight tons per square inch. But somehow marine life has managed to survive, even thrive, in such an environment. Further research, though, is needed into the unique ecosystem. And even though it’s so remote, it’s not immune to pollution: Just this year, researchers found evidence of a plastic bag there in a database of images from the trench. Sadly, pollution also affects the other most stunning natural wonders on Earth.
Slide 12 of 14: Could these be the sea monsters of yore? This snake-like creature is the longest bony fish on Earth, and can grow up to 56 feet and weigh 600 pounds. But because they live at depths around 3,300 feet, not much is known about the rarely-seen-alive creature. Two dead oarfish were found on California shores in 2013, prompting scientists to wonder if ominous forces were at work to beach the normally deep-sea animals, as they have been rumored to wash up before earthquakes. But instead the incident turned out to be a boon for scientists to be able to study the specimens—since they don't even know how many species of the fish exist, DNA samples could help researchers figure that out.

 

Giant oarfish

Could these be the sea monsters of yore? This snake-like creature is the longest bony fish on Earth, and can grow up to 56 feet and weigh 600 pounds. But because they live at depths around 3,300 feet, not much is known about the rarely-seen-alive creature. Two dead oarfish were found on California shores in 2013, prompting scientists to wonder if ominous forces were at work to beach the normally deep-sea animals, as they have been rumored to wash up before earthquakes. But instead the incident turned out to be a boon for scientists to be able to study the specimens—since they don’t even know how many species of the fish exist, DNA samples could help researchers figure that out.
Slide 13 of 14: Are they man-made steps and ancient pyramids that sank in an earthquake, or natural rock formations? These strange structures in the water off the coast of Japan, nicknamed 'Japan's Atlantis,' have baffled scientists since they were found by a diver in 1986. Amazingly, scientists are still arguing if people or Mother Nature created the Yonaguni Monument, as well as whether markings in the stone are carvings of faces and animals or simply naturally-made scratches. Today, it's a popular dive spot with tourists today and continues to puzzle people as one of the ancient mysteries researchers still can't explain.
 

The Yonaguni Monument

Are they man-made steps and ancient pyramids that sank in an earthquake, or natural rock formations? These strange structures in the water off the coast of Japan, nicknamed ‘Japan’s Atlantis,’ have baffled scientists since they were found by a diver in 1986. Amazingly, scientists are still arguing if people or Mother Nature created the Yonaguni Monument, as well as whether markings in the stone are carvings of faces and animals or simply naturally-made scratches. Today, it’s a popular dive spot with tourists today and continues to puzzle people as one of the ancient mysteries researchers still can’t explain.
Slide 14 of 14: We're not talking about James Cameron's 1989 movie about researchers who find a deep-sea civilization—but scientists are traveling to the real-life abyss, the area between 13,000 and 20,000 feet under the surface, to discover new marine life. A recent expedition near Australia located hundreds of new species, as well as little-known creatures like the 'faceless fish' that hasn't been seen here since 1873. Other rare specimens the scientists collected include the spiny king crab, the monkey brittle star, the smooth-head Blobfish (yes, that's its real name), and the deep-sea lizard fish. Who knows what else is down there? We sure don't—and we don't know the explanations for these unsolved mysteries about planet Earth, either.

The Abyss

We’re not talking about James Cameron’s 1989 movie about researchers who find a deep-sea civilization—but scientists are traveling to the real-life abyss, the area between 13,000 and 20,000 feet under the surface, to discover new marine life. A recent expedition near Australia located hundreds of new species, as well as little-known creatures like the ‘faceless fish’ that hasn’t been seen here since 1873. Other rare specimens the scientists collected include the spiny king crab, the monkey brittle star, the smooth-head Blobfish (yes, that’s its real name), and the deep-sea lizard fish. Who knows what else is down there? We sure don’t—and we don’t know the explanations for these unsolved mysteries about planet Earth, either.

5 Things You Should Never Do on a Cruise

In my six years of sailing the seven seas, I’ve met all kinds of new friends and interesting folks. But I’ve also met the problem passengers: the rude ones, the greedy ones, and the always-late ones.

Don’t be like them. Here are five cruising pet peeves and no-nos to avoid, so you can make sure you’re a crew favorite:

Don’t: miss the ship.

a group of people standing in front of a large ship in the background: Getty Images© Getty Images Getty Images

It’s every cruiser’s worst nightmare: to find yourself gazing up as your cruise ship sails off into the sunset…without you. Cruise lines run a tight ship, literally — and if you’re late, they will not wait. If you find yourself in this situation, it will be down to you to cough up the cash and pay for a flight to the next port of call. To avoid this, make sure you’re always on the local time. Otherwise, you could end up like British couple the Pratts, who arrived back at their Danube port only to realize their watches weren’t on central European time. It was noon in England, not Austria.

Don’t: hoard the food.

a person standing in front of a table: Holger Leue/Lonely Planet Images/Getty Images© Holger Leue/Lonely Planet Images/Getty Images Holger Leue/Lonely Planet Images/Getty Images

Much like Rebel Wilson, if my family went to a buffet growing up, we always took some home with us. No need to do this on a cruise ship. The buffet is open for much of the day, and sometimes for twenty-four hours — in fact, thinking back to my first cruise holiday as a young teen, I remember feeling like it was Christmas upon discovering this. If you’re really desperate to eat in your cabin, some vessels will even allow you to order directly to your stateroom free of charge.

Don’t: pack too much.

a bunch of luggage: Getty Images© Getty Images Getty ImagesThere is no getting away from this one…I am definitely guilty of being an over-packer. And a majority of the time, the luggage rule on cruises is: “if you can carry it, you can bring it.” Granted, if you’re taking a fly-cruise and sailing out of a far-flung location, you’re likely to find luggage restrictions on the part of the airline. But if you don’t have restrictions, that means endless pairs of shoes, dresses, and even the kitchen sink! Remember, though, that cabin space is limited. There are also laundry services onboard most ships, so feel free to pack lightly and reuse what you bring.

Don’t: steal a sunbed.

Sergio J. Pitamitz/Getty Images© Sergio J. Pitamitz/Getty Images Sergio J. Pitamitz/Getty ImagesJust picture it — it’s 6am, and you hear the thunderous sound of footsteps along the corridors. A herd of elephants, you ask? No. It’s the sunbed stealers. One of the only design flaws onboard larger cruise ships is the ratio of sunbeds to passengers; sadly, there simply cannot be enough for the mammoth number of people onboard. Far too often, scheming guests will rise at the crack of dawn, place their towels down on a vacant sunbed, and “reserve” their spot for the day — even if it only receives ten minutes of use. What they don’t realize: if this bad behavior is spotted, the crew will monitor you like a hawk, and your towel will not be long for this world.

Don’t: be rude to the crew.

a person standing in front of a door: Loic Venance/AFP/Getty Images© Loic Venance/AFP/Getty Images Loic Venance/AFP/Getty ImagesCountless documentaries have showcased the extremely hard work undertaken by cruise crewmembers. Seven-day weeks, often for six months at a time — no holidays, no paid time off. Remember: politeness costs nothing. Although it may seem obvious, always remember your pleases and thank yous. Much of the crew’s work goes unnoticed; when your cab

in steward makes your bed and leaves an artistic animal-shaped towel creation on top of your duvet, thank them. One of the biggest insults to staff is stiffing them on gratuity. These tips contribute directly towards their salaries; removing gratuity from your fare will only mean the crew is doing the same work for less money.

6 unmissable thermal baths in and around Europe

Slide 1 of 7: Planning a trip across or around Europe? Don't forget to schedule some downtime! These six locations scattered around the continent are ideal for relaxing amidst your busy itinerary. Take a break in Budapest, or get some much-needed R&R in Andorra. The choice is yours!

Take a holiday from your holiday

Planning a trip across or around Europe? Don’t forget to schedule some downtime! These six locations scattered around the continent are ideal for relaxing amidst your busy itinerary. Take a break in Budapest, or get some much-needed R&R in Andorra. The choice is yours!
Slide 2 of 7: These baths in Budapest are known worldwide for their medicinal qualities due to the chemical composition of their waters. The complex's indoor and outdoor heated pools allow for year-round bathing, whatever the weather. By day, you can relax and enjoy their healing powers. By night, get ready for the craziest outdoor party in Europe as the baths turn into a 'Sparty', with bars, music and a whirlpool.

The Széchenyi Medicinal Bath in Hungary

These baths in Budapest are known worldwide for their medicinal qualities due to the chemical composition of their waters. The complex’s indoor and outdoor heated pools allow for year-round bathing, whatever the weather. By day, you can relax and enjoy their healing powers. By night, get ready for the craziest outdoor party in Europe as the baths turn into a ‘Sparty’, with bars, music and a whirlpool.

Slide 3 of 7: With bright blue, geothermal waters which naturally soothe your skin, there is no better way to relax than by plunging into the Blue Lagoon. The mud from the bed of the lagoon can even be used as a purifying face mask. For the best experience, stay at one of the nearby hotels where you can benefit from spa treatments and excellent food.

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland

With bright blue, geothermal waters which naturally soothe your skin, there is no better way to relax than by plunging into the Blue Lagoon. The mud from the bed of the lagoon can even be used as a purifying face mask. For the best experience, stay at one of the nearby hotels where you can benefit from spa treatments and excellent food.
Slide 4 of 7: These incredibly beautiful hot springs are tucked away in the Tuscan countryside. Find yourself in awe, not only at the cascading warm waters, but also at the fact that they are completely free to enjoy every day of the year. Bring a picnic and set up camp on the rocks beside the springs, taking regular dips in between sunbathing.
 

Saturnia Hot Springs in Italy

These incredibly beautiful hot springs are tucked away in the Tuscan countryside. Find yourself in awe, not only at the cascading warm waters, but also at the fact that they are completely free to enjoy every day of the year. Bring a picnic and set up camp on the rocks beside the springs, taking regular dips in between sunbathing.
Slide 5 of 7: Pamukkale is a small town hidden in western Turkey, and is neighboured by a small Roman spa city called Hierapolis. Although not technically in continental Europe, Pamukkale deserves a mention thanks to its unique topography. Due to its naturally mineral-rich waters, this area is dotted with several hot springs and thermal baths which create a truly idyllic landscape. Bathe in the crystal clear waters of the Antique Pool, located in Hierapolis, and watch water cascade down the white travertine terraces in Pamukkale.

Pamukkale-Hierapolis Thermal Pools in Turkey

Pamukkale is a small town hidden in western Turkey, and is neighboured by a small Roman spa city called Hierapolis. Although not technically in continental Europe, Pamukkale deserves a mention thanks to its unique topography. Due to its naturally mineral-rich waters, this area is dotted with several hot springs and thermal baths which create a truly idyllic landscape. Bathe in the crystal clear waters of the Antique Pool, located in Hierapolis, and watch water cascade down the white travertine terraces in Pamukkale.

Slide 5 of 7: Pamukkale is a small town hidden in western Turkey, and is neighboured by a small Roman spa city called Hierapolis. Although not technically in continental Europe, Pamukkale deserves a mention thanks to its unique topography. Due to its naturally mineral-rich waters, this area is dotted with several hot springs and thermal baths which create a truly idyllic landscape. Bathe in the crystal clear waters of the Antique Pool, located in Hierapolis, and watch water cascade down the white travertine terraces in Pamukkale.

Pamukkale-Hierapolis Thermal Pools in Turkey

Pamukkale is a small town hidden in western Turkey, and is neighboured by a small Roman spa city called Hierapolis. Although not technically in continental Europe, Pamukkale deserves a mention thanks to its unique topography. Due to its naturally mineral-rich waters, this area is dotted with several hot springs and thermal baths which create a truly idyllic landscape. Bathe in the crystal clear waters of the Antique Pool, located in Hierapolis, and watch water cascade down the white travertine terraces in Pamukkale.

Slide 6 of 7: Harrogate is a small English spa town North Yorkshire, known famously for its mineral springs discovered back in the 16th century. The Turkish Baths offer the chance to relax in these medicinal waters, rich in sulphur and other minerals, making this the perfect English holiday destination.

Victorian Turkish Baths in England

Harrogate is a small English spa town North Yorkshire, known famously for its mineral springs discovered back in the 16th century. The Turkish Baths offer the chance to relax in these medicinal waters, rich in sulphur and other minerals, making this the perfect English holiday destination.

Slide 7 of 7: Caldea is a huge thermal spa complex in the Andorran Pyrenees. The baths boast four different spas with jacuzzis, waterfalls and massage jets allowing for the ultimate relaxation experience. The area is home to some of the hottest thermal spring waters in Europe, which makes Caldea the perfect place to relax and warm up during ski season.

Caldea in Andorra

Caldea is a huge thermal spa complex in the Andorran Pyrenees. The baths boast four different spas with jacuzzis, waterfalls and massage jets allowing for the ultimate relaxation experience. The area is home to some of the hottest thermal spring waters in Europe, which makes Caldea the perfect place to relax and warm up during ski season.

Hilton Celebrates 100th Anniversary

a large body of water with a city in the background: Caribe Hilton

Hilton will celebrate its 100th anniversary on May 31 and the company, which calls itself “the first global hospitality company,” marked the occasion with an event in New York where it looked to the past, present and future of the brand.

Today, Hilton has 17 brands, more than 5,600 properties and more than 2,300 properties in its pipeline; one of every five hotels opening in the world is a Hilton. The company started in 1919 when Conrad Hilton bought a small hotel in Cisco, Texas. The first with the Hilton name came along in 1925 (the Hilton Dallas) and by the 1950s, Hilton became the first coast-to-coast hotel chain in the U.S.

It also opened the first hotel outside the continental U.S, the Hilton Caribe in Puerto Rico and soon opened the Hilton Istanbul, the first modern hotel built from the ground up in Europe after WWII. Conrad Hilton became the first hotelier to appear on the cover of Time magazine.

Hilton has had many lodging firsts, according to Karla Starr, author of “The Hilton Effect,” a history of the company: room service, televisions in rooms and lobby shopping among them. She said Conrad Hilton was the first to recognize business travelers as a distinct market and targeted them initially.

In addition, Conrad Hilton invested heavily in air conditioning in the 1950s, creating the possibility of year-round convention business, said Dr. Mark Young, archivist and historian for Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston.

Pablo Torres, general manager of the Caribe Hilton, which was heavily damaged by Hurricane Maria two years ago, said the property will reopen May 15 after extensive renovations to rooms, public space and the beach. That property was the site where the piña colada was invented.

Discussing Hilton today Mark Weinstein, senior vice president and global head of customer engagement, said Hilton’s Honors loyalty program now has 85 million members. Hilton Honors now offers a “slider” option where travelers can choose any combination of money or points to redeem awards and that the option to choose experiences like concerts is growing rapidly.

Tripp McLaughlin, global head of the newest brand, Motto, said it is a micro-hotel concept that offers smaller but highly designed rooms with an active lobby and extensive local partnerships.

Looking ahead, Hilton aims to shrink its environmental footprint through its Travel With Purpose program, according to Katie Fallon, executive vice president and global head of corporate affairs. Calling itself the first major hotel chain to institute science-based carbon emission targets, the company has the goal of cutting its environmental footprint in half and doubling its social impact by 2020.

Ian Carter, president of global development, architecture, design and construction, said more than half of the company’s pipeline is overseas with a special focus on the Middle East, Africa, China and all-inclusive hotels in the Caribbean and northern South America.

Noelle Eder, chief information and digital officer, said the Connected Room continues to be rolled out, enabling guests to use an app to control the heating and cooling in their rooms, entertainment on their devices, lights and more. “And we’re just getting started,” said Eder.

A new feature, said Eder, is called “Explore the Neighborhood” and offers suggestions from hotel staff about what to do in the destination. The mission, said Eder, is to focus on flexibility and speed to enhance the guest experience through technology.

Who owns aloha? Hawaii eyes protections for native culture

a store front at day

HONOLULU — Last year, much of Hawaii was shocked to learn a Chicago restaurant chain owner had trademarked the name “Aloha Poke” and wrote to cubed fish shops around the country demanding that they stop using the Hawaiian language moniker for their own eateries. The cease-and-desist letters targeted a downtown Honolulu restaurant and a Native Hawaiian-operated restaurant in Anchorage, among others.

Now, Hawaii lawmakers are considering adopting a resolution calling for the creation of legal protections for Native Hawaiian cultural intellectual property. The effort predates Aloha Poke, but that episode is lending a sense of urgency to a long-festering concern not unfamiliar to native cultures in other parts of the world.

“I was frustrated at the audacity of people from outside of our community using these legal mechanisms to basically bully people from our local community out of utilizing symbols and words that are important to our culture,” said state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, a Native Hawaiian representing Kaneohe and Heeia.

The resolution calls on state agencies and Native Hawaiian organizations to form a task force to develop a legal system to “recognize and protect” Native Hawaiian cultural intellectual property and traditional cultural expressions. It also seeks protections for genetic resources, such as taro, a traditional crop that legend says is an ancestor of the Hawaiian people and that scientists have tried to genetically engineer in the past.

The task force would be commissioned to submit its recommendations and any proposed legislation to lawmakers in three years.

The resolution has passed House and Senate committees. The full Senate is scheduled to vote on it Monday.

The Aloha Poke incident echoes past disputes, like when a non-Hawaiian photographer claimed copyright over an image of a woman dancing hula and Disney copyrighted a modified version of a Hawaiian chant used in a movie.

Chicago’s Aloha Poke Co. chose as its battleground the word “aloha” — a term meaning love, compassion, kindness as well as hello and goodbye. It’s a term central to how Native Hawaiians treat others and how many in Hawaii — Native Hawaiian or not — try to live.

“It’s traumatic when things like this happen to us — when people try to take, modify or steal what’s been in our people’s world view for generations,” said Healani Sonoda-Pale, chairwoman of the Ka Lahui Hawaii political action committee, who testified in support of the resolution.

Aloha Poke CEO Chris Birkinshaw didn’t return messages seeking comment left at his West Madison store in Chicago and on the company’s website. The company has stores in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Florida and Washington, D.C.

Aloha Poke Shop in Honolulu initially ignored the Chicago company’s letter, said co-founder Jeff Sampson. When the issue burst into the news, he and his partners had an attorney write their Chicago counterpart saying they wouldn’t change their name. They explained there would be no confusion between their businesses because they operated far from the mainland company’s stores.

But Tasha Kahele, who is Native Hawaiian, has spent nearly $10,000 so far changing her Anchorage store’s name to Lei’s Poke Stop after receiving one of the letters.

Native Hawaiian experts note there’s a cultural clash underlying much of this. Modern European-based traditions use trademarks, copyright and patents to create economic incentives and rewards for creating knowledge and culture. Indigenous culture, on the other hand, is often passed on through generations and held collectively.

“They’re never going to sit nicely together in a box,” said Kuhio Lewis, the CEO of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.

It will be difficult to determine who would decide who can use Native Hawaiian culture and who would be able to use it. Limits may violate the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The task force will have to explore who can do what, Lewis said.

“At the least, they need to have some cultural sensitivity about how it’s used. And they need to know you can’t be telling Native Hawaiian businesses they can’t use their own language,” Lewis said.

The resolution points to potential models in New Zealand and Alaska, which both created signifiers that indigenous people may place on their art as a mark of authenticity.

Marie Texter of Anchorage said her late father Andy Makar — who drew, made carvings from tusks, cottonwood and horns, and sewed animal skins — was a strong believer in the Silver Hand seal for Alaska Natives.

“He said this is a great program because so many times the Native artwork gets commercialized or used by someone else,” she said.

He had to fill out proof of his Indian blood — he was mostly Yup’ik but his mother was Athabascan — to apply.

But Rosita Worl, president of Juneau-based Sealaska Heritage Institute, said not all Alaska Native artists apply for or use the emblem. Nor does the program deter the sale of bogus Native art made overseas, she said. It also lacks enforcement and publicity, she said.

Charles E. Colman, a University of Hawaii law professor, said such programs hold up under federal law because they don’t prohibit people from making work that resembles indigenous art. They merely won’t allow people to say their work is produced by an indigenous person if it’s not.

Colman believes the Aloha Poke situation, on the other hand, could be addressed within existing trademark law.

He believes the Chicago company’s trademark could be cancelled if challenged because it’s not so well-known that its name has developed a secondary meaning the way the words in the retailer name “Best Buy” have, for example.

“You can’t just register a descriptive phrase unless you’ve achieved a certain amount of public recognition,” he said.

Surge in ticket sales for European ferries after Brexit delay

‘The bow doors have opened’ as Dover to Calais bookings rise by more than 55%

Climate concerns don’t halt travel

Millions of Norwegians are officially off for Norway’s long five-day Easter holiday weekend that began on Thursday, with more than half of them out travelling within the country or heading abroad. There’s little sign they’re sacrificing holiday travel out of concern for the climate or the carbon emissions that flying and driving can generate.

Norwegian Air’s carbon emissions rose 51 percent between 2013 and 2018, largely because of its route expansion. The airline itself claims that emissions per passenger-kilometer have declined 30 percent since 2008 because of more fuel-efficient aircraft. PHOTO: Norwegian Air

Oslo’s main airport at Gardermoen reported more huge numbers of people passing through last weekend, as many seized the opportunity to get 10 days off in a row for the price of just three vacation days from work (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday). A new survey conducted by research firm Kantar/TNS for the national tourism employers’ organization NHO Reiseliv shows that nearly 20 percent of those out traveling flew to other countries in Europe or beyond.

Others hit the road, loading up the car and driving to mountain cabins for spring skiing, opening up holiday homes along the coast, or visiting family and friends. Fully 78 percent of those reporting that they’d leave home during the Easter holidays planned to travel to another location in Norway.

“The vast majority of Norwegians still view Easter holidays within Norway as their top choice,” Kristin Krohn Devold, a former defense minister who now heads NHO Reiseliv, told news bureau NTB.

‘The new coal’
With 55 percent of those questioned replying that they’d leave home during Easter, the travel bug continues to bite, and that worries climate activists. Oslo newspaper Dagsavisen recently reported how another new study shows that an airline now ranks as one of the 10 largest sources of carbon emissions in Europe.

The dubious distinction went to Ryanair, according to the study conducted by the organization Transport & Environment (T&E). Norway’s chapter of Friends of the Earth, Naturvernforbundet, is among the members of T&E and was sounding alarms before the Easter holidays even began.

“When it comes to the climate, Ryanair is the new coal,” claimed Andrew Murphy, aviation chief at T&E. The organization used EU data showing emissions development for around 14,000 companies in various sectors. The nine biggest generators of carbon emissions were coal-driven power plants, topped by Belchatow of Poland, which released 38 million tons of carbon last year. The 10th spot on the list was Ryanair, whose flights around Europe released 9.9 million tons of CO2 in 2018.

Route expansion to blame
Norway’s two biggest airlines, Norwegian Air and SAS, released far less, at 2.8 million- and 2.5 million tons respectively, “but that’s more than what all the diesel vehicles in Norway released in 2017,” Holger Schlaupitz of Naturvernforbund told Dagsavisen. Norwegian’s carbon emissions growth from 2013 to 2018 hit 51 percent, much higher than SAS’ 6 percent and reflecting Norwegian’s major route expansion. Ryanair’s growth was 49 percent, while carbon emissions for airlines flying within Europe rose 26 percent on average.

While carbons emissions are falling in most other sectors including coal, they’re rising within the aviation sector because of the strong growth in airline traffic. Schlaupitz notes that Norwegians have contributed to that growth with 52 million passengers passing through state airport agency Avinor’s airports last year. That’s more than double the number in 1993.

“It’s clear that it’s too cheap for airline traffic to pollute, and that the prices for jet fuel are relatively low,” Schlaupitz claimed. He has no faith that either more fuel-efficient aircraft, electric aircraft or more use of biofuels will cut emissions from airline traffic, as long as it continues to grow.

Political approval for more airline traffic growth
All indications are that it will. Avinor actively seeks new airline routes from its airports and offers incentives to the airlines to get them. Avinor also remains keen to build a third runway at OSL Gardermoen. A majority in Parliament (formed by the government parties and the Labour Party) voted down a measure proposed by other more-climate-oriented parties in opposition to block it.

The airlines, meanwhile, defend their emissions growth by contending that their aircraft have reduced emissions per passenger-kilometer. Norwegian Air claims its emissions per passenger-kilometer have declined by 30 percent since 2008 because of major investment in new, more emissions-friendly aircraft.

“Last year Norwegian paid more than NOK 1.3 billion in so-called ‘environmental fees’ to the EU’s quota system, CO2 taxes on domestic routes and the airline seat tax in Norway and Sweden,” Norwegian Air spokesman Lasse Sandaker-Nielsen told Dagsavisen. He added that Norwegian Air continues to call for a CO2 fund that could be used to promote environmental goals.

Wine Country: Exploring the Okanagan’s Golden Mile

The birds know it’s morning before you do. A single sweet note breaks the velvety silence and is quickly joined by a chorus of birdsong. Grape leaves rustle as some small creature wanders through the vineyard in search of breakfast. The inky darkness lightens to smoky grey and then brightens to gold as sunlight spills molten over the bluffs across the valley.

It’s another perfect day in wine country. And there are few places better to greet it than right here on the Golden Mile Bench.

Watching the sun rise from the guest villas at Hester Creek Estate Winery. JOANNE SASVARI

The bench is a steep, sandy, gravelly, loamy slope just south of Oliver, pop. 5,000, the little town known as the Wine Capital of Canada. It’s British Columbia’s first sub-geographical indication, a unique place within wine country that just happens to be the perfect spot to grow lush Chardonnay and elegant Merlot. Some of B.C.’s greatest producers can be found here doing just that, among them Culmina Family Estate Winery, CheckMate Artisanal Winery, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Fairview Cellars, Road 13 Vineyards and Hester Creek Estate Winery.

Days move lazily here, broken by delicious moments. Hop in the car—or on your bike, though it’s easier to load cases of wine in your car—and meander along the numbered country roads that lead to Black Sage Road across the valley, where wineries produce peppery Syrahs and voluptuous Viognier. Head north, past the massive boulder known as McIntyre Bluff, and you’ll bump into Penticton’s twin sandy beaches. Head south, and you’ll find yourself in the desert surrounding Osoyoos and, just a few metres further, the U.S. border. But here, between the Golden Mile and Black Sage benches, it’s all rolling hills striped with vineyards, and hidden in their folds, people who want to give you lovely things to eat and drink.

You’ll need a central location to start from, a home base. A guest house like the Tuscan-style ones at Hester Creek Estate Winery will do quite nicely. They have kitchenettes, comfy furniture and, perched as they are high above the winery, patios with sweeping views across vineyards and valley. You can make yourself right at home without having to worry about pesky details like bringing in the harvest.

Hester Creek winemaker Rob Summers with a handful of grapes. JOANNE SASVARI

The winery itself is historic in this valley. Fifty years ago, back when everyone else in the Okanagan was still planting hybrid varieties like Vidal and Marechal Foch, an Italian immigrant named Joe Busnardo planted the first vitis vinifera here, including the Trebbiano vines that still produce a bright, crisp white wine each spring. The wines he made from these noble grapes were, by all accounts, terrible, but he proved that they would thrive here.

In the 1980s, Busnardo opened Divino Estate Winery on the site, and when he sold it in 1996, the new owners named it for the creek that runs along the south side of the property. In 2004, Prince George businessman Curt Garland bought the winery and hired Rob Summers, a veteran winemaker from Niagara, to produce its wines, which, please note, are no longer terrible. Far from it. The Cabernet Franc is elegant yet approachable, all black fruit and violets, and the Bordeaux blend known as The Judge is a powerful combination of juicy fruit and supple tannins.

Grab a bottle (or two) from the wine shop and some cheese and charcuterie from Oliver Eats, the new gourmet deli from local chef Derek Uhlemann. Or pick up some authentic tacos al pastor from El Sabor De Marina, the turquoise-blue Mexican food stand just outside town, if you can wait till you get home to dive into their savoury depths. Or, if you’re feeling adventuresome, head out to one of the great restaurants in the neighbourhood, which, happily, are all located at wineries: Miradoro at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, The Sonora Room at Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, Masala Bistro at Kismet Estate Winery, or Terrafina right here, just down the hill at Hester Creek.

Chef Bernard Casavant of RauDZ Creative Concepts serves an al fresco lunch on the patio at Terrafina Restaurant.JOANNE SASVARI

About a year ago, chef Rod Butters’ RauDZ Creative Concepts took over the Tuscan-themed restaurant, and while chef de cuisine James Hanna still takes inspiration from the Mediterranean, Terrafina’s new menu is proudly local and seasonal. It abounds in pastas, risottos and pizzas made with fresh local produce. Though truth be told, you could simply order the fully customizable boards that come loaded with marinated veg, cured meats and cheeses and be perfectly happy sipping wine at a patio table and watching the glow from the setting sun dance across the vines.

From Terrafina, it’s just a short stroll under the stars back to your guest villa. The night falls gently here, cool and fragrant, cattle lowing softly in the hills, birds trilling goodnight. Rest well in your suite, happy in the knowledge that tomorrow you can do it all again.

If you go

Getting there:

Both Air Canada and WestJet fly into Penticton airport. From there, it’s a 40-minute drive south to Oliver. However, if you plan to bring back wine, you might prefer the scenic five-hour drive from Vancouver along Highway 3.

While you’re in the south Okanagan, the hop-on, hop-off OK Wine Shuttle is a safe way to get to most of the wineries.

Staying there:

The new Coast Oliver Hotel is central, convenient and pet-and child-friendly.

For a more luxurious stay, head to the Tuscan-style Hester Creek Estate Winery Guest Villas—six well-appointed suites with a gourmet breakfast included—but be sure to book well in advance, especially during peak season.

Also check out:

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Guest House; Kismet Estate Winery B&B or Silver Sage Winery B&B Luxury Suites.

Dining there:

Visit the local winery restaurants: Miradoro at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, The Sonora Room at Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, Masala Bistro at Kismet Estate Winery, and Terrafina at Hester Creek Estate Winery.

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