10 Must-See Historic Sites in Israel

10 Must-See Historic Sites in

Israel

You've just begun to explore Israel's richculture and history when you visit these famous places.

Jaffa

Jaffa , the world's oldest port city, is a

short drive from Tel Aviv. The Bible says Jonah sailed from Joppa, as it was formerly known, before he was thrown into the sea and swallowed by a whale. Stroll through the old center of town to haggle for everything from antiques to secondhand clothes, or Persian tiles to Hamsa keychains (the Hamsa symbol, which looks like an open hand, is said to ward off evil). Stop for creamy hummus in a

Mid-Eastern cafe, or snap pictures of the blue Mediterranean Sea behind the sand-colored buildings. Don't miss the Monastery of St. Peter, an 1812 mosque and the house of Simon the Tanner, where the apostle Peter may have once stayed.

Masada

King Herod's palace once stood atop

Masada, a flat-topped mesa in the Judean Desert. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a symbol of Jewish courage, commemorating almost a thousand Jewish men, women and children who made a last

stand against Roman invaders in 73 C.E. For centuries, Masada lay undisturbed, until archeologists began uncovering its ruins in 1828. Get the whole story about this historic site from the Visitors' Center before you hike or ride a cable car to the

top. Then explore the remains of colorful mosaic floors, storerooms, a heated bathhouse and much more.

Baha'i Shrine and Gardens

The city of Haifa, home of the Baha'i
Shrine and Gardens, lies in northern
Israel. With its golden dome and fabulous, flowering terraces, the shrine is sacred to the Baha'i faith. It's also a World Heritage Site and the final resting place for the prophet Baha'u'llah, known as the Bab.While you're in Haifa, visit the beautiful
Carmelite Monastery, built in the early 1880s, and Elijah's Cave, a synagogue where tradition says the Hebrew prophet once prayed. You'll need a head covering to go in; loaners are usually available at the entrance.

Sea of Galilee

Pilgrims come from all over the world to the Sea of Galilee, which is actually a freshwater lake near Israel's borders with Syria and Jordan. It's here that the Bible says Jesus preached and walked on water.
In nearby Tiberias, visit the 19th-century Church of St. Peter, built by Crusaders, and a Greek Orthodox Monastery that dates to 1862. Tiberias has become a popular resort area with hotels, restaurants and shops, and offers water sports like kayaking and water skiing.

Basilica of the Annunciation

Built in Nazareth in 1969, the Basilica ofthe Annunciation is one of the most
magnificent modern churches in the Middle East. Some Christians believe it rests on the site where the angel Gabriel told Mary she would conceive God's son. Archeologists have excavated two earlier structures
under the present-day church: a Byzantine church from the 4th or 5th century, and one from the era of the Crusades.

Church of the Holy Sepulcher

Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulcher is probably the most sacred one in Christendom, but it's not the first on its site. An earlier church existed there around 330 A.D. When you visit today, you'll find a complex dating back to the 12th century that serves six faiths: Greek Orthodox, Coptic, Roman Catholic, Syrian,
Ethiopian and Armenian Orthodox. This multi-storied structure can be confusing to navigate, as it's dimly lit, crowded and maze-like, and the lines to see Christ's Tomb are often long. Allow plenty of time to visit.

Mount of Olives

In Biblical times, olive trees grew on the Mount of Olives, a hill east of Jerusalem. According to the New Testament, Jesus visited the area many times, and this holy place is also where Jews, Christians and
Muslims have buried their dead for
thousands of years. There's much to see here: the Tomb of Mary, the Mosque of the Ascension, several churches, the Tombs of the Prophets, and the garden and grotto of Gethsemane. Go early in the day, when the light is good, for breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Yad Vashem

Yad Vashem is known as the World
Holocaust Remembrance Center. Here, a collection of artifacts, a research center, outdoor memorials and sculptures and an art and history museum commemorate the
lives of over six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Visitors must dress appropriately; shorts and short skirts are not permitted, and groups of six or more should schedule their visits in advance . The Hall of Names is pictured here.

Western Wall

The Western Wall, also called the Wailing Wall or Ha-Kotel, in Hebrew, draws believers of all faiths who come to pray and tuck notes into the cracks between its ancient stones. Two thousand years ago, the wall, built by Herod the Great, encircled the Temple Mount. Today, only a
portion remains, and it's divided into
sections for men and women. Be sure to book a tour through the Western Wall tunnels when you visit. Archeologists are still making important finds.

Dome of the Rock

The roof of Jerusalem's famous Dome of the Rock is covered in gold leaf that
shines in the sun. Built somewhere between 688 and 691 A.D., it's the oldest Islamic monument still in existence. This beautiful example of Classical and Byzantine architecture houses a rock revered by Muslims and Jews. In the Islamic faith, the
rock is believed to be the place from which the prophet Muhammad ascended. To Jewish believers, it's where the Holy of Holies stood in Herod's Temple, and where God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, his
son.

Autumn Colors in the Smokies

Autumn Colors in the
Smokies

Take a virtual tour through Great Smoky
Mountains National Park during peak leaf-
peeping season.

Alum Cave Trail Bridge
Alum Cave Trail begins its ascent by
winding alongside Alum Cave Creek through stands of autumn-adorned trees. We hiked 2.2 miles one way to this trail's namesake cave, but hikers can also continue all the way to Mount LeConte .

Alum Cave Creek
Alum Cave Creek flows down a steep slope early on the trail. Hikers are especially rewarded in the fall by mixtures of yellow and orange that surround the rushing water.

Alum Cave Trail Vista
As we approach Alum Cave, the autumn-spotted valley stretches before us at various bends along the trail. Combinations of temperate mixed forest and rocky outcrops create variety and contrast in a
picturesque landscape. Using the foliage tracker , you can plan your visit around peak leaf change.

Alum Cave
Alum Cave towers above the trail, shadingthe area beneath and creating the perfect spot for an afternoon trail picnic.

Charlies Bunion Vista
Charlies Bunion is my favorite trail in the Smokies. This challenging 8.1-mile hike features steep uphill portions, ridge sections and a wonderful payoff at the top. The bunion is a prime photo location
with the entire valley as a  background. What better time to tackle this trail than the fall?

Charlies Bunion Foliage
Don't forget to turn around at the top of Charlies Bunion and enjoy every direction. For anyone wanting to catch these views
atAutumn Colors in the
Smokies Take a virtual tour through Great Smoky Mountains National Park during peak leaf-
peeping season.

Sunrise at Cades Cove
For those willing to brave a crowd, Cades
Cove is a must-see during the fall. Cars
begin lining up at the loop road entrance
as early as an hour and a half before the
gate opens, so check the opening time
while planning your visit. To get a jump on
the crowds, some visitors bike the loop
road and start before the loop opens to
cars.

John Oliver Place
John Oliver Cabin, located roughly one mile
from the loop road entrance, is one of the
oldest structures in Great Smoky
Mountains National Park. John and
Lucretia Oliver built the cabin in the 1820s
as the first European settlers in the area.

Bear Crossing at Abrams Creek
Cades Cove is well known for its
abundance of black bears. Visitors may
spot them from the loop road or
occasionally find one on a trail. This bear
crossed the Abrams Falls Trail about 50
feet in front of me before ambling downhill
to the stream where it sat down in the
water. After a few minutes, it stood up
and disappeared into the brush on the
opposite side.

Abrams Falls
Abrams Falls is possibly the most popular
trail in Cades Cove. This moderate 5.2-
mile hike leads to a gorgeous waterfall
where visitors often swim in warmer
months. In the fall, shades of yellow and
orange envelop the stream while hikers
rest and enjoy the cooler weather. Just
don’t be late to this trailhead, as it
becomes crowded by 9 a.m.

Beautiful Castles and Mansions You Have to See in Transylvania

8 Castles and Mansions You
Have to See in Transylvania

Located near the Carpathian Mountains, Transylvania is a land of vast beauty. This region of Romania is so much more than just Dracula and werewolves. In addition to folklore, Transylvania is home to some of Europe’s oldest and prettiest castles.
We’ve compiled a list of the mansions and castles that should be on your must-visit list, the next time you’re in Transylvania.

Cantacuzino Castle

Cantacuzino Castle in Busteni, Romania was completed in 1911 at the request of Prince George Grigore Cantacuzino. The castle is located near the well-known and beautiful mountain resort Busteni. Cantacuzino Castle is the ideal location for grand events and destination weddings. It's also the perfect place to experience traditional Romania cuisine.

Banffy Castle

Banffy Castle is a gorgeous castle that
has been owned by the Banffy family since 1387. During World War II the family residing in the castle evacuated. The castle interior was then destroyed and taken over by German military forces to use as a field hospital. Although it was on
the World Monuments Watch List of One Hundred Most Dangerous Sites in 2000, it has now been restored and will be hosting an electronic music festival called Electric Castle in July 2018
              
Bran Castle

Bran Castle is surrounded by myth, magic and intrigue. Although some claim that this castle is the castle that inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula, we can be certain that Bran Castle had seen the best and the
worst of Medieval times. Vlad the Impaler and his army passed through Bran Castle in 1459 to settle a conflict over customs taxes. Today, this beautiful, yet eerie castle is open for tours, ensuring you’llhave a trip that you will never forget.

Daniel Castle Hotel

Located in Haromsxzek, Daniel Castle may not be what you think of when castles come to mind. Castles in this region of Transylvania were significantly smaller than castles in other parts of Europe, but this 374-year-old castle turned hotel is
beautifully crafted and full of history.
It’s the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the world, while still offering you all of the comforts of modern day life.

Transylvania Castle

We love Count Kalnoky's castle because it paints a true picture of Transylvania Life. The castle itself has been turned into a museum with artifacts and tapestries from the Count’s ancestors, but you can stay
on the Count’s estate at one his
guesthouses. The guestrooms are furnished with antique Transylvanian furniture. Daily tours and events are held to help you immerse yourself into the Transylvanian history and culture.

Peles Castle

Peles Castle is a large and beautiful castle nestled into the mountain countryside. This was the world's first castle powered by locally produced energy, using its very own power plant. Peles castle offers 3 tours with varying levels of the castle included. Immerse yourself in the castle's history by visiting the castle's museum.

Poenari Citadel

Poenari Citadel is the perfect excursion if you are into exploring castle ruins. This is yet another castle laying claim to hosting Count Dracula himself. It’s been featured in television and movie scenes as the
famous vampire’s lair. While it was not the location used in Bram Stoker’s novel, it is still full of mystery. This trip is the perfect hiking adventure to explore the amazing grounds of these citadel ruins.

Daniel Castle Varghis

Located in Varghis, The Daniel Castle dates back to the year of 1580. Upon arriving and seeing the castles aged stone fence, you can immediately sense the castle’s history. This castle has seen everything from additions to damage from military operations. The castle's design is a mixture of the Baroque, Classical and late Rennaisance styles.

Celebrate Mexican Culture in Cirque du Soleil's "Luzia"

Celebrate Mexican Culture in
Cirque du Soleil's "Luzia"

Success Travels and Tour takes you behind the scenes at "Luzia," to learn about Mexico's fascinating history and traditions.

Disk of Luzia
Traveling the country with stops in
Atlanta (through November 19), Los
Angeles (Dec. 8-Jan. 21) and Costa Mesa (Feb. 21-March 18), "Luzia" is Cirque du Soleil 's colorful, vibrant celebration of Mexico and its rich heritage. "Luzia" is filled with references to Mexican cinema, art, handicraft, religion and history
including the bright yellow orb that
reappears throughout the production; the Disk of Luzia. The disk references the sun, the moon and the Aztec calendar. But the disk also pays tribute to the Teotihuacan
archeological site which features some of the most architecturally notable Mesoamerican pyramids of the pre-Columbian Americas built around 100 C.E.

Surreal Menagerie
Mexican culture is deeply informed by the animal world. In the ancient Mesoamerican concept of the "nagual" the spirit of an animal is said to live in every human being
from birth, guiding and protecting them throughout their lives. The infusion of animals into Mexican consciousness appears in local lore and mythology and is expressed in a variety of half-human, half-beast creatures seen throughout "Luzia."

Otomi Print
The Otomi people, an indigenous group who inhabit Mexico's central plateau region, are known for embroidery inspired by the natural world. In "Luzia"'s grand finale,
costumes are decorated with the flora and fauna motifs that distinguish the Otomi style.

Lucha Libre
The popular Mexican pastime of
professional wrestling gets a shout out in this luchador costume featured in "Luzia."

The Papel Picado Curtain
Papel Picado, or perforated paper, is a
traditional Mexican craft in which
elaborate designs are cut into paper or silk and are often incorporated into altars on the Day of the Dead.

Paper Lantern
The enormous Papel Picado lantern that descends onto the "Luzia" stage is
decorated with motifs seen throughout the show and also seen in Mexican life like hummingbirds, a plaza, desert cacti and a field of flowers.

Cenote
Cenotes are natural sinkholes that were often used in Aztec religious rituals. They are referenced in "Luzia" in an Aerial Straps act in which a circus artist representing a god-like figure performs at the center of a cenote.

An Homage to Mexican Cinema
The Adagio act in "Luzia" features an
homage to the golden age of Mexican
cinema and is inspired by the classic 1949 film "Salon Mexico" directed by Emilio Fernandez.

The Running Woman
"Luzia"'s Running Woman is inspired by the Tarahumaras tribe from the mountains on orthwestern Mexico who were known for their incredible long-distance running skills.

Dream-Like Jungle
Acrobats in this "Luzia" number wearing reptilian costumes perform incredible acrobatic feats. The performers climb and leap through this surreal jungle scene inspired by the hallucinogenic properties of
peyote.

A Desert Cactus
Quiotes (agave plants) and cacti (like the one shown here) are featured throughout "Luzia" in a nod to the exotic Mexican landscape. Agave plants are also the source of the Mexican spirits mezcal and
tequila.

Rain
Refreshing, violent, nurturing, the diverse rains that fall across Mexico are an essential part of the Mexican collective consciousness and are referenced throughout "Luzia."

Animal Puppets
A life-size horse and jaguar puppet are featured prominently throughout "Luzia. Horses were introduced to Mexico by the Spanish and became beloved companions of Mexican revolutionaries like Pancho Villa
and Emiliano Zapata. Jaguars were
prominent in Mayan and pre-Hispanic mythology and seen as human companions in the spiritual world.

Human Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are important creatures in Aztec culture. Those who died in battle or under traumatic circumstances were believed to return to earth as hummingbirds. The lyrical, colorful creatures are featured in the Hoop Diving act of "Luzia."

Futbol
Beloved in Mexico, futbol—or soccer—is celebrated with feats of balance and agility in an engaging "Luzia" sequence dedicated to the sport.

10 Best Christmas Markets in Europe

10 Best Christmas Markets in Europe

European markets go all out during the Christmas season. Here are 10 of the best places to find holiday treats, sweets, gifts, crafts and festivities during the holidays.

Vienna, Austria
The Vienna Magic of Advent fair features more than 150 stands where shoppers can purchase Christmas gifts, decorations and warm drinks.

Bath, England
In the center of Bath, 170 “chalets” offer holiday shoppers an array of typical British goods from mince pies to Christmas ornaments to toys.

Dresden, Germany
Dresden hosts Germany’s oldest Christmas market, which features crafts made by local artisans, toys and holiday treats, most notably, Dresdner Stollen, a traditional sweet bread stuffed with dried fruits.

Tallinn, Estonia
In addition to traditional crafts and food, Tallinn’s picturesque Christmas market, in the Estonian capital’s center, features reindeer, a mini zoo and snow sculptures.

Strasbourg, France
Billing itself as the Capital of Christmas, Strasbourg is not to be missed during the holiday season. The Christkindlesmarik was
established in 1571, the first market of its kind in Europe. Indulgent foods such as foie gras, locally brewed beer, and baked goods are signature items, as are traditional Alsatian handicrafts.           

Stockholm, Sweden
An abundance of holiday items are on
display at Stockholm’s Old Town Christmas Market. Specialties include smoked reindeer, elk meat, knitted hats and Glogg, a traditional hot, mulled wine.

Budapest, Hungary
In Budapest, at the annual Christmas
market on St. Stephen’s Square, you’ll
find traditional crafts in wooden market stalls. The center of the market is home to a skating rink.

Edinburgh, Scotland
The market is one of many attractions
that make up Edinburgh’s Christmas
Festival in Princes Street Gardens. The Festival, which also includes games, rides and an ice rink, runs from mid-November until January 7 each year.

Madrid, Spain
Christmas vendors take over Madrid’s
Plaza Mayor from late November through December. The prime products pedaled are tiny clay figurines to set in the Christmas
Belen (nativities).

Copenhagen, Denmark
The Christmas Market at Copenhagen’s
Tivoli Gardens is a winter wonderland that includes 60 stalls selling holiday wares, as well as rides, games, music and more. Other markets in Copenhagen include this
one in Hojbroplads.
Check out