Places SamS Wants to Go

An extraordinary mix of Phoenician, Roman, early Christian, and Byzantine ruins beautifully set overlooking the Mediterranean.

These phallic stone spires once served as Tolkien's Paths of the Dead.

Beautiful carved tunnels.

Ivy-covered Medieval tunnels cut through this charming town in France's Loire Valley.

This dizzying span over the ancient Algerian city was once the highest suspension bridge in the world.

Natural rock water slides hidden in the remote forests of northern Idaho.

An ancient Scottish rock formation said to be the gravesite of a giant remains ensconced in legend and intrigue.

One man spent 10 years building a spectacular section of road because no one else would.

Islanders once used this dramatic, otherworldly landscape to hide their cattle from Viking raiders.

Once a menacing challenge for trailblazers, this trail is now the most scenic drive in Utah.

It is said the legendary wizard once lived in this sea cave beneath Tintagel Castle.

This ruined fort hidden at the top of Central Park can't seem to keep from losing its historical plaques.

This historic little railroad runs through some of the most beautiful scenery in Germany.

A local landmark that has become a hub of graffiti and urban exploration.

A collection of outdoor mystical statues paying homage to indigenous Australians and ecological stewardship.

At 705 feet high, Brazil's "House of Stone" is the largest cave mouth in the world.

A walkable map of the world, made from soil and stone by one man.

Located near Cairo's El Korba district, the abandoned mansion continues to inspire mystery and rumor throughout the city.

Climbing to the top of the cathedral's bell tower offers sweeping views of these medieval ruins.

These Great Lakes sea caves accessible by boat in the summer turn into temples of ice reachable by foot in the winter.

A former bastion of Rajput chivalry, this massive hill fort is the site of legend and tragedy.

This Roman quarry once held secret masses and smuggler's contraband and is now home to rare species of bats.

The mysterious, fantastical woodland inspiration for "The Lord of the Rings."

The land is full of geologic eye candy, such as otherworldly spires, mushroom-shaped hoodoos, and prehistoric fossils.