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

This astonishingly geometric cave has inspired everyone from Jules Verne to Pink Floyd.

The elliptical citadel resisted the advance of the mighty Ottomans several times, thanks to the military prowess of the "Dragon of Albania."

A medieval bridge stretches over a sulfur-rich river that leads to year-round natural hot springs.

Oriental bazaar in the heart of Sarajevo.

There's a mini version of Iguazu Falls hidden in the Balkans, and it's got a rope swing.

An eclectic art form practiced by untrained masters is celebrated at this museum in the heart of Zagreb's old Upper Town.

Humble beginnings for one of the world's most famous scientists.

Breathtaking Byzantine paintings cover the inside of this 12th-century church.

For nearly 2,000 years this church has been waging war on local snakes by importing cats.

This 700-year-old Cyprus castle is the birthplace of the world's oldest wine, said to be toasted by Richard the Lionheart at his wedding.

Mysterious standing stone formations looks like a petrified forest.

Said to be the only museum in the world dedicated to the most classic of all blooms, the rose.

A gigantic statue of a Russian soldier watches over the ancient city of Plovdiv, a prominent reminder of the Soviet period in Bulgaria.

This ancient theater, restored in the 20th century, lives on as a venue for dramatic and musical performances.

UNESCO-protected ancient burial ground.

An abandoned saucer-shaped monument in the Bulgarian mountains.

This tiny hotel perched atop a 50-foot tower really puts things into perspective.

Two volcanic lakes in an enormous crater formed in a prehistoric eruption.

Strange rock formations tower above the river that snakes through this enchanting Icelandic canyon.

This elegant arc of a waterfall marks a religious turning point.

Iceland's "Smoky Valley" is a beautiful river that is shrouded in a constant cover of steam clouds.

This eye-popping Icelandic crater lake is surrounded by red volcanic rock.

This fantastical waterfall is hidden in a cave located in a cracked cliff.