The Varna Museum of Archaeology houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the pre-Neolithic, Thracian, Scythian, Greek, and Roman periods. As one of the most important historical sites in Varna, it is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The exhibits are well-presented, with detailed explanations in English, offering a fascinating journey through Bulgaria’s ancient past.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the nation's most visited museums, offering a diverse array of exhibits that captivate visitors of all ages. Explore the Morian Hall of Paleontology, where towering dinosaur skeletons transport you back to prehistoric times. Marvel at the exquisite Fabergé collection, showcasing intricate jeweled masterpieces. The Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals dazzles with its stunning array of natural treasures, while the Wiess Energy Hall provides an insightful look into the world of energy exploration and production. Beyond the permanent exhibits, the museum features an IMAX theater for immersive films, a state-of-the-art planetarium for cosmic journeys, and a variety of world-class traveling exhibitions that ensure there's always something new to discover.

A weekend trip to Ghent is simply not complete without a visit to the mysterious ‘Castle of the Counts’. This important sight in Ghent is a castle with a very turbulent past, closely intertwined with the complex—often stormy—political and social history of the city. It is the only remaining mediaeval castle with a moat and largely intact defence system in Flanders. Your visit to the Castle of the Counts will give you a complete picture of heraldic culture in the 12th century. The gatehouse, ramparts, keep, count’s residence and stables are open to visitors. Be sure to go up the long spiral staircase to the museum of torture devices on the top floor of the Castle of the Counts. Here, you will find a unique collection of instruments for torture and coercion, as well as a collection of weapons. The Castle of the Counts also hosts all kinds of cultural activities, events and activities, for example during the Ghent Festivities. It is also a popular place to get married for Ghent’s locals. Let’s not forget the time the Castle of the Counts was occupied by protesting students in 1949! Explore the castle during your weekend trip in Ghent and find out all about the ‘Battle of the Castle of the Counts’. The keep, symbol of the Counts’ power Go back in time inside this majestic fortress. Its history goes back to the time of the Roman occupation, when there was already a settlement on a sand bank by the River Lys. After a brief period of Viking plundering, the Counts of Flanders converted the earlier wooden constructions into a keep (living quarters) in the Middle Ages, with ramparts built entirely of stone, replete with 24 towers. The imposing building with its military architecture was a symbol of the Counts’ power in the turbulent city of Ghent. Do you want to dig deep into the history of Ghent? This is where you need to be. Ghent, full of charming history and modern vibrancy.