As evening falls, the daylight in Ghent does not simply make way for the streetlights. There is light art to enjoy as well. Streets, squares and buildings are covered in an artistic light display. It is almost as though the city were getting dressed up for the theatre. The effect is awe-inspiring. Discover Ghent Alight and immerse yourself in this de-light-ful evening experience! The Ghent Light Plan was first designed in 1998. The idea was to provide sustainable lighting for the city without wasting energy. But at the same time, it has transformed the centre of Ghent into a magical nocturnal landscape of light and shadow. Architectural accents, streets, monuments and squares are lit up to display them at their best. Ghent is a leading light in combining environmentally conscious lighting with beauty. Let the play of atmospheric lights spark your imagination. Rediscover the city by night in a whole different way. The city has received many prizes and international acclaim for its pioneering role in integrated city lighting and illumination. Would you like a sparkling tour of Ghent’s most beautiful illuminated buildings and squares? Follow the light walk and discover it for yourself! Start at the Kouter for a walk of approximately three miles. The walk takes you past all the highlights of the Ghent illuminations. You will need about two hours to complete the entire walk. It’s best not to start too late, because at the stroke of midnight, the atmospheric lighting is replaced by ordinary streetlights. Plan your walk with one of the guides. Or explore for yourself!

A destination of Christian pilgrimages for centuries, this church sits on the place where Jesus is said to have been killed, buried and resurrected. Some of the most riveting parts of the church are the richly decorated Calvary or 'Golgotha', where Jesus was crucified, and the Stone of Anointing, where the preparation for his burial was held. The huge complex was built by the emperor Constantine in the 4th century and was damaged and restored several times.

In the Arashiyama district, you will find the mesmerising and seemingly endless Arashiyama bamboo grove, showcased in the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha". The walkway starts from the Tenryu-ji Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and ends at the sublime Okochi-Sanso Villa, wrapped by tranquil emerald green gardens. The grove itself is a world unto its own, and strolling amidst the towering bamboo stalks is a must-experience in Kyoto.

The original little temple atop a hill was destroyed by a typhoon back in the 1950s, and then later rebuilt at its current location. Walking up the path to the structure, you will pass 1200 stone statues representing the disciples of Buddha, which have been carved by a priest and townspeople who learned the craft from him. This off-the-beaten-trail temple is an amazing site for those looking to go beyond tourist staples.