Perched above Bilbao on Artagan Hill, the Basilica of Our Lady of Begoña was built starting in 1511 on the very spot where, legend says, the Virgin Mary appeared. The church mixes styles: mainly Gothic inside, a Renaissance front with a grand arch, and a belfry added in the early 20th century. Inside, there’s a polychrome wood carving of the Virgin of Begoña ('Amatxu' to locals) from the 14th century. Sailors often used to name their boats after her, and every 15 August (Assumption) and 11 October (Feast of Begoña), the place fills with pilgrims.

Built from the late 14th to the 15th centuries, the Santiago Cathedral is the city’s oldest major church, dedicated to Saint James (Santiago), Bilbao's patron saint. The building features a mix of different styles: its core is Gothic (nave, vault, cloister), a grand Renaissance portico was added in the 1500s, while much of the façade and tower with spire were rebuilt in a neo-Gothic style in the late 1800s by Severino de Achúcarro. Inside, you’ll see three naves, several side chapels, the Gothic cloister accessible via the Door of the Angel ('Puerta del Ángel'), and beyond the main altar, there’s an ambulatory with chapels. Floods in 1983 caused damage, but the cathedral was restored and reopened around 2000.

It is impossible to fully experience the majesty of the Smoky Mountains on foot. Fly Scenic takes to the air to give breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park via helicopter tours. In operation since 1972, Fly Scenic is well-seasoned and possesses an all-encompassing knowledge of the area. Any budget, time, and sightseeing desire is obliged, making Fly Scenic the ultimate attraction and best way to see the park. The helicopters can hold three to four passengers and has a per seat weight limit of 300 pounds. They are handicap-friendly.

The Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum is home to the world-famous Terracotta Army, built to protect China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. Crafted more than 2,200 years ago, the army consists of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, chariots, and horses, each with distinct facial features and expressions. The incredible level of detail and preservation means that, even after over two millennia, these warriors still stand guard over their long-deceased ruler.