8 Haunted Places to Visit with O.A.T. & Grand Circle
From the ancient tombs of Egypt's Valley of the Kings to the eerie corridors of "Europe’s Alcatraz," the world is dotted with places where history and the supernatural seem to intertwine. Join us as we explore eight haunted destinations you can experience with O.A.T. or Grand Circle—each with its own chilling tale to tell.
1.
Valley of the Kings, Egypt
The Valley of the Kings—final resting place of pharaohs—is steeped in mystery and legend. Many believe the tombs are cursed, protecting ancient treasures from intruders. Visitors report strange sensations, unexplained noises, and even apparitions of ancient Egyptian figures. The most famous curse—associated with King Tutankhamun's tomb—adds an extra layer of intrigue to this already fascinating historical site.
2.
Recoleta Cemetery, Argentina
Recoleta Cemetery is said to be one of the most haunted places in Buenos Aires. The ghost of Rufina Cambaceres—a young woman allegedly buried alive by mistake—purportedly roams the grounds. Visitors often leave flowers at her tomb, hoping to appease her restless spirit. Eerie sounds and inexplicable cold spots are frequently reported throughout this hauntingly beautiful necropolis decorated with ornate mausoleums.
3.
Paris Catacombs, France
Beneath the City of Light lies a dark underworld—this vast network of tunnels houses the remains of millions. Visitors report hearing whispers, feeling touched by unseen hands, and seeing shadowy figures. Some even claim to have encountered the ghost of Philibert Aspairt, a doorkeeper who got lost in the catacombs in 1793 and whose body wasn't found until 11 years later.
Visit the Paris Catacombs during your free time to explore on Grand Circle’s The Seine: Paris & the Heart of Normandy River Cruise. See this trip through the eyes of a fellow traveler in this new video, created by Joseph Serio, 16-time traveler from Littleton, CO.
4.
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Perched atop an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle is considered one of the most haunted places in Scotland. The ghost of a headless drummer boy is said to appear when the castle is under threat. Other reported apparitions include a phantom piper, ghostly prisoners from the castle's days as a prison, and even the spirit of a dog wandering the castle's dog cemetery. The castle's long and often violent history provides ample fuel for these spine-chilling tales.
Visit Edinburgh Castle on our Scotland Revealed: Legends, Lochs & Highland Landscapes adventure. See this adventure through the eyes of a fellow traveler in this new slideshow, created by Linda De Charon, 12-time traveler from Las Cruces, NM.
5.
Crumlin Road Gaol, Ireland
Known as "Europe's Alcatraz," Crumlin Road Gaol has a dark history of executions, hunger strikes, and riots. Paranormal activity is frequently reported, with visitors claiming to hear unexplained footsteps and cell doors slamming shut on their own. The most active area is said to be the execution chamber, where the spirits of executed prisoners are believed to linger. The gaol's oppressive atmosphere and tragic past make it a hotspot for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers alike.
Visit the Crumlin Road Gaol during your free time to explore on our Irish Adventure: Dublin, Belfast & the Northwest Counties adventure. See this adventure through the eyes of a fellow traveler in this new slideshow, created by Richard Jacobs, 41-time traveler from South Dartmouth, MA.
6.
Bran Castle, Romania
Often associated with the legend of Dracula, Bran Castle is shrouded in mystery and folklore. While Vlad the Impaler's actual connection to the castle is debated, the site's Gothic architecture and dramatic setting fuel its reputation for supernatural occurrences. Visitors report sudden drops in temperature, unexplained shadows, and an overwhelming sense of being watched. The castle's winding staircases and secret passages add to its eerie ambiance.
Visit Bran Castle during an optional tour on the Transylvania, Romania post-trip extension to Grand Circle’s Eastern Europe to the Black Sea River Cruise. See this trip through the eyes of a fellow traveler in this new slideshow, created by Robert Ermel, 8-time traveler from Spring Branch, TX.
7.
Castle of Good Hope, South Africa
The oldest colonial building in South Africa, the Castle of Good Hope has its fair share of ghostly residents. The most famous is the Lady in Grey, seen running through the castle holding her face and crying. Other phenomena include the bell in the bell tower ringing on its own and the ghost of a black dog that pounces on visitors before vanishing. These eerie occurrences have made the castle a popular destination for ghost tours.
8.
Port Arthur, Tasmania
Once a notorious penal colony, Port Arthur is now considered one of Australia's most haunted locations. The site's violent history of executions, murders, and suicides has left a lasting imprint. Visitors and staff alike report seeing ghostly figures, hearing disembodied footsteps, and experiencing unexplained cold spots. The ruins of the prison—including the infamous Separate Prison—are said to be particularly active with paranormal energy.
Visit Port Arthur during an optional tour on the Undiscovered Tasmania: Hobart, Cradle Mountain & Launceston pre-trip extension to our South Pacific Odyssey: Australia, the Outback & New Zealand adventure. See this adventure through the eyes of a fellow traveler in this new slideshow, created by Cheryl Hemmer, 2-time traveler from Columbia, IL.
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