Gran Paradiso National Park in Italy lives up to its name — it's a massive, wild paradise. The 174,445-acre park comprises five glacial valleys, which are home to 168 animal species, 1,124 plant species, 59 glaciers, and 183 lakes. Italy's very first national park, it was created in 1922 to protect the alpine ibex, a majestic mountain goat recognizable by its long, curved horns. At one point, the ibex had been hunted almost to extinction throughout the region.

The stunning park is located in the heart of the Italian Alps near the country's western border with France and northern border with Switzerland. The park is a scenic 44-mile drive from Turin, with each turn on the winding mountain roads leading up to the park revealing a new and breathtaking view of the Alpine landscape. Public transportation to the park is also available, with several bus and train routes from Turin and Aosta.