Top Europe Historical Tours - page 4

Enjoy a rare bird’s-eye view over Rome with this tour of St. Peter’s Basilica that includes a climb to the top of its dome. Visit St. Peter’s Square and church with an art historian guide to marvel at its Renaissance art and architecture. Then head underground to see the grottoes and St. Peter's tomb before climbing the dome to admire the church interiors and the surrounding city from above.

Explore the intricacies of two famed Italian handicrafts on a fully guided day trip from Venice to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano with a group of up to 22 people. Watch centuries-old glassblowing techniques in Murano, and marvel at the detailed stitches of exquisite Burano lace. Your knowledgeable guide will share the history of these two artisan islands while you visit local workshops and wander the picturesque streets.

Gain insight into the Holocaust of World War II on this half-day tour of Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site from Munich. Travel by train and bus to the memorial site, and take a guided tour of the compound, a place of memorial. Learn how Dachau provided a model for all Nazi camps, and see the exhibitions and memorials, together with the reconstructed barracks and cells, as your guide provides illuminating, informative and sensitive commentary.

Discover the beaches of the D-Day landings on this guided day trip to Normandy from Paris. Focusing on the sites where American troops faced intense battles and heavy losses, the tour stops at Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, and the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer. Enjoy free time at Omaha Beach and take in the powerful history of these sacred sites. Reflect on the day’s history while enjoying a pre-arranged lunch, maximizing your time to explore and learn.

Enjoy a richer experience of Rome's ancient landmarks than you'd get on your own. This combination tour immerses you in the long and colorful history of Rome with guided visits to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. Check off three of Italy's most-important landmarks and benefit from insights from your expert guide.

Explore Paris's key attractions on this single, comprehensive group tour that visits more than 30-sights. Ideal for visitors with limited time, this walking tour includes stops at the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Moulin Rouge, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and more. Follow your guide, as you learn insider facts and stories as you go, and also have the chance to ride the Métro like a local (own expense).

Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora by rental car or public transportation from Athens can be stressful. Avoid navigating unfamiliar routes on this tour, which covers all six monasteries—with guided tours of three—plus hermit caves that most tourists miss. Break up the drive with stops in coastal villages (instead of highway rest stops), plus upgrade to add a traditional Greek lunch. Treat yourself to a private tour or opt for an extended, overnight tour with an included hotel stay.

Not all visitors to the Colosseum get to see all of its areas. This guided tour provides access to parts of this ancient arena that are usually off-limits. Choose to explore either the arena floor or the underground during this guided experience, or discover the Colosseum at your own pace. After your visit, continue onto the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill and gain deeper insight into Ancient Roman life.

Delve into Venetian history on this tour that showcases two of the city's most iconic structures and sheds light on the stories behind them both. Your first stop is legendary St. Mark's Basilica. Wander around the mosaic-covered interior and Byzantine treasures while a local guide fills you in on how this collection came to be. Then continue to the Doge’s Palace to explore the former political heart of Venice.

Covering Athens on foot takes far longer than most travelers anticipate, and group tours stick to rigid itineraries. Benefit from a customizable route and comfortable private transport on a tour tailored to your pace and interests. Check off the Temple of Zeus, Roman Agora, Acropolis, and more, all while your driver-guide provides local insights to enrich your experience.

The Catacombs of Rome are a popular attraction, but this tour lets you bypass the long lines outside and also gives you skip-the-line access to the Capuchin Crypt and Basilica San Martino ai Monti, making it a great pick for travelers short on time. See Rome's mysterious side with a guide filling in the details so you can get more out of your visit.

Trade bustling city streets for the stunning UNESCO-listed chateaux of the Loire Valley—and pair your experience with a wine tasting—on this hassle-free, full-day tour from Paris. Tour two beloved castles in one trip, including Chambord (said to have inspired "Beauty and the Beast") and Chenonceau. Enjoy additional free time for lunch (own expense) in the quaint town of Blois, plus a complimentary tasting of local Loire wines.

Visit one of Greece’s most picturesque coastal viewpoints on a half-day small-group tour from Athens to Cape Sounion. Travel by minivan along south Attica’s scenic shoreline roads to reach the ancient Temple of Poseidon, built atop a towering sea cliff with fantastic views of the Aegean. Explore the ruins of this temple dedicated to the Greek god of the sea, and opt for an afternoon tour to catch a famously beautiful sunset.

Specifically designed for cruise guests, this tour lets you see the ruins of Ephesus and either the Temple of Artemis, the Terrace Houses, or the House of the Virgin Mary—without having to plan logistics. Direct transfers from Kusadasi Port save you the hassle of figuring out transportation, and your attraction tickets, with skip-the-line admission, are included.

Discover where the popular HBO series "Game of Thrones'" was filmed in Dubrovnik on this walking tour. Follow your guide to explore the Old Town on foot including top landmarks from Pile Gate to St. Lawrence Fortress (Fort Lovrijenac). Hear stories and gossip from behind the scenes of the filming process. Admission tickets to St. Lawrence Fortress aren't included.

Head to the coast of Normandy to visit Mont-Saint-Michel on this day tour from Paris. You'll receive an orientation from a guide, and then enjoy time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site independently with an audio guide or by wandering the hilly streets at your leisure. Transportation is by coach from Paris.

Expand your knowledge of World War II history and the tragic events that unfolded in Nazi-occupied Poland with a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. Instead of figuring out local bus timetables, get picked up from your Krakow accommodation and taken directly to the former concentration camp. Once at the site, a museum guide takes you through the main parts of both sites to see remnants of gas chambers, crematoriums, the "Death Gate," and more.

Learn about Amsterdam’s World War II history and gain insight into the life of Anne Frank on this small-group walking tour of the Jewish Quarter. See the Jewish Historical Museum, the Portuguese Synagogue, and the Auschwitz Monument. Learn about events such as the February Strike and the Winter of Hunger from a local perspective.

Explore beyond London without renting a car or navigating unfamiliar roads on this full-day coach tour to three of Britain’s historic and culturally important destinations. Visit Windsor Castle to see the State Apartments and St. George's Chapel, continue to the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge, and finish in Bath, famed for its Georgian architecture and the Roman Baths.

Avila and Segovia are two of Spain’s oldest cities, dating back to the 11th century and 700 BC respectively. Explore them both in depth on a full-day guided tour from Madrid in which you will learn about the various religious and cultural influences on each. Marvel at impressive Roman, Medieval, Moorish and gothic architecture and the regal interiors of Catholic cathedrals and ornate castles.

Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast are two headliners in southern Italy, but it’s virtually impossible to visit both in one day by public transportation. On this day trip, save hours with round-trip transport directly from Rome, explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii with a guide, and visit Positano. Unlike many tours that simply drive along the coastline, you have free time to experience Positano's colorful streets, stylish boutiques, and breathtaking Mediterranean views for yourself.

See what Tuscany has to offer without breaking the bank on this budget-friendly day trip to the region's highlights from Florence. Save hours with coach transportation and enjoy free time to explore the medieval old towns of Siena and San Gimignano, plus the sights of Pisa. Upgrade to a guided tour of Siena, or add-on a 2-course lunch with wine pairing for a hassle-free, all-inclusive day.

Step off the tourist trail and explore the Scottish capital’s hidden secrets on this underground walking tour in Edinburgh. Follow a guide from the South Bridge in Edinburgh Old Town down below street level, where a series of ancient vaults lie. As you explore the dark passageways, learn why the vaults were built, hear of the poor souls who sought refuge in the depths and discover a hidden witchcraft temple. Gain insight into city life during the 18th century, and learn of the deadly diseases which threatened Edinburgh’s inhabitants.

Reaching the sights in Sintra and Cascais by rental car or public transport can be a hassle. Instead, see Portugal's natural and architectural wonders stress-free with this small-group, guided tour directly from Lisbon. Experience the natural wonders of Pena Park with a guided tour and enjoy a visit inside Pena National Palace (if option with tickets is selected). Use your free time in Sintra to take in the highlights, then drive along the Atlantic Coast past the bluffs of Roca Cape to Cascais for a leisurely walk through town to its scenic beaches.