Top Europe Literary Tours - page 4

Florence rewards those who know where to look, but the city's density of landmarks—and the lines that come with them—can make independent exploration a little stressful. This private walking tour covers the city center highlights, including Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio, before heading into the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's 'David'. Skip-the-line access is included, so you won't waste time waiting to get in.

Far more than your typical coffee shops, the historic cafes of Budapest epitomize the city's golden age of the 19th and early 20th century. Walk through the city en route to its most iconic cafes alongside an art historian guide on this private tour, which includes stops at five of the classic cafes that inspired Budapest's writers, poets, and artists. Gain a deeper understanding of the city's history and culture as you go.

Enjoy skip-the-line entrance to the magnificent Barberini Palace on this private 2.5-hour tour. Explore the grand 17th-century palace, marvel at its architectural wonders, and visit the gallery to admire paintings by masters such as Raphael, Caravaggio, and Holbein.

Take in Rome’s most famous ancient sites with a custom itinerary and at a more relaxed pace with this private tour. Start off with a tour of the iconic Colosseum, where gladiators fought to the death in front of thousands of spectators. Then, see what daily life was like for ancient Romans as you explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with your dedicated guide.

Immerse yourself in the art and architecture of 16th-century Rome on a private tour of Villa Farnesina, a beautiful Italian Renaissance residence and museum. With a guide, walk through rooms decorated with original paintings by Raphael and his artistic disciples, learning the symbolism and history behind each work from a dedicated guide. Modern multimedia from an electronic tablet and other aids help enhance the rich viewing experience.

Explore the wonders of the Vatican City with this engaging half-day private tour designed for kids and families. Discover ancient Roman and Greek statues, Raphael’s Rooms, Galleries of Tapestries and Maps, the Sistine Chapel, and more. Pre-booked tickets allow you to skip the long lines, and an expert guide leads you through the treasures to avoid getting lost.

London is well known for its Harry Potter landmarks, but finding them all can be tricky on your own. Discover filming locations and spots that inspired the writer on this group tour. See the famous Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station, browse Potter-related stores, and walk over the real-life (still-standing) Millennium Bridge, before rounding off your adventure with included admission to the Clink Prison Museum in Southwark.

Florence’s Uffizi Gallery is considered one of the best museums in the world, so make the most of your visit with a private gallery tour that showcases highlights like Botticelli's “Birth of Venus” and Leonardo's “Annunciation,” plus other rare Renaissance works that you might overlook on your own. This intimate private tour includes admission tickets and hotel pickup, and can be customized based on your party’s personal interests.

Stroll through Dublin during a walking tour that delves into the crimes of the past. Explore the Irish capital city while hearing stories about kidnappings, art heists, robberies, and murders. Learn about Dublin’s colorful history while visiting several landmarks and neighborhoods. Cover ground quickly with a guided tour that provides a unique perspective on Dublin.

Maximize time in the Prado Museum in Madrid with a small-group art history tour. Learn about Spanish art and history during a guided walk through the museum. See masterpieces by Goya, Velazquez, Tintoretto, and more while hearing background stories about the art and artists. Discover not only the museum’s most popular masterworks but some overlooked pieces as well.

Follow in the footsteps of the world’s most famous boy wizard on a private Harry Potter walking tour. Visit filming locations and book-inspired sites while enjoying personalized storytelling about London’s magical connections. Re-enact scenes and pose for selfies without the rush or noise of a group, making this tour perfect for dedicated fans.

Break down the vast Vatican complex into manageable pieces and take in the highlights in just a few hours on this private tour. Save time with skip-the-line admission and head straight to the Vatican Museums to the most important masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, and others, including the stunning Sistine Chapel.

Rome is brimming with history and culture: ensure you don't overlook any of it with this private guided tour. Follow your local guide through the most important monuments in the city, including the Arch of Constantine, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum, and immerse yourself in the history of the gladiators inside the Colosseum.

See where JK Rowling became inspired to write the hit Harry Potter series during this private and personalized tour of Porto. Join a private local host and discover the city’s highlights and hidden gems to learn about their history and relation to the books. Highlights include perusing the iconic Livraria Lello bookshop, seeing the café where Rowling wrote the series, and visiting some of Porto's architectural landmarks.

Perfect for diehard Harry Potter fans, this two-in-one, small-group tour will introduce you to the city’s filming locations on foot and by boat. Choose from a morning or afternoon start time and meet your guide at Platform 9 ¾ in King’s Cross Station. You’ll continue via public transit to Central London, where you can visit Harry Potter shops and glimpse locations used in the movies. Finally, see more sights aboard a Thames River cruise.

Visiting a museum with the kids can be stressful, but this private tour of the Uffizi Galleries in Florence makes it an experience the whole family can enjoy. A specially trained guide designs games and activities so kids of all ages, as well as the parents, can have fun while learning about the Italian Renaissance. Plus, thanks to skip-the-line access and prebooked admission tickets, you can benefit from hassle-free logistics.

Perfect for fans of Carlos Ruiz Zafón's bestselling novel, "The Shadow of the Wind," this immersive walking tour offers a new way to explore Barcelona. Absorb the ambience of the renowned Els 4 Gats café, gaze at the beautiful church of Santa Maria del Mar, and discover other off-the-beaten-path sights that appeared in the novel but are difficult to find alone. You can also upgrade to a private experience to explore at your own pace.

Seeing Michelangelo’s “David” is a must-do in Florence, but it also comes with the lines to match. This private tour guarantees skip-the-line access to the Accademia Gallery so you can witness the iconic statue without waiting for hours. Follow an art historian who guides you through the gallery, then take a walking tour through public squares and markets to see landmarks such as Giotto's Bell Tower and the Ponte Vecchio.

Perfect your photographic techniques on a private photography tour of the streets around London’s Theatreland, with an award-winning photographer. Hear tales of spies, celebrities, magicians, and more as you explore Seven Dials, Denmark Street, and even the British Museum, capturing quirky shots in styles from paparazzi to creative. There’s no need to worry about the British weather: Your package comes with a severe weather guarantee.

The Colosseum is one of the world’s most popular attractions, but visits don’t always have the littlest travelers in mind. During this private, kid-friendly tour, you’ll explore the millennia-old gladiatorial arena—and the nearby Roman Forum—while the guide regales you with captivating tales of fighters and emperors in a language children can understand. Even better, entrance tickets are included.

Enjoy an up-close way to experience one of Italy's top attractions—and see a perspective on Rome and Vatican City that few other visitors get to experience—on this private tour of St. Peter's Basilica. With just your guide for company, head into the storied church—a major pilgrimage destination for Catholic worshipers—and learn all about its rich history. Then, have the special chance to ascend to the Dome via 281 steps for sweeping, postcard-worthy views.

The Vatican Museum draws millions of visitors each year, but the celebrated art collection isn’t every kid’s idea of a good time. On this private, family-friendly tour, your guide keeps children entertained through trivia questions and scavenger hunts as you visit museum highlights such as the Gallery of Maps, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Square. Skip the long ticket queues with guaranteed fast-track admission.

Avoid the hassle of waiting in long lines at the Vatican City by prebooking a tour that includes skip-the-line access. Your art historian guide shows you highlights such as the Gallery of Maps and Raphael’s Rooms. Learn about art and sculpture during a visit to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, and see artwork that can be overlooked in basic tours, and explore the Borgia Apartments.

Visiting the Vatican with children can be challenging. This private tour makes it easier: skip entrance lines with priority admission and team up with your guide to solve quizzes, play scavenger hunts, and try other personalized educational activities. This tour visits St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel.