Top Europe Unique Experiences - page 19

Esplora il mondo del vino toscano in una tenuta vinicola sulle colline fuori Arezzo con un tour privato. Visita i vigneti e le sale per le botti di Villa Fabbriche per conoscere la storia e la produzione dei loro vini rossi e bianchi. Poi rilassati e degusta un pranzo a base di affettati locali, formaggi, bruschette, olio d'oliva, verdure di stagione e altre specialità abbinate a una selezione di vini della tenuta.

Ideal for experienced dry suit divers, this diving trip in Thingveiller National Park allows you to discover the incredible Silfra fissure — that separate North America and Eurasia tectonic plates. During your dive, marvel at ancient lava formations and swim into the void between two tectonic plates. This is a small-group tour and includes all diving gear and round-trip transport from Reykjavik. An accredited diving qualification is required.

Go for an exciting ride through Lisbon on a private self-guided tour leaving from the city's downtown. This tour is a fun and easy way to see Lisbon’s best attractions. With an electric car and narrator, you won’t have to think twice about turns. Select from four different itineraries and tour lengths and enjoy Lisbon’s best neighborhoods with all the freedom to go at your own pace and discover the city’s squares, architecture, and historic sights.

Experience a private husky dog sledding tour from Riga with hotel pickup for an even more seamless experience. Travel to Salaspils to meet your husky team and learn sled control, which is an experience most tourists don't get. Drive your sled along a 3km track or try dog carting if the snow is low, then enjoy hot drinks and snacks in nature.

Get a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Lappish people with this adventure and food experience from Rovaniemi. Led by a guide, you can explore the Arctic landscape by snowmobile, then try your hand at Arctic fishing. Finish up by huddling around a bonfire in the snow to prepare and eat a traditional Lappish barbecue with Lappish bread, salmon, marshmallows, and hot drinks.

Float over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, valleys, and caves on a sunrise hot air balloon flight that includes breakfast and a Champagne toast. Spectacular at any time of day, the Cappadocia landscape is especially dramatic in the morning light, and you’ll have aerial views that are perfect for photography.

Escape the crowds and delve into Santorini’s rich winemaking history and culture with this half-day cellar tour. Skip the hassle of navigating the island’s rural roads with hotel pickup and transportation to three of the top wineries on Santorini to taste a variety of vintages. Learn the differences between the island’s terroirs and take in views of the sea and sunset while sipping local whites and reds.

See Toledo from above on an hour-long hot-air balloon adventure. Soar through the sky and snap photos of Toledo’s old town, the Alcázar, and the Tagus River. Learn about the city’s rich history from your pilot and enjoy a glass of cava and a delicious Spanish brunch included in the tour price. Make your own way to the meeting point or upgrade for round-trip transfers from your Madrid address.

Getting to know a new city isn’t just about seeing its sights but meeting its people. With this private custom Oslo tour, connect with a local for a real feel of the city they love. Share your interests with your friend-in-the-making before meeting for a walking tour that delivers a personalized and authentic take on the city: from pointers on restaurants to finding little-known sights and ways to get around.

Experience Stockholm by water during this 60-minute boat cruise through the city's canals. Journey through the narrow Djurgårds Canal, through open bays, and around some of the city's islands for great views of the city skyline. Don the provided headphones to listen to the guide's audio commentary while passing Old Town, Djurgården, Riddarholmen, and Södermalm. Onboard amenities include free Wi-Fi and a snack bar, where you can purchase a traditional Swedish 'fika' to enjoy while you cruise.

Get a unique view of Pamukkale from above on this hot-air balloon flight, early in the morning when the day trippers have yet to arrive. Slowly fly over the white travertine pools of Pamukkale and the ancient ruined city of Hierapolis. Upon landing, enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and receive your commemorative flight certificate. For ease, your package includes round-trip transfers from your Pamukkale hotel.

Soak up the snowy wilderness outside Helsinki on a snowmobile tour. With an experienced guide, travel through the winter landscape near the frozen Gulf of Finland, following a route along forest trails. Take a break to warm up with hot drinks and lunch cooked over a campfire. Two adults ride on one snowmobile, or you can upgrade if you want one to yourself. Located about 19 miles (30 km) east of Helsinki, the snowmobile base will be reached with provided round-trip transport.

Discover Mykonos’ traditional side—and immerse yourself in its culinary heritage—during this private cooking class. Pick between convenient lunch and dinner options, and upgrade for round-trip transit from your hotel. Upon arrival at your instructor’s home, you’ll learn how to handle filo dough, will make traditional meze dishes, try local ouzo, and more. After your class, sit down to enjoy a multi-course feast, complete with a main course prepared by your guide, as well as wine and dessert.

With its beehive homes and chimney-shaped rocks, the fairytale region of Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s most picturesque settings. During this one-of-a-kind hot air balloon ride and day tour combo trip, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramas, getting a rare, bird’s eye view of the UNESCO-listed terrain. Top off your sunset launch with a full-day sightseeing tour of the region.

Drive through the countryside of Armenia to discover three beautiful monasteries during this full-day private tour. Visit the Khor Virap Monastery on the biblical Mount Ararat and the beautiful medieval Noravank Monastery with its Holy Mother of God Church before stopping for lunch. End the tour with a ride on the Wings of Tatev cable car to the two-storied Tatev Monastery considered to be the wealthiest medieval monastery in Armenia.

Zip through the snowy Lappish wilderness on a snowmobile on this hour outdoor adventure from Rovaniemi. After donning some provided extra-warm clothing and getting an orientation to your snowmobile, take off along frozen rivers, around Arctic lakes, and through snow-covered forests. This longer snowmobile safari lets you get far out into the wilderness, going off the beaten path to access hidden corners of Lapland. Lunch, hot drinks, warm clothing, and use of all snowmobiling gear are included.

Learn to prepare traditional Italian dishes from a professional chef with this cooking class in Sorrento. Choose from two convenient start times, depending on your schedule. Prepare fresh pasta, a main course, and dessert (or two kinds of pasta and a dessert) during the hands-on culinary experience. With the help of your teacher, you can easily follow along step by step.  Finally, enjoy your three-course creation wine.

Step aboard an atmospheric pirate ship and join a lively crew for a fun-filled cruise along the Alanya coast. Enjoy a buffet lunch, nonstop entertainment with music, treasure hunts, and a foam party, plus multiple stops for swimming. Take in views of Alanya Castle, Lover’s Cave, and Cleopatra Beach, with the chance to spot dolphins or sea turtles, and benefit from included hotel pickup and drop-off in Alanya.

Madrid’s highlights are spread across grand boulevards and historic neighborhoods, making it hard to see them all on foot. This panoramic coach tour connects the city’s top landmarks in one relaxed outing. Pass icons such as Puerta de Alcalá, Royal Palace of Madrid, and Cibeles Fountain, while exploring historic plazas including Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa. Along the way, your guide shares insights into the city’s neighborhoods and history as you take in the sights.

The Sicilian driving style is not for the faint-hearted—so do your nerves a favor with a private driver/guide. See lava flows and craters, and visit Mount Etna itself, before enjoying a scenic drive to Taormina, Sicily’s most elegant resort town, with its stylish Greco-Roman theater. Please note: all entrance fees are at your own expense.

Escape the city for a scenic cruise around the Mediterranean on this 6-hour catamaran tour from Alanya, including lunch on board. Lounge on deck, enjoy swimming or snorkelling, and look out for dolphins and sea turtles as you float past Alanya Castle and explore the Pirates, Lovers and Phosphorus caves. Upgrade to include hotel pickup and drop-off for hassle-free logistics.

Trade Florence’s bustle for a day in the picturesque Chianti wine region: this small-group tour makes it easy to explore the Italian countryside. Meet your group in central Florence and head out of town in the comfort of an air-conditioned minivan. Over the course of the day, you’ll visit two esteemed area wineries, will go behind the scenes and learn how wine is produced and aged, and will enjoy ample opportunities to taste the region’s varietals. This tour also includes a delectable, 2-course lunch.

If there’s one dish everyone wishes they could bring home from Italy, it’s fresh egg pasta, a northern Italian signature. Learn how to mix, roll, cut, and cook your own fresh pasta alongside a local chef in a hotel kitchen or another location near Bellagio—then eat it for lunch or dinner along with wine and coffee or tea. With numbers capped at just 10 travelers, you’re sure to master the tricks of the trade.

Cadaqués is one of the most popular resorts along the Costa Brava, known for its whitewashed buildings, pebble beaches, and as the former home of artist Salvador Dalí. On this tour, take the most scenic route to Cadaqués from Roses and cruise along the Cap de Creus peninsula. Land in Cadaqués and enjoy free time to explore the village, take a swim, or visit the Salvador Dalí Museum (own expense).