Top Europe Unique Experiences - page 4

Paris is a city best tasted, not just seen. Finding the real thing, though, takes knowing where to look. On this small-group food tour, explore your choice of either Montmartre or the Latin Quarter and Ile de la Cite. Avoid the tourist traps and discover where the locals shop for fresh breads, cheeses, charcuterie, and more.

Cruise through snow and ice on Langjökull, one of Iceland’s largest glaciers, on this guided tour. Take a ride in a 4x4 monster ice truck and enjoy the Icelandic scenery on the ride to the glacier. Then, suit up in the provided gear, learn how to drive the snowmobile, and follow your guide as you speed through ice and snowfields.

Learn more about Spanish wine on this fun small-group day tour of two wineries near Bilbao. Sample three Rioja wines and enjoy a light pintxos lunch with vegetarian and gluten-free options in Laguardia. Walk through the vineyards and learn how wine is made. A fun way to indulge in a glass or three without worrying about driving back to your hotel after.

Explore Lisbon without walking for hours thanks to this private tour by electric tuk-tuk—an eco-friendly way to travel around the city’s narrow streets. After handy pickup—from either the city's cruise terminal, your city center hotel, or the Hard Rock Cafe—uncover historical neighborhoods like Alfama and Mouraria, and stop at a viewpoint for photo ops of the city. Pass by attractions such as Praça do Comércio and the Lisbon Cathedral, all while listening to insightful commentary from your driver-guide.

See a side of the Netherlands that many visitors miss on an e-bike tour that promises an authentic Dutch experience. Swap the busy streets of Amsterdam for open fields, canals, windmills, and picture-perfect medieval villages as you follow a comfortable 25-mile (40-kilometer) route that's made easier with an electric bike. Upgrade to visit a family-run cheese and clog farm and see locals making Gouda cheese and wooden clogs by hand.

Enjoy a delicious introduction to Belgium’s chocolate-making traditions on this tasting tour of Brussels. With your guide and small group, venture to an array of Brussels’ celebrated chocolate shops, from century-old family houses to modern masters. Learn about local delicacies—including the praline, which was invented in the city—discover how chocolate is made, and savor plenty of samples. Also hear how cocoa first reached Brussels along Europe's trade routes and turned a trading city into a name for luxury.

If you have limited time in London, make the most of your visit with a lunch cruise along the River Thames, which lets you combine British cuisine with sightseeing. See the best of London’s riverside attractions—such as Tower Bridge and Big Ben—on a cruise from Tower Pier to Westminster, avoiding the crowds on land. An onboard bar offers other drink options, too (own expense).

Delve into London’s rich musical history, without getting lost, on a bus tour of the capital’s rock ‘n’ roll sites. Tour the vibrant city in a comfortable vehicle, starting from South Kensington, and see the exteriors of renowned clubs, famous hotels, and record labels associated with music legends, including The Beatles, Jimmy Page, and Bill Wyman. Make a few stops for photo ops, including the Abbey Road street crossing made famous by The Beatles.

Get an inside peek into the world-famous glassblowing factories of Murano with this small-group tour. From central Venice, ride a water taxi across the Venetian Lagoon to the colorful island of Murano. Watch a glassmaking demonstration by a master craftsman, and enjoy time to browse the factory showroom featuring finished works of art. Finally, attend your choice of hands-on workshop to create a take-home piece of jewelry or mosaic using authentic Murano glass.

Immerse yourself in the real-life stories behind one of London's most notorious criminal cases on this Jack the Ripper tour that is like no other. Follow your guide through the streets of East London and hear their insights into the serial killer's life and crimes while state-of-the-art RIPPER-VISION™, hand-held projectors bring the atmosphere of Victorian London to life.

Tomar is sure to be at the top of history buffs' bucket lists, but getting there from Lisbon is tough without your own wheels. Delve into the rich history of the Knights Templar during this small-group tour of Tomar from Lisbon, which takes care of planning logistics so you don't have to. Spend the day learning about the Christian military force that contributed to the famous crusades during Europe’s Middle Ages. Discover Almourol Castle, erected by the Knights Templar, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Convent of Christ, once a fortification where the knights resided.

See Paris like a local as you pedal around its vibrant neighborhoods, lively markets, and hidden sights on this small-group bike tour. Explore the bohemian Latin Quarter, the Jewish communities of Le Marais, and the historic Place de la Bastille, as well as enjoying views of iconic landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral. With plenty of rest stops and photo opportunities, this tour is suitable for a range of ages and fitness levels.

Discover what it takes to be an ancient Roman gladiator in Rome. During a hands-on lesson, learn how to fight with authentic weapons of the time while wearing a traditional gladiator tunic and belt (available for rent). Located on the Appian Way, not far from the Colosseum, this class is a unique and interactive way to learn about ancient Roman history and culture.

As the sun goes down over Amsterdam, take in its illuminated waterfront and history on an atmospheric canal cruise. Savor a 4-course gourmet dinner with wine, beer, soft drinks as you drift past historical attractions including the Anne Frank House and the Bloemenmarkt, while listening to informative commentary. Please note only available Wed -Sat

During this experience you can discover all the secrets of truffle hunting, from dog training to the recognition of plants and where this precious fruit of the earth can grow. You will experience the thrill of an authentic truffle hunt and after that you will be able to taste numerous dishes filled with fresh truffles. All accompanied by an excellent wine.

Reaching the Warner Bros. Studio Tour on the outskirts of London means working out trains and connections before you even arrive. Ride a coach straight there from central London at a departure time you pick when booking, with entry included. Once inside, explore the film sets, costumes, and props of the Harry Potter™ movies at your own pace, and see how the special effects were made.

No one should visit the Eternal City without taking in the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill—the heart of Ancient Rome. But without a guide, it can be tricky to decode the millennia-old ruins and understand what you’re looking at. Get crucial context that goes beyond the sites’ limited signage during this guided tour, which revisits Rome’s ancient imperial heyday and includes exclusive access to the Colosseum arena floor.

Spend two to four days exploring the best of Lisbon with flexible Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing passes. Choose between a Bus Tour, Bus & Tram, Bus & Boat or the All-in-One Pass to experience Lisbon by panoramic bus, historic tram and scenic Yellow Boat Cruise along the Tagus River. In addition to these experiences, enjoy free access to selected public tram rides and exclusive discounts at monuments, museums and leisure activities. This flexible sightseeing experience lets you explore Portugal's capital at your own pace.

Spend a day in the beautiful Tuscan countryside sipping wine without needing to rent a car. Visit wineries for tours and generous tastings of world-famous varietals such as Chianti Classico and Super Tuscan. Learn about wine production and flavor profiles, and round out your palate with samplings of high-quality balsamic vinegar and olive and truffle oils. Also, visit the charming medieval village of San Gimignano for free time to explore.

Master the time-honored art of making fresh Italian pasta from scratch during this small-group cooking workshop in a historic palace in Florence. Visit the Pasta Museum to learn about the history of this iconic food. Then, don your apron and learn how to prepare fresh, handmade pasta such as ravioli, tagliatelle, and tortellini, prepared with different sauces. Afterwards, enjoy a sit-down meal with your creations, paired with organic Tuscan wines.

Swap the schedules and historical focus of conventional tours for a private walking tour of Venice with a local who’ll show you the city like a friend. Tell them what you fancy doing, and enjoy a personalized tour enriched by their grassroots knowledge. Explore often-overlooked neighborhoods; discover sights and eateries favored by locals; and get transport and cultural pointers to help ensure you get the most from your visit.

Go beyond Amsterdam's city limits and spend some time relaxing in the countryside on this day trip to the traditional villages of Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and their windmills. Skip the stress of navigating unfamiliar public transportation with included round-trip transportation from the city center. Sit back and relax as you're driven through the surrounding countryside, where you can enjoy an itinerary that offers an alternative perspective on Dutch culture.

Vatican Museum crowds peak at midday, making it a chore to visit this vast collection. On this morning tour, beat the crowds with early access to the galleries, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. Kick off with a buffet breakfast in the Vatican Courtyard, then head into the Vatican Museums before the crowds arrive. Take in renowned sights including the Sistine Chapel in a peaceful environment before ending in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Learn insider stories and cover plenty of ground on this comprehensive rock-focused tour of London. Skip public transport for an air-conditioned coach through Chelsea, Kensington, Holland Park, Notting Hill, and St John's Wood. See the homes of Freddie Mercury, Paul McCartney, and Eric Clapton, walk across the Beatles' Abbey Road crossing, and discover punk movement origins.