Top Europe Unique Experiences - page 3

Skip the set itinerary and script of an organized tour and explore Bologna with a local host for a fully customized visit tailored to your pace and interests. Take in blockbuster attractions like Piazza Maggiore and the Due Torri plus delve into the parts of the city known only to locals to discover unique sights, favorite eateries, and little-known gems.

Access tiny canals that most boats can't enter on this unique kayaking tour. Follow your kayaking guide to paddle through quiet canals far from the crowds and learn about the history and culture of the Floating City. Savor views from the water and see the city from an exclusive perspective. Participants of all levels are welcome, and no kayaking experience is necessary.

Explore Palermo’s key sights on foot on this walking tour of the Sicilian capital. Meet your guide in a convenient location in central Palermo, and set off. Visit popular landmarks ranging from the Palermo Cathedral and Palazzo Pretorio to the Massimo Theater. Learn about the city’s long entanglement with the mafia, and meet the shopkeepers and other individuals who have pioneered a local anti-mafia movement.

Make sure you see all the spots you want in Edinburgh on this private, personalized tour led by a local guide. Your customized itinerary takes you to places you request, with commentary based on your interests. Visit famous locations like Edinburgh Castle or explore areas known only by locals for an authentic experience.

Take a break from Rome's culture and learn how to make two classic Italian dishes—pizza and tiramisu—during this short workshop with a local Italian chef. Assemble a creamy tiramisu and shape and bake your personal pizza with all ingredients and equipment provided, then relax over a meal with your small group featuring the dishes you've prepared served with wine and limoncello.

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.

Bologna is famous for its fresh pasta and with this private lesson you'll learn the tricks to turning out flawless tortellini, tagliatelle, and other handmade pastas like a local with a Bolognese home cook. Roll up your sleeves and prepare three traditional types of pasta under the guidance of your host in her home kitchen, then sample your creations at a family-style meal complete with wine.

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

Visit the historic Zaanse Schans neighborhood without the need to navigate unfamiliar public transportation with this private tour from Amsterdam. Let your guide lead the way as you see historic windmills, taste cheese at a cheese factory, and watch a shoemaker carving traditional wooden clogs. Ideal for travelers who want to see a little more of the country outside its capital city.

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.

The Tuscan region of Chianti is known for its wine, but sussing out the best wineries on your own can take hours of research. Skip the hassle and head straight to three hand-picked wineries to tour the wine cellars and taste different varietals on this group wine tour from Florence. Midday, treat your senses to a light lunch of fresh regional products like bruschetta, handmade pasta, cheese, and salami. You'll also travel through the Tuscan countryside dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and villas, stopping to explore the traditional village of Greve.

Experience Barcelona's food scene in a more immersive way than by simply booking a restaurant meal. Instead, learn to make Spanish tapas, traditional paella, and sangria with the hands-on help of a chef, then share a hearty meal of classic local cuisine that you've helped make. All great Spanish food starts with super fresh ingredients, and you begin this cooking class with a guided trip through La Boqueria market before heading to a professional teaching kitchen.

Zip through the streets of Lisbon in a 100% electric tuk tuk on a 1-hour, private tour of the city led by a local guide. Explore iconic sites on a route that goes from Restauradores Square to the Praça do Comércio, with stops to explore Lisbon’s religion, history, music, cuisine and culture. Get unforgettable photos of Lisbon’s most scenic places while learning about life in the city. Enjoy the fun, personal experience of a private tour in an open-air vehicle, and opt for a tour that’s both eco-friendly and unique.

Touring Florence's endless cultural treasures can get tiring for young visitors, so break up your time in the city with a kid-friendly, hands-on cooking class. Roll up your sleeves and get busy preparing two crowdpleasers: authentic Tuscan pizza and creamy Italian gelato. Your chef instructor will lead your family through the process step-by-step, keeping your kids engaged and busy. End by sampling your handiwork over lunch, ideal as a substitute for a restaurant meal.

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.

Delve into London’s dark history on an evening ghost tour of the city’s royal parks, hearing chilling tales you won't find on a standard walking tour. Under the cloak of darkness, explore dimly lit paths and pass historic buildings while listening to stories from your ghoulish guide.

Exploring Madrid with a local guide is the best way to get to know the city’s character. Stay away from the tourist attractions—it’s easy enough to visit those on your own—and instead visit hip neighborhoods, local-favorite tapas bars, and artisan shopping districts that are still under the radar. This private tour is with just you and your guide so you can customize every aspect of your experience.

Explore Lisbon’s hills with ease on this electric bike tour. Glide through the charming neighborhoods of Chiado, Alfama, and Bairro Alto without breaking a sweat. Stop at major landmarks including Sé Cathedral, São Vicente Monastery, and St. George’s Castle. Enjoy panoramic views from scenic overlooks and soak up the city’s rich history and vibrant culture along the way. Listen to interesting stories from your local guide as you go.

Harry Potter fans in London may rush to the Warner Bros. studio, but plenty of magical movie locations can be found within the British capital. Join a group of fellow muggles for a walking tour through central London and see the real-life spots that inspired sets such as Diagon Alley, the Leaky Cauldron, and the Ministry of Magic.

See more of London as you pedal around the sights of London in style on this small-group bike tour, which reveals some of the capital's top sights along a relaxed cycling route. Hop on board your classic English bike with an optional basket and follow your guide down quiet backstreets, past famous landmarks, and along the Thames River, then get off the beaten track as you discover the street art of Banksy and even have a go at your own graffiti tag.

Make the most of limited time in London on a lunch cruise along the River Thames that combines sightseeing with a freshly prepared meal. Sail from Tower Pier to Westminster, passing landmarks including Tower Bridge and Big Ben, and enjoy views without battling busy streets. An onboard bar offers additional drinks for purchase to complement your meal.

Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience when you snorkel between tectonic plates at Silfra, located in Iceland's UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park. Clear glacial waters make it easy to see stunning underwater landscapes, while included dry suits help keep you warm throughout the tour. This small-group tour, led by a PADI-certified instructor, is capped at six people for a more intimate experience, with the option of wearing both wetsuits and drysuits.

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.

Take a course on mask-making from a local instructor in Venice, and learn about the history of this ancient tradition. See the traditional art of decorating a mask and see what goes into the preparation for the Venetian Carnival. Then create your own masterpiece to create a special memory from your time in Venice.