Top Europe Unique Experiences - page 2

Feel the pulse of Amsterdam’s Red Light District (De Wallen) and coffee shops on a walking tour with a local guide. Explore the cobbled lanes of the famous area, plus Zeedijk Street and Chinatown, and see red-lit windows, sex shops, and erotic theaters. Your guide separates facts from fiction about the area’s past and the legalization of prostitution in 2000.

Get your chills and thrills in the Eternal City with this haunted walking tour through Rome. Join your guide as evening falls to stroll down shadowy streets, through empty squares, and across cursed bridges while you listen to tales of executions and murders over the centuries. Use your divining rods to pick up ghostly evidence of past emperors, heretics, and witches who are said to still wander the city.

Home to some of the world’s most iconic Van Gogh paintings, Amsterdam’s Van Gogh museum attracts lines often in excess of two hours. Beat the crowds with this priority admission ticket that also includes an Amsterdam canal cruise, during which you get unobstructed views of the city's waterside attractions. This stress-free combo ticket is an ideal choice for first-time visitors with limited time in the Dutch capital.

Partake in a unique sightseeing excursion on this delightful lunch cruise along the Thames River. See the best of London’s riverside attractions on a cruise from Tower Pier to Westminster. Stroll the deck, savor a delectable 2-course meal, and admire great views of the London Eye, the Tower of London and more. An onboard bar offers additional drink options for spicing up your afternoon (own expense).

Lisbon’s steep hills deter many travelers from exploring the city by bike, however, this electric bike tour of Lisbon allows you to ascend to incredible viewpoints without getting tired. Motorized bicycles mean you exert little energy when ascending to high points such as the Castelo de Sao Jorge and the Miradouro Senhora de Monte. Explore the historic districts of Alfama, Graça, and, if you’ve opted to take an evening tour, watch a magical sunset from an elevated vantage point. Small-group tour limited to 15 cyclists.

As the sun goes down over Amsterdam, enjoy its illuminated waterfront and history on an evening canal cruise. Settle in for a 4-course gourmet dinner with wine, beer, soft drinks. Drift slowly past historical attractions including the Anne Frank House and the Bloemenmarkt, while listening to informative commentary. The entire cruise is a feast for both your eyes and your tastebuds.

Learn to make Spanish tapas, traditional paella, and sangria with a Barcelona chef, then share a hearty dinner of classic local cuisine that you've made yourself. 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. This hands-on Spanish cooking class includes snacks, drinks, and dinner, and you finish the night with recipes to take back to your home kitchen.

There are many things for which Switzerland is famous—Alpine peaks and stylish watches to name but two—but chocolate surely trumps them all. On this tour, explore Geneva by land and water, delve into the decadent world of Swiss chocolate, and see this tasty treat in all its colorful guises. Discover artisan shops where chocolate is made the traditional way, and sample the delicious treats on offer.

Get a taste of London's exquisite culinary scene when you book this exciting food tour. For those who want to try classic British cuisine, opt for the London Bridge tour to try fish and chips, sausage rolls, British cheese, and local beers and ciders. Or choose the SoHo tour to explore London's hidden gems, where you enjoy fine cuisine at new and historic venues.

Embark on an extraordinary journey at the Vatican with this semi-private morning tour that includes an American-style breakfast inside the Vatican’s Courtyard. You’ll explore the Vatican Museums before they open to the general public so you can admire famous sights like the Sistine Chapel in a more intimate atmosphere before finishing with skip-the-line access to St Peter’s Basilica through a reserved entrance.

Belgium is celebrated for its chocolates and its beers, and on this delicious tour, sample the best of both. You’ll visit Brussels’ top chocolatiers, and will try more than 10 treats. Then, continue to the Grand Place, where you’ll visit several bars to enjoy six different traditional Belgian brews, plus cheese and cured meats. As you go, you’ll also see highlights like the Manneken Pis and the Royal Galleries.

Discover the secrets of Tuscan cooking during this full-day experience, including a market visit and cooking class, topped off with a 4-course lunch. Shop for fresh ingredients at a Florentine market before venturing to a Tuscan farmhouse in the countryside. Take your cue from an expert chef as you create Italian dishes from scratch including bruschetta, pasta, roast pork, and tiramisù. Then sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor, complemented by Tuscan wine.

Taste the true essence of the renowned Chianti wine region on a small-group tour from Florence. Visit three hand-picked wineries to tour the wine cellars and taste different varietals like Chianti Classico. 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.

Challenge your romantic illusions of Paris on a terrifying tour of the city’s most sinister spots. Delve into the eerie mysteries of the City of Light, strolling the serpentine streets in search of spectres and spooks; stray from the beaten path with a masterful story teller, discovering unfamiliar facts about the captivating capital as you venture to sites of reputed haunting. Gain fascinating insight into the horrible history of the city when you visit mystery-shrouded sites like the Place de la Vert Gallant and the Palais du Justice.

Escape the tourist trail and discover Paris like a local on this 4-hour small-group bike tour. Get off-the-beaten-track and explore Paris’ vibrant neighborhoods as you pedal around the maze-like Latin Quarter and see the Jewish quarter of Le Marais. Make the most of your local guide as you see the City of Lights from a new perspective and get a taste of the real Paris, away from the tourist crowds.

Delve into London’s rich musical history on a magical mystery tour of the capital’s rock ‘n’ roll sites. With a knowledgeable guide, tour the vibrant city in a luxury vehicle and visit renowned clubs, famous hotels, and record labels associated with rock ‘n’ roll legends like The Beatles, Jimmy Page, and Bill Wyman.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Florence on a day trip to the Chianti wine region, with round-trip transport from a convenient Florence location. In addition to navigating for you, your guide provides insight into the winemaking process at vineyards often missed by visitors to Tuscany. The day’s itinerary includes wine tastings, an authentic Tuscan lunch, and a guided tour of San Gimignano..

Take a break from the bustle of Rome and experience two pillars of Italian cuisine in the peaceful Franscati countryside with this unique day trip. Visit a traditional family-run winery to sample local red and white wines, then learn the secrets to making perfect pasta from scratch during a hands-on lesson. Cap off your visit with dinner featuring your own fresh pasta topped with a traditional Roman sauce.

Experience the best of typical Dutch culture on a half-day tour to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam. With a knowledgeable guide, observe traditional cheese-making processes and taste some real Dutch farmer cheese; marvel at the exterior of a working windmill; try on some authentic wooden clogs for size; and admire the quaint and colorful architecture of Zaanse Schans village before returning to Amsterdam by comfortable coach. Gain fascinating insight into the unique culture of the Netherlands on this educational tour. If option selected, the tour includes an open departure ticket for a 1-hour Amsterdam Canal Cruise.

Get an inside look into the centuries-old art of glassblowing with a factory tour on Murano Island, home to the world’s finest artisan glass. Tour the facilities at Colleoni Glass Factory and watch a master craftsman shape molten glass through a combination of heat, blowing and sculptural techniques. Visit the factory showroom to see beautiful finished works of art, and receive a special Murano glass souvenir to take home.

Take a course on mask-making from a master artisan 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.

Cycle through Seville’s medieval streets on this fun and fascinating bike tour. See more of the city’s landmarks than you would on foot, and enjoy the flexibility to stop often for photos. Peddle along a bike-friendly route that takes you past highlights including the Santa Cruz and Triana neighborhoods, Maria Luisa Park, Torre del Oro, the Seville Cathedral and the Royal Alcazar. Along the way, learn about Seville’s rich history and local lifestyle from your friendly guide.

Discover the beautiful city of Amsterdam, known as the ‘Venice of the North,’ from the water on this sightseeing cruise. After reserving your preferred departure time, skip past any lines and set off on the UNESCO-listed waterways aboard a glass-topped canal boat. Glide under pretty bridges, past 17th-century buildings and landmarks like the Anne Frank House, and learn about the city’s history from the audio guide.