Tours and Trips in Europe

Go beneath Rome's Colosseum for a 4-hour, underground tour of the largest amphitheater ever built. Step into the darkened chambers where gladiators prepared to meet their match in the arena, and see a recreated timber elevator that shows how animals were lifted up toward the spotlight. Then set out to visit both the nearby Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, Rome's centermost hill and one of its most ancient parts.

Explore Rome's Trastevere neighborhood on a 1.5-hour, small-group walking tour with a stop at a famous gelato shop. Visit the Sistine Bridge, Porta Settimiana, and the ancient city walls, and soak up the atmosphere of the fascinating historic district. You'll cover just under one mile (1.6 km) of distance on this Trastevere walking tour, which is limited to 15 people for personal service.

Follow in the footsteps of British royals on a 4-hour trip from London. Ride a train to this historical royal town, and tour its cobbled streets and neighboring Eton, home to Eton College, where princes William and Harry were schooled. Then, enjoy an audio-guided tour of Windsor Castle, seeing highlights including the State Rooms, St. George's Chapel, and Doll's House of Queen Mary. Return train tickets and castle admission ticket included.

Delve into the rich history of the Knights Templar during this small-group guided tour of the Portuguese villages Constância and Tomar from Lisbon. 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 Christ, once a fortification where the knights resided. With numbers limited to eight people, enjoy a more intimate experience alongside your guide.

Marvel over the majestic châteaux of the Loire Valley on this memorable half-day excursion from Tours. First, experience the glory of the French Renaissance as you explore the famous Château de Villandry and stroll the magnificent gardens. Admire the manicured landscapes and ornamental gardens; wander through the kitchen garden and classical water garden, then attempt to find your way through the maze. Next, journey further back in time with a tour of an authentic 16th-century château, where you'll indulge in a traditional aperitif and perhaps meet its noble residents.

Rome is full of magnificent ancient monuments, but there are even more historic gems just outside of the city. This small-group half-day tour from Rome visits the hilltown of Tivoli, home to two UNESCO-listed marvels - the 2nd-century ruins of Hadrian's Villa (Villa Adriana) and the idyllic Villa d'Este, a 16th-century palace and garden complex. Tour includes hotel pickup, entrance fees, and round-trip transport.

Enjoy a special early entry into Peterhof's Grand Palace, part of a larger complex that's often referred to as the 'Russian Versailles.' Join a small group (maximum 6) on a skip-the-line guided tour of the former imperial residence, filled with ornate rooms  that were mostly destroyed"•and since reconstructed"•during WWII. Then embark on a guided stroll through the property's stunning lower gardens, dotted with gold sculptures and mesmerizing fountains throughout. There's also ample time to savor lunch (own expense) at one of the onsite cafes before returning to St Petersburg.

Experience Saint Mark's Basilica after hours on this 1.5-hour evening tour. Look around the chapel with your small group of 15 people, learning about its history and Byzantine architecture without the buzz of a thousand other visitors.

Satisfy your urge to splurge with a 6-hour shopping excursion to the Castel Romano Designer Outlet. Located just 20 minutes from Rome's city center near the Tyrrhenian coastline, the sprawling retail complex offers deep discounts on more than 150 brands, including designer names like Valentino, Michael Kors and Roberto Cavalli, as well as more casual apparel like Nike and Guess. Enjoy the help of a personal shopping assistant throughout the day - so you can return from Italy's capital with fabulous new pieces to add to your wardrobe.

Enjoy early admission to Catherine Palace and tour one of the area's most stunning former summer palaces without the crowds. Embark on a small-group (limited to 6) guided exploration of this former Imperial residence, a grand property that was left completely gutted"•but renovated extensively"•after WWII. Wander its opulent halls and visit rooms such as the Amber Room, painstakingly recreated with amber panels, gold leaf and mirrors in a process that took more than two-decades. Afterward, spend time strolling in Catherine Park and learning about its impressive landscaping.

The UNESCO-listed landscapes of the Loire Valley are home to some of France's most magnificent chateaux and this full-day tour from Amboise visits two in one day. Marvel at the Renaissance architecture and beautiful gardens of the Château de Chambord; enjoy a delicious lunch (included) at a château restaurant; then visit the fairy-tale Château de Chenonceau.

Mount Etna is Europe's largest active volcano, but you don't have to climb the mighty peak to experience the natural wonder. On this full-day tour from Taormina, hike through the ancient woodlands and lava caves of Mt Etna; indulge in a Sicilian-style lunch and wine tasting; and explore the Alcantara Gorge. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

Spend a day exploring some of the prettiest towns in the Provençal countryside and tasting Côte d'Azur wines with this small-group day trip from Monaco. Visit the aromatic town of Grasse for a tour of the famous Fragonard perfumery. Wander the Medieval streets with your knowledgeable guide and stop for lunch (own expense) in Valbonne. Soak in the expansive views over the Mediterranean from the heights of Gourdon. Sample local wines at the Château de Cr emat in Nice. Group size is limited to eight people to ensure a more personalized experience.

Experience the best of the French Riviera during a small-group day trip from Monaco. Watch multi-million dollar yachts bob in the water off Antibes. See where Hollywood stars walk the red carpet at Cannes' Festival Palace. Tour a perfumery in the hilltop village of Eze. Visit stately Monaco to see the royal palace and ornate casinos. Drive the Formula One Grand Prix track in Monte Carlo. Group size is limited to eight people to ensure more personalized attention from your knowledgeable guide.

Visit two of the most renowned castles in the Loire Valley - aka French château country - on a day trip from Tours. Château de Chenonceau and Château de Chambord are known for their Renaissance architecture and picturesque riverside settings. With a knowledgeable guide, enjoy views from little-known panoramic spots, and hear historical details and amusing anecdotes about the French kings and other nobles who have lived here. As a bonus, enjoy a relaxing lunch away from the crowds at a private, family-owned château.

Satisfy your sweet tooth on a chocolate-fueled tour of Italy's Umbria region! Escape to the countryside on a full-day tour from Rome and sample the edible delights of Perugia with a visit to the famous Baci chocolate factory. After learning the secrets of the iconic chocolates and sampling some sweet treats, continue to historic Spoleto, renowned for its medieval Cathedral of St Maria Assunta.

Get to know Iceland's southern coast and embark on a glacier hike during this full-day tour. With your small group of 15 fellow travelers or fewer, visit the Reynisfjara black sand beach, Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and Sólheimajökull Glacier. Round-trip hotel transportation via minibus and all safety gear (harness, ice axe, carabiners, and crampons) included.

Sip champagne in the beauty of the French countryside on this day trip from Paris. Visit the stunning Cathedral in Reims, walk the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, explore vineyards, and sample delicious champagnes. Your Sommelier guide will share the secrets of France's beloved sparkling wine. This tour includes comfortable round-trip transport from central Paris.

Experience London's traditional drinking scene on this 3-hour afternoon pub crawl. Accompany your guide on a fun and educational tour in and around the city, where you'll visit at least four historic pubs and taste different brews (own expense). Pop into centuries-old ale houses, see literary haunts favored by writers like Charles Dickens, and learn about local drinking culture through the ages.

Italian food is famous around the world and Rome's Trastevere district is one of the best places to sample the city's delicious street food. Explore the atmospheric neighbourhood on this 3-hour small-group walking tour, admire historic landmarks such as the Basilica of Santa Maria and the Sistine Bridge, and sample an array of delicacies including pasta, pizza, freshly baked pastries, regional cheeses, and Italian salami.