Tours
Tours we'd book again
Small-group and private tours only, from our own trips, each one highly rated (4.7 or more). Read the story first, or go straight to the tour.
Italy

Rome · Our favouriteColosseum Arena Floor & Ancient Rome by LivTours
Semi-private, max 6 · about 3 hours · ★ rated 4.9 on Viator
In through the Gladiator's Gate and out onto the arena floor, then the Forum and the Palatine. The Colosseum tour we'd book again first.
Read our story See the tour on Viator

Rome · The tour we tookColosseum Underground & Roman Forum
Small group, max 6 · about 3 hours · ★ rated 4.9 on Viator
Down into the passages beneath the arena. The one for history lovers, or for a second visit.
Read our story See the tour on Viator

Vatican City · The tour we tookSkip-the-Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's
Small group · about 3 hours · headsets included · ★ rated 4.9 on Viator
Busy, yes, but go early: sculpture courtyards, golden ceilings, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's, with a guide you can actually hear.
Read our story See the tour on Viator

Florence · The private day we tookPrivate Chianti wine day by Tuscany Excursions
Private, only the two of you · a full day from Florence · fully tailor-made
Tastings, scenery and a very long lunch, at your own pace.
Read our story Tuscany Excursions website

Florence · The tour we tookSmall-Group Chianti Wine Tasting
Small group · about 4 hours 45 minutes · two Chianti Classico wineries · ★ rated 4.9 on Viator
A lovely, good-value afternoon in the Chianti hills with the logistics handled.
Read our story See the tour on Viator
Greece

Athens · The tour we tookAthens Highlights: a Mythological Tour by Alternative Athens
Small group · about 4 hours · meets at Hadrian's Arch · ★ rated 4.8 on Viator
The Acropolis early, before the heat, with the stories that make the temples come alive.
Read our story See the tour on Viator

Paros · A boat day like oursSmall-Group Cruise Around Antiparos & Despotiko
Small group on a traditional wooden kaiki (about 14 guests) · about 6¾ hours · lunch included · ★ rated 4.9 on Viator
Our best day in Greece was a private boat day around Antiparos. If you can't book one, this is the small-group version we'd choose.
Read our story See the tour on Viator
Spain

Barcelona · A tour like oursSagrada Família Small-Group Tour, Skip the Line
Small group, max 15 · about 1¾ hours · skip-the-line entry · ★ rated 4.8 on Viator
The way to see Gaudí's basilica inside, with the light pouring through the stained glass.
Read our story See the tour on Viator

Mallorca · A sail like oursMidday or Sunset Sailing from Palma
Small group, max 10, or the whole yacht privately · about 4 hours · ★ rated 4.7 on Viator
A day out on the water from Palma, with light snacks and an open bar.
Read our story See the tour on Viator
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