I know, taking a tour in Europe: tres cliché, non? Maybe not so much for these tours though. Europe is a continent steeped in history, culture, and adventure, but beyond the well-known landmarks and oft-trodden tourist paths lies a treasure trove of unique experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you're a history buff, a culinary enthusiast, or simply someone seeking something different, you can find several tours that delve into Europe's hidden corners and lesser-known stories.
In this blog, I look at some of Europe’s unusual and/or captivating tours. These experiences go beyond the typical tourist attractions, offering a deeper connection to the local culture, history, and natural beauty. Some of these are a boisterous way to spend an evening, others will leave you with a renewed sense of awe at the beauty of nature, while yet others may leave you with shivers running up and down your spine. Whichever tour you settle for I can honestly say that you will certainly have some stories to bring back home to your friends and family.
Description: This tour delves into Dublin’s rich literary past, taking you through some of the city’s most famous pubs. Starting at The Duke, a traditional Irish pub, the tour also visits Davy Byrne’s Pub, mentioned in James Joyce’s Ulysses. Along the way, professional actors perform scenes from famous Irish works and share stories about the city’s literary history. The tour not only highlights Dublin’s pubs, and the fantastic Irish beer you'll be enjoying, but also its vibrant culture. I recommend wearing a good pair of shoes as you'll be walking about a fair bit, and you'll want to eat something before you go. I did this tour several years ago and it still stands out as one of my best experiences in Ireland. That and my hike up the Cliffs of Moher.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours (and 5 or 6 beers later).
Cost: Roughly €18 per person ($21 USD) which needs to be bought in advance online
Description: Those who are fans of the Harry Potter books may want to check out Edinburgh’s medieval charm and historic landmarks explored during this magical tour. You’ll visit the Elephant House Café, where J.K. Rowling wrote much of the early Harry Potter books. The tour also includes stops at Greyfriars Kirkyard, which is said to have inspired many character names, and Victoria Street, the real-life inspiration for Diagon Alley. You’ll also see the George Heriot’s School, which resembles Hogwarts. They offer Free Public Tours and also a paid private tour. The content for both is the same but you will have a more personalized approach in the private tour with the ability to ask questions along the way. Both tours must be booked in advance online. Make sure that you bring along your wand (or something you can use as one).
Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
Cost: Private Tours cost £120.00 each for a group of 5 or less. ($158 )
Description: Keeping up with a bit of the Harry Potter theme, this tour explores the stunning Northumberland coastline, starting with a visit to Alnwick Castle and Gardens, known for its appearances in Harry Potter as Hogwarts as well as being the backdrop for Downton Abbey. The castle’s history spans over 1,000 years, and it remains a residence of the Duke of Northumberland. The tour also includes visits to other historic sites, such as the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, which was a key Viking settlement and the birthplace of the Lindisfarne Gospels. The scenic drive along the coastline showcases dramatic cliffs, beaches, and quaint fishing villages.
Duration: Full day, approximately 8 to 10 hours.
Cost: £69 (91 USD) per person for tour and transport only. See note below.
Note: Meals and beverages are extra and any entrance fees to the castles or gardens are not included but are offered at a 33% discount. Prices below are from the castle website and do NOT reflect the discount. Rough estimate including discounts for a tour including both castles and garden would be around $140/Adult.
Alnwick Castle Entry: £20.50 for Adults, £10.80 for Children ($28, $14).
Alnwick Gardens Entry: £18.50 ($24) for Adults, under 16 are free.
Lindisfarne Castle Entry: £10.00 for Adults, Children £5.00
Description: Beneath the bustling streets of Paris lies a vast network of tunnels known as the Catacombs. This tour explores these underground ossuaries, where the remains of over six million Parisians are arranged in haunting displays. You’ll learn about the history of the Catacombs, why they were created, and the significance they hold in Parisian history. The tour offers a unique perspective on the city’s past and its ancient burial practices. This is one tour that is on my bucket list but I will have to wait until my daughter is older as it would be a bit scary for her right now (indeed, they won't allow anyone under 10 to enter)!
Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.
Cost: €29 per adult, €10 for ages 10-17 ($32, $11). Tickets must be reserved online for no more than a week in advance.
Creepy Factor: 9/10
Description: Embark on a gourmet adventure through the rolling hills of Tuscany, where truffle hunting is a cherished tradition. The tour typically takes place in the woods around San Miniato or Alba, depending on the season. You will board a minivan in Florence and drive out to the woods. Accompanied by trained dogs (not pigs?) and a knowledgeable truffle hunter, you’ll search for these prized fungi, learning about their growth and the techniques used to find them. The experience will culminate in a truffle-based meal paired with local wines, giving you a true taste of Tuscany’s culinary heritage. Sadly, you don't get to keep the truffles you find.
Duration: Half day, approximately 4 to 5 hours.
Cost: Ranges from €350 (for 2 people) to €220 (for 8 people) per person ($390 to $240). Book in advance!
Description: A trip to Europe wouldn't be complete without having done at least one ghost tour. I've done one in London but never having been to Prague (and still planning to go) this one jumps out at me as a really cool setting and it has amazing reviews. Discover the mysterious and spooky side of Prague with a ghost tour through the city’s oldest neighborhoods. The tour explores Prague’s Old Town, where you’ll hear tales of alchemists, restless spirits, and ancient legends that have been passed down through generations. The walk also includes visits to sites like the Astronomical Clock, the Church of St. James, and the former Jewish Quarter, each with its own eerie story. This tour is perfect for those interested in folklore and the supernatural.
Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.
Cost: €18 per person ($21).
Description: Tromsø, known as the “Gateway to the Arctic,” is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. This tour takes you outside the city to locations with minimal light pollution, maximizing your chances of witnessing the Aurora Borealis. Depending on conditions, the tour may include a warm campfire, hot drinks, and photography tips to capture the lights. The guides are experts in predicting the Northern Lights and often share the science and folklore behind this natural phenomenon. There are a lot of different options for this type of experience so you'll want to cater it to your budget. You could take part in a "chase" where you will spend a few hours with a guide in a van driving around seeking spots to view the Aurora and these will run you about $120 per person. You can do a husky pulled sled tour for a bit of fun which runs closer to $150. For a more elaborate experience you could opt to go all out and stay in an all inclusive with other activities like winter kayaking, skiing and snowshoeing which will put you up into the $3400 price point. Explore the dozens of options and find what fits best for you.
Duration: 6 to 8 hours, typically in the evening.
Cost: Variable
Description: This tour offers a picturesque journey through the Cotswolds, an area famous for its rolling hills, charming villages, and honey-colored stone cottages. The tour usually includes visits to quintessential Cotswold villages like Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold. It also features a stop in Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, where you can explore his childhood home and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The tour provides a deep dive into English countryside life and literary history. Maybe while you are there you could also look at booking a tour out to Stonehenge. The same company offers a few different types. Their groups are typically no more than 16 people.
Duration: Full day, approximately 9 to 10 hours.
Cost: £139 per person ($184) plus extra £20 to enter Shakespeare’s birthplace as an option and plus any food or beverages.
Description: Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, offers a unique opportunity to create your own signature scent. Not exactly a tour but unique enough to make this a worthwhile addition to my list. This workshop takes place in one of the historic perfume houses, where you’ll learn about the different notes and techniques used in perfume making. Guided by a master perfumer, you’ll blend your own fragrance from a selection of essences, resulting in a personalized 100 mL bottle of Eau de Parfum to take home. The experience also includes an option of a separate, but free, guided tour of the perfume factory and a brief history of Grasse’s perfume industry.
Duration: Approximately 2 to 3 hours.
Cost: €60 ($66) per person (child under the age of 15: €50) for the workshop
Description: Experience Amsterdam like a local with a guided cycling tour through the city’s lesser-known areas. While you’ll still see famous sites like the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum, the tour focuses on hidden courtyards, quiet canals, and vibrant neighborhoods like the Jordaan and De Pijp. You’ll visit local markets, small cafes, and off-the-beaten-path spots that showcase the authentic side of Amsterdam. The tour also highlights the city’s unique bike culture and its efficient cycling infrastructure. While in the Dam, I'd also recommend making a trip to the Heineken plant and take the tour there. I don't know whether they run it the same as when I took the tour but they had a ride that took you through the brewing process. We were standing on a platform that bounced up and down and shook side to side as we were a bottle moving along the line. It was hilarious. Afterwards we sampled a few (read a dozen or so) beer on the rooftop.
Duration: Approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Cost: From €55 ($60)
Description: Ok, this one is definitely less unique in so far as it is a well established hotspot but the castle is so incredible a tour of it should be on your list. The medieval marvel of Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site is located off the coast of Normandy. Guided tours take you through the island’s narrow streets, up to the stunning abbey perched atop the rock. You’ll learn about the history of this iconic site, its strategic importance throughout the centuries, and the unique tidal phenomenon that surrounds it. These tours offers breathtaking views of the surrounding bay and provides insight into one of France’s most visited landmarks. There are numerous individuals or groups that offer the tours. The link above takes you to a landing page where there are several highlighted.
Duration: Most tours last around 4 hours.
Cost: All are around $99-$132 USD per person.
Description: Often referred to as "the world’s longest art gallery," the Stockholm subway system is home to an incredible array of art installations spanning 110 kilometers of track. This free guided tour, made available as an app you can download, takes you through some of the most stunning and unique stations, where you’ll discover murals, sculptures, mosaics, and other forms of art created by over 150 artists. The tour highlights the integration of art and public space, showcasing how Sweden has turned its subway into a cultural experience. Each station has its own theme and story, reflecting different aspects of Swedish history, culture, and society.
Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Cost: Free, except for purchase of Metro Fare. I recommend the 24 hour pass so you can spend the day exploring at your leisure: SEK 175 ($17) for adults; SEK 110 ($10) for kids and seniors.
Summary
As we wrap up this glimpse of Europe’s slightly quirkier adventures, it’s clear that the continent is brimming with offbeat gems just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re doffing pints while retracing the steps of literary giants in Dublin, tracking down truffles with furry friends in the Italian countryside, or navigating the world’s longest art gallery deep beneath a Swedish city, these experiences prove that Europe’s charm lies in its surprises. So, why settle for the ordinary when you can dive headfirst into the strange, the unexpected, and the utterly delightful? On your next trip to Europe maybe delve a little into the dubious. Embrace the eerie. Welcome the weird. Who knows? You might just stumble upon your next great story in the unlikeliest of places.
Happy Travels!
Il Digestivo
Instead of doing my usual of putting in products that are somewhat relevant to travel and the blog topic I am going to just put some random items here in light of the theme of off the beaten path for this blog. Enjoy!
CeraVe Moisturizer
Winter is coming! Time to keep that skin from getting dry. With hyaluronic acid, ceramides and MVE technology for 24 hour hydration CeraVe has a rich, velvety texture that leaves skin feeling smooth, it is absorbed quickly for softened skin without greasy, sticky, feel.
Horizon Group USA Bluey Aqua Art
Who doesn't love Bluey? Let your little ones use the aqua pen to color in the adventures of everyone's favorite Heeler family. Fill the provided brush pen with water to color on the pages to reveal the vibrant colors underneath with all kinds of hidden surprises! When the pen runs out of water and the colors fade away, simply refill and reuse to bring them back to life.
Premier Protein Shake, Chocolate
When you are a bit rushed for breakfast one of these will tie you over until lunch time. Also good to use as part of your workout routine. Has 30g Protein with just 1g of Sugar as well as 24 Vitamins Minerals Nutrients to Support Immune Health. Also available in many other flavors, including the Autumnal ever present Pumpkin Spice.
1989 (Taylor's Version) [2 LP]
I personally LOVE vinyl. I must have some 300 records in my collection. Can't say I am a Swiftie but I do appreciate her talent. My daughter likes her music so I am exposed to it and as such I've put it here.
Amazon Fire TV Stick
Best entertainment device ever. I have four of them. One of which is in my hotel survival kit. Ok, I know I said I was just going to go with random items but this one really is worth noting as a travel accessory. You can use it anywhere that has a TV with an HMDI port and WiFi. Why is that so good? Imagine being able to stream all of your own services from any hotel, in almost any country. I've used it in hotels, cabins, vacation. rentals, and more. I know several hotels, usually big chains, have some streaming built in but why risk having nothing to watch if it only has local cable. I personally cannot handle another Friends rerun TYVM.
This one is on a limited time deal at nearly %40 off.
Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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