Tag: Europe Vacations

St. Mark’s Basilica & More
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St. Mark’s Basilica & More

Known for its canals, waterways, bridges and other historic attractions, Venice, Italy, offers travelers everything from centuries-old history to unparalleled beauty. Some of the best Venice tours take you to the quietest areas of the city – away from the crowds – to discover Venice's cuisine, wine and culture, while others showcase the city from the water by gondola or kayak. Consulting both traveler opinion and expert input, U.S. News identified the tours below as the best Venice has to offer.Avventure Bellissime – Venice in 1 Day TourPrice: Adults from 109 euros (about $120); kids from 95 euros (about $104)Duration: 3 hoursIf you're short on time, consider this three-hour tour that hits multiple of Venice's top attractions. You'll enjoy skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica, as w...
The 10 Top River Cruise Lines
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The 10 Top River Cruise Lines

If you'd like to take a cruise but aren't interested in the hustle and bustle of a massive ocean liner, you may want to consider a river cruise. River cruises offer the chance to visit lesser-known ports around the world, thanks to the small size and maneuverability of the vessels. These sailings are known to provide exceptional, personalized service, as most welcome fewer than 200 guests at a time. On top of that, you'll spend the majority of your trip exploring a different port each day, as most destinations along the waterways are fairly close together.To help you determine the best river cruise line for you, U.S. News analyzed traveler and expert reviews and detailed the onboard amenities, shore excursion options, price points, diverse itineraries and overall experience to expect belo...
5 Best Vatican Tours of 2023
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5 Best Vatican Tours of 2023

One of the most famous landmarks in the world, Vatican City draws more than 5 million people each year, which means that no matter when you visit, you can expect massive crowds. Along with the crowds, the sheer size of this sovereign city-state in Rome can make a visit to Vatican City feel overwhelming. If you're feeling intimidated by the experience, consider one of the following small-group Vatican tours, guided by local experts who can both explain the history of the Eternal City and help you navigate the crowds. As you browse the best options, be sure to keep the following in mind (and also visit the Frequently Asked Questions section at the botton of this page): Many tours offer early-entry or after-hours access to the Vatican, so you should anticipate crowds regardless. Any visi...
The 10 Best Stonehenge Tours from London
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The 10 Best Stonehenge Tours from London

Stonehenge, the most famous prehistoric monument in the world, poses more questions than answers. The approximately 5,000-year-old standing stones have been wondered, worshipped and puzzled at for ages. Stonehenge is a popular daytrip if you're basing yourself in London or Bath, England.Organized tours of Stonehenge often include visits to other nearby landmarks, such as the Avebury stone circles, Bath or the Cotswolds. Many of these outings offer convenient round-trip transportation from London in an air-conditioned coach. These tours, evaluated by U.S. News using both expert opinion and traveler sentiment, offer some of the best ways to experience Stonehenge.The English Bus – Stonehenge, Bath & A Secret PlacePrice: From 134 pounds (around $165) per personDuration: 12 hoursFor advent...
How to See the Northern Lights in Iceland in 2024
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How to See the Northern Lights in Iceland in 2024

While Iceland isn't the only place in the world to view the northern lights, the Nordic country's prime location near the Arctic Circle means the light show can be visible for more than 100 nights per year. And 2024 in particular will provide prime viewing opportunities."Interestingly, the sun is reaching its solar maximum (increased activity that's conducive for northern lights) over the next few years, so 2024, 2025 and 2026 are prime years for getting a great light show," explains Ryan Connolly, co-founder of Hidden Iceland.While you're never guaranteed to see the northern lights in Iceland, a little planning and forethought can pay off. Read on to discover the best time of year to visit, the most scenic places to go, unique tour options and more.The best time to see the northern light...
The 21 Best Barcelona Tours
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The 21 Best Barcelona Tours

Note: Some tour providers on this list may have limited or ceased operations due to COVID-19. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book.With its stunning architecture, delicious food, sandy beaches, rich history and proximity to scenic mountains, Barcelona offers no shortage of things to do. To help you navigate the city's plethora of attractions, rely on the assistance of an informed local to help you make the most of your visit. Using both expert opinion and traveler sentiment, U.S. News identified 21 of the top tours in Barcelona. Whether on foot, by bike or aboard a boat, these tours will help enhance your Barcelona experience. Barcelona Guide Bureau – Gaudí – The Sagrada Família TourThis Gaudí-centric outing starts with a bus ride down Passeig de Gràcia, an ave...