Explore Hidden Treasures

Trafalgar's Explore Hidden Treasures© walking sightseeing tours are designed with your interest and pleasure in mind and will reveal the cultural and historic beauty of many of Europe's great cities. Once experienced, you'll know sightseeing doesn't get much better than this.

Explore Hidden Treasures© sightseeing tours are in the following countries:

AUSTRIA - [top ↑]
Salzburg – city of Mozart and the Sound of Music
Our local city expert walks us through the gardens of the Mirabell Palace – setting for the ‘Sound of Music’ – and home to one of the most irreligious Bishops of the city. Then over the pedestrian bridge spanning the river Salzach to the narrow Getreidegasse with its quaint boutiques and the house where Mozart was born. We also walk through picturesque, geranium-filled courtyards to visit the Cathedral – with one of the largest domes in Europe. Finally we see the pretty horse-fountain, before finally ending our walking tour in Mozartplatz.

Vienna – the first district and St Stephen’s Cathedral
From the Hofburg Palace with its fine equestrian statue we walk, with our local city guide, through the Volksgarden with its beautiful roses to the oldest part of Vienna, known as ‘Am Hof’. It is a beautiful and large square of baroque houses including the Collalto Palace where 6-year-old Mozart made his first appearance in concert! We continue along the Graben to St Stephen’s Cathedral with its decorative roof and 137-metre high spire. Finally we walk along the elegant Kartnerstrasse to Vienna’s famous Opera House close to the Hotel Sacher – celebrated for its chocolate cake.

BELGIUM - [top ↑]
Brussels – the medieval centre
With our Tour Director we will visit some of the quaintest parts of the city. First to the statue of the Mannekin Pis – where we will hear the story of the small boy who was lost and then found – in a rather compromising position! We continue our walk passing by the bronze statue of Everard ‘t Serclaes – the man murdered defending Brussels in the late 14th century – touching the bronze arm of this statue is said to bring good luck! Next we arrive in the Grand’ Place where we see Belgium’s finest example of ornate 17th century architecture. See the Maison du Cygne, and all the beautiful guild houses paid for by the various craftsmen and unions of workers – haberdashers, bakers, brewers etc We will also show you the rue des Bouchers where many of the city’s liveliest restaurants are located. Finally we walk to the elegant shopping mall built in 1847, the Galerie St-Hubert– one of the earliest in Europe.

Bruges – a city of gothic art
With our local guide we will stroll through the picturesque streets of this ancient town criss crossed with pretty canals. First we will see the Grote Markt with the renowned Belfry of Brugge overlooking the town. We will also visit the nearby Burg where we will see the 12th century Basilica of Holy Blood where a fragment of cloth believed to be soaked with the blood of Christ is located. We will also see how the famous Belgian lace is made in one of the local workshops.

CROATIA - [top ↑]
Dubrovnik – Pearl of the Adriatic
Our walking tour with a local expert takes us along the fortifications which are among the most complete, impressive and perfect in Europe. They will allow us to enjoy wonderful views across the rooftops of the city and over the blue waters of the Adriatic. We will be able to view two large gothic palaces, the church of St Blaise and the Cathedral which are baroque in the Venetian style and some fine medieval monastic cloisters. We will also see the Renaissance Rectors Palace, the Lovrijenac Fort and the Jewish synagogue.

CZECH REPLUBLIC - [top ↑]
Prague – the Castle and the Lesser town
Our local guide takes us to Prague castle – a massive complex of buildings dating from various centuries. We visit the cathedral of ST Vitus – one of the first High Gothic buildings, highly embellished with chapels, tombs, altarpieces and stained glass. We also see the Romanesque church of St George and the Royal Palace, dating back to the Middle Ages. Then we walk down to the lower town, nestling beneath the castle to the baroque church of St Nicholas and we cross the well-known Charles Bridge over the Vlatva River – one of the finest examples of this type of medieval structure.

DENMARK - [top ↑]
Copenhagen – walking tour of the historic centre
Our local expert will take us on a stroll first through the area around the Amalienborg Palace – an elegant quarter of 18th century buildings. Then we will walk through the historic centre seeing the 17th century Stock Exchange, the Christiansborg Palace, the Neo-Classical Cathedral and the 19th century Theatre Royal – former home of the Opera.

FRANCE - [top ↑]
Paris Walking Tour
Gardens of Les Invalides – the ‘Meridian’ – the Pantheon. A guided walking tour of the Left Bank, starting with a pleasant walk through the elegant Luxembourg gardens from the Observatory to the Luxembourg Palace. Here we will see one of the first editions of the ‘Statue of Liberty’ as well as the most sought after secondary schools of the city and of course the Pantheon, where the great writers and philosophers of France are buried. We will see the old Marionette theatre, popular with children in the summer months, as well as some of the most sought after properties in the French capital! We are walking on the Meridian line – established here in the 18th century – a line which leads down as far as the Church of St Sulpice – made famous by Dan Brown’s ‘Da Vinci Code’.

Arles – In the steps of Vincent Van Gogh
The home of Vincent Van Gogh – Arles, picturesquely located on the river Rhone is a city best visited on foot. With a local expert we will see the Roman amphitheatre and the Romanesque Cathedral. We will then follow in the footsteps of the Impressionist artist, Van Gogh seeing the ‘starry night’ café as well as the summer gardens which he painted.

GERMANY - [top ↑]
Heidelberg Castle – its inner courtyards
With our Tour Director we walk into the grounds of the castle of the Prince Electors – the fine red sandstone castle of Heidelberg which dates back to the 16th century and is one of the noblest examples of German Renaissance architecture. Since the French destroyed it in the 17th century it has remained on the most romantic and atmospheric ruins in Europe. We will see the wedding arch and stroll into the picturesque courtyard overlooked by the Otto Heinrich building and down to the magnificent terrace with its astounding views over the river Neckar and the entire Baroque city. Finally we enter the Castle cellars where we see the court fool – Perkeo – still guarding the enormous vat of wine (2200 hectolitres) – since it was placed there in 1751 !

Rothenburg – the walled city on the Tauber
Our Tour Director takes us into this entirely walled city through one of its ancient gateways. Rothenburg is an old Franconian Imperial City picturesquely situated on a steep bank of the Tauber River. With its surrounding walls and towers – almost untouched since the 30 years war – it has unique charm and is a completely preserved medieval town. We walk along the Spittalgasse to the Plönlein – one of the prettiest corners of the town – through the Siebersturm. Then up to the main town square where we will see the former Ratrinkstube – a clock with mechanical figures representing the story of the « master draught » - Our Tour Director will tell us this story which is based on the exploits of Burgomaster Nusch. Then we will walk past the Town Hall to the most beautiful St Georges’ fountain – and to the Franciscan church. Finally, free time to perhaps visit the nearby Christmas shop!

Nuremberg – city of Albrecht Durer
The only real way to visit Nuremberg is on foot. Lying on the banks of the river Pegnitz, the city was almost completely destroyed during the last World War but the layout of the old town was preserved and today the city with its walls and towers, its castle and restored churches presents a striking image of the old city. Our walking tour with our Tour Director, will take in St Sebaldus’ Church, the Hauptmark with its 14th century ‘Beautiful Fountain’ and the Frauenkirche on which we will see the Männleinlaufen – an old clock with mechanical figures which strikes at noon daily. We will also see the house of Albrecht Durer the 16th century artist, in one of the most well restored parts of the city.

GREECE - [top ↑]
Athens – Walking tour of the Acropolis
Today close to Athen’s city centre, the ‘acro’ ‘polis’ was originally built far ‘acro’ from the city, ‘polis’. Today this is the most important site in Classsical Greece and the modern city of Athens has crept closer and closer to this ancient site. We will see the Parthenon built between 447 – 438 BC, the supreme achievement of Greek architecture. We will also see the Propylaia, Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion. We will visit the Theatre of Dionysios where plays by Aeshcylus, Sophocles and Euripedes were first performed, the Agora – market place and civic centre of ancient Athens and the Hephaisteion, the best preserved of Greek Temples.

Delphi – A walk to the Oracle
With a local guide we will walk through what is Ancient Greece’s most spectacularly evocative site, clinging to the lower slopes of Mount Parnassus. In its history the Oracle here attracted pilgrims from all over Greece and its Empire and today, travellers from all over the world! We will walk the Sacred Way and visit the Sanctuary of Pythian Apollo and the Sanctuary of Athena before free time to admire the beauty of this site.

GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND - [top ↑]
Chester walking tour
Chester is an old Roman city completely encircled by ancient walls which we will visit on foot with our Tour Director. We will continue our walking tour by visiting the city’s most unique feature – the 13th century ‘Rows’ – two tiers of enticing shops, running through the main streets. We will also visit the awesome Gothic Cathedral and see the Roman amphitheatre, Britain’s largest, built to entertain over 7,000 Roman spectators! Perhaps we will see one of this 2,000-year-old city’s unique features – the town criers – who make their proclamations at the Cross in the heart of the city. They are Britain’s only husband and wife town criers!

Edinburgh Walking Tour
With a local guide we will enjoy an in-depth exploration of the main sights and monuments along the Royal Mile, which links the Castle to Holyrood House. We will discover the nooks and alleys along this ancient route which follows the Volcanic crag and tail on which Edinburgh castle and the city was built.

Kildare Stud Farm
With one of the friendly staff we will enjoy a guided walking tour of this famous stud farm, to be able to admire some of the most impressive stallions in the world!

Oxford – walking tour of one of the colleges
With our Tour Director we will stroll through the city of dreaming spires to experience the life of an Oxford undergraduate It was here that such great men as JR Tolkien , C S Lewis and Lewis Carroll lived and studied and we will enjoy a guided tour of one of the colleges where such great men lived and studied. We will see the college grounds, accommodation for the students as well as the great refectories where formal dining takes place. When a college visit is not available we will visit the Sheldonian theatre.

Londonderry Walking Tour
A walking tour round the 17th century walls with a local guide shows us the highlights of this divided city. We will see the Coward’s Bastion, St Columb’s Cathedral and enjoy views over the river Foyle. We will also see what is depressingly known as the Bogside – remnant of the recent conflicts in Northern Ireland.

York walking tour
York is officially the most haunted city in England! – we will enjoy an in-depth walking tour of the city with our Tour Director and perhaps find out why! We stroll along the medieval streets with their half-timbered houses and attractive boutiques…the ‘Shambles’ being perhaps the most picturesque section of this Viking city. We will also have time to visit the impressive Minster, which is the largest Cathedral in Britain.

ITALY - [top ↑]
Rome - Walking Tours

Piazza Venezia – the Ancient Forums – the Colosseum – Circus Maximus
Our walking tour starts at Piazza Venezia with its 15th century Palaces and 19th century ‘Wedding Cake’ or monument to Victor Emmanuel and tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We walk along the route of the Imperial Forums past Trajan’s Column and the Temple of Vesta to view the Roman Forum on the Palatine hill. Then we arrive at the Colosseum and the Arch of the Emperor Constantine which dates back to the 4th Century AD and is still standing today. Finally to one of the most important arenas for chariot races in Roman times – the Circus Maximus in the valley between the Aventine and Palatine Hills.

Florence
We start at the square which was a centre of fine craftsmanship in the middle ages. Here we visit the most richly adorned church of the city where we will see the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo. We walk along the narrow streets glimpsing inside craftsmen’s workshops to Piazza Signoria where we can feast our eyes on an open-air museum of Renaissance architecture and sculpture. In front of the Palazzo Vecchio, one of Michelangelo’s statues of David, Donatello’s Judith and Holofernes and the monument to Cosimo I de Medici – among many others. We see the building of the Uffizzi galleries as well as the Loggia dei Lanzi. Finally we stroll along one of the loveliest shopping streets in the city, to the Piazza del Duomo where we can admire Ghiberti’s Bronze doors depicting heaven and hell on the Baptistery and the multi-coloured marble Cathedral and Bell-Tower – for the most part the work of Brunelleschi and Giotto.

Pompeii Excavations
Our local guide shows us through the Porta Marina to illustrate to us the way the Romans lived before the eruption of Vesuvius in AD79. We see the Antiquarium, the Basilica, - which was the Forum and market place, the Temples of Apollo and Jupiter and the House of the Vettii where many ornamental paintings and fine frescoes have been preserved. We also see the Baths and the famous House of the Faun before returning to our coach.

Assisi – Walking tour and visit of the Basilica of St Francis
First we take a walk with our local guide through the narrow streets of this perfectly perched hillside town, passing geranium-filled window boxes and tall medieval buildings. We stop by the Church of St Claire where nuns still live and pray, before entering the lower Basilica of San Francesco. Admire the wonderful ceiling frescoes
by the great Renaissance artists before visiting the tomb of St Francis. Then we ascend to the Upper Basilica where we see the paintings of Giotto, depicting the life of this popular saint.

Verona – city of the star-crossed lovers
With a local expert we spend time exploring the fascinating history and architecture of this beautiful town. We start our tour in Piazza Bra with its 2000-year-old arena and its 18th and 19th century architecture. Then we stroll along the Via Mazzini with its elegant boutiques to the Piazza delle Erbe where the fruit and vegetable market takes place. We also visit the Piazza dei Signori named after the ruling Verona family – the Scaligers. It is also here that we will admire the imposing Gothic tombs of the family and learn of their influence in Northern Italy before walking to the river Adige to view the city’s fine Cathedral. Finally we stop to see Juliet’s balcony before free time to explore further or stop for a cappuccino in one of the many open-air cafés.

Milan – the historic centre
The centre of Milan focuses around its most imposing Gothic Cathedral on the Piazza del Duomo. First, with our Tour Director, we will see the famous La Scala Opera House in the Piazza Della Scala, where we will also see the monument to Leonardo da Vinci. Then we will walk to the Cathedral through Europe’s first shopping mall – the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele 11 built between 1865 – 77. Admire the marble floors and don’t forget to make a wish on the mosaic bull! The Cathedral, bristling with white marble statues of all the saints, is one of the world’s largest and most magnificent churches. Time to perhaps visit the interior with its 52 gigantic pillars and stained glass windows.

Capri – tour of Capri town
Having reached Capri town by funicular with a local guide, we will enjoy a stroll through the narrow streets first to the Piazzetta or Piazza Umberto I, where the most expensive and elegant cafés are to be found. Then along the main shopping street we walk
to the 14th century Certosa de San Giacomo – a former Carthusian house. Through wisteria clad paths we reach the Caesar Augustus gardens with its semi-tropical flora to see the astounding view over the Faraglioni rocks and the blue waters of the Mediterranean.

Venice – Secret Venice Walking tour and visit to the market
Today with our local guide we will enjoy a guided commentary using our effective audio-system which will bring the city to life as we first cruise along the Grand Canal to the Rialto Bridge. Here we disembark and cross the bridge lined with ancient shops, to visit the staggering fish market which has existed for centuries. We continue our walking tour through the ‘calle’ seeing such sites as the house of Marco Polo and other interesting sites, as well as beautiful works of Art and Architecture.

HUNGARY - [top ↑]
Budapest – a walk around old Buda, the Castle District
We take a walk around the old heart of Buda on the hill overlooking the Danube. The view from here is so beautiful as to have been included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. We walk along the Fisherman’s Bastion and admire the 18th and 19th century Royal Palaces which house vestiges of their medieval and Renaissance predecessors. We also visit the St Matthias church, said to have been originally built by King Stephen in 1015 as a small church to the Virgin Mary. We will also see the Hussar statue in Parade Square as well as the Honved Memorial on our walk to the Castle theatre.

LATVIA - [top ↑]
Riga – the old centre
With a local guide we will visit the 13th century city on foot. Riga has long been one of the most thriving cities on the Baltic – within the extensive Old Town are narrow medieval streets, Gothic and Baroque Churches, 19th century municipal buildings and Hanseatic warehouses. We will also see the Tris Braili to see the medieval architecture here before returning to the coach.

LITHUANIA - [top ↑]
Vilnius
Our guided walk takes in views of the Bishop’s Palace (now the Presidential Palace) and the University. We also visit the Baroque church of St Peter and Paul which has exceptional sculptural decoration. Then we walk to the Gates of Dawn, the Carmelite church of St Theresa, the former Jewish Ghetto; the Cathedral and new Royal Palace excavations.

MOROCCO - [top ↑]
Marrakesh – a walk round Djemma el Fna square and into the Casbah
With our local expert we will be accompanied around the Djemma el Fna Square with its snake charmers, fire-eaters and camels. Then follow your guide into the Casbah for a colourful array of stalls selling beaten copper, pottery, kaftans and pretty rugs.

LUXEMBOURG - [top ↑]
Luxembourg – a walk through the green heart of Europe
Most of the sights in the city are located in a compact easily walked area and so with our local guide we will first go to the Place de la Constitution which affords marvellous views of the Petrusse valley and the impressive Adolphe Bridge that spans it. Time to admire the Monument du Souvenir on the square, commemorating those who died in battle. Also featured on our walk will be the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the 16th century Grand Ducal Palace and the old Town Hall.

POLAND - [top ↑]
Krakow – Walking tour of the Old Town
The old town of Krakow is encircled by an area called Planty – a green belt, which traffic is prohibited from crossing, so lending a peaceful air to the historic centre . On foot, thus, with a local guide, we visit Poland’s largest medieval square the Rynek Glowny where we see the imposing Cloth hall. In the arcades of the square a craft market still takes place today – time to explore that a little before admiring the Town Hall’s tower. Then on to the Mariacki Church, built between the 13th and 15th centuries, Krakow’s most richly decorated religious building. We will also see the Dominican Church and the Franciscan church before returning to our coach.

PORTUGAL - [top ↑]
Lisbon – a walk in the Alfama District
This section of the city between the Tagus river, the Cathedral and the Castle of St George is the oldest. During Arab domination, many fine and noble buildings were erected here. Today it is a real labyrinth of winding streets crossed by stairs and archways, often ending in blind alleys. It is the best-preserved part of the city, despite its quasi-destruction in the 18th century earthquake. The houses are decorated with wrought iron balconies, beautiful tiles and flower-filled window boxes. It is here that you will learn the way the ordinary people of the city live as well as witnessing the fine architecture of buildings such as the Church of St Michael and the houses of the Jewish quarter.

RUSSIA - [top ↑]
Moscow – Moscow metro and Red Square by night
Take a surprising journey through the underground Palaces of the world-famous Moscow metro. This evening we will show you some of the most beautiful stations decorated with marble, stained glass, mosaics and chandeliers. The tour ends with a stroll around Red square where we will take in the magical atmosphere by night!

SPAIN - [top ↑]
Madrid – the old town and Plaza Mayor
Our walking tour with a local guide takes us from the very centre of Madrid at the Puerta del Sol with its many department stores into the much older and more sobre medieval quarter. We walk along the Calle Mayor to the Plaza Mayor – a completely pedestrianised district. This is a large square of wonderful architectural unity which was laid out in 1619 and frequently used for ceremonies, horse races and bullfights – as well as in the distant past – executions! Our guide will show us the many interesting buildings and statues on the square – today filled with tapas bars and restaurants. We continue to the Calle de los Cuchilleros and to an interesting part of the old town. Finally via the Teatro Real we arrive at the Royal Palace where we re-join our coach.

Barcelona – the Gothic quarter
To enter the Gothic quarter we have to pass by the most wonderful example of ‘modernista’ architecture by Domenech i Montaner – the Palau de la Musica Catalana, which is a fine and highly ornate Concert Hall. In the narrow streets of the marvellously well preserved Barri Gothic we explore the arcaded Plaza Real, the superb Flamboyant Cathedral cloister and S Maria del Mar – the finest Gothic church in Catalonia. We will also admire the Bishop’s Palaces and the Old Town Hall before walking back to our coach.

Toledo – Walking tour of the ancient capital of Castille
The site of Toledo is breathtaking – situated on a hill surrounded by the river Tajo like a natural moat protecting the city. Its skyline is sprinkled with both Gothic and Moorish walls, a towering Alcazar and a splendid Cathedral. Our local guide will take us on a walk past open courtyards of houses, windows with iron gratings and blank walls – betraying the city’s Moorish past.- whereas the many Catholic churches and chapels betray the Christian influences. In fact Toledo epitomises the history of Spain- no visit to the Iberian Peninsula would be complete without a tour of this ancient city – famous for its steel and damascene work. Our walk will feature the Cathedral, a visit to the Church of Santo Tomé with the masterpiece by El Greco (when open), the Cristo de la Luz Mosque dating back to 999 and a visit of one of Toledo’s two main synagogues.

Seville – the finest example of the Andalusian way of life
After visiting the Cathedral with our local guide, where we will see the tomb of Christopher Columbus, we will continue our tour with a walk through the Barrio de Santa Cruz, the Jewish quarter with flower-filled courtyards. We will also visit the Casa de Pilatos – the best of the Mudejar style palaces with its delightful patios cool gardens and oriental tiles known as ‘azulejos’.

SWITZERLAND - [top ↑]
Geneva – tour of the old town and the Reformation monument
At the Place Neuve with its theatre and park we walk up to a 100metre wall, built against the one-time ramparts of the fortifications. Erected in 1917 as the Reformation Monument, it is here that we will see the statues of the Reformers most closely associated with the city. From here we walk to what is considered to be the centre of the old town – the Place du Bourg-de-Four, in medieval times the market square. Quaint streets with ancient buildings bring us to Geneva’s Cathedral – St Pierre, where Calvin is supposed to have preached.