Do you love meeting local people, learning about customs and traditions, indulging in delicious cuisines, gazing at brilliant art and architecture, and getting to know the history of a destination? It sounds like you love to experience the local culture when you travel. If you can’t wait to explore new cultures on your next adventure, we’ve got the best tour for you. From witnessing Venetian glassblowing to watching the Parisian cabaret to sharing lunch with a local family in Tuscany, find out why this European Trafalgar tour should be your next trip.
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Explore the history of Amsterdam
This European Trafalgar tour kicks off with a night in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. Join your Travel Director for an orientation of Amsterdam and get to know the remarkable history and culture of this iconic Dutch city. Marvel at the colourful facades of the crooked, medieval buildings. Find out how the city is built on water with millions of wooden poles, extending into the sandy river floor.
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Wander the historic canals and cross some of the 1,281 bridges in Amsterdam. Head to the Reguliersgracht and Herengracht bridges and you’ll be able to see 15 stunning bridges at once. We’ll get even more up close and personal with canals when we take you on a spectacular dinner cruise.
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Get to know the culture and history of the Rhineland
The Rhineland is a beautiful region surrounding the Rhine River in Western Germany. As an important trade route, it’s been the setting of multiple conflicts for over 2,000 years and was a controversial region in World War II. But the Rhineland is also an area rich in fascinating culture, with beautifully-preserved medieval towns, ancient hill-top castles, and world-class vineyards.
We’ll take you on cruising along the Rhine, so you can experience the local culture with an intimate look into the vineyard-clad hills, riverside towns, and Gothic castles. You’ll also get to sip wines and explore the stunning Baroque architecture of Heidelberg, a storybook city in Germany.
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Admire the architecture of Innsbruck
Innsbruck in Austria is a culture lover’s dream and you’ll get to dive into it all on this European Trafalgar tour. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be blown away by the gorgeous Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture of the Old Town. Don’t forget to check out the famous Golden Roof and its ornate façade, built for Emperor Maximilian and his wife in 1500.
Then head to the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store where you’ll marvel at the precious gems and unique souvenirs. After working up an appetite, be sure to fill up on Innsbruck’s cosy alpine cuisine, with favourites like Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy pancakes). In the evening, consider heading out for some traditional Tyrolean entertainment.
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Witness the art of Venetian glassblowing
This incredible Make Travel Matter Experience will have you mesmerised by the centuries-old craft of Venetian glassblowing in Italy. Learn the history of these ancient skills and see how the master craftsmen work the molten glass to create exquisite works of art. You might even be inspired to choose your own delicate souvenir as a memento of this amazing experience. After, be sure to explore Venice’s alleyways and squares to admire the beautiful architecture and mingle with the locals over a glass of Venetian Spritz.
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Enjoy lunch with a local family on their Tuscan estate
There’s no better way to get to the cultural heart of a country than connecting with the locals. You’ll enjoy a special Be My Guest experience, joining Giadi Landi and her family for lunch at their 19th-century villa in the Chianti countryside. Indulge in traditional food and wine, surrounded by Tuscan vineyards, olive groves, and oak trees. Learn how Giadi established Villa Il Leccio, a successful agriturismo in the Chianti region of Italy. There will be plenty of stories to share as the Landi family has been running their estate for eight incredible generations.
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Discover the iconic history of Rome and Vatican City
Rome is teeming with remarkable art and history and you’ll see the best of it with our European culture tours. Dive into Ancient Rome, with a visit to the iconic Colosseum and Circus Maximus and the Spanish Steps. Marvel at Michelangelo’s Renaissance masterpieces across Vatican City, from St. Peter’s Basilica to the Sistine Chapel. Along the way, you’ll meet Local Specialists who will share amazing insights and untold stories about historic Rome.
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Uncover the Renaissance gems of Florence
Florence is unrivalled when it comes to history, culture, art, and architecture. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, you’ll find remnants of this movement all over the city, from the impressive Santa Maria del Fiore (The Duomo) to the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. Join a Local Specialist to get fascinating insights into gems like the Baptistery, famed for its bronze doors, and the stunning Piazza della Signoria, once the political hub of Florence. And don’t forget to snap some iconic photos at medieval Ponte Vecchio and see the masterpieces at the Uffizi Gallery.
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Indulge in Swiss cuisine and see a Swiss Folklore Show in Lucerne
We love Switzerland’s culture and this European Trafalgar tour will introduce you to some of the country’s greatest traditions and cuisines. Get your fill of hearty food like the famous Swiss cheese fondue and Swiss chocolate. Or choose to head to a Swiss Folklore Show where you can learn how to yodel and listen to traditional music like the alpine horn.
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Marvel at the rich history of Paris
The elegant capital of France has been a source of inspiration for countless artists… And the romantic, creative culture of Paris is sure to have you falling in love too. You’ll join a Local Specialist and see all the icons from the 19th-century Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame Cathedral to the stylish Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde. Take a stroll through the enchanting Latin Quarter or sniff out the best pastries and coffee at the local cafes. We’ll even enjoy a delicious dinner at a local bistro, Parisian style.
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Watch the world-famous Parisian cabaret
If you want to see the best of Parisian culture, go to their world-famous cabaret. When you travel on this European Trafalgar tour, you can head to the Moulin Rouge to see the Parisian cabaret. It’s the real-life inspiration behind the iconic movie! From dozens of dancers to thousands of costumes and plenty of wine, this is one spectacular soirée you won’t forget.
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What are your favourite culture-focused holidays and tours with Trafalgar? Let us know in the comments below!