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11 guided tour companies that offer trips around the world

For people who like traveling with like-minded people, guided tours can be the perfect way to see a new destination..

Like cruising and theme park vacations , guided tours aren’t for everyone. But for people who especially enjoy meeting (and traveling with) like-minded people on vacation, guided group tours can be the perfect way to see a new destination—and make some new friends along the way. 

Some guided tours are geared toward groups of a dozen or fewer, while others can accommodate 50 or more travelers. Most guided tours include accommodations and some meals. In all cases, the tour companies who operate group tours take most of the complicated planning out of the equation , leaving you to focus on simply enjoying your vacation. 

The best guided tour operators

If you’re ready to give tour groups a try, consider one of these guided tour operators that rank among the very best in the world. 

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Guided tour operator Tauck has been a leader in high-end group tours since its founding in 1925. Operating land-based group tours on all seven continents (as well as river tours in Europe and small-ship tours around the world), Tauck caters to families, couples, and solo travelers.

ACTIVE TRAVEL:   5 best senior adventures for travelers age 50+ The average size of a guided tour group with Tauck is 35 to 44 guests, though the group size may vary depending on the season and the nature of the tour. Travelers enjoy Tauck for its attention to detail and ease of planning. Prices for tours vary by location, type of tour, and season, but the average Tauck tour starts at around $4,000 and goes up from there for one room with two guests. 

2. Trafalgar

Taking groups on guided tours to destinations around the world since 1947, Trafalgar runs trips to nearly every corner of the planet except Antarctica. The mostly land-based guided tours are offered year-round, including to popular destinations like New Zealand and Africa. The number of guests on tours vary based on the destination. Africa tours are the smallest with a maximum of 20 guests, while the United States and Canada tours are the biggest with up to 52 guests. 

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In addition to its standard tours, Trafalgar also offers women-only tours . Other travelers who may enjoy Trafalgar are adventure travelers and foodies. Trafalgar tours start at just under $2,000 for one guest.

3. Collette

No travel company brand has been doing group trips longer than Collette , which has been in business since 1918. The group touring agency goes to all seven continents and has 179 different tour options. Its top tour destinations are Ireland, Italy, and Iceland. 

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Collette’s small group exploration tours allow for 14 to 24 people per tour, while its classic group tours can be up to 44 people. Collette primarily serves an older audience of travelers over 55. Tours with Collette start at just under $1,500 per person. 

4. Grand Circle Travel

Another popular group tour option for travelers over 50 is Grand Circle Travel , which has been in operation since 1958. Grand Circle’s variety of land-based tours and river cruises range in size from 24 to 47. Trips with Grand Circle start around $2,400 but vary based on the destination and season. 

5. Adventures by Disney

The luxury travel arm of Disney, Adventures by Disney is known for its focus on guided family tours . Since its founding in 2005, the company has continued to add new touring options with land- and river cruise-based adventures to destinations worldwide. Tours with Adventures by Disney can have upwards of 40 people, including kids under 10 years old. The tour company does offer some adult-only adventures as well. 

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One reason why travelers choose Adventures by Disney for family vacations is that they likely already partake in other Disney vacations and know the level of service Disney can provide. Adventures start at just under $2,100 for one person for a short two-night escape. 

6. G Adventures

Best known for its cheaper group tours that span the globe from Croatia to Tanzania, G Adventures was founded in 1990 as a way to bridge the divide between solo adventure travel and more mainstream travel. G Adventures focuses on small group trips; the number of travelers per group is typically between 10 to 15 participants. 

7. Intrepid Travel

Eco-conscious travelers will want to consider a group travel vacation with Intrepid Travel , which is known for its active stance on climate action and sustainable travel. Intrepid offers tours for families as well as more strenuous walking tours and cycling tours. Since 1989, Intrepid has been taking small group tours of about 10 people around the world from Bali to Antarctica. 

8. Backroads

Travelers with a more active lifestyle who want to take a group tour will want to look into Backroads , where hiking and biking tours are the main attraction. Backroads has been traveling around the world from famous U.S. national parks to the glaciers of Antarctica since 1979. Backroads offers more than 200 different tours, most of which have an average of 16 participants. Prices start around $2,500 per person. 

9. Classic Journeys

Luxury group tour operator Classic Journeys (founded in 1995) offers tours to destinations around the world, and are especially well tailored to travelers interested in wildlife or local food and drink. These small group tours are typically no larger than 12 guests. Land-based trips start around $3,300. 

10. Thomson Family Adventures

With a focus on family travel, Thomson Family Adventures has been operating group tours to more than a dozen destinations since 1998. These bucket-list-worthy trips are limited to no more than 25 people. Tours start at $3,190 per adult and teen and $2,990 per child. 

11. Road Scholar

Since 1975, Road Scholar has provided educational tours around the world for small groups of 12 participants or less. The trips are ideal for those who want to do a deep dive into a destination’s culture or be immersed in nature. These budget-friendly trips start around $750 per person. 

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The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies for 2024

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Executive Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Caroline has a passion for adventure travel and has hiked to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the bottom of the Grand Canyon in pursuit of a good story. Follow her around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

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For those truly epic, once-in-a-lifetime destinations, you want to leave your itinerary to the experts. Whether your dream is to see the Big Five on an African Safari, trek tall mountains, explore European cities, or something even wilder, a group tour is the easiest way to do it.

However, picking the wrong group tour company is the quickest way to ruin your trip. Make sure you choose a tour company that aligns with your goals and travel styles. Do you want an intimate group tour or do you prefer to make lots of new friends in a big group? Does the price line up with what you like (luxury vs. budget)? Is the itinerary going to all the places you want to see? 

We’ve done the research and found the very best group travel tour companies for 2024 for every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Adventure Travels

With trips on every continent, Exodus Adventure Travels covers anywhere on this planet that you could possibly want to go, from popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast to well off-the-beaten-path adventures like Tajikistan. This award-winning group travel company boasts thousands of repeat customers who sign up for trips year after year (97% of past participants would recommend Exodus Adventure Travels to a friend). 

These small group tours operate with only around 8-16 people and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Adventure Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by type of activity (think walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) as well as type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all”, European wilderness, and trips of a lifetime) to inspire you, as well as self-guided options for when you want all the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group. Looking for that special safari? Exodus Aventure Travels just partners with the African Wildlife Foundation to create carefully curated luxury adventures that go above and beyond the standard safari. 

Exodus Adventure Travels tours work for almost any budget, with options that range from affordable to premium. 

Top Trip: Explore under-the-radar Europe by foot on Exodus Adventure Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour .

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Best Adventure Group Travel: World Expeditions

World Expeditions has been taking adventurous travelers to remote locations all over the world ever since its first group trek through Nepal in 1975. Today, World Expeditions offers active itineraries on every continent. Intrepid travelers can opt for trips themed around mountaineering, rafting, cycling, hiking, and more. 

World Expeditions aims to leave communities and places where they operate tours better than they found them. Trips are created using the company’s Thoughtful Travel Charter as a guideline, which emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainability, having a positive impact on local communities, protecting wildlife, and more. 

World Expeditions’ trips are capped at just 16 people to provide a good experience for participants, and there are no single supplements for solo travelers willing to share a room with someone of the same gender. 

Top Trip: Summit Africa’s tallest mountain on a fully-supported trek up Kilimanjaro on World Expeditions’ eight day trip up the beautiful Lemosho Route . 

Best Budget Group Travel: G Adventures 

For travelers on a budget, G Adventures offers cheap group tours that make dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $1,014 , criss-crossing India’s Golden Triangle for $799 , or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $749.)

G Adventures is one of the best tour companies for solo travelers as well, as most trips don’t have a single-supplement. You can choose to share a room with another G Adventures solo traveler, or pay extra to have your own space.

G Adventures keeps costs down by opting for cheaper hotels and local meals, and making certain activities optional (for an additional cost). Pick your travel style—options range from “basic” to more luxe tours run in partnership with National Geographic. Family tours, local living tours (featuring homestays), and wellness-focused tours are also available. 

Top Trip: G Adventures’ China Express trip is a great way to see the highlights of China if you’re short on both time and budget. 

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Best Educational Group Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours

When you really want to learn about a destination, consider a group trip with EF Go Ahead Tours . EF is the world’s largest private education company, and the Go Ahead Tours arm capitalizes on the company’s relationships with local educators, historians, and tour guides to create group trips that take you deep into a destination. 

These small group tours generally cap at 38 travelers, and feature unique educational experiences. For a bucket list trip, EF Go Ahead Tour’s special event tours are particularly enticing, as they offer behind-the-scenes access to tough-to-plan trips like Oktoberfest in Munich or Cherry Blossom season in Japan. 

Intimidated by solo travel? EF Go Ahead Tours is a great option for solo travelers, since it offers designated trips for solo travelers , where everyone is traveling alone, making it less intimidating.  

Top Trip: Bring the tastes of Italy home with you on EF Go Ahead Tours’ Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany tour (operated in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen), where you’ll learn how to make local dishes. 

Best Responsible Group Travel: Intrepid Travel

Looking for a responsible group travel operator that focuses on bettering the communities and destinations they visit? Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest travel B Corporation, a certification for companies doing good. 

Intrepid Travel’s tours focus on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and sustaining communities. The company has its own charity, The Intrepid Foundation , which has donated over 10 million dollars to over 160 community organizations. 

Intrepid Travel’s small group tours attract a wide range of travelers, but they are especially great for younger travelers, as they have a large number of trips designed for people aged 18-35 . (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience foodie trip of a lifetime Intrepid Travel’s South Korea Real Food Adventure , which includes time in three cities and an overnight temple stay.

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Best Private Group Travel: Kensington Tours

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Kensington Tours will take all the hassle of planning out of the equation. This private group operator creates personalized trips and itineraries tailored to your preferences, while their experts handle all the logistics and bookings. 

Plans are entirely flexible, and can even be changed while on the trip on a whim. Need some inspiration? Browse Kensington Tours’ travel ideas , to get some ideas for your next adventure. 

Top Trip: Sail around the stunning shores of Croatia and the Dalmation Islands on a private luxury catamaran on Kensington Tours’ fully customizable tour . 

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

Whether you’re headed north to the Artic or south to Antarctica, Chimu Adventures has the perfect polar group trip for you. Chimu Adventures has some of the most variety for polar trips, with options to fly, cruise, or a combination of both to get to your destination. For an ultra-unique Antarctica trip, Chimu Adventures offers cruises departing from Australia or New Zealand (most Antarctica trips depart from Argentina).

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $6,000.

Top Trip: If you’re pressed for time (or simply don’t have the stomach for the Drake Passage), Chimu Adventures’ Antarctica Fly Cruise will get you to the ends of the earth quickly and smoothly.

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Best Group Tours for Solo Travelers: For the Love of Travel

Group tours can be a great way to meet new people, but they can sometimes skew on the older age range. If you’re between 25-39 and a solo traveler looking to meet new people, you’ll love For the Love of Travel . All participants on the trips are between 25-39, and according to the company, 80 percent are solo travelers—so you’ll make friends fast. Hoping to meet someone who will be more than just a friend on your next trip? Trips include a balanced number of “gal and guy spots” to ensure an even balance of genders within groups (and of course, non-binary genders are always welcome). 

For the Love of Travel offers weeklong (or longer) international trips as well as shorter weekender trips to closer destinations like Mexico or Costa Rica—perfect for people without a lot of vacation time.

Top Trip: Sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies, and warm up in traditional saunas on For the Love of Travel’s Lapland tour , already booking dates for 2024.

Best Biking Tours Group Travel: DuVine Cycling

Biking through the rolling hills of Italy or across the mountain roads of Chile sounds like a dream, but the logistics seem daunting (especially if you don’t want to haul all your own stuff from point-to-point). Enter: DuVine Cycling , a luxury small group tour company that specializes in bike trips. 

With trips across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the United States, DuVine Cycling is a cyclist’s dream. Choose from all-biking trips or mix things up with a cycle and sail bike tour or a multi-sport adventure —no matter what, everything is included, from luxury boutique accommodations to top-quality name brand bikes. 

Top Trip: DuVine’s Holland Bike Tour promises “tulips, windmills, beer, and cheese”—what more could you need?

Best Luxury Group Travel: Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent has been delighting discerning travelers since 1962. Today, they take travelers on unforgettable adventures across over 100 different countries and all seven continents. Although Abercrombie & Kent’s trips are pricey, they encompass once-in-a-lifetime experiences like private jet tours around the world or luxury chartered cruises .

There are trips designed for solo travelers and families , and the small group journeys max out at around 14-18 guests.

Top Trip: Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, feed proboscis monkeys in Malaysia, and photograph wild tigers in India on Abercrombie & Kent’s Wildlife & Nature: Around the World by Private Jet trip , already booking dates into 2024.

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• World's Best

Our Readers' Favorite Tour Operators in 2022

These are the companies Travel + Leisure readers trust to provide them with travel expertise and memorable experiences.

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite tour operators .

When it comes to an itinerary, Travel + Leisure readers want more than a string of photo opportunities — and the right tour operator makes all the difference in creating a trip of a lifetime versus one that simply checks off a list of sights. This year, our readers were especially drawn to companies that utilize local expertise and experience to thoughtfully design trips that will entertain as well as inspire.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey , T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated tour operators and safari outfitters based on their staff and guides, itineraries and destinations, activities, accommodations, food, and overall value.

The top picks were noted for their deep knowledge of destinations and guides who "go the extra mile." One reader who has been traveling for more than five decades said a trip with Classic Journeys (No. 2) was the "very best" they had experienced. Others noted attention to pandemic safety details, while one who went to Norway was charmed by a "wonderful surprise dinner in Bergen out on the water that was fantastic."

Tour operators that seamlessly navigated the logistics of a trip also came out on top. Quasar Expeditions (No. 9) was noted "for really planning out every detail" so that "all you have to do is show up and have a great time." Meanwhile, of TCS World Travel (No. 10), a guest said: "You never lift a finger and just spend your time actually exploring the destination." They even added that they "learned so much" along the way.

Among the five companies on this year's list that weren't on last year's were two women-only tour operators that cater to travelers of all ages. AdventureWomen (No. 14) has multiday tours designed by women from Bhutan to Yellowstone National Park, while Explorer Chick (No. 15) has everything from day trips — like glassblowing in Baltimore and cave rappelling in St. Louis — to full itineraries in Machu Picchu and the Galápagos. One reader said her Everest Base Camp trip with AdventureWomen was filled with "like-minded women" who "bonded so well," while another said she felt it was a "safe tour group for women."

No matter which tour they chose, readers were most taken by the people they met along the way, as one said of Trek Travel (No. 13): "By the end of the trip, a group of strangers felt like longtime friends." Find out which other companies round out the list of the best tour operators below.

1. DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co.

A tour with DuVine goes far beyond just riding a bike — it's a way to really see the character of a destination. Case in point: even those who say they're not necessarily cycling fans have been converted. That's part of what helped the tour operator — which runs trips in Europe, the U.S., Latin America, and Africa — skyrocket from No. 14 last year to this year's top spot. Its "top-notch biking equipment" and "challenging but doable itineraries" didn't hurt either. One reader was especially taken by a guide picking figs off of a local tree in Puglia for an extra energy boost during a tough climb, as well as another guide singing to the group after dinner. As another reader put it simply: "They exceed your expectations."

Score: 99.12

More information: duvine.com

2. Classic Journeys

Score: 99.04

More information: classicjourneys.com

3. Artisans of Leisure

Score: 98.38

More information: artisansofleisure.com

4. (tie) Black Tomato

Score: 98.33

More information: blacktomato.com

4. (tie) GeoEx

More information: geoex.com

4. (tie) Wilderness Travel

More information: wildernesstravel.com

7. Inside Japan Tours

Score: 98.14

More information: insidejapantours.com

8. Kensington Tours

Score: 98.03

More information: kensingtontours.com

9. Quasar Expeditions

Score: 97.84

More information: quasarex.com

10. TCS World Travel

Score: 97.78

More information: tcsworldtravel.com

11. Butterfield & Robinson

Score: 97.33

More information: butterfield.com

Score: 96.95

More information: tauck.com

13. Trek Travel

Score: 96.90

More information: trektravel.com

14. AdventureWomen

Score: 96.11

More information: adventurewomen.com

15. Explorer Chick

Score: 95.87

More information: explorerchick.com

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

The 10 Best Guided Tour Operators, As Voted By Our Readers

• Activities and Interests
• Best Of Travel
• Best Of Travel Awards: 2023
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• Sightseeing

Leaving home and exploring a new city or region can be a bit daunting at times. Budgetary, work, and family obligations also mean that most people have a limited amount of time to travel. So how can we explore the best of the best without wasting time lost in tourist traps and empty streets?

One simple answer is by using a high-quality guided tour company. The companies on the list below were all chosen by TravelAwaits readers because they do exactly what good tours ought to do: help visitors truly experience their chosen destination.

1. ToursByLocals (Winner)

The winner for the category of guided tour companies is ToursByLocals , a Vancouver-based organization with 4,831 guides in 187 countries. The sheer scale of the expansive network of carefully curated guides means that curious travelers can find experts just about anywhere in the world.

While lots of the tours available in popular cities are general sightseeing outings, there are plenty of tours that are based around specific interests; for example, music fans visiting London can try out the London Rocks Music Tour and literary travelers can explore Paris on the Paris & the Lost Generation in the 1920s . Regardless of the tour, visitors can trust ToursByLocals’ hand-picked tour guides to show the absolute best of their cities.

2. Free Tours By Foot

As you may have guessed, Free Tours By Foot is a company that offers free walking tours. The organization is built around the pay-what-you-like concept, meaning that while the tours are free, you are able to pay the guide based on your experience. The tours are perfect for education and entertainment-oriented audiences.

Some examples of walking tours include the Beacon Hill Crime Tour in Boston, Glasgow’s Dark and Mysterious Past tour, or one of the countless free tours in Rome . The organization offers more options in pedestrian-friendly cities, but there is still a solid variety of choices in North America, Europe, and the Middle East with a few options in Oceania, India, and Asia.

3. Withlocals

One of the best ways to get to know the authentic side of a city is by visiting a friend or family member who lives there. The next best thing is Withlocals , a service that connects adventurous travelers with local residents who are passionate about their hometowns.

The broader strokes of tours are based on your interests, but you can customize your tour by communicating with your host in advance. The tours are completely private, which helps facilitate a connection between you and your local guide. Finally, with exciting destinations like Istanbul , Ho Chi Minh City , and Berlin , you can’t go wrong.

4. The Roman Guy Tours

While The Roman Guy Tours ’ name may imply that the company only operates in Rome, that is just the beginning. The company’s founder started out offering tours in Italy, but his touring philosophy was so popular with travelers that the business spread across Europe.

The Roman Guy’s “travel mantra” is based on traveling with people you care about, picking wonderful destinations, and joining interesting activities. The company also seeks to offer unique experiences that can’t be had elsewhere (e.g. night visits, accessing restricted areas, etc).

5. Secret Food Tours

The outings organized by Secret Food Tours combine local expertise with a passion for good food. Given the ever-changing nature of the restaurant world, it’s a perfect match. Looks can be deceiving, so tasting a new city with a local can ensure a positive culinary experience.

Secret Food Tours provides services across the globe, though travelers will find they have the best luck with the company when visiting capital cities. The people who manage Secret Food Tours also run Secret Tours , a branch of the business that focuses on the historical and cultural sides of cities.

6. Eating Europe

Eating Europe narrows the focus of its tours to one continent, but that still leaves hungry travelers with plenty of options. With carefully selected guides in Paris, Rome, Lisbon, Prague, and other cities, the company promises that its guests will create lasting memories by sampling the best food in town.

One of the main benefits of touring with Eating Europe is being guided into the less touristy, more authentic neighborhoods of your chosen city. This company also places an emphasis on learning about the food in context rather than simply leading guests on a quick walk between destinations.

7. Heritage Inspirations, LLC

For an in-depth exploration of New Mexico, TravelAwaits readers turn to Heritage Inspirations . This smaller, boutique guide service is focused on an artistic, cultural, human, and nature-focused approach to travel.

Whether you prefer sunrise yoga overlooking the Rio Grande Gorge, participating in a hands-on baking experience at a local Puebloan home , or delving into the topography and history of the Chaco Canyon , you’ll find an elevated travel experience with Heritage Inspirations.

8. Best Of France Tours

As one of the most popular destinations in the world, France is brimming with tour options, and according to TravelAwaits readers, Best of France Tours delivers on its eponymous promise. These luxurious tours within and near Paris are expertly led by professional guides who offer their own unique perspective on art, history, culture, and food.

Guests can get an insider look at the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay from an art historian, taste Champagne in the countryside with locals, or stop by the Palace of Versailles. Adjustments and accommodations can be made to itineraries based on the preferences of the travel group.

9. Fat Tire Tours

Fat Tire Tours assures potential guests that they take care of the details so that travelers can focus on having fun, memorable experiences. While the company began with bicycle tours, they have since expanded to walking and Segway tours.

Fat Tire’s mission is to provide tourists with fun experiences, but they also try to help preserve their host environments through a focus on sustainable travel practices. Popular examples of tours include a beer-tasting pub crawl in London’s West End and a VIP cathedral and rooftop tour in Florence.

10. Intrepid Urban Adventures

It can be hard to get a sense of a city in a short amount of time, but Intrepid Urban Adventures has set the ambitious goal of providing travelers with a deep dive into the hidden gems of a city in just a day. To narrow down the options, this company offers themes like active adventures, social impact, and off-the-beaten-path.

From Boston to Bali and Toronto to Taipai, Intrepid Urban Adventures helps the curious escape from the same old landmarks to find exciting, out-of-the-ordinary experiences. By taking care of all of the logistics, the company also ensures that guests can focus on the fun of the destination rather than how to read the bus schedule.

Be sure to take a look at all of our 2023 Best Of Travel Awards .

Dan Happe is an editor from Des Moines, Iowa. He loves that his work allows him to see the world from his desk, but he particularly enjoys articles that involve cycling, accessibility, and sustainability. When Dan isn’t reading or writing, he is repairing and riding bikes, cooking, and searching for the perfect cup of tea.

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The 11 best small group tours of italy (+ day trips).

See Italy's top tourist attractions and stunning cities on these guided excursions.

The Best Small Group Tours of Italy

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There's so much to see and do in Italy that it can feel a bit overwhelming to plan a trip that makes the most of the country's fabled history, art, architecture and cuisine – not to mention its 55-plus UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Guided tours are an efficient, hassle-free way to explore the country's top destinations and attractions . These Italy tours – considered the best by travelers and experts alike – vary by region, focus and method of transportation, but they all have one thing in common: informed guides ready to help you better appreciate your time in this beautiful European country.   While there are plenty of tours across Italy's most popular cities that last a few hours or an entire day, some travelers may be interested in multiday tours that visit several destinations or points of interest. Below are some of the top multiday tours in Italy.

Gray Line I Love Rome – 3 Day Excursion to Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento & Capri

Price: From 645 euros (about $700) Duration: 3 days

If you're interested in exploring some of the best day trips from Rome , but don't want to deal with the hassle of figuring out your own transportation or accommodations, this three-day tour may be for you.

After departing from Rome, your first stop is Naples , where you'll spend an afternoon exploring the UNESCO archaeological site of Pompeii with a guide. From there, it's on to Sorrento for the night. The next morning, you'll either have free time to explore Sorrento (if you've booked the tour between November and March – the low season) or enjoy a boat ride to Capri 's famous Blue Grotto (during peak season). On the third day, you'll head back to Rome. Hotel accommodations are included in the cost of the tour, as are ferry tickets to Capri and skip-the-line tickets to Pompeii, but most food and beverages are not.

A few tourgoers describe the pace of the tour as rushed, but most enjoy the historical commentary provided by the guide throughout the journey and are particularly impressed with the hotel accommodations in Sorrento.

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Italy on a Budget Tours – Amalfi Coast Experience 4-Day Tour

Price: From 490 euros (about $532) Duration: 4 days

Designed for college students, backpackers and solo travelers, this budget-friendly tour spends three nights in Sorrento and visits some of southern Italy's most iconic destinations, including Pompeii, Capri, Amalfi, Positano and Naples . Over the course of four days, you'll enjoy plenty of free time to explore, as well as a guided tour of Pompeii, a sunset walking tour of Sorrento, a guided drive around Naples and a guided walking tour of Amalfi. Plus, you'll hear plenty of history and tips from your local guide along the way. Tourgoers rave about the guides, who they describe as friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Reviewers say the tour offers a perfect mix of planned activities and free time, and packs in a lot of sights in a short amount of time.

Prices vary based on the accommodation type that you select. You can choose a shared three-bedroom cabin, a private cabin, a traditional hotel room or you can book your own accommodations and pay a reduced fee for the tour. Note that food and drinks are not included in the cost of the tour. The tour begins and ends in Naples; all transportation is included.

Gray Line - I Love Rome – UNESCO Jewels: Best of Italy - Rome, Florence, Venice in 5 days

Price: From $977 Duration: 5 days

Visit some of the most popular destinations in Italy on this five-day coach bus tour. After departing from Rome, you'll stop in the medieval town of Assisi, the city of Siena – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Florence , Bologna and Venice . The tour includes hotel accommodations for all four nights, skip-the-line entrance tickets to select attractions featured on the tour, a handful of guided experiences and some meals.

Travelers applaud the tour guides and drivers for their professionalism and organization and call out the visit to Montepulciano (in Tuscany's wine region ) as a highlight. For many reviewers, the optional activities, such as the tour to Pisa, are worth the additional cost.

Sicily Activities – Tour of Sicily: Highlights

Price: From 1995 euros (about $2,168) Duration: 8 days

Groups are limited to just eight travelers on this eight-day tour of Sicily 's top cities and sights. You'll travel by Mercedes minivan and spend three nights in Taormina, two nights in Syracuse and two nights in Palermo (at four-star hotels chosen by the company). Highlights include a food and wine tour in Taormina, a guided hike up Mount Etna, and walking tours in Taormina, Noto, Syracuse and Palermo, among other activities. Some meals are included in the cost of the tour.

Tourgoers praise the guides and drivers for their professionalism and friendliness. Reviewers also say the hotels chosen by the company are comfortable and convenient and that this tour is a great choice if you're hoping to explore Sicily with ease.

G Adventures – Local Living Italy—Amalfi Coast

Price: From $2,199 Duration: 8 days

You'll spend the majority of your time on this tour exploring the small towns nestled within the stunning Amalfi Coast . Highlights include a guided tour of Pompeii, two cooking demonstrations, several hikes – including the famous "Path of the Gods" – and a scenic ferry ride along the Amalfi Coast.

Along with the incredible views, tourgoers will also get a chance to participate in the company's commitment to responsible travel through its "G for Good Moment." G Adventures partners with Planeterra to connect travelers with a local migrant who leads a walking tour of Naples that not only highlights some of the city's historic sights and landmarks, but also explains how migrants' culture and religions have influenced modern-day Naples.

You'll spend one night in a hotel in Naples; for the rest of the trip, your home base will be a renovated 16th-century former monastery that's tucked into the hills of the small village of Furore. The accommodations are a particular highlight for some recent travelers, who appreciated not having to pack up their suitcases every few days to move to a new hotel, and say it delivered on the tour's "living like a local" premise. What's more, seven breakfasts and six "farmhouse" dinners prepared by the family who run the agriturismo (guesthouse) are included in the cost of the tour. Other reviewers were most impressed with the guide, who they describe as knowledgeable and organized. Groups are restricted to 16 participants – another highlight for recent tourgoers.

Abercrombie & Kent – Italian Treasures: Rome, Florence & Venice

Price: From $10,995 Duration: 8 days

Travel to three of Italy's most popular cities in luxury with this eight-day tour. The tour starts in Rome, where you'll enjoy early access to the Vatican Museums before exploring the Palatine Hill, the Colosseum and the Montemartini Museum. On your drive to Florence, you'll stop at a winery for a guided tasting. Once in Florence, a local guide who specializes in art will take you to top sites, including the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze and the Cappella di San Luca of the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata, where you'll meet with a restorer working on Renaissance art, a project supported by Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy. Then, it's time for a Tuscan cooking class. Upon reaching Venice, the final stop on the tour, you'll enjoy a private gondola ride before selecting which of the three curated experiences you'd like to participate in: a visit to a gondola-building workshop, a walking tour of Venice's Jewish ghetto or a tour of Venice's famous filming locations.

In addition to stays at luxury hotels, the tour price also includes daily breakfast, select lunches and dinners, all entrance fees, activities, luggage handling and transportation. Reviewers applaud Abercrombie & Kent for its attention to detail and are particularly impressed with the quality of the hotels the company selects. Travelers also appreciate the friendly, knowledgeable local guides and the small group size (this tour is capped at 18 participants).

Collette – Spotlight on Tuscany

Price: From $1,899 Duration: 9 days

If you've dreamt of exploring the Tuscan countryside savoring the region's famous wine and cuisine, this nine-day tour may be for you. Your home base for the tour will be the spa resort town of Montecatini Terme, which sits among Tuscany's undulating hills. Though you'll explore different destinations around the region each day, you'll come back to the same four-star hotel at night (meaning you won't have to pack your bag multiple times over the course of the trip – a particular highlight for past travelers). Highlights include a guided tour of the city of Lucca, a day exploring the top sights in Florence, a cooking class, a visit to a nearby cheese farm and San Gimignano, and optional side trips to Cinque Terre or Siena.

Travelers praise the tour guides for their organization and enthusiasm. Many reviewers call out the cooking class as particularly memorable. Along with accommodations, 11 meals are included in the cost of the tour. 

Kensington Tours – Italy Family Highlights

Price: From $5,396 Duration: 9 days

If you're hoping to make the most of a family vacation to Italy, consider this private tour. The fully customizable tour starts in Rome and ends in Venice. Throughout the nine-day adventure, the itinerary features family-friendly activities that offer a balanced mix of fun, history and cultural immersion.

In Rome, you can enjoy several private experiences, such as a walking tour of the Colosseum, a half-day electric bike tour of the Appian Way and an electric buggy ride through the streets of Rome. In Florence, the second destination visited on the tour, you'll take a cooking class, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through Florence and a side trip to Pisa to marvel at its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The final stop of the tour, Venice, features a gondola ride, a private tour of Doge's Palace and a scavenger hunt around the city.

Reviewers rave about Kensington Tours for its attentive customer service, excellent hotel selections and personable tour guides. Hotel accommodations, transportation, some meals and local private guides are all included in the cost of the tour.

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Firebird Tours – Dolce Italia with Amalfi

Price: From $4,944 Duration: 11 days

Over the course of 11 days, you'll explore four cities, spending up to three days in each destination. Your adventure starts in Venice with a tour of some of the city's top sights, including the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica and St. Mark's Square . Next up is Florence, where, along with a guided walking tour of the city, you'll also enjoy a wine tasting. After Florence, you'll board the train for Rome. In Rome, you'll hit all the top landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum , the Pantheon , the Trevi Fountain and the Vatican. Before traveling to your final stop – Sorrento – you'll tour Pompeii. While in Sorrento, you'll enjoy a scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast with stops in Positano and Amalfi.

Hotel accommodations, daily breakfast, transportation and attraction entrance tickets are included, with options to upgrade your experience in each city (such as a gondola ride in Venice or a guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence). Tourgoers applaud guides for their passion and knowledge, and say all the transfers are seamless. Reviewers also give kudos to the adept drivers.

Trafalgar – Best of Italy

Price: From $3,850 Duration: 13 days

If you've never visited Italy, this may be the tour for you as it covers a lot of ground in just 13 days. You'll spend time in some of the country's most well-known destinations, such as Rome, Vatican City, Pompeii, Capri, Sorrento, Venice, Milan , Lake Como and Florence. In total, you'll visit 15 cities. Highlights include a private guided tour of Pompeii; the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in Rome; the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi; a glassblowing factory in Venice; a private cruise to a secluded island on Lake Maggiore; and the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial.

The tour cost includes 12 breakfasts and six dinners, hotel accommodations – including a night at a fully renovated Franciscan monastery in Assisi – and all transportation. Reviewers describe the guides and drivers as top-notch, and say the tour offers a nice balance of big cities and small villages. For many travelers, the convenience of seeing so much of Italy in a short amount of time was worth the cost.

G Adventures – Ultimate Italy

Price: From $3,449 Duration: 14 days   This two-week trip packs in all the highlights of Italy, starting in Rome and finishing in Venice. As you make your way north from Rome to Venice, you and up to 15 other travelers will visit the Tuscan countryside, enjoy guided walks in Florence, hike in Cinque Terre, cruise on Lake Como, and wander the cobblestone streets and romantic bridges in Venice. Accommodations in small, family-run hotels and pensions (guesthouses) are included, as are 13 breakfasts and transportation between and within destinations; all other meals are at your own expense.

Throughout the tour, you'll have free time in each destination and options to tack on additional experiences not included in the overall tour price, such as a food tour in Florence and a Vespa tour around Rome. What's more, as with all G Adventures tours, you'll enjoy a "G for Good Moment," which invites vacationers to participate in the company's commitment to responsible travel. The "G for Good Moment" on this tour takes place in Rome, where participants are treated to a migrant-led walk of Rome. In addition to learning about ancient sites, travelers will see the city from the perspective of an immigrant.

Travelers loved the convenience this tour provides and say it's very organized, even with all the logistics necessary for getting to and around the various cities. Reviewers call the guides exceptional, and say the tour offers a nice balance of planned activities and free time to explore independently. Others appreciate the small group size.

More Popular Italy Tours

If you don't have the time or budget to commit to a multiday tour of Italy, there are a variety of well-reviewed half- and full-day tours offered in Italy's most popular vacation destinations, including Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan. The tours featured below, which highlight everything from Italy's delicious cuisine to its world-renowned cultural sites, earn high praise from travelers and experts alike.

• The Roman Food Tour : Prati by Sunset – Rome Food Tour. Book on Viator.
• City Wonders : Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Tour. Book on Viator .
• LivItaly Tours : Colosseum Underground Tour with Arena, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum. Book on Viator .
• Walkabout Florence Tours : The Best of Tuscany in One Day Trip from Florence. Book on Viator .
• Walks of Italy : Legendary Venice: St. Mark's Basilica with Terraces & Doge's Palace. Book on Viator .
• Blue Star Boat Tours : Amalfi Coast Group Tour. Book on Viator .
• World Tours Italy : Pompeii and Amalfi Coast (with Lunch). Book on Viator .
• Italian Days Food & Wine Tours : Bologna Food and Wine Tour #1. Book on Viator.
• City Wonders : Best of Milan Duomo Cathedral & Da Vinci's 'Last Supper' Tour. Book on Viator .
• Walkabout Florence Tours : Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with optional Hiking Tour. Book on Viator .

You may also be interested in:

• The Most Beautiful Beaches in Italy
• The Best International Travel Insurance
• The Best Places to Visit in Europe
• The Best Cheap European Vacations

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , Italy

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The 5 Best Louvre Tours [2024 Reviews]

As the largest museum in the world, it goes without saying that the Louvre is one of the largest tourist attractions in Paris – if not, the world.

Here, you can find some of the world’s most famous masterpieces on display, including da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace, Venus de Milo, Liberty Leading the People, and  much  more. There’s so much art inside the Louvre, that it would literally take days to see every single piece.

With that being said, it can be easily overwhelming to know where to go or what to see if you’ve never been before. That’s why we’re here to bring you the top tours of the Louvre available!

Be sure to see our reviews of Day Trips to Normandy , Eiffel Tower Guided Tours and Paris Catacombs Tours .

Best Tours of the Louvre Museum

Quick answer: the 5 best guided louvre museum tours for 2024.

• Best Private Tour: Louvre Inside Out: Private Skip the Line Tour
• Best Budget Tour: Louvre Museum Tour
• Best Guided Tour: Louvre Museum Skip-the-line Access Private Guided Tour
• Best Small Group Tour: Louvre Museum Small Group Guided Tour
• Best Value Tour: Paris Louvre Museum Must See Skip the Line Private and Tailored Guided Tour

Louvre Tour Reviews

1. best private tour: louvre inside out – private skip the line tour.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Departure: Louvre Pyramid, 75001
• Departure Time: From 9:00 AM to 5:30PM
• Includes:  Guided tour of the museum with a licensed tour guide, private Tour – Only your travel party & your guide, make on-the-spot changes to the tour, local tips & recommendations

Let’s start things off on the right foot with the Louvre Inside Out: Private Skip the Line Tour . This 2-hour tour is a great way to see the most famous pieces of art inside, while also learning from a guide that’s very knowledgeable on the museum.

The Louvre does attract quite a few crowds, so this really takes the stress out of the equation so you can just focus on the experience.

Meet your private guide with the rest of your group at the Louvre pyramid. Normally, there’s quite the line outside, going down inside of the museum. However, you won’t have to worry about waiting around.

Thanks to your skip-the-line privileges, you’ll get right to the fun! Just remember that you will have to pay for your entrance fee separately, but just getting the entrance inside is very quick and easy.

Once inside, you’ll realize just how expansive it is. It’s not all squished into a few different rooms or hallways. They have everything spaced out – offering the kind of room that these masterpieces deserve.

However, this also means that there’s quite a bit of walking involved and it can be hard to decide where to start first!

Your guide will take the lead, showing you the most famous artwork first. This includes the Nike of Samothrace, Venus de Milo, Mona Lisa, The Coronation of Napoleon, and so much more. There are also other pieces of history laid out on display, such as the French crown jewels!

While the tour itself lasts 2 hours, you can still choose to look around at your own pace or go back to certain pieces that you’d like to get a second look at. There are also various restaurants, cafes, and gift shops inside that can be fun to check out!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other paris experiences you may enjoy:, 2. best budget tour: louvre museum tour.

• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Departure: Arc du Carrousel
• Departure Time:  From 9:00 AM to 5:30PM
• Includes: All entrance fees, professional guide, skip-the-line tour, small group size

Our next tour has. a lot of flexibility with ability to choose your tour length of 2 or 3 hours and group size of between 10-30 people. The Louvre Museum Tour is the perfect way to get yourself acquainted with Parisian culture, as so much of it is intertwined with the Louvre and the artwork it has on display.

With so much to see, this is one of the most seamless ways to become oriented and see some of the “big” ones. Now, there are plenty of tour guides at the Louvre.

However, not all of them have expert guides which means you won’t learn very much about the artwork and history of the Louvre.

We found it easy to ask the guide whatever you want, and as they are so knowledgeable, you’re almost always going to get a good answer. Once again, you don’t have to wait in the sometimes very long lines that extend out from the Louvre.

You and your group get to follow your guide right into the depths of this immense piece of architecture that once served as a fortress hundreds of years ago.

Your guide will talk to you about the history of the building, and perhaps even take you to see the parts where the original medieval moat structure lies inside.

It’s also served as a royal residence, which you’re also able to see – complete with the original lavish furniture! Home to almost 40,000 pieces of art, you will beeline to the most famous ones while your guide offers a historical and cultural narration.

Even if you consider yourself an art expert, you’re sure to learn (or at least see!) something new on this tour. This is surely unlike any other museum you’ve ever been in before!

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3. best guided tour: louvre museum skip-the-line access private guided tour.

• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Departure: Louvre Pyramid , 75001
• Departure Time:  From 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
• Includes: Skip-the-line museum tour, professional guide, private tour guide, wheelchair-friendly tour

With our next tour, we bring you yet another 2.5-hour excursion that’s perfect for getting your feet wet in this legendary museum.

The Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Access Private Guided Tour will have you feeling like you have a Parisian local friend who’s also majored in art history showing you all their favorite artwork!

The guides are so good at what they do, that they even manage to keep children entertained – and that’s not easy to do at a massive art museum.

Start out by meeting your guide outside the museum and skip past the lines so you can go straight into exploring all this incredible art and history! Take a moment to look around the pyramid inside and outside, as they’re truly stunning!

We will be honest: just being at the Louvre is overwhelming with the sheer quantity of options and people around.

These guides make it such a breeze, and makes you feel like you’re the only people in the room.

As this is a private tour, your group will really just be you and whomever you’re traveling with/bringing along for the ride. If you’re wondering if you should bring children along, know that it’s perfect for all ages.

Some of the guides even bring their own headsets so you can hear them perfectly among the crowds while still being able to enjoy the artwork and wander around a bit.

Even if you don’t consider yourself to be very knowledgeable about art, the guides make it easy to understand and create an engaging experience. This is really what you’re paying for, and it’s more than worth it!

4. Best Small Group:  Louvre Museum Small Group English Guided Tour

• Departure: 6 Rue de l’Amiral de Coligny , 6 Rue de l’Amiral de Coligny, 75001 Paris
• Departure Time: 10:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 5:00 PM
• Includes: Professional guide, Louvre Museum Skip the line access

The Louvre Museum Small Group English Guided Tour is yet again another excellent selection that consistently receives raving reviews! Lasting 2 hours, it’s one of the top ways to see this museum while still being able to work its way into a busy schedule.

There are various start times, so you have quite a bit of flexibility to fit it into your morning, afternoon, or evening.This tour features very small groups which cap out at just 6 people! This makes it very easy to move around and get more personalized attention from your experienced guide.

If you have any questions about the museum itself, or a piece of art, artist, etc. we’ve yet to hear something that they don’t know. As the most visited museum in the world, crowds are to be expected. By going on a self-guided tour, you may not get to see everything you wanted in just 2 hours.

While maps are included with your entrance fee, it’s so expansive that it’s difficult to create an efficient roadmap if you’re doing it without experience.

Small group tours remedy that, and if there’s something in particular you’d like to see, your guide can help make it happen.

Did we mention that the guides are also fluent in French, English, and Spanish? This means you can communicate more effectively, as well as understand what they’re teaching you better.

As you have already paid for entrance, feel free to walk around and check out everything you want at your own pace after the guided tour portion.

5. Best Value Tour: Paris Louvre Museum Skip the Line Private & Tailored Guided Tour

• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Departure Time: From 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
• Includes:  Professional guide, Louvre Skip the Line Access, private tour

Perhaps you’re on the hunt for an even shorter Louvre tour? Maybe you really want to see the Louvre and the Mona Lisa, along with some other famous works of art but have a packed schedule.

If that’s the case, then the Paris Louvre Museum Must See Skip the Line Private and Tailored Guided Tour is just for you! As the name suggests, this 1.5-hour tour is fully customized to what you want to do and see.

You’ll get to make the most of things with the skip-the-line ticket so you can jump right into these masterpieces and learning about the history behind them. Meet your guide at the Equestrian Statue of King Louis XIV which stands right in front of the Louvre’s pyramid.

Make sure to snap a few photos, pretending you’re touching the tip of the pyramid as it’s practically a rite of passage. Then, speed through the entrance with your guide and the rest of your small group and head straight to the most famous attractions.

Of course, if you prefer to take a look at those hidden gems that attract less visitors, you can do that to.

The guides are very knowledgeable in the artwork here, and will know exactly where to take you. Their fascinating stories and impressive knowledge of the artwork and the various buildings was so fantastic and made the whole experience that much more exciting.

Thanks to the small group, private tour, you have their full attention and can ask them pretty much anything you’d like, too!

One Day Itinerary for the Louvre Museum

Being the Louvre is one of the largest museums in the world, knowing what to see is the biggest problem. Here is a curated list of the 10 must see pieces of art that you can see in a few hours!

• The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci : As you make your way through the crowds to see her and you see enigmatic smile of the woman that is so captivating it’s easy to see why people have been obsessing over it for centuries. Take a moment to admire the intricate details in the painting from the delicate folds of her clothing to the sfumato technique used in her face.
• Winged Victory of Samothrace : This stunning marble sculpture of the goddess Nike in my opinion is one of the most beautiful works of art in the world. When you finally reach the top you’re greeted by the breathtaking sight of the Winged Victory of Samothrace. The detail in the carving is amazing.
• Venus de Milo : This ancient Greek statue of the goddess of love is a true masterpiece of classical art. The graceful curves of her body and the expression on her face are what make this statue famous. The missing arms just add to the mystery and allure of this ancient work of art.
• The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault : This enormous painting is a epitome of Romanticism. It shows the survivors of a shipwreck clinging to a raft in the middle of the ocean. The emotions of the people on the raft are are vividly portrayed.
• Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix : This painting is a celebration of the French Revolution and the triumph of liberty over oppression. The figure of Liberty is depicted leading the people forward, her arms raised in victory. The color and composition of the painting is amazing.
• The Wedding at Cana by Paolo Veronese : This ginormous oil painting is a treat for the eyes. The painting is alive with movement from the guests mingling and dancing to the servants bustling around in the background. Every detail is meticulously painted from the intricate patterns on the clothing to the expressions on the faces of the guests.
• The Winged Bulls of Khorsabad : These massive sculptures were originally part of the palace of the Assyrian king Sargon II. They depict mythological creatures with the bodies of bulls and the wings of eagles and they are truly awe inspiring in their size and detail.
• The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David : This large painting shows the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte as the Emperor of France. The colors of the painting are so vivid, it looks like he will walk out of the paining!
• Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss by Antonio Canova : This beautiful marble sculpture depicts the moment when Cupid revives Psyche with a kiss. The fluidity of the carving and the emotion conveyed in the figures is truly amazing.
• The Code of Hammurabi : This ancient Babylonian stele is one of the earliest examples of written law in the world. The carving depicts the Babylonian king Hammurabi receiving the laws from the sun god Shamash. The laws are written in cuneiform script and cover a wide range of topics from property rights to punishments for crimes.

Tips to Better Enjoy Your Visit to the Louvre

• Hours of operation : The Louvre is open everyday except Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. On Wednesdays and Fridays the museum is open until 9:45 p.m.
• Tickets : We recommend you go on a guided tour otherwise you can buy tickets in advance or at the museum. We recommended that you purchase tickets in advance as the Louvre gets very busy and you will probably have to wait in line for a ticket.
• Security : Security measures at the Louvre are similar to those at airports. Prohibited items include weapons and large bags or backpacks.
• Audio guides : Audio guides are available for rent at the museum and provide an interactive tour of the exhibits and give some background behind the artwork.
• Must-see exhibits : Some of the more famous works of art at the Louvre are the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
• Dining : There are lots of restaurants at the Louvre including several cafés, a brasserie and a gourmet restaurant.
• Accessibility : The Louvre is accessible to visitors with disabilities, there are elevators and ramps available.
• Go early : Beat the crowds by going as soon as the museum opens. You won’t have to wait to see the more famous displays.
• Have a list : You should have a list of art that you must see and goto them first then go back and see everything else. See my one day itinerary above.

Tour Guides

The Louvre Inside Out: Private Skip the Line Tour is our Editor's Choice for the best Louvre museum tours

Robert Baker

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The Essence of Guilin

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“The trip was well planned, managed and the pace whilst punchy meant we got to see all the key areas of Guilin, China and immerse ourselves in the culture.” MarcieMccarthy, traveled in August 2019

• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year
• Sail down the picturesque Li River
• Cruise through Guilin's Two Rivers and Four Lakes
• Discover Longji's stunning rice terraces

“The included meals were simply amazing! With a lot of different Chinese food to try.” Carlos Montilla, traveled in June 2019

• In-depth Cultural
• Admire the haunting rows of Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors
• Venture up the ornate steps of the Forbidden City 
• Experience the hustle and bustle of bustling Beijing

“Great way to see major highlights of China.” William Wright, traveled in July 2019

• Train & Rail
• Walk beside the immense Great Wall of China
• Discover the spectacular skyline of buzzing Shanghai
• Enjoy home cooked meals in a family run guesthouse

“We were in safe hands and through their efforts had a holiday of a lifetime.” PaulMacmillan, traveled in August 2019

• View the skylines and feel the pulse of modern Shanghai
• Take a Li River and admire the essence of Guilin

“Well organised. Great tour to visit main attractions.” Alexandra B, traveled in August 2018

• Meet your CEO and group in Beijing
• Watch a thrilling acrobatic show in Shanghai
• Tour the Forbidden City and Tiananmen

“I will use tourrader again.” sam hui, traveled in May 2019

• Cook some traditional Chinese food
• See the Pandas
• Take the tram up to Victoria Peak

“The Great Wall at Mutianyu (Beijing) we took the chair lift option which meant we could ride the toboggan back down.” Carl Yu, traveled in October 2019

• Take a Li River cruise down to Yangshuo & admire essence of Guilin landscape
• Must-see sights in China - Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Army
• Enjoy a la carte meals, Peking Opera & Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show

“I was very impressed with the accounting for optional activities.” ColleenGellein, traveled in March 2018

• Walk the amazing Lagoon Trek
• Hike on unrestored sections of the Wall
• Take in Mogan Mountain

“I could not have asked for a better experience. The tour guide set the tone from the beginning.” Ian Watson, traveled in June 2019

• Admire Emperor Qin's remarkable Terracotta Warriors
• Enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show and visit Hongqiao Market
• Go and explore Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi'an City Wall

“We visited the great wall twice, the forbidden city, terracotta warriors, and tasted wonderful local food.” ScottTews, traveled in April 2019

• Hide out in the Forbidden City and climb the world-famous Great Wall of China
• Bike ride along Xi’an’s medieval wall and encounter Emperor Qin’s Terracotta Army
• See the Beijing and Chinese Acrobatic Show and attend a clay warrior workshop

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