I’ve taken a lot of tours over the years, and a great one can genuinely make a trip better. Whether it’s a food tour that introduces you to a city’s best bites, a day trip that makes exploring somewhere new easy, or an adventure you couldn’t have pulled off on your own, I’m always looking for experiences that are actually worth your time and money. Below are some of my favorite recommendations from around the world. Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no additional cost to you.
Click any tour title to learn more and book. Tours are organized by continent first, then in alphabetical order by country.
EUROPE
Belgium
Luxembourg Tour with Dinant Visit – From Brussels
I haven’t personally taken this tour, but after visiting Dinant and Luxembourg separately, I think this is an incredible way to experience both in one day—especially if you’re short on time in Belgium. You’ll get to explore the charming riverside town of Dinant before continuing on to Luxembourg, making this a great option if you want to see more without the hassle of planning multiple transportation connections yourself. I’d highly recommend this as an efficient way to combine two destinations that are both well worth visiting.
Bulgaria
Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Tour from Sofia
This was my favorite day of my entire Balkans trip, and I cannot recommend it enough. You’ll visit the beautiful Rila Monastery—one of Bulgaria’s most impressive sights—as well as the UNESCO-listed Boyana Church, with transportation from Sofia making it an easy way to experience both in one day. Do not skip Rila Monastery—the setting, architecture, and history make it one of the highlights of any trip to Bulgaria.
Guided tour of Plovdiv’s Must-See Sights from Sofia
Take a day trip from Sofia to Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, and explore its beautifully preserved Old Town, Roman ruins, colorful Bulgarian Revival architecture, and lively pedestrian streets. You’ll have a guided walking tour followed by several hours of free time to grab lunch, shop, visit museums, or explore at your own pace.
Hungary
Budapest Sightseeing Boat Cruise
See Budapest from a different perspective on this daytime cruise along the Danube, with views of the Parliament Building, Buda Castle, Chain Bridge, and other city landmarks along the way. I especially like that you can optionally hop off at Margaret Island, explore at your own pace, and catch a later boat back to central Budapest—making this more flexible than a typical sightseeing cruise. A welcome drink and multilingual audio guide are also included.
Italy
Lake Como Day Trip from Milan
This is one of the easiest, no-fuss ways to experience Lake Como from Milan without dealing with the logistics of renting a car or navigating the train and ferry system on your own. The full-day tour takes care of transportation, a guided boat cruise on Lake Como, and free time in Bellagio, with a bonus stop in Lugano, Switzerland. This is one of my favorite tours I’ve ever booked!!
Macedonia
Kosovo in a Day – Group Tour to Pristina & Prizren from Skopje
This was another one of my favorite days on my Balkans trip and such an easy way to experience Kosovo from Skopje. Visiting Kosovo on a shorter trip can be a little complicated logistically, but this tour takes care of the transportation and border crossing while giving you time to explore both Pristina and the beautiful, historic city of Prizren.
Matka Canyon, Millennium Cross and Etno Village Tour from Skopje
Explore some of the best of Skopje’s surrounding countryside on this half-day tour, with panoramic views from Vodno Mountain, a visit to the historic Church of St. Panteleimon, and a stop at a traditional Macedonian village. The highlight is Matka Canyon, where you’ll have free time to hike, relax by the lake, or add an optional boat ride to Vrelo Cave or kayaking.
The Netherlands
Amsterdam Brothel Tour led by Former Sex Worker
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Amsterdam’s sex-work industry on this private tour led by a former sex worker. The best part is the opportunity to ask questions directly and hear firsthand about the realities of the industry, including the experiences of workers, safety measures, and what happens behind the scenes. The tour also includes one complimentary beer, wine, or soda.
Romania
Dracula Castle, Peles Castle, and Brasov Day Trip from Bucharest
Experience some of Romania’s most iconic sights on a full-day trip from Bucharest, with stops at the stunning Peles Castle in Sinaia, legendary Bran Castle (often called Dracula’s Castle), and the charming medieval city of Brasov. It’s an easy way to see several of Transylvania’s highlights in one day without having to worry about navigating the roads or arranging transportation between each destination.
United Kingdom
Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour from Belfast
Explore Northern Ireland’s stunning Antrim Coast on a full-day trip from Belfast, with stops at the Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges (aka The King’s Road), Carrickfergus Castle, and scenic viewpoints along the coast. It’s a great option for seeing several of Northern Ireland’s highlights in one day without having to worry about driving, while also getting plenty of Game of Thrones filming locations along the way.
Belfast Political Taxi Tour
Dive into Belfast’s complicated history on a private black taxi tour through neighborhoods including the Falls Road and Shankill Road, where you’ll see famous political murals and the Peace Walls. Your local guide brings the history and present-day impact of the Troubles to life through personal stories and context, making this a fascinating way to understand Belfast beyond the typical tourist sights.
MIDDLE EAST
Qatar
Doha Safari, ATV, Camels, Sandboarding and Inland Sea Tour
Experience the best of Qatar’s desert on this action-packed half-day tour from Doha, with dune bashing, sandboarding, a camel ride, and more. You’ll explore the desert in a 4×4 with a guide, with the option to add a quad bike ride for even more adventure. It’s a great way to get out of the city and experience one of Qatar’s most unique landscapes in a single outing.
United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi Full-Day Sightseeing Tour from Dubai
Spend a day exploring Abu Dhabi’s highlights on a guided trip from Dubai, with stops at landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, and Etihad Towers. This is the easiest way to experience Abu Dhabi as a day trip without having to arrange transportation or figure out the logistics yourself.
ASIA
Thailand
James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay Tour
Explore some of Thailand’s most iconic scenery on this full-day tour from Phuket, including James Bond Island, Phang Nga Bay, and Hong Island. You’ll cruise through dramatic limestone formations, canoe through hidden caves and lagoons, and enjoy time for sightseeing, swimming, and lunch along the way. Hotel transfers and lunch are included, making this an easy way to experience several of Phuket’s top day-trip highlights in one outing.