CHRISTMAS WORLDWIDE
Good two-hour experiences fill up weeks before Christmas and the best go first. Below: the 8 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Set out from Pier 12 in Rüdesheim for a two-hour Christmas cruise on a heated Rhine boat. See castles and landmarks, hear seasonal tales and Rhineland myths, and enjoy a Saturday story program or Sunday visit from St. Nicholas. Food and drinks are available for purchase on board.
“Very nice with the narrator. Service also very good.”
Start at 6 p.m. on Szpitalna 1 for a New Year’s Eve crawl through Krakow’s COCO Music Club and Choice Club. You get VIP entry, two hours of beer, wine, and vodka, plus a buffet and event photographer. Expect a long party night, with crowds that may approach 500 people.
“Great night out with a fantastic buffet to kick it off. Was a bit late to start with a big queue but it was fantastic nonetheless.”
Start at 6:30 pm near Krakow’s Main Square for two hours of unlimited vodka, rum, gin, whiskey, and beer, plus games, magic, karaoke, and photos. Guides including Chris, Cristian, and Cami help move the group through three clubs, ending at La Bodega del Ron for the New Year celebration.
“My friends and I had so much fun in new year's eve with the party animals, the two hours of unlimited alcohol were just crazy,the games were good as well, however the hostel was not big enough for the amount that were in there,the organization was good despite all the people that were in the city,all the guide took great care of us,and we had so much fun in every club,thanks to Chris who was working at the bar the whole,and gave as the drinks really fast”
Ride through Rome after dark on a two-hour Vespa sidecar tour with a licensed English-speaking guide and professional driver. See the Spanish Steps, St. Peter’s Square, Janiculum Hill, the Jewish Ghetto, and Piazza Navona, with time for Christmas lights, fountains, viewpoints, and Rome’s narrow streets. You do not drive.
“wonderful thing to do, very friendly and kind people.. was a great tour through the city, cool way to see the city!”
Ride through Paris in a private Citroën 2CV with a driver-guide, blankets, and no sightseeing on foot. The route includes the Champs-Élysées, Place Vendôme, Moulin Rouge, Arc de Triomphe, Seine, and Eiffel Tower. Each passenger receives a French-made Saint James scarf. Cars carry up to three passengers.
“This was such a highlight!!! It was so much driving around Paris in one of these iconic cars. Everyone stared at us and wanted to take photos. Our guides were brilliant too!”
Meet an English or Italian-speaking Bolognese local for a private two-hour walk shaped around your interests. Your host contacts you before the tour, then plans a flexible route with local sights, Christmas traditions, culture, and food advice. Jon and Lorenza have both hosted especially personal introductions to Bologna.
“Excellent introduction to the wonderful city of Bologna. Perfect mix of history, culture and food tips. Saved us so much time over our short stay. Our guide Jon was lovely , accommodating and passionate about Bologna. Definitely recommend.”
Meet your English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Norwegian-speaking guide outside the Nobel Peace Center. Over two hours, walk from Aker Brygge through City Hall, Karl Johans gate, Parliament, and Spikersuppa Christmas market, with gløgg included. Finish near the ice rink and Royal Palace area.
Begin at Praça do Comércio at 6 pm and follow Lisbon’s Christmas lights through Chiado, Bairro Alto, Avenida da Liberdade, Rossio, and Rua Augusta. A private vehicle and central Lisbon pickup are included, while much of the route is explored on foot. Ask for Victor if available, especially if you want lively city history along the way.
“Victor was an excellent, knowledgable guide and we had a fantastic time. Lisbon really comes alive with its Christmas lights, so beautiful. We were picked up at our hotel, and communication beforehand was very good. We would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Lisbon and this time of year”
Pick a market, a light show or a sleigh.
