As long as there has been a Paris, there has been life on the Ile de la Cité. Though many of the buildings on the island were demolished during the Haussmann era, vestiges of the foundations and walls from homes dating back 2,000 years can be found in the crypt just near the Notre Dame…
One of Tuscany’s wealthiest and most graceful cities, Lucca is a gem not to be missed. It’s worth a visit from your UnTour in Florence or even our rural Tuscany UnTour, based in the southern part of the region. Colonized by the Romans in the 2nd century BC, this otherwise flat Tuscan “hill” town still…
Italian cities offer something for everyone, and its three best-known cities are each so distinct. Amber Martin, our Italian UnTour Director, has shared a few of her favorite city photos from her recent travels to Italy this past November. Those who follow us on Instagram may have enjoyed her takeover, with photos from all six…
With its newer buildings and open vistas, Barcelona’s oceanfront is an appealing area and a nice counterpoint to the touristed streets of the city’s oldest quarters. Guests on the Barcelona UnTour have the time to explore the waterfront and enjoy a different view of this gorgeous Spanish city. Here’s a rundown of Barcelona’s seaside neighborhoods…
Our colleague Anne in Provence has shared one of her favorite traditions with us, the galette des rois, a sweet enjoyed for Epiphany (just after the new year). The guest who finds the fève in his or her piece is thought to be lucky. Make your own! Here’s how. Almond Filling 1 cup almond flour 1/2…
The origin and the beginning of all good things in life lies in pleasing the stomach. – Epicurus 341-270 BC Greece has one of the oldest and richest culinary traditions in the world. Anyone who has taken the Nafplio UnTour can attest to that. (The restaurant scene in Nafplio is great.) Greek cooking uses ingredients…
Leading into the heart of medieval Germany, the Romantic Road winds its way from Würzburg through Rothenburg, and continues southward into the Alps. A ride along the Romantic Road is a trip into the past, revealing countless magical scenes evocative of fairy tales and myth. It is easy to understand why this is a highlight…
All of us on the UnTours team have been here for 20 or more years, which is a good thing, given how knowledge intensive our work in Europe is. So when Andi Cancelliere Sheehan, our Italian UnTour Director for 25 years, left our staff during COVID, it was hard to imagine how to fill those…
The Basilica of Sacré-Coeur’s distinctive white dome floats above Paris, a landmark visible from all quarters of the city. Anchored in Montmartre, the beautiful church has been witness to the neighborhood’s evolution, from bohemian artists’ hive to tourist hotspot. Its slopes and benches have hosted generations of young loungers, bohemians, and lovers. The Sacred Heart…
There are lots of reasons to love Switzerland and lots of reasons to travel there. We are excited to welcome our first guests back next month, and we are fielding questions and phone calls every day from guests with common questions about where to stay in Switzerland and how to set up a Swiss UnTour….