Things to do in Europe

Step back in time and discover the ancient ruins at the Valley of the Temples, which lie on the outskirts of the modern city of Agrigento. Witness 2600 years of history as you wander past well-preserved temples such as Concordia, Olympian Zeus and Hercules, before witnessing the intricate mosaics at the Roman Villa del Casale in the nearby town of Piazza Armerina.

Immerse yourself in ancient Roman culture on this half day tour of some of the oldest sights of the city. Begin your afternoon with a visit to Palatine Hill, the most central of Rome's Seven Hills and where it is believed, the city was founded. You'll then continue on to the most iconic of the city's sights, the Colosseum. Here you will learn about the great and somewhat gory gladiatorial shows that were once held to entertain Roman citizens. From the Colosseum, follow the main street of ancient Rome – Via Sacra – and witness the ruins of the Temples of Vesta, Antonino and Faustina and the Basilica Julia and Basilica Aemilia.

Avoid the crowds and get exclusive entry to the Vatican's breathtaking Sistine Chapel before it opens the general public. Completed in approximately 1483, this is probably the most famous chapel in the world due its beautiful frescoes painted by the Renaissance artist Michelangelo and the opportunity to enjoy a self-guided tour in relative peace is an opportunity not to be missed.

This full day tour will take you through the Fiemme Valley and Fassa Valley by coach. Follow a spectacular road with 27 hairpin bends, climbing the Pordoi Pass. Enjoy lunch at one of the hillside restaurants and hop in a cable car for an optional trip to the top, with fantastic views over the central Dolomites. On the return journey, the coach will take you into the Gardena Valley, famous for its winter sports, and you will visit charming Tyrolean villages such as Ortisei and Selva. Take time out in a tearoom and wander around the shops before returning to Lake Garda.

Explore the ancient coastal town of Herculaneum which was wonderfully preserved after it was covered with volcanic mud during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Follow in the footsteps of the Romans who walked the streets over 2000 years ago, observe the public baths with their well-preserved frescoes and mosaics, and wander through rooms that were once bustling shops and gymnasiums.

If you have a sweet tooth then you'll love this ice-cream making experience. Visit the famous Gelateria David in Sorrento and learn the basics of gelato making as you watch a demo and learn about the ingredients and techniques used to create the most delicious hand-made ice-creams. Following the demo you'll be invited to taste some traditional and innovative flavours.

Discover the highlights of Baroque Rome on this guided tour which begins at the Spanish Steps. Learn about the history of these famous steps before strolling to Piazza del Popolo

which was built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian. Soak up the atmosphere at the Piaazza di Spagna and see the Fontana della Barcaccia which was designed by the renowned sculptor, Pietro Bernini, and his son. Next stop is the iconic Trevi Fountain, made famous in the Oscar-winning Fellini film, La Dolce Vita. According to legend, if you toss a coin into the fountain then you are guaranteed to return to Rome in the future. Continue to the incredible Pantheon, an architectural masterpiece and one of the city's most precious monuments. Visit the Church of St Louis to admire beautiful works of art by Caravaggio before heading back to the Piazza Navona to see the splendid Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) and the imposing St Agnes Church by Borromini where this tour ends and you are free to explore.

Embark on a full day adventure to the volcanic Aeolian Islands, situated off Sicily’s north coast. On arrival in Lipari, the largest of the islands and dominated by the peak of Mount Chirica, you can enjoy some free time to explore the old town. Next sail around the island, visiting the remarkable Faraglioni rocks and then cross the strait to the island of Vulcano and witness the Horse Cave. Later you will have the opportunity to swim in the warm, sulphurous seawater or just relax on the beach before returning to Taormina.

Visit the north Sicilian towns of Palermo and Cefalù on a full day trip. In the harbourside city of Palermo witness the unique Arabic and Norman monuments, including the Martorana church and the cathedral. You’ll also visit the vibrant market that takes place in the city’s oldest neighbourhoods – Il Capo. This afternoon head along the coast to Cefalù where you can discover the historic city centre which is overlooked by the ruins of an ancient castle.

During this full-day tour, visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa with its quirky angle; Duomo di Santa Maria, one of Italy’s best cathedrals; and the imposing Charterhouse of Calci, which dates back to the 14th Century. Dine in a typical trattoria and spend time shopping in the traditional boutiques of Borgo Stretto or the chic shops of Corso Italia.

Sample produce from Tuscany’s vineyards during The Ruby of Tuscany private tour. Learn about Tuscan reds in one of the best enotecas in Florence and discover how to match each wine with food. Relax during the tasting with traditional canapés of chicken liver and olive paté crostini, bruschetta, veal carpaccio, and local cheeses.

Experience an introduction to authentic Neapolitan cuisine at the Esperidi Resort in Sant'Agnello di Sorrento which is nestled in fragrant orange and lemon groves. Learn how to prepare a traditional meal of four local dishes including an appetiser, first course, second course and dessert, with the final reward to come as you sit down with your host and classmates to sample your mouth-watering dishes over lunch. The class will last for three hours and includes a souvenir of your culinary experience.

The city of Syracuse is known for its rich history, ancient Greek and Roman remnants and being the birth place of the mathematician Archimedes. On this full day experience you will visit the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Altar of Hieron II. Next you will head to the historical centre of the city, which is situated on the island of Ortygia, home to the cathedral, the Temple of Apollo and Arethusa’s Fountain.

Take a mesmerising boat tour to visit the striking Villa Balbianello, which was used for location shooting in both Casino Royale, and Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones, and also Villa Cassinella, one of the region’s most prestigious private villas. This glamorous tour also offers the opportunity to view George Clooney’s Lake Como villa and the beautiful 19th Century Villa Fontanelle, the former residence of Gianni Versace.

Don't miss the opportunity to view one of the most important art collections in the world on this tour of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica. Be mesmerised by the beauty of Michelangelo's celebrated masterpiece and admire frescos including the Last Judgment. You will then be whisked away to St Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world, which is covered in millions of golden mosaics and home to imperssive works including Michelangelo's celebrated Renaissance sculpture– Pietà.

Explore Florence with a local art historian and learn how Renaissance art was linked to gastronomic culture. Visit the Palazzo Pitti and Uffizi Gallery, and enjoy a four-course lunch in your guide’s home, cooked by her husband – an excellent chef and wine connoisseur.

Enjoy an exquisite introduction to authentic Tuscan cuisine during this cookery experience, guided by an expert chef in your own professional cooking space. You will learn how to make a delicious Tuscan dinner and prepare home-made pasta and sauces. Afterwards sit comfortably at the table to taste your fine creation, accompanied by a well deserved glass of wine.

Arrive in Venice and take a private motorboat to St Mark’s Square for a guided walk through the city’s historic centre and its many monuments. Perhaps opt to join a gondola ride through the canals (at extra cost), before some free time to explore at your leisure. After lunch, depart on an optional trip around the lagoon’s islands, learning about the part they played in Venetian history.