From secret catacombs in Paris to after-hours access at the Tower of London and vermouth-fuelled tapas tours in Madrid, City Experiences invites travellers to explore some of Europe’s most iconic cities through a local lens. 

London, UK – This summer, City Experiences invites travellers to dive deeper into the stories of Europe with a curated collection of walking and food tours designed to uncover more than just the usual landmarks. From early-morning museum access in Madrid and sunset food walks in Florence to hidden markets in London and rooftop views of the Sagrada Familia, City Experiences’ Walks and Devours Tours offer the best of intimate, small-group tours. With exclusive access, expert storytelling, and the opportunity to discover the secrets of each destination, these tours are the perfect addition to any summer city break.

Paris 

A Day at the Palace: Small Group Paris to Versailles Day Trip with King’s Private Apartments –  Those looking to journey through France’s past can do so on Walk’s new day trip from Paris to one of Europe’s most iconic buildings, the Palace of Versailles. On this small group tour, visitors can take advantage of the skip the line tickets and explore the royal French culture with special access to the King’s private apartments as well as the Queen’s apartments, War Salon and the expansive Gardens of Versailles. Visitors will board the train back to Paris with newfound knowledge of this famous palace and those who had inhabited it. Book it: Tickets start at £127 for adults (15+ years) and £123 for children (2-14 years, with infants going free) and can be booked at takewalks.com

Montmartre Like a Local: Paris Food Tour – Visitors can explore beyond the typical postcard view of Montmartre to uncover its dynamic culinary scene. This tour showcases family-run bakeries, cheese shops, and authentic cafes where Parisians really eat. Guests can wander through cobblestone streets, sample regional dishes, and hear stories that bring the iconic neighbourhood to life. Book it: Tickets start at £92 for adults (15+ years) and £82 for children (2-14 years, with infants going free) and can be booked at devourtours.com.

Rome

Early Entry & Special Access Pompeii & Amalfi Coast Tour from Rome – Experience Southern Italy from Rome with this Walks Tour. Departing from Italy’s capital city, this trip combines two of the most sought-after locations, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. Uncover the lives of those that once roamed through Pompeii, explore the Villa of Mysteries where visitors have the opportunity to see the frescoes up close and enjoy free time to wander the picturesque streets of Sorrento before boarding the return shuttle to Rome. Book it: Tickets start at £155 for adults (15+ years) and £145 for children (2-14 years, with infants going free) and can be booked at takewalks.com.

Tastes & Traditions of Rome: Testaccio Food and Market Tour – Visitors can explore the culinary heart of Rome and where real Romans eat – Testaccio. Led by local food experts, this tour dives into the neighbourhood’s culinary roots, from traditional markets and bakeries to family restaurants. This is the perfect way to discover how Testaccio’s flavours have shaped the city’s food culture for generations. Book it: Tickets start at £73 for adults (15+ years) and £64 for children (2-14 years, with infants going free) and can be booked at devourtours.com.

Florence

VIP David and Duomo Tour: Early Accademia Tour and Skip the Line Dome Climb with Exclusive Terrace Access – Experience Florence before the crowds with early access to Michaelangelo’s David, followed by a guided climb of the iconic Duomo, with exclusive entry to hidden spots not usually open to the public. This tour offers an extraordinary, behind-the-scenes perspective of two of the city’s most beloved landmarks, led by local art and architecture experts. Book it: Tickets start at £171 for adults (15+ years) and £161 for children (7-14 years) and can be booked at takewalks.com.

Oltrarno at Sunset: Florence Food and Wine Tour – As the sun sets, visitors can cross the river to Florence’s culinary soul in Oltrarno. Cobbled streets lined with wine bars, cosy bakeries, and family-run restaurants welcome foodies with the ultimate introduction to Tuscan cuisine – think Prosecco straight from one of Florence’s wine windows, fresh pasta, and Florentine steak. Guests can even learn how to make a Negroni in the city where it was born. Book it: Tickets start at £102 for adults (15+ years) and can be booked at devourtours.com

Barcelona

Sagrada Familia Closing Time Experience: Evening Light and Rooftop Views – This tour starts with a cava toast on a rooftop with fantastic views of Gaudi’s masterpiece. Then, visitors can marvel at magical lighting with evening entry to Sagrada Familia. Quieter moments in the basilica can be enjoyed without the crowds and guests can watch sunlight filter through the beautiful stained-glass windows. This tour includes skip-the-line tickets to Sagrada Familia, a guided tour of the basilica with an expert and a unique perspective of one of Europe’s most iconic structures. Book it: Tickets start at £92 for adults (18+ years) and can be booked at takewalks.com.

Montserrat and Cava Winery Tour: Day Trip from Barcelona with Lunch – Visitors can escape the city for a day of striking views and sparkling wines. A local guide brings Catalan history to life during a tour of the sacred Montserrat Monastery before guests head into the countryside to tour a traditional winery. This tour includes a multi-course lunch, tastings and behind-the-scenes access for a true insider’s day in rural Catalonia. Book it: Tickets start at £165 for adults (15+ years) and £156 for children (2-14 years, with infants going free) and can be booked at devourtours.com.

London

VIP Tower of London: After Hours Tour and Ceremony of the Keys – Visitors can step behind the locked gates of the Tower of London after dark for an exclusive, crowd-free tour of the legendary fortress. Guided by a Yeoman Warder, guests can witness the 700-year-old Ceremony of the Keys, a tradition that few outsiders ever see. This tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into the rituals and history of royal London. Book it: Tickets start at £169 for adults (15+ years) and £159 for children (2-14 years, with infants going free) and can be booked at takewalks.com.

Ultimate London Food Tour: Borough Market & Southwark – Food lovers can discover the tastes of London on this immersive, expert led tour. Enjoy the flavours of Borough Market with British staples such as sausage rolls, fish and chips and apple crumble all while hearing about the neighbourhood’s history. Follow the guide through Leadenhall Market and experience an exclusive wine and cheese tasting. This tour can also be adapted for vegetarians, gluten free needs (not celiacs) and non-alcoholic options. Book it: Tickets start at £84 for adults (15+ years) and £74 for children (2-14 years, with infants going free) and can be booked at devourtours.com 

Madrid 

VIP Alone in the Prado: Exclusive Early Access Museum Tour – This rare, crowd-free experience of the Prado Museum allows guests to step into Spain’s artistic crown jewel before it opens to the public. With an expert guide, visitors can explore masterpieces by Velasquez, Goya, and Bosch in a quiet atmosphere while gaining deeper insights into the stories and techniques behind the works. This exclusive early-access tour offers art lovers an unforgettable experience at Madrid’s most iconic museum. Book it: Tickets start at £110 for adults (15+ years) and £101 for children (2-14 years, with infants going free) and can be booked at takewalks.com.

Vermouth and Vino: A Madrid Tapas Adventure – Led by a local food guide, this tour explores family-run taverns and hidden wine bars in neighbourhoods where people from Madrid actually eat. Visitors can taste traditional tapas, small-batch vermouths, and regional wines while learning more about the city’s exciting culinary scene. Book it: Tickets start at £82 for adults (15+ years) and £73 for children (2-14 years, with infants going free) and can be booked at devourtours.com. 

 

By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.