PLANNING a city break to your favourite European destination?
Chances are you will already have seen the key landmarks, and escaping the crowds may be your newest priority.
Amsterdam is famous for its winding flower-decorated canals[/caption]
Starting your holiday with a small group tour is a great way to kick things off.
That way, you’ll be able to learn about undiscovered spots, with top tips from a knowledgeable guide who can show you how best to spend your time.
Sophie Swietochowski shares some excellent off-the-grid tours in Europe’s most popular cities.
PARIS
The much-loved neighbourhood of Montmartre is home to one of the city’s most famous churches, the Basilique du Sacre-Cœur de Montmartre.
It’s perched atop a steep hill offering sweeping views of the city that rival those from the tip of the Eiffel Tower.
Eat like a Parisian on a Monmartre food tour[/caption]
That’s not the only reason to visit this area, though.
What many people don’t know is that family-run bakeries, cheese shops and quirky cafes are what makes Montmartre truly special.
A Montmartre Like a Local: Paris Food Tour will take you along the cobblestoned streets and down side alleys to the secret spots where Parisians really eat.
Arrive hungry as you’ll get to sample all the produce along the way, including some wines — the French do it best, of course.
BOOK IT: Tickets start at £92 for adults and £82 for children aged two to 14. See devourtours.com.
ROME
For those who still want to tick off the top tourist spots and dive into Rome’s fascinating history, but are keen to stay away from the heaving crowds, TUI Musement’s Wonders Of Rome At Night tour is for you.
Once the sun sets, you’ll be able to explore more leisurely with fewer people — and at a cooler time, without the searing midday heat to contend with.
Visit the iconic Colosseum in Rome[/caption]
The tour kicks off at the Piazza Navona, before continuing to the Pantheon, a Roman temple dating back to the 2nd century.
Don’t forget to make a wish by the Trevi Fountain, which looks even more magical under the light of the moon.
BOOK IT: Tours cost from £21 per adult and £17 per child. See tuimusement.com.
AMSTERDAM
Most Brits know Amsterdam for its raucous nightlife and winding flower-decorated canals, which frequently appear in the backdrop of travellers’ holiday snaps.
It also has a thriving restaurant scene, which you’ll get a flavour of on a three-hour adventure with Secret Food Tours.
Gobble down some Dutch pancakes (poffertjes) in Amsterdam[/caption]
With tours dotted all over the world, the company focuses on authentic dishes in excellent spots that are much loved by locals, but haven’t yet been plastered all over social media.
Make sure your tummy is empty as you’ll be gobbling down Dutch pancakes (poffertjes), classic apple cake and other delicious Dutch delicacies, including herring and traditional kibbeling.
One secret spot is added to every tour to ensure it retains an element of surprise.
BOOK IT: €89.99pp, including five to six food stops. See secretfoodtours.com.
BARCELONA
You can’t go to Barcelona without marvelling at some of Antoni Gaudi’s famous works, which include the Sagrada Familia.
The Catalan architect began constructing the famous church a whopping 140 years ago and it has remained unfinished to this day, although a completion date has finally been set for 2026.
Avoid the crowds and visit the Sagrada Familia now[/caption]
So now is a good time to visit, ahead of the crowds next year.
The Sagrada Familia Closing Time Experience: Evening Light And Rooftop Views is really special.
Starting with a cava toast on a rooftop with fantastic views of Gaudi’s masterpiece, visitors will get to see the magnificent structure at night, with the evening sun glaring through the stained-glass windows.
You’ll get after-hours access, which means you’ll still avoid the crowds and skip the queues.
BOOK IT: Tickets cost £92 per adult. See takewalks.com.
PRAGUE
The centre of Prague is utterly charming, with its Old Town and majestic castle, but wander down the backstreets and you’ll find that there’s so much more to this culture-filled city.
A three-hour Hidden Gems Walking Tour will take you to some gorgeous areas off the beaten track.
Explore Prague’s historic landmarks[/caption]
You’ll still get to see some core sights, kicking things off at the Old Town square to showcase Prague’s rich history, before you move on to the Church Of St James and House Of The Black Madonna, a cubist building and a fascinating example of Prague’s varied architecture.
One of the most interesting stops on the tour is the Emmaus Monastery, one of the oldest of its kind in the city, whose interior walls are covered in spectacular frescoes — some were partly wrecked during a bombing in 1945, but restored a couple of years later.
BOOK IT: Tours cost from £32pp. See viator.com.