I have enjoyed learning about the history of many places I have traveled to. When I was in Munich, Germany I learned all about their history over a 2-hour tour. I also learned about the history of Madrid, Spain and Kotor, Montenegro on a similiar 2-hour tour. And let me not forgot Athens, Greece, as well as Naples, Italy and Vatican City, Vatican. Not only did I learn about the history of the places I visited, but I also got great recommendations on museums to visit, restaurant recommendations and hidden secrets of the areas such as the doors of a mouse called Perez in Madrid.
What makes these walking tours so special is that your guide is a local. He/She shares their love of their country (even if its their new country) with you and you can literally ask them anything and they will either know the answer or get it for you. Yes, it is a long walking tour. But they are usually not long in distance. Many times you will stay standing in one location for 10 - 15 minutes as the guide shares their stories so don't expect to rack up 10,000 steps event though you will be out and about for about 2 - 2 1/2 hours.
These walking tours are truly a gem and you can plan them for many cities across the world. So next time you're planning your itinerary for excursions when you're on a cruise, be sure to go to either GuruWalk, Freetour.com or FreeWalkingTour.com or any other site/app you know of that offers free walking tours and see if they have availability. The sites will give you all the information you need regarding where to meet, how long the tour will be, and even the sites with some description of the sites you will visit. The walking tours are free to book and attend and a tip is recommended at the conclusion of the tour. The tour guide will let you know what is customary for their tours. My recommendation is between $10 - $20 per person.
The walking tours I have enjoyed include:
Free Tour of Munich's Old Town
Kotor Free Walking Tour
Exploring Vatican City
The Sightseeing and the Highlights of Athens
Retiro Park, Gran Via, Cibeles, Puerta de Alcala, Bourbons and more
Madrid's History and Highlights
If you do not find the city you're visiting in the free walking tour sites you check, I would recommend getyourguide.com for other options since you may find some reasonably priced tours on that site as well.
If you prefer a tour that is a little more than just walking around, be sure to check out my direct booking link on Shore Excursions Group for great options:
Whatever route you choose, be sure to learn about the destination you're visiting. Taking pictures is great, but knowing the history of where you are during your travels makes those pictures so much more special - and can change you in so many amazing ways!
Comments