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The World’s Top 50 Travel Destinations in 2012

Viator Travel Team — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:45:31 +0000

What will be the World's Top 50 Travel Destinations in 2012?

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For this year’s Top 50 Travel Destinations we’ve consulted Viator’s travel oracle. And that travel oracle is you! Almost 500 travelers voted on our Facebook page for the destination that they think will be #1 in 2012. We then compiled these votes in order to predict which places will be the most popular this year. No longer will we look back at places we have traveled to, but instead look to the future, planning, and if truth be told, ever so slightly salivating, about the destinations we plan to discover in 2012.

When it comes to picking the destinations we love the most, we tend to gravitate towards large cities with a rich history like London and Rome or those with unique attractions such as Sydney’s city beaches and the infectious hedonism of Las Vegas. Some of our favorites are not even cities but countries or entire regions. By gosh, we’ve even tagged a Rock…

So grab your passport and get excited as you read our Top 50 Travel Destinations for 2012!

50. Cape Town

Visit Cape Town & Table Mountain in 2012!

Dramatic beaches, vineyards and a rainbow nation are watched over by the rugged and magnificent Table Mountain. The handsome city of Cape Town is definitely one to watch in 2012.

49. Singapore

Forget the stereotypes! Singapore may be Southeast Asia’s cleanest city but its cuisine is downright delicious to boot. When you’ve had your fill of hawker food, kick back at the bastion of colonial grandeur, Raffles Hotel.

48. Alaska

Wild and wonderful Alaska offers adventure on a grand scale. If it weren’t so costly and so far away we’d all want to be there… For the sake of preserving its pristine wilderness, thank goodness we’re not.

47. Bali

We aren't suprised that beautiful green Bali made it on the list

Bali’s friendly locals, rice paddies and unique art and culture are almost as big a draw as its heavenly beaches and wicked surf.

46. Philippines

With over 7000 tropical islands to choose from, the Philippines offer a treasure trove of white-sand beaches and some of the world’s best diving and snorkeling.

45. Costa Rica

Famous for its colorful wildlife, dense jungles and incredible beaches, Costa Rica is a paradise with a flourishing ecotourism industry.

44. Salzburg

The hills are alive with the Sound of Music in Salzburg!

Nestled snugly at the foot of the Bavarian Alps, it’s easy to see why Mozart was so inspired growing up in this city. It may be number 44 on our list but Salzburg continues to be number one for avid fans of The Sound of Music!

43. Brisbane

There’s more to Brisbane than the Sunshine Coast. Always good for fun in the sun, this laid-back party town has discovered its inner hipster and a taste for fine food, coffee and art galleries.

42. Zurich

From the white facades of its medieval buildings to the snow-capped mountains of the Swiss Alps, Zurich remains Switzerland’s destination of choice.

41. Milan

Oh Milan! This city simply oozes glamor, history and culture. Fill your (Italian leather) boots with art, architecture and fabulous food in a city that never goes out of fashion.

40. Auckland

Set sail in Auckland!

The ‘City of Sails’, also known as Auckland, is also New Zealand’s multicultural melting pot with a strong artistic streak and a penchant for extreme sports.

39. Montreal

Take a bunch of different nationalities, throw in a quart of culture and a large pinch of French and occasionally sprinkle with snow and you’ve got the recipe for Montreal, Canada’s most intriguing city.

38. Munich

We love Munich’s medieval center, its green spaces and beer gardens. (And we’re already gearing up for Oktoberfest 2012!)

37. Ayers Rock

Ayers Rock at sunset is a must-see in 2012!

This blazing red rock in the desert is one of Australia’s biggest tourist attractions and a place of great spiritual significance. If you are lucky enough to see Ayers Rock at sunset, you will understand why.

36. Costa del sol

Welcome to Spain’s sunniest region! Andalucia’s international coastal playground includes the ever-popular seaside towns of Marbella, Malaga, Gibraltar and Nerja.

35. Kuala Lumpur

Exciting cuisine, modern shopping malls, gleaming skyscrapers and a fascinating history; Malaysia’s modern metropolis of Kuala Lumpur never fails to excite us.

34. Nice

So picturesque, so gentile, so Nice! This city is our favorite base for exploring the French Riviera and its art-deco facades, museums and famous promenade continue to draw the crowds.

33. Naples

This is Italy at its most dark, surprising and intoxicating. When you need to come up for air, the delights of the exquisite Amalfi Coast await just a short ride from Naples.

32. Boston

Boston is at the top of everyone's US must-see list!

Grand, literary, artistic and historic, Boston continues to draw us to its bookstores, art galleries and architecture.

31. Cairns

Tropical Cairns may be a one-horse town but it boasts the Great Barrier Reef, the Atherton Tablelands and all the attractions of Far North Queensland on its doorstep.

30. Edinburgh

Scotland’s most cosmopolitan city is also one of Europe’s most beautiful. Compact, historic and legendary, Edinburgh will most definitely steal your heart.

29. Vienna

If Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Johann Strauss don’t excite you, then Vienna’s palaces, coffee houses and stunning countryside will.

28. Athens

Don't miss the modern & ancient sights of Athens in 2012!

Survey the sprawling megacity of Athens from the incredible Parthenon on the Acropolis and wonder what Socrates would have made of it all.

27. Dublin

This historical and gregarious city is used to doing it tough but, as they say, ‘you can’t keep a good man down’. We think Dublin will continue to feature strongly on our travel wishlist in 2012.

26. Madrid

Madrid, Spain’s capital, may not be as sexy as its Catalan cousin, but it has Picasso and Goya and Velázquez and some of the world’s best art galleries. And did we mention the nightlife?

25. Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia’s most European city, displays its heritage and multiculturalism with pride while still enjoying a carefree, Aussie lifestyle.

24. Oahu

Everyone loves Oahu!

Want a relaxing beach holiday with plenty of attractions thrown in? Oahu, Hawaii’s third largest island ticks all the boxes.

23. Cancun

Young, vibrant and unabashedly hedonistic, Cancun, Mexico’s most popular resort, continues to draw the carefree and curious to its golden shores.

22. Vancouver

Surrounded by mountains and embracing the sparkling sea, Vancouver is, quite literally, a breath of fresh air.

21. Miami

Life’s a beach in Miami. We love its mild tropical climate, the Everglades, the Keys and its Latin American vibe.

20. Washington DC

Of course DC is so much more than its museums, monuments and political prominence, and that is the main reason why we love it so.

19. Dubai

There's lots to see and do in and around Dubai!

While you may be tempted to max out your credit card, Dubai is not all gold souks, world-class hotels and shopping malls. We’re hoping more visitors will uncover Dubai’s authentic side in 2012.

18. Istanbul

We’re expecting great things from the historic city of Ottoman mosques in 2012. Istanbul‘s once uninspiring restaurants and nightlife scene are undergoing a renaissance on a grand scale.

17. Maui

Consistently voted one of the world’s most romantic islands, Maui’s lush tropical forests, gorgeous beaches and fresh cuisine see it featured strongly on a list dominated by big cities.

16. Tokyo

Get acqainted with Tokyo & Japanese culture in 2012

Futuristic yet historic, conservative yet outrageous, Tokyo, Japan’s capital city, continues to astonish and delight us.

15. Los Angeles

Los Angeles–the city of dreamers, celebrities and wannabes–continues to fascinate and attract stargazers the world over.

14. Amsterdam

We can’t go past Amsterdam’s historic canals, museums and cute coffee shops. It’s also one of the world’s best cities for cycling.

13. Orlando

Synonymous with Disney, lets not kid ourselves why people love this town. While it’s a bit light on historical attractions, the theme parks and sunshine are plentiful in Orlando.

12. Bangkok

Hot, sweaty and addictive, Bangkok buzzes with activity day and night while still remaining distinctly and majestically Thai.

11. Florence

Once the center of the Italian Renaissance, we continue to be captivated by Florence, one of Italy’s most beautiful cities.

10. Rio de Janeiro

It's not hard to see why Rio de Janeiro is high on the list!

Go for zesty caipirinhas, samba and city beaches and stay for the world’s biggest party when in Rio de Janeiro.

9. San Francisco

It’s hard to say what we love most about San Francisco: the Golden Gate Bridge? Alcatraz? Its hilly streets or its laidback west coast vibe? We love it all.

8. Venice

The floating city of Venice has been attracting world travelers for centuries and we continue to be drawn to its waterways, festivals and remarkable architecture.

7. Barcelona

Young, vibrant and dripping in Gothic architecture, we can’t get enough of Barcelona and its famous son, architect Antoni Gaudi.

6. Sydney

Have fun in the sun in Sydney!

Nowhere inspires city envy as much as sun-loving Sydney. Just as well, if it weren’t so far away from the northern hemisphere we’d all want to live there.

5. Rome

Bustling, sexy, and dramatic. Rome, old and new, has long captured the hearts and minds of travelers the world over.

4. Las Vegas

Join the stream of hopefuls, honeymooners and lovers of bling as they get caught in the headlights of Las Vegas, America’s glitziest city.

3. Paris

And in third place… one of the most stylish and romantic cities in the world! Perennially popular Paris continues to seduce and summon lovers of food, fashion, architecture and all things French.

2. London

Snapping at the heels of NYC is London, one of the world’s best-loved destinations. Okay, the sun only makes an occasional appearance, but we’re more interested in Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, the Tower of London and a host of other cool Britannia attractions.

1. New York City

NYC is #1!

Start spreading the news… New York City was our top travel destination in 2011 and we predict that it’ll top the charts again next year! From Times Square and Central Park to the Empire State Building and The Met, NYC is one of the world’s most exciting places to visit.

So there you have it. Inspiring, gratifying and no doubt controversial, this list represents the biggest travel wants in 2012 as chosen by our Facebook fans. Do you agree? If you missed out on the voting we’d love to hear what you think and where you’d most like to travel in 2012.

- Viator Travel Team

The World’s Top 50 Travel Destinations in 2012 by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Top 10 Travel Photos: 2011 Viator Travel Awards

Viator Travel Team — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:00:35 +0000

It's time for the Viator Travel Awards!

Editor’s Note: This post is part of the Viator Travel Awards, an annual awards competition where we let our travelers select the top things to do and see in each of the major regions we serve, as well as the top things to do in our most popular tour categories. The awards culminate in the Viator Top Travel Destinations and our annual list of the world’s most travel-inspiring attractions.

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Each year we post the Best Travel Photos of the year, selected from the thousands of photos submitted by Viator travelers (ie, by people just like you). Normally we select 10 photos that make us laugh, make us smile – and inspire us to take that next trip.

This year we took a slightly different approach. Why? Because we received so many amazing photos (almost 20,000!) from travelers on Viator.com in 2011. We simply couldn’t pick just 10 photos. It was too hard — there were way too many great photos!

So this year we narrowed it down to 30 of our favorite travel photos, and let you decide which ones made it into the top ten. And now, the votes are in! Thank you for helping us choose the Top 10 Travel Photos of the year.

#10. Peru

Viator traveler Hari in Peru

We love this shot that traveler Casey took of travel companion Hari sitting pretty with two gorgeously adorned local ladies in Peru on the Sacred Valley Pisac and Ollantaytambo Full Day Tour from Cusco.

#9. Valley of Fire Wedding

A Valley of Fire Wedding is a great time to take awesome photos!

The lure of a Las Vegas wedding proved too much for our member racinstacie who tied the knot with her fiancé at the Valley of Fire. Ahhhhh. Congratulations guys!

#8. Machu Picchu

The iconic Machu Picchu shot

This is one image that never fails to make a visual impact. Rodrigo makes it to stunning Machu Picchu after an impressive four-day trek along the Inca Trail from Cusco, Peru.

#7. Egyptian Desert

"Watch me pick up a giant rock with one finger!"

Leigh shows an incredible feat of strength – or does she? – on a quad biking tour in the Egyptian desert. This photo only made it to number 7 on our list, but it’s our favorite funny image.

Our next two romantically themed photos (coincidentally by two travelers called Emily!) received the same amount of votes in our competition.

#6. Paris Kiss

We hope Emily was strong enough to stand him back up!

It doesn’t get much more romantic than stealing a kiss from a loved one at a landmark in the City of Love. Emily doesn’t wait to be asked outside the Arc de Triomphe.

#5. Great Barrier Reef

Hello from Down Under.. the sea!

Guess where this photo was taken? Emily and Jeff stop for a photo while diving in the clear, blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef on the Great Barrier Reef Diving and Snorkeling Cruise from Cairns.

#4. Thai Elephant Antics

Shower anyone?

One can’t help wondering what happened next in this photo? Jill obviously had an awesome time on our popular Khao Yai National Park and Elephant Ride Day Trip from Bangkok trip. But did they get a free shower as part of the tour?

#3. Top of Europe

What a view!

Archana’s inspiring photo makes us want to travel to the ‘Top of Europe’ too! This photo was taken on the Jungfraujoch Top of Europe from Zurich tour from Zurich to Jungfraujoc, which takes you through Switzerland’s magnificent Alpine region on a cogwheel railway.

#2. Nassau SUB

It looks like Bernie & Anna had a great time in Nassau!

Just pipped at the post by Pisa, this fantastic photo by Charles Bernardo of his wife Anna Zaytseva shows how it feels to float around Nassau’s coral gardens in a SUB (Scenic Underwater Bubble) on a Nassau SUB Bahamas Adventure. Extra kudos goes to Bernie who, in an effort to secure votes for his photo, set up a Facebook page that got over 1,000 likes!

#1. The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Congrats to Croatiagirl!

An oldie but a goodie, our winning photograph is an image we’ve all seen many times before, but it never fails to make us smile. And it obviously had the same effect on our voters! We really like this quirky rendition by Croatiagirl. The photo was taken on our Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour.

Thank you so much to everyone who submitted their photos and voted for their favorites in this year’s Top 10 Travel Photo Awards. And congratulations to the winners!

We love seeing your pictures and knowing that you get the best out of the travel experiences we offer. Just keep your photos coming, and you never know–you may get selected for the Top 10 Travel Photos in 2012! Until then, we hope you capture many happy moments on your travels in 2012.

- Viator Travel Team

Top 10 Travel Photos: 2011 Viator Travel Awards by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

The World’s Top 25 Attractions: 2011 Viator Travel Awards

Viator Travel Team — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 23:30:10 +0000

They're the best of the best! They're the World's Top 25 Attractions for 2011!

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Welcome to the 2011 Viator Travel Awards: Top Attractions Edition! We’ve combined input from traveler reviews and photos, data from the millions of travelers who visit Viator.com each year, plus data on which attractions around the world generated the most bookings in 2011, in order to crown the World’s Top 25 Attractions in 2011!

#25. Hoover Dam

An architectural wonder that permanently altered the southwestern United States, Hoover Dam stretches across Black Canyon and above the mighty Colorado River. The architecture itself is stunning, adorned as it is with attractive Art Deco elements. Best of all, though, is its breathtaking views of Lake Mead, Colorado River, and the surrounding canyons and valleys. One of the largest dams in America, Hoover Dam is a must-see Vegas attraction, and an easy day trip from the city–a drive that takes you through some of the area’s most dramatic scenery. Essential!

#24. Blue Mountains

See the famous Three Sisters at the Blue Mountains

The beautiful Blue Mountains make for an idyllic day trip from the hustle and bustle of downtown Sydney. The area is rich with amazing scenery, from rugged sandstone outcrops and cavernous valleys of gum trees to charming mountain hamlets and cascading waterfalls. The area offers outdoor pursuits, leisurely shopping, luxury accommodations, and scenic drives. You’ll need a couple of days to get the most of this spectacular area.

#23. Giverny

A tiny village west of Paris, Giverny was the home of painter Claude Monet, who fell in love with the town through a train window. He moved here in 1883 and began painting the countryside. After 1890, however, he started transforming the gardens of his house and began his famous waterlily paintings. Today, you can soak up his inspiration with a tour of his restored home and gardens. For art lovers, especially of you’ve seen his stunning paintings at the Orsay, Orangerie, or Marmottan museums in Paris, Giverny is a must-see.

Giverny: where Monet was inspired to create his famous paintings!

#22. Ground Zero

This year marked the 10th anniversary of the World Trade Center terrorist attacks. To commemorate this historic event was the opening of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, located on the World Trade Center site, or Ground Zero. The memorial is comprised of twin reflecting pools, featuring two enormous waterfalls in the footprints of the original twin towers; the names of the people who died are inscribed on bronze panels on the edge of the pools. The rest of the plaza features more than 150 swamp white oak trees. The Memorial Museum is scheduled to open in 2012.

#21. Statue of Liberty

An American architectural icon, “Lady Liberty” proudly stands on Liberty Island, guarding the entrance to New York Harbor. The 305-feet (93m) statue was a given to the United States from France to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the young country’s independence. Once on the island, you can visit the Statue of Liberty Museum, where you can you can see the original torch and an explanatory exhibit before taking a close-up view of the Statue of Liberty on the 10th floor. The National Park Service offers informative tours, which also include a stop at Ellis Island. Don’t miss these top NYC attractions!

Head to NYC to see one of the United States' most iconic landmarks

#20. Uffizi Gallery

Filled with a the most important collection of Florentine art, the Uffizi Gallery, or Galleria degli Uffizi, is housed in a Renaissance palace built for Cosimo de’ Medici by Vasari in 1560. The collection traces the rich history of Florentine art, from its 11th-century beginnings to Botticelli and the flowering of Renaissance art. Among the highlights are are The Birth of Venus by Botticelli, da Vinci’s Annunciation, Titian’s languid Venus of Urbino, and Michelangelo’s technicolor portrait of the holy family.

#19. Mont Saint Michel

Rising from the flat white sands, the slender towers and sky-scraping turrets of the abbey of Mont Saint Michel are one of the most iconic images of northern France. Connected to the mainland by an old causeway, the abbey sits atop a small island encircled by stout ramparts and battlements. The surrounding bay is famous for its extreme tides, the difference of which can reach up to 50 feet (15 m) between high and low tide.

#18. Yosemite National Park

Be rewarded with great views at Yosemite National Park!

Naturalist John Muir, who first discovered Yosemite Valley, called it a “temple of nature”. Indeed, this Taj Mahal of national parks packs is acres of awe-inspiring beauty. You’ll feel your heart move by the park’s unrivaled splendors such as the majestic profile of Half Dome, the valley floors draped in lavender lupine, and Tuolumne Grove, where towering Sequoias surround you. Hiking and biking trails abound, leading you through the subalpine wilderness past cascading waterfalls and gemstone lakes. This is unrivaled beauty at its finest.

#17. Kennedy Space Center

You don’t have to be a space junkie to enjoy NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the only spot in the United States from which humans have been hurled into space. The plethora of hands-on exhibits, IMAX movies, and sheer magnitude of the shuttles will surely impress the most passive fan. Budding astronauts can take a high-fidelity ride on the Shuttle Launch Simulator, or marvel at full-size Titan rockets and the 363 ft (110 m) Apollo Saturn 1B rocket. Shuttle tours and the Astronaut Memorial round out the attractions.

#16. Louvre

One of the world’s greatest art museums—if not the greatest—the Louvre contains a rich collection of art from the fruits of human civilization from antiquity to Renaissance and 19th-century French masterpieces. Famous works include the Seated Scribe, the Jewels of Rameses II, Michelangelo’s Slaves, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, and works by Raphael, Botticelli, and Titian among many, many, many others.

#15. Palace of Versailles

Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles

A 45-minute trip from central Paris stands the opulent palace of Chateau de Versailles (Palace of Versailles). King Louis XIV transformed his father’s hunting lodge into the most sumptuous and decadent castle in Europe, including regal gardens designed to create a French Eden and give the grounds a bucolic feel. It was the seat of French government from 1682 to 1789 and, after 1830, it became the Museum of the History of France. Highlights include the Hall of Mirrors to the King’s Grand Chambers and the extensive formal gardens to Marie-Antoinette’s famous estate.

#14. London Eye

Spectacular views of London’s most famous landmarks unfold from the London Eye, the fourth tallest structure in London. Passengers are carried in 32 sealed, glass-sided pods that fit a total of 800 people, and revolve on a huge Ferris wheel. A complete revolution takes a half-hour. Along the way you’ll see such sites as the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s, and the River Thames itself. On a clear day you can see as far as Windsor Castle. And the slow speed of the rotation means there’s plenty of time to see everything and take lots of photos.

#13. Keukenhof Gardens

At Amsterdam’s Keukenhof Gardens, nature’s talents are combined with artificial precision to create a wonder of landscaping, where millions of tulips, along with narcissi and daffodils, hyacinths, bluebells, and many others blossom perfectly in place and exactly on time. The gardens are the world’s largest, and come springtime, some 800,000 flower-lovers wonder the winding paths through wooded gardens, past shady ponds and brooks, immersed in a vibrant blaze of color. It’s a spectacular sight.

#12. Da Vinci’s Last Supper (Il Cenacolo)

Art lovers on the da Vinci trail, readers of Dan Brown following The Da Vinci Code route, and visitors seeking a glimpse of one of the world’s most iconic paintings come to Milan’s Il Cenacolo Vinciano to see Leonardo da Vinci’s mural The Last Supper, or Il Cenacolo. The famous wall painting, which depicts the moment when Jesus predicts that one of his Apostles will betray him, covers the wall of the refectory next to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, on the western outskirts of central Milan.

#11. Mt Fuji

Conquer Mt Fuji in Japan!

From the top of Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain at 12,388 feet tall (3,776 meters), you can see breathtaking 360-degree views of Lake Ashinko, the Hakone mountains, and the Owakudani Valley. Climbing to the mountain peak is an unforgettable experience, and more than one million people hike to the top each year. The best time to climb Mount Fuji is from July to August, when the weather is the mildest and there is the least amount of snow on the mountain. Named after Buddhist fire goddess Fuchi, Mount Fuji is a holy mountain; at its peak is a Shinto Shrine dedicated to the goddess Sengen-Sama.

#10. Alcatraz

One of America’s most iconic sites, Alcatraz is often associated with Chicago crime boss Al “Scarface” Capone, who was imprisoned here in the 1930s. In fact, many A-list criminals passed through this former maximum-security penitentiary, including dapper kidnapper George “Machine Gun” Kelly and Morton Sobell, the military contractor found guilty of Soviet espionage along with Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. But a visit to this National Park is more than just seeing the inside of an old prison. See some of San Francisco‘s top attractions on a scenic ferry ride on the bay, and take in the breathtaking panorama of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and Angel Island; the Ellis Island of the West.

#9. Stonehenge

"We love Stonehenge!"

One of the world’s greatest mysteries, Stonehenge is a massive circle of standing stones and earthworks in the middle of a green field in Wiltshire, built around 3,500 years ago. Stonehenge is Britain’s most important ancient monument, and since 1986, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite the rush of traffic that passes by it, Stonehenge still manages to retain its magic and mystery. The town of Salisbury, 8 miles south, is home to the beautiful medieval Salisbury Cathedral, which holds the famous Magna Carta.

#8. Grand Canyon Skywalk

Overlooking the breathtaking vistas of the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon’s West Rim, the the Grand Canyon Skywalk is a glass-bottom “U”-shaped open-air bridge. A walk across the Skywalk— the world’s highest man-made structure—is an exhilarating experience, as your suspended 4,000 feet (1,219 m) above the canyon floor. But what you get is 720-degree views on all sides, enabling you to absorb the magnificence of the Grand Canyon itself, one of the most remarkable natural settings in the United States.

#7. Neuschwanstein Castle

See Neuschwanstein from Munich!

The inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle, Neuschwanstein is one of the most popular castles in Europe. The fairytale charm of Neuschwanstein Castle is also felt from the idyllic scenery of the Bavarian Alps. During the winter, some of the best views of the snow-capped mountains can be seen from the palace grounds. Commissioned as the private refuge for Ludwig II of Bavaria, the castle holds many stunning highlights including the throne room, which is magnificently appointed with frescos of angels.

#6. Empire State Building

The iconic Empire State Building defines “skyscraper”. Indeed, from 1931 to 1977, the 102-story Art Deco-styled structure was the world’s tallest building. After admiring the glistening Art Deco mosaics in the lobby, ride the elevator to the 86th or 102nd floors for astonishing 360-degree views of the city and surrounding states. At night, the stepped Art Deco pinnacle is floodlit with holiday and commemorative colors throughout the year—green for St Patricks Day, red and pink for Valentine’s Day, red and green for Christmas and so on.

#5. Colosseum

One of the world’s best known ancient sites, Rome’s Colosseum was where the Roman emperors liked to watch gladiators stage to-the-death battles as well as to hunt and kill wild animals. The Colosseum was built in 80 AD and is pretty amazing for complex and advanced architecture, not to mention it has held up pretty well since. The tiered seating, corridors and the underground rooms where the animals and gladiators awaited their fate are still intact. The Colosseum is the model for all modern-day stadiums; the only difference being today’s teams survive their games.

#4. Buckingham Palace

Since 1837, Buckingham Palace has been the Queen’s official residence. Today, Queen Elizabeth II holds her most important parties, gives out her annual awards, and meets and greets important people from other countries. Most of the year Buckingham Palace is closed to the public, and you can only gaze through the gates at the imposing facade and the balcony from which Charles and Diana waved when they married and where William and Kate famously shared two kisses. In summer, when the Queen heads on holiday to Balmoral Castle in Scotland, you can wander through 19 lavishly furnished staterooms including the Throne Room and part of the gardens (the largest private gardens in London). The front, or eastern entrance, is where the Changing of the Guard happens.

#3. Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge - one of many popular French attractions

During late 19th-century Paris, France was experiencing a joyful renaissance of sorts, a period that came to be called Belle Epoque. A century was coming to an end, creativity was blooming, France was not at war, and people were filled with the joys of life. What better time to launch a dance-hall of beautiful showgirls? Hence, the opening of the Moulin Rouge in 1889. Inside the world-famous cabaret venue, aristocrats came to mingle with the riffraff and women of easy virtue. There was a huge dance floor, mirrors everywhere, and an atmosphere of total euphoria. There were even donkeys for the ladies with an adventurous spirit. Today there are no donkeys, but the euphoria continues.

#2. Vatican

The popes were among the first royalty to open their vast art collections to the public. Today you can see the Vatican‘s incredible collection while touring the so-called “Vatican Museums”, a huge complex of galleries and museums showcasing paintings, sculptures, frescoes, tapestries and classical antiquities including Roman, Greek and Egyptian. There are, of course, also collections of religious art, papal portraits and, less obviously, carriages and automobiles. Any visit to the Vatican should also include the famous Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Rooms. Leave plenty of time for winding your way through the museums and the narrow connecting corridors and staircases.

#1. Eiffel Tower

The #1 spot to have a romantic moment while on a Segway: the Eiffel Tower!

The Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) in Paris was once the world’s tallest structure, towering skyward at 1,050 feet (320 m), until usurped by Manhattan’s Chrysler Building. Built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair, the tower was almost torn down 20 years later, when it proved an ideal platform for the antennas needed for the new science of radiotelegraphy. Today, the highlight of a visit are the views over Paris. When you’re done peering upward through the girders, three levels are open to the public.

We hope you enjoyed Viator’s list of the top world attractions in 2011. Stay tuned for more lists in the coming days, to help you plan your next trip across the globe. Let us know what you think, tell us about your own travel experiences, and most important of all – happy travels in 2012!

- Viator Travel Team

The World’s Top 25 Attractions: 2011 Viator Travel Awards by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Top 25 Things to Do in Central & South America: 2011 Viator Travel Awards

Viator Travel Team — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:06:08 +0000

Bienvenidos (and Bem-vindo) to our Top 25 Things to Do in Central & South America!

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Welcome to the 2011 Viator Travel Awards: Central and South America Edition! We’ve combined input from traveler reviews and photos, data from the millions of travelers who visit Viator.com each year, plus data on which tours generated the most bookings in 2011, in order to crown the Top 25 Things to Do in Central & South America in 2011!

There is no mistaking the iconic beauty of the various landmarks, both natural and man-made of Central and South America. From the magical allure of Machu Picchu to the imposing majesty of Christ the Redeemer in Rio, there are simply things to do in Central & South America that you will not want to miss.

#25. Tour the Perito Moreno Glacier

Experience the natural beauty of Patagonia with a Full Day Tour to the Perito Moreno Glacier. Visit glacier streams, small lagoons, gullies, crevasses and see plenty of ice formations. You’ll also get an impressive view of the glacier’s 200 foot (60 meter) high ice walls.

#24. Visit Manuel Antonio National Park

Tour beaches and tropical forests at Manuel Antonio National Park

Go on a guided tour to one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful parks on the Manuel Antonio National Park Day Trip from San Jose. From San Jose, you will drive along the scenic coastline, and then hike to the preserve. Once there, enjoy the beach or join a nature walk where you can spot monkeys, iguanas, birds and possibly even the three-toed sloth.

#23. Cruise on Guanabara Bay

Embark on a journey that will bring you one of the most gorgeous views of Rio de Janeiro with the Guanabara Bay Cruise with Optional Seafood Lunch. You will see the major sites from the waters, including Sugarloaf Mountain and the famous Christ the Redeemer, and also Flagstone Island, Santa Cruz Fortress and Rio- Niteroi Bridge.

#22. Take a Boat down the Panama Canal

The world famous Panama Canal doesn’t need an introduction, but surely deserves one. The construction of the canal was one of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken and it is a marvel of the world. With the Panama Canal Partial Transit Sightseeing Cruise, you can see the Miraflores Locks, talk to engineering and history buffs and cruise down the canal itself.

#21. Tour Lima

Visit the historical sights of Lima on a Sightseeing Tour!

Not known as the City of Kings for nothing, Lima is chalk full of the history, cultural and wonderment of Peru you were looking for. Jump on the Lima City Sightseeing Tour and see the shrines and landscapes of the city between visiting the San Francisco Monastery, the Cathedral of Lima, and the Lima Historical Center.

#20. Watch a Traditional Chilean Show

Becoming immersed with the local people is the best way to truly experience civilization. With the Chilean Folklore Show and Dinner tour you get not just a three-course Chilean dinner, but you also participate in a cultural show displaying the distinct regions of Chile. It is an educational experience you are sure to love.

#19. Go on a Costa Rican Canopy Adventure

Zip through the Sarapiqui Canopy and see Costa Rica's unique wildlife!

Costa Rica has an amazing wildlife, and you should try your best to go see it. With the Sarapiqui Canopy and Rainforest Day Tour, zipline through the heart of the rainforest via a boat ride from the Sarapiqui River.

#18. Sightsee in Buenos Aires

Going to Buenos Aires is in itself an amazing opportunity to explore one South America’s proudest and influential cultures. Without a little help though, you may not get the chance to see and do all that you wanted. With the Buenos Aires City Sightseeing Tour, you will do it all–walk the streets of Recoleta and Palermo, explore Colon Theater and Mayo Square as well as San Telmo.

#17. Cruise through Sepetiba Bay

From Rio de Janerio, it is worth your while to cruise the beautiful Sepetiba Bay. Jump aboard a schooner with the Rio de Janeiro Full Day Tropical Islands Tour and Sepetiba Bay Cruise, and make sure to bring your towel since you’ll be enjoying a swim after looking for dolphins, turtles and sting rays.

#16. Take a Boat Trip to Tigre

Taking a boat ride on the Rio de la Plata River is definitely one way of living the high life in Argentina. With the Tigre Delta Day Trip from Buenos Aires you can do just that, and visit the amazing ecological area of the Parana River delta.

#15. See the Best of Costa Rica

If you don’t have a whole lot of time in Costa Rica, don’t worry; you can still see it all with the Combo Tour – Best of Costa Rica from San Jose. One just one day, you can see Poas Volcano, the La Paz Waterfalls, one of the world’s largest butterfly observatories, a wide array of wildlife, flora and fauna, not to mention munch on traditional foods.

#14. Experience a Brazilian Soccer Match

Watch a match in one of the best soccer cities in the world!

Brazil doesn’t just win World Cup after World Cup for nothing, they are soccer crazy. Only a growing craze in the US, soccer in Brazil is a time-honored tradition, and the mastery of the sport here is unparalleled in most other countries. Take the Rio de Janeiro Soccer Match and Stadium Tour and see it for yourself.

#13. Watch a Tango Show

Ever wanted to learn how to tango? Well, what better place to do it than in Buenos Aires?! With Viator’s Tango Show or Tango Show plus Dinner and Dance Lessons, you will see it or dance it the way you’ve always imagined. Don’t be shy, anybody can do it!

#12. Visit Vina Del Mar and Valparaiso

Tour wineries and get great views of Vina del Mar and Valparaiso on a day trip from Santiago

Head down to central Chile and travel through wine country on the Vina Del Mar and Valparaiso Day Trip from Santiago, or alternatively on the private tour, where you stop at the “garden city” and travel to the bohemian town of Valparaiso and the Pablo Neruda Museum.

#11. Tour Arenal Volcano

Costa Rica is one of the best places in South America to experience nature. When you take the Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose, you can soak in the mineral pools and hot springs as well as enjoy the excitement of taking on the Arenal Volcano–truly a terrific combination.

#10. See Rio from a Helicopter

As if seeing Rio on the ground wasn’t beautiful enough, taking to the air brings it to a whole other level. The Rio de Janeiro Helicopter Tour offers you incredible views and some of the most spectacular photos you will ever take.

#9. Nazca Lines & Ballestas Islands

See the wildlife of the Ballestas Islands!

Taking the Nazca Lines Air Tour and Ballestas Islands Full-Day Trip from Lima puts you on the famous Ballestas Islands where you can not only take in the beautiful islands themselves, but see the birds, penguins and magnificent sea lions in all their glory. The aerial tour in a Cesna aircraft is just the cherry on top.

#8. Visit the Galapagos Islands

One of the greatest aspects of South America is that all of it cannot be seen on land. Take the Galapagos Islands Explorer Package from Santa Cruz Island and spend 4 or 5 days aboard a yacht while exploring the plant and animal life of six different islands.

#7. Discover Lima and Cusco

Of the things to see in South America, the many sights of Peru may take the cake for many. With the 7-Day Lima and Cusco Tour with Overnight at Machu Picchu, you get to see the uncontested beauty of some of South America’s best. From the famous landmarks of the cities, Inca ruins or an overnight at Macchu Pichu, this week long journey is one you will not soon forget.

#6. Explore a Rain Forest

Tour the Tijuca Rain Forest from Rio

For those who are not acquainted with the tropical environment, visiting a rain forest seems only a distant dream. The Tijuca Rain Forest Jeep Tour from Rio de Janeiro, one of Viator’s best South America tours, makes it a reality!

#5. Hike the Inca Trail

Known for the famous pilgrimage many people take here, the Inca Trail is a trek that takes you through the Urubamba Valley towards the citadel of Machu Picchu. With Viator’s Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu, you pass the ruins and breathtaking views of the Andean Mountain range.

#4. Tour the Argentinian Countryside

Enjoy a traditional meal and folkloric songs and dances in Argentina

With the Argentina Fiesta Gaucha Day Trip from Buenos Aires you can rest assured that a relaxing trip to an estancia, or ranch, is no waste of your limited time. Whether it is feasting on traditional barbeque, enjoying a horseback riding show or soaking in the famous Argentina countryside, you will get to see the full extent of beautiful Argentina.

#3. Enjoy a Samba Show

If you think you can go to Rio de Janeiro and not check out a Plataforma samba show, you have no idea what you’d be missing! A cultural and entertaining rhythmic tradition, choose the Plataforma Samba Show and dine on a delicious traditional Brazilian meal while enjoying a colorful and exotic 3-hour show.

#2. Day Trip to Machu Picchu

Visit the world-famous Incan ruins of Machu Picchu (and maybe even see the llamas and alpacas)

Finished in 1450, it did not take Machu Picchu long to define itself as one as one of the great wonders of the world. With the Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco, you get the chance to see the sacred city as it should be seen.

#1. Experience Rio’s Breathtaking Views

One of the most distinguishable landmarks in the world, get an up-close look at Christ Redeemer with the Corcovado Mountain, Christ Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain Day Tour of beautiful Rio. Take a ride in a cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain or check out the Tijuca Rain Forest–in Rio, you just cant lose.

Central & South America is a plentiful and plush region of culture, history and landmarks. To see it all would be a dream for any traveler, but for most of us, it is about finding what is most beautiful and meaningful and exploring that. Viator’s tours are dedicated to finding what is most alluring and bringing it to you through experienced and knowing eyes. We wish you safe journeys on your next trip!

We hope you enjoyed Viator’s list of the Top 25 Things to Do in Central & South America in 2011. Stay tuned for more lists in the coming days, to help you plan your next trip across the globe. Let us know what you think, tell us about your own travel experiences, and most important of all – happy travels in 2012!

- Viator Travel Team

Top 25 Things to Do in Central & South America: 2011 Viator Travel Awards by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Top 25 Travel Blogs: 2011 Viator Travel Awards

Nomadic Matt — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:53:11 +0000

Did your favorite blog make the list? Read on to find out!

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Welcome to the 2011 Viator Travel Awards: Travel Blog edition, your indispensable guide to the Top 25 Travel Blogs You Should Be Reading. Here at Viator, we love travel blogs. They’re great traveling companions and advisors, provide the travel lover with loads of tips, recommendations, photographs, great writing, and fascinating insights. Travel blogs are also great places to share your experiences and adventures. Thus, we got together and narrowed down our favorite travel blogs to present to you with this year’s picks for the Top 25 Travel Blogs of 2011!

#25. d travels ’round

The subtitle for friendly thirty-something Diana “D” Edelman is “life is not about living happily ever after, it’s about living.” Her Escapes section, especially, showcases her travels with witty, fun, and personal observations and lots of photos. She even publishes guest posts on this very blog!

#24. Landlopers

Landlopers creator and “Gen-X professional” with a passion for travel Matt Long offers an extensive site, featuring categories for travel news, travel tips, and “good eats”. Pull-down menus are arranged by locations, and his earthy, unpretentious first-person prose has a universal appeal. Photos are warm and candid, like he’s traveling right beside you.

#23. 501 Places

Travel writer Andy Jarosz shares his travel experiences in this entertaining, “non-commercial” blog designed to present fellow travelers with honest insights into the nearly 100 countries he’s visited. Essentially a labor of love, the blog is filled with photos, easy-to-read prose, and a great Travel Chatter menu, where you can talk about culture, toilets and gripes.

#22. Mallory On Travel

Epic travel photo courtesy of Mallory On Travel

Former Army Warrant Advisor and organizer for adventurous pursuits, Ian Mallory combined his love of wanderlust, “life-long need for adventure,” and experience to create this exciting blog for adventure travelers and culture seekers. Photos, insightful entries, gear recommendations, and tips make this a perfect adventure traveler companion.

#21. The Trip Chicks

Trip Chicks Ann Lombardi and Wendy Swartzell welcome leisure travelers to peruse their site and let them help you plan your trip. Boomer travel is the focus here, and these former travel consultants and tour managers help you plan group tours, cruises, soft-adventure getaways, and other leisure excursions.

#20. OttsWorld Travel Experiences

Sherry Ott, self-described “middle age wanderer”, shares her travel sojourns through friendly first-person posts and engaging photography. She likes visiting off-the-beaten path destinations, and encourages her primarily female audience to take a break from the corporate world and explore. Her pull-down menus include volunteering, tips, and 25 things you didn’t know about her.

Looking forward to more travel in 2012! - photo courtesy of Sherry Ott via OttsWorld

#19. Twenty-Something Travel

Stephanie Yoder believes in enjoying the riches the world has to offer while still in her 20s. Getting outside your comfort zone and pursuing a unique adventure is the theme. Her experiences are varied, from tasting Colombian fruits to exploring the white cliffs of Dover. Nice photos, guest posts, and travel tips help inspire.

#18. The Cranky Flier

Airline geek Brett Snyder proffers up loads of entertaining anecdotes, news, advice, assistance on airline travel. From posts on Virgin America system changes to Your Favorite Denver Airport Conspiracy, the Cranky Flier wins kudos for its unabashed (and hilariously cranky!), insightful look at the airline industry.

#17. Jaunted

For the pop culture savvy traveler, Jaunted is your first stop for the latest hip happenings around the world. From celebrity hangouts to tweeting at the Toronto airport, Jaunted has it covered. Have a Jaunted travel-worth photo, cool travel tip, or story to share? You can do that here, too.

#16. Travel For Love

Roberto & Laura travel for love! - photo courtesy of Travel for Love

Follow the travel adventures of Roberto and Laura, from Brazil and the U.S. respectively, who spend time with each other in places around the world, chronicling their travels with photography, tips, and pithy overviews of each destination they visit. The site continues to grow, and their personality and love and respect for each other and the places they visit are infectious.

#15. A Luxury Travel Blog

Want to immerse yourself in the world of luxury? Industry veteran Paul Johnson uncovers everything for the discerning traveler, from the most exclusive restaurants and luxury resorts to private island getaways and first class travel gadgets. Even for those with less-than-deep pocketbooks, the blog provides much fun for the imagination.

#14. The Travel Bite

Foodies who love to travel and travelers who love to eat can discover many epicurean delights inside this blog, created by Rachelle Lucas, who believes “the best way to learn about a destination is through its flavors”. This she does, with appetizing videos, photos, and posts on everything from the best coffees around the world to favorite sushi places. The recipe section is icing on the cake.

Find recipes for your favorite travel foods at The Travel Bite! - photo courtesy of The Travel Bite

#13. Intelligent Travel

Hiking adventures, train trips, organic farm stays, family spring break resources—National Geographic’s Intelligent Travel blog covers a wide swath of excursions with an eye on sustainable travel. National Geographic’s bounty of resources is at your disposable, too, so you’ll find eye-catching photos, insightful writing, Top 10 lists, and videos.

#12. Gridskipper

Urban travelers need look no further than Gridskipper. Discerning, in-the-know editors and writers give you the lowdown on restaurants of the moment, hip hotels, the coolest clubs, and where the beautiful people shop. It’s easy to navigate, too, and stunning photos and maps will whet your appetite for a cool urban experience.

#11. WhyGo Family

This comprehensive family travel site, part of the Bootsnall Travel Network, comes loaded with family travel guides and tips, including suggestions as where to go gelato tasting in Rome and how to spend Christmas in Portland. Detailed pull-down menus enable easy planning and provides hours of discovery.

#10. The Planet D

Dave and Deb on a Mount Everest Adventure - photo courtesy of The Planet D

Follow the adventures of Dave and Deb from Toronto as they climb, bike, hike, and paddle their way around five continents. Captivating photos, videos, and posts filled with insights and tips make this a fun spot for adventure travelers.

#9. Kyle The Vagabond

Travelers seeking new destinations will have much to discover from Kyle the Vagabond. Kyle, a seasoned travel journalist, is forever on the road, documenting his travels with lively photos, videos, unique itineraries, and concise overviews, tips, and personal picks in an easy-to-read-and-navigate guide-like style. Find guest posts by Kyle on our own Travel Blog.

#8. Nomadic Matt’s Travel Site

Nomadic Matt, a “thirty-something vagabond,” provides a comprehensive guide-like site, rich with tips, news, excellent photos, and advice. His love of travel spills onto the pages, and he even includes a blog-within-a-blog for travelers to share their experiences. The travel guide section is top-notch, including top things to see and money saving tips.

#7. Soul Travelers 3

A truly spiritual, enriching family blog, Soul Travelers 3 chronicles this Santa Cruz family’s trips around the globe. The blog shares such tips from eating healthy to family camping in Europe, along with insightful words, photos, and videos that bring their journey to life. For families new to traveling, this is an excellent resource.

The littlest of the Soul Travelers 3 in Morocco - photo courtesy of their Flickr

#6. Budget Travel

Budget Travel’s blog is the first stop for budget travelers, jam-packed with travel news, tips, up-to-date deals, planning information, travel stories, and itineraries on a budget. You’ll also find insightful travel stories and firsthand tips from travel journalists, editors, and people who just love travel. No topic goes uncovered, from eco-friendly tips and destinations to traveling on a Megabus.

#5. Where I’ve Been

Share your travel experiences on Where I’ve Been, an interactive site where you can upload photos, recommendations, and tips from places you’ve visited. You can also tap into the community and learn about new places to visit. Create a profile, make new friends, and away you go!

#4. Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet’s well-earned reputation as an essential travel resource extends to their blog, with a backpack full of topics from favorite travel literature titles and travel tips to photography and shared experiences. Whether planning a trip to outback Australia or an overland excursion in Africa, the LP staff and travel writers will point you in the right direction.

#3. Go Backpacking

Read about Peru's tallest mountain and lots more at GoBackpacking - photo courtesy of GoBackpacking

From climbing Peru’s tallest mountain to visiting the world’s most famous breweries, Go Backpacking provides how-to articles, destination advice, and budget tips on how to make the most of your travel adventure. Best-ofs make finding information easy, and the gear guides get you prepared.

#2. Frommer’s

Travel stalwart Frommer’s has come a long way in recent years, especially in the travel blog arena. Editors and writers share insights into everything travel, from London’s Punk Beer Revolution to the latest in cruises. Namesake traveler expert Arthur Frommer’s is here, too, with his sharp and savvy insights.

#1. Gadling

Affiliated with Huffington Post, Gadling is one of the most popular travel blogs. It’s a comprehensive site, covering everything from budget travel and travel news to a variety of travel tips and travel technology. Stories, podcasts, and videos are always entertaining, and often surprise with fun topics. Interactive maps and crisp photos make it fun site for armchair travelers, too.

That’s Viator’s list of the Top 25 Travel Blogs in 2011. Stay tuned for more lists in the coming days, to help you plan your next trip across the globe. Let us know what you think, tell us about your own travel experiences, and most important of all – happy travels in 2012!

- Viator Travel Team

Top 25 Travel Blogs: 2011 Viator Travel Awards by Nomadic Matt from Viator Travel Blog

Top 25 Things to Do in Africa & the Middle East: 2011 Viator Travel Awards

Viator Travel Team — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:45:47 +0000

Hooray! It's time for the Top 25 Things to Do in Africa & the Middle East!

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Welcome to the 2011 Viator Travel Awards: Africa & the Middle East Edition! We’ve combined input from traveler reviews and photos, data from the millions of travelers who visit Viator.com each year, plus data on which tours generated the most bookings in 2011, in order to crown the Top 25 Things to Do in Africa & the Middle East in 2011!

Whether it’s an African safari or the romance of the Middle Eastern desert, traveling through to these parts of the world carries an unparalleled allure compared to the rest of the world. In old Israel, Egypt, or South Africa, their great cities have endured time and a strong cultural backbone will surely impress travelers. Here are Viator’s Top 25 Things to Do in Africa & the Middle East.

#25. Explore Cape Point

Kick off your vacation with a wine tour of South Africa and dive into the spectacular coastal drives through to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve with the Cape Point Highlights Tour and Wine Tasting in Stellenbosch.

#24. Immerse yourself in Egyptian history

See Alabaster Mosque in Egypt

There is certainly more to Egypt than the Sphinx and the Great Pyramids. With the Private Tour: Egyptian Museum, Alabaster Mosque, Khan el-Khalili, you go to three of central Cairo’s most famous sites — the Egyptian Museum, Alabaster Mosque and Khan el-Khalili for a full-flavored Egyptian experience.

#23. Experience Moroccan food and culture

Get down on some Moroccan belly dancing and enjoy the fun and excitement of Morocco with the Fantasia Moroccan Dinner and Cultural Show, complete with a meal in traditional settings.

#22. Go on an overnight safari

The Arabian night is an alluring adventure exemplified in folklore and fairy tales alike. Create one of your own on the Private Overnight Safari – 1001 Arabian Stars – Camel Farm, Sandboarding, Camel Rock and BBQ Dinner, where you get all the aforementioned benefits in a safari package sure to leave you satisfied.

21. Tour Alexandria

See Alexandria on a day trip from Cairo!

The road to the historic city of Alexandria is journey worth pursuing. With all-important sights such as the Kom ash-Shuqqafa Roman burial site, Pompey’s Pillar and Roman amphitheater and the Alexandria Library, Viator’s Private Tour: Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo takes you there.

#20. Explore the Berber Trails

Going to Morocco has always epitomized the essence of a romantic getaway from the trails of everyday life–a dream for most. Well, it doesn’t have to be with the Berber Trails 4WD Day Trip from Marrakech, where you can explore the valleys on your way to the pristine summits of Atlas Mountain.

#19. Sightsee in Abu Dhabi

Explore the capital of the United Arab Emirates with the Abu Dhabi City Sightseeing Tour – The Arabian Jewel and see the lush greenery, beautiful parks, and rows of trees in the city on your way to Abu Dhabi’s oldest building and the 18th century Al Husn Palace.

#18. Go quad biking through the desert

See the desert from Sharm el Sheikh

Go Quad Biking in the Egyptian Desert from Sharm el Sheikh and scope out the Sinai desert with the whole family in an exciting and fantastic way. Includes pick-up and drop-off from central Sharm el Sheikh hotels.

#17. Dine on the Nile

Treat yourself and take a cruise down the Nile River with the Nile River Dinner Cruise in Cairo aboard one of the most elegant cruising restaurants sailing the world’s longest waterway. With music, food, and an after-dinner belly-dancing show and folklore band, you will surely have a great time.

#16. Enjoy the scenery of Cape Peninsula

For some of the regions most impressive nature tourism, Cape Peninsula and its very impressive Cape Peninsula Tour from Cape Town Hout Bay, you have the option of taking a boat trip to Duiker Island to see Cape fur seals. You will also get to visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.

#15. Sightsee in Israel

Visit the Wailing Wall in Israel

Israel is one impressive country. For those who do not have enough time to see it all, take the Day Tour to Jerusalem and Bethlehem from Tel Aviv and cover your bases, seeing the modern and up and coming city of Tel Aviv, the historic and all important city of Jerusalem, and the religious town of Bethlehem.

#14. Search for Africa’s “Big Five”

With the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve Safari and Sun City Day Trip you are in proximate of over 7,000 animals and put right in the hunt to spot for Africa’s “Big Five”: elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards and African buffalo.

#13. Tour the Abu Simbel temples

On Viator’s Private Tour: Abu Simbel Flight and Tour from Aswan, you are whisked by air to Abu Simbel for an unforgettable adventure. You will visit the Great Temple of Ramses II and smaller Temple of Hathor surrounded by ancient statues and most impressive structures.

#12. Float in the Dead Sea

Read a book while floating in the Dead Sea? Why not!

The Dead Sea is so salty that it is said no sea life can possibly live in it. It is also so salty that you will float right to the top if you lie in it. With the Masada and the Dead Sea Day Trip from Tel Aviv you get to see only just the famous Dead Sea, but also visit the long abandoned city of Masada, conquered in one of the most tragic tales by the Romans.

#11. Fly over Dubai

One of the safest and most interesting towns in the Middle East, Dubai is more than just a major regional business hub with lots of financial support and modern cityscape. It is all the more reasons to get into the air with the Dubai Seaplane Flight and see it from above.

#10. Travel to Petra

The city of stone, and certainly one of the worlds most majestic and important historical sight, Petra in Jordan is a true wonder. With the Private Tour: Petra Day Trip from Amman or the Petra Day Trip from Tel Aviv – UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can see it all for yourself.

#9. See animals on a safari

Quite simply, when you are in South Africa, going on the safari has to be done. With the Aquila Game Reserve Wildlife Safari from Cape Town, you are only a 90-minute drive away from the most exotic wildlife–from lions to leopards, springboks to zebras, or the black and blue wildebeests.

African Elephant

#8. Save time at the airport: Dubai Private Arrival Airport Transfer

Convenience is the key to good travel and the Dubai Private Departure Airport Transfer is one way of making sure that happens. Travel from your Dubai city, Jumairah, Palm Jumairah, Sharjah, Jebel Ali hotel or Dubai Port to the Dubai International Airport effortlessly.

#7. Travel down the Nile

With private tours of Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo and Philae Temple in Aswan, the 4-Day Nile River Cruise from Aswan to Luxor with Optional Private Guide gives you the complete experience of famous Nile.

#6. Float over Dubai in a balloon

Dubai is beautiful on its own when just walking around, but there is no better way to experience it than soaring high above its romantically rocky and dry terrain in a balloon. With the Dubai Hot Air Balloon Flight, you do just that.

#5. Visit the Great Pyramids

When in Egypt, there is truly only one sight that reigns over all, the pyramids. Do it in style with the Private Tour: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, Sakkara, and get a detailed history lesson of one of the world’s truly great civilizations.

#4. Tour Jordan’s famous landmarks

Petra, Jordan

Containing some of the world’s greatest wonders, Jordan is not only one of the most historically significant destinations, but a natural one as well. With the Private 4-Day Jordan Special Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum and The Dead Sea, you can see the city of stone in Petra, and perhaps the saltiest body of water on the planet, the Dead Sea.

#3. Explore Kruger National Park

Taking a safari in the famous Kruger National Park in Africa is what traveling is all about. On the 3-Day Classic Kruger Breakaway Tour from Johannesburg, you will see just what all the hubbub is about with the African safari–lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinoceros, you see it all.

#2. Sight-see in Dubai

From the Dubai Museum to an Arabian Dhow Cruise, there are many Middle Eastern delights to be discovered in the UAE. With the Dubai Hop-on Hop-off Tour or Dubai City Half-Day Sightseeing Tour or you can check out the glamor of one of the regions most developed and fascinating towns.

#1. Go on a desert safari

Take to the sands of Dubai with the 4×4 Dubai Desert Safari, or alternatively the Private Tour: 4×4 Desert Adventure Safari from Dubai and you will not only get to explore the vast horizons of the Middle East’s famed desert land, but you’ll smoke a shisha water pipe and enjoy traditional belly dancing over a BBQ dinner. Not bad.

We hope you enjoyed Viator’s list of the Top 25 Things to Do in Africa & the Middle East in 2011. Stay tuned for more lists in the coming days, to help you plan your next trip across the globe. Let us know what you think, tell us about your own travel experiences, and most important of all – happy travels in 2012!

- Viator Travel Team

Top 25 Things to Do in Africa & the Middle East: 2011 Viator Travel Awards by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Top 10 Dining Experiences Around the World: 2011 Viator Travel Awards

Viator Travel Team — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:44:11 +0000

Be warned - this post might make you hungry!

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Welcome to the 2011 Viator Travel Awards: Food Edition! We’ve combined input from traveler reviews and photos, data from the millions of travelers who visit Viator.com each year, plus data on which dining tours generated the most bookings in 2011, in order to crown the Top 10 Dining Experiences Around the World in 2011!

Our dining experiences combine our two great loves: food and travel. Ranging from romantic to unique, our dining tours aim to give you everything that you might expect from a high-end restaurant plus a memorable experience that is unique to the destination. These food tours are guaranteed to give you an appetite and make you hungry for more!

#10. Traditional English Afternoon Tea at Grosvenor House

Taking afternoon tea is a quintessentially English custom that has been adopted and popularized worldwide and it doesn’t get more English than enjoying a London Afternoon Tea at Grosvenor House. On this tour you’ll nibble on cucumber sandwiches and cakes and sip tea from your bone china cup as you enjoy the strains of the resident pianist. Grosvenor House is one of London’s most exclusive addresses and commands fabulous views of Hyde Park and bustling Park Lane below. It’s the perfect way to begin or end a trip to London.

Treats at the London Afternoon Tea at Grosvenor House

#9. Dinner overlooking the Grand Prix circuit

You’ll feel like a secret agent or a VIP on the Small-Group Evening Tour and Dinner in Monte Carlo from Nice experience. Enjoy a scenic coastal drive and panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea as you are driven from your Nice hotel to Monte Carlo. After a tour of the Formula One Grand Prix circuit, you’ll sit down to a leisurely three-course dinner. Having a flutter at the casino is optional!

#8. Skip the Line at Hard Rock Cafe

Why wait in line when you can skip it altogether? Our Skip the Line: Hard Rock Cafe tours are a great way to secure your seat and skip to the front of the queue. Sit down to a pre-ordered menu at London’s original Hard Rock Cafe (1971) and see Eric Clapton’s Lead II Fender as well as heaps more rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia here and at the Hard Rock Cafes in Rome and Paris too.

#7. Disney Character Breakfast at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Want some one-on-one time with Mickey? Care to get cozy with Daisy Duck? Or maybe you’d like to debate the advantages of waffles over pancakes with a Disney Princess? The Disney Character Breakfast at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort gives you the opportunity to do just that: enjoy breakfast with the Disney characters, away from the crowds. It’s guaranteed to keep the kids smiling for weeks!

Catch great views at the Revoloving 66 Restaurant in Hong Kong

#6. Revolving 66 Restaurant in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s famous skyline and harbor has to be one of the world’s most photographed and admired images. On the Hong Kong Harbor Night Cruise and Dinner at Revolving 66 Restaurant you’ll be able to see it for yourself from up high in the city’s only revolving restaurant. This popular tour also includes a short walking tour through the Temple Street Night Market in Kowloon and a relaxing harbor cruise onboard a Chinese junk!

#5. Singapore Flyer Sky Dining

Dine on board the world’s largest observation wheel in Singapore

And for something a little different… The Singapore Flyer Sky Dining experience treats you to a full butler dinner service on the world’s largest observation wheel. Enjoy a welcome drink and a three-course meal as you rotate slowly above Singapore’s iconic landmarks. The Singapore Flyer is a masterpiece of engineering that stands at 165 meters (541 feet) tall close to the Singapore River.

#4. Sounds of Silence Restaurant

Be seduced by an endless outback sky and the sounds of didgeridoo as you kick back and enjoy a gourmet Aussie barbecue on the Sounds of Silence Restaurant tour. Nibble canapés and bush tucker with native meats such as kangaroo, barramundi, crocodile and emu as you watch the sun go down over Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the Olgas (Kata Tjuta). Spend the rest of the evening star gazing under the expert guidance of the outback’s resident astronomer.

#3. Dinner on the Eiffel Tower

Enjoy a three-course dinner and great views of Paris at the Eiffel Tower

What could be more romantic than dining at the Eiffel Tower and cruising along the Seine in the City of Love? This highly rated Eiffel Tower Dinner and Seine River Cruise includes a three-course dinner in the Eiffel Tower complete with fabulous views of Paris. And if that wasn’t enough, you’ll be ushered aboard a boat for a guided cruise down the Seine where you’ll take in the sights and twinkling lights of this seductive city.

#2. Sydney Tower Restaurant Buffet

Enjoy panoramic views of Sydney as you enjoy a tasty all-you-can-eat meal at the Sydney Tower Restaurant Buffet. This tour is an opportunity to get a birds-eye-view of the city’s famous sights including Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, Hyde Park and more. Formerly known as Centrepoint Tower, the Tower Restaurant is Sydney’s tallest building and the highest revolving restaurant in the Southern Hemisphere.

#1. Colonial Tramcar Restaurant in Melbourne

The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne is our No.1 dining experience. A huge hit with locals and tourists alike, this top-voted tour takes you on a tram ride along the city’s main thoroughfares as you sit back and relax, dine on a choice of lunch or dinner and gaze contentedly out of the window at Melbourne’s best sights. Expect to see Queen Victoria Market, Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, the Yarra River and Southbank, St Kilda and more as you enjoy free flowing drinks and a delicious meal of your choosing.

Feeling hungry yet? We are. We hope you enjoyed Viator’s list of the Top 10 Dining Experiences Around the World in 2011. Stay tuned for more lists in the coming days, to help you plan your next trip across the globe. Let us know what you think, tell us about your own travel experiences, and most important of all – happy travels in 2012!

- Viator Travel Team

Top 10 Dining Experiences Around the World: 2011 Viator Travel Awards by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Top 25 Things to Do in the Caribbean: 2011 Viator Travel Awards

Viator Travel Team — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:15:32 +0000

Hooray - it's the Caribbean Viator Travel Awards!

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Welcome to the 2011 Viator Travel Awards: Caribbean Edition! We’ve combined input from traveler reviews and photos, data from the millions of travelers who visit Viator.com each year, plus data on which Caribbean tours generated the most bookings in 2011, in order to crown the Top 25 Things to Do in the Caribbean in 2011!

The gorgeous landmarks of the Caribbean make one of the planet’s most scenic and plentiful sub-tropic regions an ideal destination for relaxation and adventure. With Viator’s Top 25 Things to Do in the Caribbean, you will see that a variety of activities can be done with great ease. Let’s count it down to number one.

#25. Day trip to the Rio Camuy Cave Park

Explore underground rivers and giant caves at Rio Camuy Cave Park

Certainly, there is a lot to do in beautiful Puerto Rico, but diving into a cave as old as the western hemisphere? Take the Rio Camuy Cave Park and Arecibo Observatory from San Juanand enjoy the third largest underground river cavern system in the world.

#24. Have a kayak adventure on the Bioluminescent Bay

The sparkling and glistening Bioluminescent Bay of Puerto Rico made the list at number 24. With beautiful florescent plankton lighting up the water, getting into this exotic and wondrous body of water should be a priority, and there’s no better way to do it than to take the Bioluminescent Kayak Adventure tour from San Juan.

#23. Ride ATVs in Jamaica

The rough terrains inland of Montego Bay can slow down even the fittest of travelers. If you want to see it all, you’ll have to jump on an exciting ATV. With Jamaica’s ATV Off-Road Adventure to Sandy Bay, you will not only get to explore, but take a stop for some traditional jerk chicken and a crisp beer.

#22. Go inner tubing down the Great River

Explore the rushing raids of the Great River of Jamaica, and see for yourself its stunning natural fauna and flora while on an exciting tubing safari. Located in Montego Bay, with the Jungle River Tubing Safari you can sip on some rum punch as you relax and let your guide show you all.

#21. Visit Prickly Pear from St Martin

Make friends with the locals at Prickly Pear

When in St Martin, foremost, have fun, but secondly, have fun on its paradise beaches. With the Day Trip to the Island of Prickly Pear from St Martin, you get the chance to do just that while snorkeling and enjoying the fine local cuisines around the calm waters of the Prickly Pear Cay.

#20. Experience St Lucia’s Aerial Tram

There are a lot of cool ways to explore St Lucia, but perhaps the most exciting way is via zip line. An absolute adventure, the St Lucia Aerial Tram and Zipline Canopy Tour starts with a gondola ride and hike through the rainforest then takes you on an aerial thrill-ride over the canopy.

#19. Take a ferry to St. Barts

Take the St. Barts Ferry Transfer from St. Martin and spend the whole day beach-hopping around one of the world’s most renowned holiday spots. Explore the islands and soak in the views as you finally understand the true meaning of the word relaxation.

#18. Go snorkeling in the Bahamas

Go on a snorkeling adventure in Nassau!

Worth the trip to the Caribbean in itself, the vast and majestic underwater world is thrilling to explore. For those that cannot quite bear a full scuba exploration, try the Nassau Snorkel Bahamas Adventure and swim in the famous reefs with the sharks.

#17. Sail along Puerto Plata to the Bay of Sosua

Enjoy the luxury of a 54-foot catamaran along the north coast from the Bay of Playa Dorada to the spectacular Bay of Sosua on the Sosua Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling tour. See the Dominican Republic‘s clear waters, beautiful views and hidden beaches in between snorkeling and enjoying an on-board buffet.

#16. Take an underwater cruise in your own “Scenic Underwater Bubble” (SUB)

Did somebody say private submarine? With the Nassau SUB Bahamas Adventure tour that’s exactly what you get. Zip through the coral gardens of the Bahamas and see all that is the glory of its colorful and vast underwater life.

#15. Tour of the east and west coasts of Barbados

Explore the Best of Barbados Tour and see its east coast for all the wonderful nature you can handle. Visit the Wildlife Reserve for a glimpse of its famous green tail monkeys then go on to the western coast for a taste of scenic sandy white beaches and underwater activity.

#14. Go on an off-road adventure in the Dominican Republic

Take the Dominican Republic Monster Truck Safari and leave the bustling urban center of Punta Cana behind. Truck through the roads of the back country, eat traditional cuisines, and see the green country on an exciting 8×8 vehicle.

#13. Enjoy a cruise off the waters of Punta Cana

Take to the beautiful Caribbean paradise waters off the coast of Punta Cana with the Tropical Storm Bavaro Cruise and sail past the Dominican coastline. You will enjoy a wonderful lunch aboard a ship and snorkel through the crystal clear waters below. This one is a family winner!

Cruise through the pristine waters surrounding Punta Cana

#12. Cruise to a remote island from Nassau

Nassau is of course a wonderful time, but hopping on a high-powered cruise boat headed to a private island on the Exuma chain is also pretty great. The Exuma Powerboat Adventure gets you an exhilarating and romantic ride out to the Allens Cay for a chance to see and even feed sharks, stingrays and iguanas.

#11. Swim with dolphins at Ocean World

A fan favorite at Ocean World in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, grabbing a swim with the dolphins is an experience like no other. Dance and play with one of the oceans most fascinating creatures with the Ocean World Dolphin Swim and enjoy an unforgettable snorkeling adventure.

#10. Go zip lining in Puerto Rico

Eco-adventures can be some of the most thrilling ways to travel. On the Zipline Canopy Eco-Adventure from San Juan you go right to the heart of Puerto Rico’s forest for a fun-filled day of high-flying zip lining. Jumping on a variety of zip-lines and a suspension bridge are sure to get your heart racing.

"Weeeeee!"

#9. Ride a zip line in Jamaica

With the adrenaline rush you get from zip lining, you just won’t be able to get enough. On the Canopy Tour of Jamaica, you get to soar 45 feet (14 meters) above ground in the jungle with certified guides who will take you on 9 traverses and nature walks.

#8. Spend the afternoon at Dunns River Falls

The shopper’s paradise of Jamaica, Ocho Rios is also one of its most alluring cities. With the Dunns River Falls and Ocho Rios Shopping Tour, you can shop to your heart’s delight before hitting the gorgeous Dunns River Falls, known for its 600 feet (180 meters) plunge into the sea.

#7. Sail along St. Lucia’s tropical west coast

Just another day in one of the most beautiful places on Earth!

One of the most picturesque places on the planet, St Lucia is a coastal delight when seen from a catamaran. Take the St Lucia Catamaran Day Sail to explore the landmark Pitons before visiting the Diamon Botanical Gardens and, of course, the natural waterfalls and vibrantly blue tropical waters.

#6. Tour Bacardi, the world’s largest rum distillery

We already know what Bacardi is, so now it’s time to see how the Caribbean delight gets made. With the Rum Distillery and Old San Juan Half-Day Tour you go to Old San Juan, along its cobblestone streets, past the colonial architecture and into the world’s largest rum distillery. When you’re done with that, the whole town is your oyster, as it is all a National Historic Preservation.

#5. Go buggy riding in Punta Cana

A Dominican Republic delight, the Punta Cana Half-Day Dune Buggy Adventure gets you into an exciting rough terrain trained vehicle, past colorful houses, and across the breathtaking landscapes of banana plantations and farmland.

Vroom vroom! Drive through the back roads of the Dominican Republic on a buggy tour

#4. Cruise to Saona Island

There’s nothing quite like relaxing on the beach, and in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, there may be no better style. Check out the coconut palms, sandy beaches and dark blue waters of the Caribbean while on the Catamaran Cruise to Saona Island from Punta Cana.

#3. Pre-book a roundtrip airport transfer

We all know vacation time is scarce, so with the Montego Bay Roundtrip Airport Transfer, you skip all the lines and go right to the front, getting directly to your hotel in the quickest manner possible.

#2. Explore Puerto Rico’s El Yunque rainforest

Enjoy the ultimate life of leisure as you take nature trails through the waterfalls and natural scenic beauty of the Puerto Rican subtropics via the El Yunque Rainforest Half-Day Trip from San Juan. You’ll pass local towns before discovering the more than 240 species of plants and wildlife found in the rainforest.

#1. Take a snorkel and picnic cruise from San Juan

Feed fish and lots more on the San Juan Snorkel and Picnic Cruise!

For anyone that has ever wanted to find themselves on the white sandy beaches of San Juan, there’s an endless supply of things to see and do. With miles of beach and plush aquatic life to explore, there is really little more one can ask for. With the San Juan Snorkel and Picnic Cruise, you get all of it–relax on the beach, explore the living coral reef, enjoy a picnic lunch and more!

With so much to do in the Caribbean and so little time to do it in, let Viator take you there. Choose from the handpicked hot spots of the tropics, from the whitest of sandy beaches to the depths of the plushest rain forests.

That’s Viator’s list of the Top 25 Things to Do in the Caribbean in 2011. Stay tuned for more lists in the coming days, to help you plan your next trip across the globe. Let us know what you think, tell us about your own travel experiences, and most important of all – happy travels in 2012!

- Viator Travel Team

Top 25 Things to Do in the Caribbean: 2011 Viator Travel Awards by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Top 10 Bike Tours: 2011 Viator Travel Awards

Viator Travel Team — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:40:48 +0000

Ready, set, go! It's Viator's Top Bike Tours of 2011!

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Welcome to the 2011 Viator Travel Awards: Bike Tours Edition! We’ve combined input from traveler reviews and photos, data from the millions of travelers who visit Viator.com each year, plus data on which Bike tours generated the most bookings in 2011, in order to crown the Top 10 Bike Tours in 2011!

Bike tours are a fun and efficient way to get around cities and their surrounding areas in a small amount of time. Catering to every level of ability, bike tours tend not to be strenuous and are often much less exhausting than walking everywhere and catching local transport! Great value for money, bike tours also give you the added bonus of learning about the history of each place and experiencing the layout of an area first-hand under the tutelage of an experienced and knowledgeable guide.

Here’s our list of the top bike tours in 2011!

#10. Hawaii Volcano National Park by Bike

Cycle around Hawaii‘s Volcano National Park on the Kilauea Volcano and Wine Tasting Bike Tour. This tour takes you over a variety of terrains from lush ancient rainforests to dynamic lava formations. You will travel through a variety of microclimates, stand by steaming vents, walk through a lava tube and maybe even see active lava flowing into the sea. You can also enjoy the added comfort of having a support van nearby and a wine tasting at the end of the tour!

#9. See San Francisco on a Bike

Get great views of (and from) the Golden Gate Bridge on a San Francisco bike tour!

Ride over the Golden Gate Bridge, along the coast, and explore the coastal town of Sausalito on the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour. Enjoy the fabulous views and lunch at one of the town’s many restaurants or cafes before heading back to San Francisco by ferry.

#8. Cycle around Amsterdam

Blend in with the locals as you explore Amsterdam by bike. Amsterdam is heaven sent for cyclists and on the Amsterdam Historical City Bike Tour you’ll see why. Cycle past richly decorated 17th century homes and warehouses, pedal along canals and take in all the city’s most significant attractions on this three-hour guided tour.

#7. Cruise around Berlin

The most fun way to see Berlin? On a bike!

The Berlin Bike Tour is a great introduction to Berlin‘s rich history: from the city’s founding, the Prussians, the Weimar Republic, Hitler and the Third Reich to a city divided by the Wall. See all of Berlin’s top sights with an informative guide and then sample local brews at a popular beer garden.

#6. Tour Tuscany & Florence by Bike

Cycle through the beautiful Tuscan countryside on the Tuscany Bike Tour from Florence. This full-day tour takes you past olive groves, vineyards, castles and villa estates before stopping for a traditional Italian lunch in Chianti and then heading back to Florence. You can also see the city sights by bike on the Florence Bike Tour.

#5. See Paris on a Bike

Oh la la! Cycle around the world’s most romantic city on the Paris Bike Tour. Take in the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Napoleon’s Tomb, the Champs-Elysees plus heaps of other significant sights on this four-hour bike tour. You’ll break for lunch at a lovely café in the shade of the Tuileries Gardens. Alternatively, see the City of Light at night on the Paris Night Bike Tour.

#4. Cycle around Barcelona on a Bike

Let's go see Barcelona!

The Barcelona Half-Day Bike Tour is an easy and fun way to see the best of Barcelona. Discover the city’s rich history with a knowledgeable guide as you cycle to Placa Sant Jaume, La Sagrada Familia, Parc de la Ciutadella and more on this great value tour. You’ll also get to hit the beach!

#3. Wine Tasting from Vienna by Bike

In third place is our Wine Tasting Bike Tour departing Vienna. Ride through the picturesque Wachau Valley for a day’s easy exploration with an experienced guide. Enjoy wine tasting, pretty villages, spectacular scenery and fresh mountain air. If the weather’s fine you might even want to consider a dip in the Danube!

#2. Cruise around Rome on a Bike

Our second most popular bike tour goes to the Rome City Bike Tour. On this tour you’ll explore the sights of ancient and modern Rome on two wheels taking in its ancient monuments, classic shopping streets, beautiful churches and fountains. You’ll also be privy to hidden squares and alleyways that are less commonly seen by tourists.

Another popular Rome bike tour that gets you out of the city and into Rome’s surrounding countryside and ancient roads is the Ancient Appian Way, Catacombs and Roman Countryside Bike Tour.

#1. Tour Versailles by Bike

Our top rated bike tour goes to… the Versailles by Bike Day Tour! On this tour you’ll visit the Versailles village market to buy picnic provisions before riding to the enormous gardens at the Palace of Versailles. Here you can enjoy easy access to a network of trails and tree-lined paths not easily accessible on foot and then stop for a picnic at the end of the Grand Canal. After grazing on baguettes and cheeses in front of sweeping views of the palace, you will ride to the grand building itself for an audio tour.

A close runner-up in this category was the Giverny and Monet’s Garden Bike Tour, which takes you through the picturesque Normandy countryside to Giverny and the famous gardens of Claude Monet.

That’s Viator’s list of the Top 10 Bike Tours in 2011. Stay tuned for more lists in the coming days, to help you plan your next trip across the globe. Let us know what you think, tell us about your own travel experiences, and most important of all – happy travels in 2012!

- Viator Travel Team

Top 10 Bike Tours: 2011 Viator Travel Awards by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Top 25 Things to Do in Asia: 2011 Viator Travel Awards

Viator Travel Team — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 20:30:27 +0000

Get ready for the Top 25 Things to Do in Asia!

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Welcome to the 2011 Viator Travel Awards: Asia Edition! We’ve combined input from traveler reviews and photos, data from the millions of travelers who visit Viator.com each year, plus data on which tours generated the most bookings in 2011, in order to crown the Top 25 Things to Do in Asia in 2011!

#25. Experience a Tea Ceremony

Full of great sights and experiences, the Tokyo Tower, Tea Ceremony and Sumida River Cruise Day Tour by Viator packs in the most of what Tokyo has to offer. Enjoy a cruise on the Sumida River or explore the Asakusa Kannon Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, it is all organized in one unforgettable day for you.

#24. Sightsee in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur may be known as a layover destination to some, but the true explorer will tell you Malaysia is full of worthwhile gems, including KL! The Kuala Lumpur Grand Full-Day Tour including Lunch private tour gives you the best opportunity to see it all, stopping at the National Museum, Batu Caves and of course, Petronas Twin Towers.

#23. Discover Malacca

The Historical Malacca Full-Day Tour from Kuala Lumpur including Lunch gets you to the oldest trading port in Malaysia. Get a close look at St Paul’s Hill and the famous gateway of St Paul’s Church.

#22. Dine Aboard the Singapore Flyer

View from the Singapore Flyer

Singapore Flyer Sky Dining, by Viator, is a 90-minute luxury fine-dining experience atop the world’s largest observation wheel. The apple of many a-visitors eyes when in beautiful Singapore, this family-friendly experience is an Asia tour not worth missing.

#21. Day Trip to Nikko National Park

Get out to the scenic countryside and shrines of the famous Nikko National Park. With the Viator day trip from Tokyo see Toshogu Shrine, Irohazaka and even have a nice Japanese lunch at a local restaurant.

#20. Explore the Mekong Delta

One of the most famous bodies of water in the world, a trip to Vietnam must include time spent at the Mekong Delta. With the Mekong Delta Discovery Small Group Adventure Tour from Ho Chi Minh City, you are only a short distance away from the exotic and narrow corridors of a scenic wonderment that is Southeast Asia.

#19. Watch the Symphony of Lights

Truly eye candy, the Symphony of Lights Hong Kong Harbor Night Cruise takes synchronized light shows to another level. Cruise Hong Kong‘s Victoria Harbor and see a full-on skyscraper light show, with music and commentary–a hi-tech evening, in a hi-tech city.

#18. Tour Picturesque Chinese Towns

Zhouzhuang Water Village

Taking the Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Village Day Trip from Shanghai, you get to see two great picturesque towns for the price of one. See how daily life in these old and majestic towns has remained unchanged over centuries, visiting its magnificent gardens, and quaint streets.

#17. Take a Boat to Ayutthaya

A wonderfully cultural in Thailand should include a trip to the Ayutthaya Temples. Going through the ancient capital of Siam via riverboat through Viator’s Thailand’s Ayutthaya Temples and River Cruise from Bangkok, see Wat Mahathat and Buddha’s head entwined in tree roots as you get acquainted with one of Asia’s most storied cultures.

#16. Visit Sentosa Island

Singapore Sentosa Island Afternoon Trip is a great way to see the most relaxing resort around. Take a cable car through the scenic wonder of island haven, while pink dolphins play at the lagoon and the diverse and beautiful underwater beneath awaits your arrival.

#15. Take a Sunset Cruise in Hong Kong

An absolutely romantic oriental delight, taking the Hong Kong Sunset Cruise plus Dinner at the Jumbo Floating Restaurant is the perfect way to woo a loved one in the pearl of Asia. Watch as the city lights up on your cruise as you enjoy unlimited drinks and a 9-course Chinese dinner.

Vibrant and exciting, on the Singapore Chinatown Trishaw Night Tour or the Singapore by Night Tour with Dinner at Clarke Quay, you can see what all the hubbub is about in Singapore. Take an unforgettable trishaw ride through the Night Market, night cruise by traditional bumboat and see a master calligrapher convert your name into Chinese characters at the Yong Gallery.

#13. Tour Hong Kong Island

Get yourself oriented with one of Asia’s best-known towns with the Hong Kong Island Half-Day Tour. Ride the Victoria Peak tram, see Panoramic views from atop Victoria Peak, and the Picturesque Repulse Bay all before noon.

#12. Experience Kyoto

The magic of Kyoto is undeniable. A historical and monumental destination for any Asia goer, with the Kyoto Full-Day Sightseeing Tour including Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple, you get to all the major sights, as well as do a little shopping at the Kyoto Handicraft Center.

#11. Sightsee in Tokyo

One of Asia’s greatest cities, take what time you have in Tokyo, and use it wisely. With the Panoramic Tokyo Day Tour – Meiji Shrine, Asakusa Temple and Tokyo Bay Cruise, you’ll get to visit the country’s most famous Shinto shrine, see the Imperial Palace and take a nice cruise on the Tokyo Bay.

#10. Ride an Elephant in Bangkok

Ride an elephant in Thailand

When in Bangkok, all the stress of a busy city may leave you yearning for a little nature. With the Khao Yai National Park and Elephant Ride Day Trip from Bangkok you get the chance to sample indigenous fruits, see black bears and leopards and take an elephant ride through Pakchong Creek.

#9. Tour Guangzhou

In mainland China, Guangzhou has iconic sights of the city, a Chinese panda at the Safari Park, or Qin Dynasty Terracotta Warriors and Horses from Xi’an. For this, we recommend the Guangzhou (Canton) China Day Trip from Hong Kong.

#8. Sightsee in Singapore

As a main central business hub of Asia, Singapore may not seem as ideal a spot for visitors as you think, but it is. With the Singapore City Tour with optional Singapore Flyer or the See Singapore Attraction Pass, check out Chinatown’s ancient Thian Hock Keng Temple and handicraft center, Marina Bay, or the Thousands of colorful orchid species in the National Orchid Garden.

#7. Travel around Japan by Train

Japan is commonly at the top of most peoples what to do in Asia list, and it is no wonder. Seeing Mt Fuji, visiting Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Shrine and Deer Park or Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, with the Kyoto and Nara 2-Day or 3-Day Rail Tour by Bullet Train from Tokyo, you can have it all.

#6. Explore one of Asia’s Seven Wonders

The Taroko Gorge Full-Day Tour from Taipei you take a short plane trip one of the most impressive sights in the world. Travel through the tunnel of nine turns, see the eternal spring shrine, and visit a marble park.

#5. Travel to Macau

Giant Buddha on Lantau Island

Taking a trip to Macau is one of the most wonderful things to do in Asia. One of the oldest European settlements on the continent, with a Macau Day Trip from Hong Kong you can see the evocative ruins of the Old Fort and the famous St Paul Church.

#4. See the Giant Buddha on Lantau Island

Go to Hong Kong’s largest island via Viator’s Lantau Island and Giant Buddha Day Trip from Hong Kong and discover amazing beaches, wonderful valley’s beautiful mountains and spiritual enlightenment.

#3. Visit the Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary in Kuala Lumpur

Only 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Viator’s Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary Day Private Tour, gets you into the tropical forest for an up and close look at the elephants that have defined Asia for so many years. Feed, ride and experience the thrill of bathing the elephants and take a trip to an oil and rubber plantation.

#2. Tour the Singapore Zoo

As exotic as it gets, see the monkey’s of the Singapore Zoo with the Singapore Zoo Morning Tour with optional Jungle Breakfast and see first hand one of Viator’s top Asia tours, complete with a tour of the zoo’s beautiful grams by tram and Asia’s most majestic wildlife.

#1. Take a Bullet Train to Mt Fuji

Quite simply one of the greatest natural sights to visit on the globe, Japan’s hottest attraction, Mt Fuji is always a winner. With Viator’s Mt Fuji, Lake Ashi and Bullet Train Day Trip from Tokyo, you can cruise Lake Ashi enjoy the famous bullet train and of course, Mt Fuji. Also try the 2-Day Mt Fuji, Hakone and Bullet Train Tour from Tokyo and 2-Day Mt Fuji and Kyoto Rail Tour by Bullet Train from Tokyo.

We hope you enjoyed Viator’s list of the Top 25 Things to Do in Asia in 2011. Stay tuned for more lists in the coming days, to help you plan your next trip across the globe. Let us know what you think, tell us about your own travel experiences, and most important of all – happy travels in 2012!.

- Viator Travel Team

Top 25 Things to Do in Asia: 2011 Viator Travel Awards by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Top 25 Things to Do in the USA & Canada: 2011 Viator Travel Awards

Viator Travel Team — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 23:55:54 +0000

Yay - it's Viator's Top 25 Things to Do in the USA & Canada!

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Welcome to the 2011 Viator Travel Awards: USA & Canada Edition! We’ve combined input from traveler reviews and photos, data from the millions of travelers who visit Viator.com each year, plus data on which USA and Canada tours generated the most bookings in 2011, in order to crown the Top 25 Things to Do in the USA and Canada in 2011!

From exploring Manhattan or San Francisco, to flying above the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls, this year’s most popular things to do in America and Canada cover a whole range of experiences and possibilities. Be one of the first to get a ticket to a sell-out Broadway show, enjoy the best seat in the house at a Las Vegas exclusive Cirque du Soleil show, gaze up at giant redwoods or gaze down at the neon lights of Vegas – it’s all here and it’s all been tried, tested, reviewed and enjoyed by our travelers.

#25. Go Sightseeing around LA

The Los Angeles Sightseeing Grand Tour takes you on a guided discovery of Los Angeles‘ most famous and infamous places. See the Chinese Theatre and its celebrity footprints, Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive, the Farmer’s Market, the La Brea Tar Pits, Olvera Street, Chinatown and all the other sites you’ve seen countless times on TV and in the movies. This tour also has the option to upgrade to include a Movie Stars tour.

#24. Explore the Giant Redwoods at Muir Woods

Over 300 travelers think the Muir Woods, Giant Redwoods and Sausalito Half-Day Trip was good enough to make it into our Top 25. This trip crosses the Golden Gate Bridge en route to the coastal mountains of Muir Woods. Take a walk through virgin forest and gaze up at some of the oldest and tallest Californian redwood trees on earth before exploring Sausalito, a quaint Mediterranean-style artists’ village on the northern shores of San Francisco Bay.

#23. See a Luau in Hawaii

Don’t miss out – get your ticket to one of the largest and most respected luau shows in Hawaii. Tickets to the Paradise Cove Luau regularly sell out so it pays to get yours early. A highlight of any visit to Oahu, the Paradise Cove Luau is a night of Hawaiian culture and traditional Honolulu hospitality.

#22. Raft down the Colorado River

Rafting through the Grand Canyon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

The Grand Canyon Rafting Trip from Las Vegas is a helicopter and river rafting tour in one. After enjoying amazing views of Las Vegas, Boulder City, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon from your six-seater helicopter, you’ll go on a relaxing rafting adventure down the Colorado River. Tour upgrades include a landing in the Grand Canyon and a champagne breakfast.

#21. Day Trip from Vancouver to Whistler

Ride the rails from Vancouver to Whistler on the spectacular Vancouver to Whistler by Train Rail Tour. This scenic train journey takes you through some of the world’s most rugged fjords and mountains. Choose from a classic train carriage experience or panoramic views from the specially designed ‘Glacier Dome’ coach. The trip also includes free time to explore Whistler Village, host resort of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

#20. Go Sightseeing in SF

With the San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Tour you get to choose your own itinerary over two days, jumping on and off the bus at several key sights around the city. The bus stops at numerous San Francisco attractions including Chinatown, Golden Gate Bridge, Haight and Ashbury, Lombard Street and Fisherman’s Wharf. Your ferry trips and an audio guide of Alcatraz are included in the ticket price.

#19. Party on the Strip

Party like a rock star with the Las Vegas Power Pass

The Las Vegas Power Pass saves you a small fortune in admission fees. For one low price, you receive free entry to the most exciting Las Vegas tours and attractions – with a combined value of over $500USD in admission fees. At many attractions you’ll also jump to the front of queue, saving your precious vacation time for the real fun.

#18. See a Broadway Show

Coming in at No.18 is a ticket to see The Lion King On Broadway in New York. A favorite with children and adults alike, The Lion King is a visual and audio feast of colorful costumes and award-winning music by Elton John and Tim Rice. Broadway’s longest running show, the Phantom of the Opera On Broadway, is also a hot ticket item. Everyone should see a Broadway show at least once.

#17. Take a Private Plane around the East or West Coast

You’ll feel like a VIP on the incredible 6-Day Ultimate East Coast Tour by Private Plane: New York City, Washington DC, Niagara Falls, Toronto & Pennsylvania Amish Country. You’ll see the best of the East Coast – including Niagara Falls and Washington DC – in affordable luxury on this six-day, small-group tour from New York City. With transportation on a private charter plane and four-star accommodation, you’ll cut down on travel time and have more time and energy to spend at the attractions. For a similar tour of the West Coast check out our 7-Day Best of the West Tour by Private Plane: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Yosemite, Las Vegas & Grand Canyon.

See Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City

#16. Day Trip to Quebec City from Montreal

Go back in time to the former French colonial city of Quebec on the Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip from Montreal. Be charmed by the old-world atmosphere of Quebec City with its narrow streets, steep hills and numerous historical treasures on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Before you return to Montreal, there’s free time to browse Quebec’s Old City.

#15. Day Trip to Victoria from Vancouver

Explore Vancouver to Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour by Bus on this popular one-day tour. This trip takes you on a leisurely cruise to Vancouver Island where you’ll explore British Columbia and Victoria and spend some time strolling around the beautiful Butchart Gardens. On this tour you can also enjoy free admission to one of BC’s top attractions: the Royal British Columbia Museum, Maritime Museum of BC, Miniature World, Bug Zoo or the IMAX Museum.

#14. Day trip to the Big Island

The Big Island Day Trip: Volcanoes National Park from Oahu tour is a great way to explore and learn about the Big Island‘s volatile geology first-hand. Featuring a hike over the lava flow that completely covered two villages in the 1980s, this trip takes you to the Volcanoes National Park where you’ll explore the Jaggar Museum and Volcano House, Thurston Lava Tube, Kilauea Iki Crater, the Rainbow Falls and more!

#13. Explore Yosemite

Experience raw beauty and incredible vistas in one of America’s most famous National Parks. The Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Trip takes you through San Joaquin Valley and into the Sierra Nevada range where you’ll visit a giant sequoia grove and enjoy magnificent valley views. Spend the afternoon at the awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park with a choice of hiking, bike riding and sightseeing.

#12. Go Wine Tasting in Napa and Sonoma

The Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour takes you across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco to the historic wine regions of Napa and Sonoma. Here you’ll experience the finest wine in northern California, visit a mix of boutique and large-scale wineries and stop for a lunch of your choosing in Yountville.

"Look at all this wine...and if you're good, we will let let you try some!"

#11. See a Cirque du Soleil Show

If you are going to see only one show in Vegas, make sure it is “O”. Performed exclusively in Vegas and inspired by the concept of infinity and the elegance of water’s pure form, O by Cirque du Soleil at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino is a spectacular and memorable performance.

Lovers of The Beatles will want to check out another highly rated show – The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil at the Mirage Hotel and Casino – which celebrates their musical legacy through a lively performance matched with original recordings.

#10. Go Sightseeing in Washington DC

Go beyond the Big Apple to the US political heartland on a Washington DC Day Trip from New York. Have your photo taken with President Barack Obama at Madame Tussauds then sit back as you’re guided through New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland to Capitol Hill. A tour of the war memorials is included.

#9. Take a NYC Dinner Cruise

Find food, amazing views, and romance on the New York Dinner Cruise!

Our romantic New York Dinner Cruise is the perfect way to top off or start a trip to the Big Apple. Float along the Hudson River and see the lights of Manhattan at night. Unlike many dinner cruises, there is the chance to upgrade your seating and meal choices to one of two ‘gold packages’ and to enjoy a bit of dancing on deck at the end of the night. For a more informal buffet option check out or New York Dinner Cruise with Buffet.

#8. Tour Alcatraz

Combine a San Francisco City Tour and guided visit to Alcatraz on the Alcatraz and San Francisco City Tour. This six-hour tour takes in Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, the Golden Gate Bridge and more before you jump on a ferry to Alcatraz Island and enjoy an audio-tour of the world-famous former federal penitentiary.

#7. See NYC by Helicopter

Don’t get lost in the maze of the world’s most famous city. See Manhattan’s skyline and its famous landmarks from the air on a Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York. Enjoy unsurpassed close-ups of the Statue of Liberty, the iconic Empire State Building, the Art Deco brilliance of the Chrysler Building, and the sprawling green expanse of Central Park. A close second in this category is the Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight.

#6. Fly over the Strip in Las Vegas

Prepare to be dazzled as you hover over the lights of Sin City on this great value Las Vegas Night Strip Helicopter Tour. Champagne in hand, you’ll fly past New York New York, Bellagio, Paris, the Venetian, Caesars Palace, Treasure Island, the Stratosphere Tower, Fremont Street and downtown. On your return, you’ll be lit up by the Luxor Pyramid’s space beam.

#5. Skip the Lines at Universal Studios

"Say cheeeeese!"

With our Skip the Line: Front of Line Pass at Universal Studios Hollywood offer you’ll avoid the never-ending lines at Universal Studio‘s best attractions. With this pass, you’ll go to the front of the line and get the best seats in the house at all the shows and attractions including Shrek 4-D, Studio tour; Revenge of the Mummy The Ride; and the House of Horrors. Alternatively opt for the ultimate VIP treatment with our VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood.

#4. Niagara Falls

Discover the beauty and awesome power of Niagara Falls on a Niagara Falls Day Trip from New York by Air. This popular tour includes transfers from your Manhattan hotel to the airport. From here you’ll be flown to Niagara Falls in time to board a boat for an up-close Niagara Falls experience. If you’d rather not fly, check out our 2-Day Niagara Falls Tour from New York by Bus, which is a close runner-up.

#3. Day trip to the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam Day Trip from Las Vegas with Optional Skywalk is our third most popular tour in the US and Canada. On this trip you’ll travel by air-conditioned coach to the Hoover Dam and then on to the Grand Canyon West Rim for four hours of unguided exploration. From here there’s a heap of activities to enjoy (including walking on the Grand Canyon Skywalk) before heading back to Las Vegas.

#2. Go Sightseeing in New York City

See over 20 famous landmarks in NYC on the New York in One Day Sightseeing Tour

This tour is somewhat unique as it includes a boat cruise on the Hudson River AND provides you with a guide who explores each attraction with you in depth when you hop off the bus! The New York in One Day Sightseeing Tour really is just that as you’ll get to see New York City’s most significant sights all in one day including Times Square, the World Trade Center Site, the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and more.

#1. Take a Helicopter flight from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon

And the winner is… the Grand Canyon All American Helicopter Tour! This tour is a winner in two categories in the 2011 Viator Travel Awards as it is also our most popular helicopter tour. For obvious reasons, helicopter tours offer the best and often the only way to truly appreciate the might and grandeur of the incredible Grand Canyon. This fantastic half-day tour has over 90 minutes of flying time as you take in Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon AND Las Vegas from above. You can come back down to earth with a champagne picnic deep in the canyon.

The following Grand Canyon tours are popular runners up. There’s heaps of variation so you can choose a tour that best suits your needs. Choose from:

That’s Viator’s list of the Top 25 Things to Do in the USA and Canada in 2011. Stay tuned for more lists in the coming days, to help you plan your next trip across the globe. Let us know what you think, tell us about your own travel experiences, and most important of all – happy travels in 2012!

- Viator Travel Team

Top 25 Things to Do in the USA & Canada: 2011 Viator Travel Awards by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Top 10 Wine Tasting Tours: 2011 Viator Travel Awards

Viator Travel Team — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:40:15 +0000

Grab your favorite drinking glass - it's time to toast the Top 10 Wine Tasting Tours of 2011!

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Welcome to the 2011 Viator Travel Awards: Wine Tasting Edition! We’ve combined input from traveler reviews and photos, data from the millions of travelers who visit Viator.com each year, plus data on which Wine Tasting tours generated the most bookings in 2011, in order to crown the Top 10 Wine Tasting Tours in 2011!

Want to know the best way to get inside a country’s culture? By sampling its wine and food, that’s how! Whether it’s French Champagne, Italian Chianti or Californian Zinfandel, a wine tasting tour reveals the traditions and history of both people and place, and whisks you on a road trip through stunning rural countryside. Designed for both wine novices and experts, wine tasting tours are hugely informative and entertaining.

Here are this year’s picks for the Top 10 Wine Tours of 2011!

#10. Wine Tasting inNemea Vineyard

Combine traditional Greek wine with a little history of Ancient Greece on a Wine Tasting and Ancient Corinth Day Trip from Athens. Driving along the coastal road, there will be a short stop at the Corinth canal before continuing to Ancient Corinth where St Paul lived and preached. You will visit the Agora and one of the most outstanding monuments of the pre-Roman period, the Temple of Apollo. Arriving at Nemea, you will learn everything there is to know about the production of Greek red wine before proceeding underground to the cellars containing more than 1,000 French oak barriques – and you get to sample all the goods!

When in Greece, do as the Ancient Greeks did. Although a wine glass might be preferable.

#9. Wine Tasting in Margaret River

Discover the natural beauty and charm of southwest Australia on this full-day tour of Margaret River and the Mammoth Cave. Sample the produce of the local artisans, be amazed at the grandeur of the Karri forests, and see where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet. This is a perfect introduction to the southwest for those short on time.

#8. Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley

Beer? Wine? It's all good on the Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Day Tour from Sydney!

Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s prime wine-growing and gourmet-food producing regions. Lushly carpeted with vineyards and dotted with historic country towns, it’s a popular tourist region attracting holidaying families, gourmet food and wine lovers, and Sydneysiders wanting a relaxing weekend break from the big-city hustle-bustle. The Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Day Tour from Sydney was our most popular Hunter Valley wine tour in 2011. On this full day tour you’ll enjoy private vineyard inspections, gain insights into the wine making process, purchase premium Hunter Valley wines and enjoy the beautiful Australian countryside.

#7. Wine Tasting in Florence

Gourmands and wine connoisseurs alike, lap up an afternoon in Florence tasting an assortment of cheeses and Tuscan favorites on this Florence Cheese and Wine Tasting tour. Set in a Florentine wine bar, this small-group tour (maximum 12 people) offers the ideal opportunity to taste locally sourced cheeses accompanied by the many flavors of figs, truffle honey and aromatic strawberry vinegar. With your distinguished sommelier to guide you, you’ll match four traditional Tuscan wines with a luscious spread of locally sourced produce.

#6. Wine Tasting in Frascati

Taste the nectar of the gods on a Frascati Wine Tasting Tour from Rome. Visit one of the oldest and most beautiful vineyards in the Frascati region and enjoy a scenic drive through the famed Castelli Romani region surrounding Rome.

#5. French Wine Tasting in Paris

There are not many better places to learn about wine and cheese than Paris, non?!

It doesn’t take a wine expert to know that French Wine Tasting in Paris is not only a culturally fulfilling experience, but a palate-enriching one as well. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced wine drinker, there is a place for everybody in this highly educational and informative wine tour.

#4. Wine Tasting in Yarra Valley

As one of Australia’s prime wine-growing regions, Yarra Valley is a must for any wine-lover. On the Yarra Valley Wine and Winery Tour from Melbourne, you’ll enjoy a full day of tasting at four of the region’s best known wineries. Combine wine tasting with other Melbourne highlights on our highly rated Yarra Valley Wineries and Puffing Billy Steam Train Day Tour from Melbourne. Food lovers should also check out out our popular Yarra Valley Food and Wine Small Group Tour.

#3. Montserrat Day Trip from Barcelona

Combine mountains, history and wine on the Montserrat and Cava Trail Small Group Day Trip from Barcelona. Immerse yourself in sparkling wines and sandy beaches for a luxury trip of the highest standing.

#2. Wine Tasting in Italy’s Chianti Region

Try the eponymous wine of the Chianti region in Italy

Hopping around Italy is the perfect chance to access the abundance of options for wine touring. Travel the most popular parts of Tuscany and try the Chianti Region Wine Tasting Half-Day Trip from Florence. With unparalleled beauty in the Italian countryside and an unforgettably peaceful life that is distinctly Italian, you get the chance to try some of the world’s finest wines while enjoying the rich culture and history of a great country.

#1. Wine Tasting in Napa and Sonoma

Our #1 wine tasting tour in 2011 was our Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour! The Napa and Sonoma wine country in California is perhaps the United States‘ most renowned spot for wine, not to mention perhaps the most beautiful. So it’s not a surprise Napa and Sonoma came out on top this year. With tons of wineries to choose from and tons of tour variations, you will not be disappointed in the coastal state’s plush selection of famous chardonnays and other whites. If you’re looking to combine wine tasting with other San Francisco attractions or looking for something a bit more exclusive, make sure you check out the San Francisco Supersaver: Muir Woods and Wine Country Tour, Napa Valley Wine Country Day Trip from San Francisco and the Customizable Wine Country Tour from San Francisco which also rated high in 2011.

All in all, when traveling through some of the most scenic and history-filled cities, a half-day or full-day winery tour is an excellent way to escape the tourist traps and immerse yourself in history. The local knowledge of all the artisans is always a rare insight into the origins of one of the most unanimously appreciated luxuries – wine! Small groups allow you to mingle with other travelers and also get the most out of your tastings. So relax, sit back and let yourself be carried away on a wine tasting tour.

That’s Viator’s list of the Top 10 Wine Tasting Tours in 2011. Stay tuned for more lists in the coming days, to help you plan your next trip across the globe. Let us know what you think, tell us about your own travel experiences, and most important of all – happy travels in 2012!

- Viator Travel Team

Top 10 Wine Tasting Tours: 2011 Viator Travel Awards by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Top 25 Things to Do in Australia & New Zealand: 2011 Viator Travel Awards

Viator Travel Team — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:45:40 +0000

Hooray - it's time for Viator's Top 25 Things to Do in Australia & New Zealand!

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Welcome to the 2011 Viator Travel Awards: Australia & New Zealand Edition! We’ve combined input from traveler reviews and photos, data from the millions of travelers who visit Viator.com each year, plus data on which Australia & New Zealand tours generated the most bookings in 2011, in order to crown the Top 25 Things to Do in Australia & New Zealand in 2011!

Our Australia and New Zealand tours offer visitors the chance to experience a place in a unique and memorable way. Tours outside of the major cities in often cover great distances and involve long and tiring car journeys. Let our guided tour operators do the hard work for you as you make the most of exploring and learning about Australia and New Zealand’s most special sights under the guidance of someone who lives there.

#25. Tour the Central Australian Desert

Sit back and relax on this 3-Day Tour from Uluru (Ayers Rock) to Alice Springs via Kings Canyon. Australia’s great Central Desert is a dry and other worldly place with a surprising amount of life in its lush gorges and canyons. This tour will guide you through the desert as you visit Uluru (Ayers Rock), the Olgas (Kata Tjuta), Kings Canyon and a working cattle station. Take your pick from a variety of sleeping options, from budget to deluxe.

Other popular tours in the central desert region include the Uluru Camel Express, Sunrise or Sunset Tours.

#24. Visit Kangaroo Island

Get acquainted with Australian wildlife at Kangaroo Island

This tour is a chance to experience a very special place that few Australians have seen. On a Kangaroo Island in a Day Tour from Adelaide you’ll fly or cruise across to Kangaroo Island – a place of unspoiled wilderness and award-winning fresh natural produce. See hundreds on sea lions on the beach and look for koalas in their natural habitat before enjoying lunch in the beautiful natural surrounds.

#23. See an Opera at the Sydney Opera House

If you are a lover of opera or have never seen an opera and always wanted to go, then there is no better place to see one than at the iconic Sydney Opera House. The Opera Performance at the Sydney Opera House experience offers you the chance to do just that. Take your pick from a roll call of world-class operas during the 2012 season, including The Magic Flute, The Marriage of Figaro and Madame Butterfly.

#22. Take a Brisbane River Cruse

Eat your fill from a sumptuous seafood buffet on the Brisbane River Dinner Cruise. Departing at 7pm from Eagle Street Pier in Brisbane, you’ll get to see the lights switch on across the city as you cruise leisurely down the river.

#21. Cruise Sydney Harbour

See how the other half live as you take in Sydney‘s most spectacular sights on a Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise. Choose from a selection of delicious menu options when you book your evening dinner cruise. Drinks are included in the cost of the tour so all you need to do is sit back and watch the sunset over one of the world’s most spectacular harbors.

#20. Milford Sound Cruise

Cruise the spectacular Milford Sound at night on the Milford Sound Mariner Overnight Cruise. This two-day tour is a memorable way to experience New Zealand’s premier natural attraction. You’ll cruise the entire length of the fiord with kayaks available to get up-close to its many waterfalls, rainforests and wildlife. Enjoy a buffet dinner, private accommodation and, after a relaxing night’s sleep onboard the boat in the calm waters of the Sound, tuck into a hearty breakfast.

If you would like to tour the Sound without the bed and breakfast option check out our Full-Day Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park Tour including Milford Sound Cruise and BBQ Lunch from Queenstown.

Wake up to this sight at Milford Sound!

#19. Get Up-Close and Personal at Sydney Taronga Zoo

The Sydney Taronga Zoo General Entry Ticket and Wild Australia Experience gives you the opportunity for some close encounters with Australian wildlife as part of a small-group tour. As one of only eight participants you’ll get the chance to pet a koala and hand-feed a wallaby at this award-winning zoo on Sydney Harbour.

#18. Ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway

Experience the rainforest beauty of Far North Queensland on the Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns. On this tour you’ll get to ride the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway and choose from a variety of options including the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Tjupakai Aboriginal Cultural Park or the popular Rainforestation Nature Park.

#17. Ski Mt Buller

Yes, there is snow in Australia – and lots of it! Take a full-day, wintery Mt Buller Ski Tour from Melbourne to experience the crisp, white snow at Melbourne‘s most accessible ski resort. Sit back and relax as you get driven through Melbourne’s picturesque high country to the ski slopes and pretty alpine village of Mt Buller. Enjoy a day of skiing, snowboarding or tobogganing before heading back to Melbourne on the bus.

Play in the snow at Mt Buller!

#16. Ride the Puffing Billy Steam Train

The Puffing Billy Steam Train, Yarra Valley and Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary Day Tour is a great way to experience some of the highlights of Melbourne’s surrounding countryside in just one day. Ride the restored Puffing Billy steam train through lush fern gullies, enjoy a wine tasting and lunch among the vineyards of the Yarra Valley and get up-close to the cute and cuddly critters at Australia’s premier wildlife sanctuary.

#15. Experience Waitomo Caves & Rotorua

Our most popular New Zealand tour is the Waitomo Caves and Rotorua Day Trip from Auckland. On this tour you’ll see all the highlights of the Waitomo Caves and Rotorua in one day. This tour guides you through the stalactites and enchanting glowworms of Waitomo Caves, introduces you to a working farm and then on to the bubbling mud pools and geysers of fascinating (and smelly!) Rotorua.

#14. Explore Green Island

Snorkel, scuba and more at Green Island

Visit a tropical island paradise in the Great Barrier Reef on the Green Island Day Trip from Cairns. On this tour you can choose how to spend your day: take a glass-bottom boat tour, a semi-submarine coral viewing tour, go scuba diving or snorkeling or simply choose to lay on the beach! You’ll enjoy the comforts of an air-conditioned catamaran with a licensed bar that offers refreshments throughout the day.

#13. Cruise along the beautiful Swan Valley

The Swan Valley Wine Cruise from Perth is a fun and relaxing tour of Perth‘s Swan Valley wineries. Cruise to the upper reaches of the Swan River and stop for a three-course lunch at a riverside winery. Enjoy a wine tasting and a visit to the Sandalford Estate cellar door before cruising back to Perth on a fully licensed and air-conditioned boat.

#12. Hike Franz Josef

Explore remote parts of the Franz Josef Glacier

Find out why Heli Hiking Franz Josef is described by those who’ve done it as “a trip of a lifetime”. Only in a helicopter can you access the most remote and pristine areas of the Franz Josef Glacier. This tour combines a scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier with a two-hour guided walk through the ice caves, pinnacles and seracs of New Zealand’s South Island. Coming a close second to Heli Hiking in this category is the Franz Josef Half Day Glacier Experience.

#11. Go Snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef

Enjoy five hours of snorkeling or diving on our most popular Great Barrier Reef cruise. The Great Barrier Reef Diving and Snorkeling Cruise from Cairns whisks you out to the outer reef on a fast boat so you can spend most of your time exploring the incredible coral and sea life up-close. As part of this tour you will receive free scuba dive lesson, a guided snorkel tour, and a delicious buffet lunch. There is also the option to include a 10-minute scenic helicopter fight!

#10. Cruise down the Gordon River

Glide past ancient rainforests as you sip Tasmanian wine and sample fine local cheeses on a Gordon River Cruise from Strahan. This cruise takes you through a World Heritage Area and a pristine landscape that has remained virtually unchanged in centuries. With a choice of seating on either a morning or afternoon departure, this six-hour cruise on the Gordon River allows plenty of time to explore the fishing village of Strahan and the surrounding area. The tour also includes a guided shore excursion to Sarah Island, a convict settlement dating back to 1822.

#9. Go Wine Tasting in the Yarra Valley

Enjoy wine and nice views in Yarra Valley

Melbourne’s picturesque Yarra Valley has a strong international reputation for producing fine wines. This full-day Yarra Valley Wine and Winery Tour from Melbourne takes in four of the region’s best known wineries, with a chance to enjoy a gourmet lunch, several wine tastings and an introduction to the intricacies and processes that go into making the very best Australian wine. Even teetotalers get a buzz out of this varied and interesting tour.

#8. Day Trip to the Blue Mountains

On this Blue Mountains Nature and Wildlife Day Tour from Sydney you’ll explore the beautiful World Heritage listed Blue Mountains on a full-day nature and wildlife trip. Visit quaint mountain villages and a wildlife park, walk to the impressive Three Sisters rock formations and learn about Aboriginal Dreamtime legends as you stroll through the eucalypts and rainforest. You can also opt to ride the Scenic Railway (the world’s steepest incline railway), the Scenic Cableway and lunch at Scenic World overlooking the Jamieson Valley.

Should you wish to combine your Sydney trip with a tour of the Blue Mountains, why not choose our popular 2-Day Combo: Sydney City Tour, Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise and Blue Mountains Day Trip.

#7. See the Penguin Parade

The fairy penguins that live on Philip Island are the highlight of many a visitor’s trip to Australia. Only venturing to shore at dusk, these cute little birds waddle up the sand to their burrows just meters away from the boardwalks that hold a gaggle of excited travelers. Our two most popular tours include the Phillip Island Penguin Small Group Eco Tour from Melbourne, which includes a visit to a winery and a chocolate factory and the Phillip Island: Penguins, Koalas and Kangaroos Day Tour from Melbourne.

#6. Eat at the Sounds of Silence

Watch the sun set over Uluru at the Sounds of Silence Restaurant

#5. Tour the Great Ocean Road

No trip to Melbourne would be complete without touring the Great Ocean Road. On this award-winning full-day Great Ocean Road Small Group Eco Tour from Melbourne you’ll be driven along Victoria’s famous winding coastal road and receive a full commentary on all the amazing sights. See koalas in the treetops, go on a guided walk through the rainforest and visit the iconic rock formations, the Twelve Apostles. There is also an option to include a helicopter flight over the Twelve Apostles as part of your tour.

#4. Sightsee in Sydney

Hop-on, hop-off (or just hop!) around Sydney

Why exhaust yourself trudging around Sydney when you can explore the city sights from the top of a bus on the Sydney and Bondi Hop-on Hop-off Tour? Visit the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, Darling Harbour, the historic Rocks and more as your bus stops at each location for 15 to 20 minutes. And if you miss the bus you can always catch the next one! Tickets are valid for 24 or 48 hours giving you the opportunity to spend as much time at each sight as you wish.

If you’re planning to explore Sydney on your own, why not save some money with our popular Sydney Sightseeing Pass: See Sydney Card and Attraction Pass or the Sydney Sightseeing Pass – Aquarium, Sydney Tower, Wildlife World and Sydney Harbour Cruise.

#3. Cruise the Yarra River on a Dinner Cruise

Cruise along Melbourne’s Yarra River on a Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise as it cuts through the center of the city and out to the leafy eastern suburbs. If the weather’s fine you can dine under the stars on the top deck and lean lazily over the water between courses. Enjoy a gourmet meal as Melbourne lights up for another balmy evening on the town.

#2. Eat at the Sydney Tower

Enjoy panoramic views across Sydney and beyond as you enjoy a tasty all-you-can-eat meal at the Sydney Tower Restaurant Buffet. This tour is an opportunity to get a birds-eye-view of all the city’s famous sights including Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, Hyde Park and more. Formerly known as Centrepoint Tower, the Sydney Tower Restaurant is Sydney’s tallest building and the highest revolving restaurant in the Southern Hemisphere. For more intimate fine dining in the same venue you may wish to consider the Sydney Tower 360 Bar and Dining option.

#1. Eat at the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant

Can there be any better way to see a city than being wined and dined on a classic tram? Our travelers don’t seem to think so! The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne is a huge hit with locals and tourists alike. This top-rated tour takes you on a tram ride along the city’s main thoroughfares as you sit back and relax, drink in hand, and gaze contentedly out the window at Melbourne’s best sights. Expect to see Queen Victoria Market; Flinders Street Station; Federation Square; the Yarra River and Southbank; St Kilda and more as you enjoy a delicious meal of your choosing.

That’s Viator’s list of the Top 25 Things to Do in Australia & New Zealand in 2011. Stay tuned for more lists in the coming days, to help you plan your next trip across the globe. Let us know what you think, tell us about your own travel experiences, and most important of all – happy travels in 2012!

- Viator Travel Team

Top 25 Things to Do in Australia & New Zealand: 2011 Viator Travel Awards by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Top 25 Things to Do in Europe: 2011 Viator Travel Awards

Viator Travel Team — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:45:52 +0000

Get ready for the best of Europe!

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Welcome to the 2011 Viator Travel Awards: Europe Edition! We’ve combined input from traveler reviews and photos, data from the millions of travelers who visit Viator.com each year, plus data on which tours in Europe generated the most bookings in 2011, in order to crown the Top 25 Things to Do in Europe in 2011!

Making one’s way though Europe is one of greatest adventures a traveler can embark on. Chalk-full of history, culture and beautiful terrain, the most difficult part of your trip is deciding where to go! This year, Rome and Paris were our traveler’s top choices. With all the history, art, and tradition housed in these two cities, it’s no wonder that year-in and year-out, Rome and Paris come out on top.

From the world famous French vineyards to the amazing Italian countryside, here’s what our travelers have deemed the Top 25 Things to Do in Europe in 2011!

#25. Explore Spain’s medieval capital, Toledo

Take either a Half-Day or Full-Day Trip from Madrid to Toledo, a Spanish fairytale city full of windy cobblestone roads, historic architecture and of course the always lovely Tagus River. There is no shortage of wonderful photogenic sights to explore, such as the Iglesia de los Jesuitas, the Monasterio de San Juan de Los Reyes and the Sinagoga de Santa Maria la Blanca.

#24. Tip-toe through Tulips from Amsterdam

#24 - Jump through tulips on the Keukenhof Gardens and Tulip Fields Tour

Holland is synonymous with quite a number of things: soccer pride, the color orange, bicycles, windmills, and who can forget, colorful tulips. A tour through the Keukenhof Gardens and other available trips to tulip fields is a great way to spend time in the country’s most vibrant city, Amsterdam. See rows and rows of this gorgeous flower and even take a few back home for your garden. Check out more Keukenhof Garden tours & tickets on Viator.

#23. Sightsee in Barcelona

Enjoy Spain‘s second largest and most relaxed major city, Barcelona. There is probably no greater pleasure to the city than simply trekking up and down it, visiting the musical fountains or going round and round in the Barri Gotic. To save yourself taking perhaps too much of a siesta, try the Barcelona Hop-on Hop-off Tour: North to South Route, and make the most of your Euro trip.

#22. Visit Mont Saint Michel

Located on an island near the coast of northern France in Lower Normandy, Mont Saint Michel is known as a spectacle more than a thousand years old. A World Heritage Site, it is known for historic events, such as the fending off of the British during the Hundred Years War. Make your visit all the better with the Mont Saint Michel Day Trip from Viator.

#21. Loire Castles from Paris

Nothing quite spells out the glamour and lavish beauty of the French high-life as the Loire Castles. The most scenic Chambord, Cheverny and Chenonceau castles are full of grand 17th-century interiors, plush green surroundings and unmistakable radiance. The largest of the Loire castles, the Chambord Castle, was built for King Francois I as a hunting lodge. With the Loire Valley Castles Day Trip, you will get to visit all three.

#20. Hike Cinque Terre

Located in the Italian region of Liguria, Cinque Terre, or five lands, is as picturesque as it sounds. At the Manarola, a full town is embedded in the rocky coast, which is a spectacular sight. Take the hiking day trip or small group day trip, both leaving from Florence.

#19. Go to the Top of Europe

Hello from the Top of Europe!

The Jungfrau-Aletsch region is the most glaciated part of Europe. Located in Switzerland, the sight is accessible from its rich capital, Zurich. This UNESCO-protected natural wonder is all the more reason to take a trip to the High Alps. With a series of ecosystems, this unmistakable landscape is a can’t-miss European destination.

#18. Visit the Royal Castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof

Take a day tour from Munich and visit the Royal Castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof. Looking like they are straight out of an Arian fairytale, the stunning royal castles are amongst the best in all of Europe and certainly in Germany. The Schloss Neuschwanstein is located just a few miles away from the lovely town of Fussen.

#17. Tour London’s Top Attractions

London is in itself an ever-changing urban platform of European trend, culture and movement. A trip here is inevitable for an European traveler, and what better way to get acquainted than to take the Original London Sightseeing Tour? Hop on and off at all the city’s famous stops, including Buckingham Palace and the London Eye.

#16. Drink Champagne in Champagne

Here's to champagne in Champagne!

Well, we all know where it comes from, but drinking Champagne in Champagne is quite another story. Take a day trip from Paris to explore the famous French region and sip on the world-renowned sparkling wine.

#15. Take a 4-Day Tour of Spain

One of the loveliest and most beautiful countries in all of Europe, making your way through Cordoba, Seville and Granada from Madrid is a great way to see some of the best that Spain has to offer.

#14. Go on a Day Trip to Capri

You will get to the small but beautiful island of Capri via Rome. Known now as a luxury coastal resort, there is quite a lot to do other than, of course, sit on the beach and enjoy a cocktail. Get to the Blue Grotto and explore this wonderful cave at the water’s edge that was used as a bathhouse during Roman times.

#13 - Take a Gondola Ride in Venice

#13. Take a Gondola ride in Venice

Spend the day exploring the many waterways of always amazing Venice. With the Skip the Line: Venice in One Day tour combine a cruise down the Grand Canal with some of Venice’s other most popular attractions, including St Mark’s Basilica, San Marco, Santa Maria Formosa, and the Rialto Bridge.

#12. Visit Normandy

Any history buff will appreciate a tour through the D-Day battlefields as well as the beach where the Allies were able to push back the Nazis during the turning point of World War II. At the location of one of history’s most important battles, the Normandy D-Day Battlefields and Beaches Day Trip is an unforgettable experience.

#11. See Michelangelo’s David

Skip the line at the Florence Accademia and Uffizi Gallery Tour and get an up-close encounter with what is perhaps the world’s most recognizable sculpture, Michelangelo’s statue David.

#10. Explore the Palace of Versailles

There are many ways to explore Versailles, which is located on the western edge of Paris. With so many sights to learn about and see, including the amazing architecture of the Palace of Versailles and the lush Hall of Mirrors, take the Versailles Small Group Day Trip from Paris.

#9. See Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper

To this very day, academics and historians pick apart the significance and religious implications of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. On the Milan Half-Day Sightseeing Tour an inclusion on the tour gets you a date with the masterpiece as you explore one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.

#8. Explore Paris’ Top Museums and Attractions

#8 - Outside the Louvre in Paris

Nobody wants to slow down their vacation on lines and long waits, but with the Paris Louvre Museum Guided Tour, you will get to skip all that. With no shortage of amazing things to see in the city, the Paris Pass gets you to all the great Paris attractions, including the Musée d’Orsay, Arc de Triomphe and Centre Pompidou.

#7. Take a Day Trip to Pompeii

Located close to Naples, the ancient ruins of Pompeii is a virtual museum of a civilization from more than 2,000 years ago before it was consumed by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. From Rome, take the Pompeii and Amalfi Coast Small Group Day Trip or the Naples and Pompeii Day Trip, also from Rome.

#6. Explore Stonehenge

Everybody knows about Stonehenge, however, not everybody gets to see it. An archeological gem of Europe, take a day trip from London, viewing Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath.

#5. Tour Tuscany & the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Take a one-day tour of Tuscany and get up-close to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, one of Italy’s most iconic attractions. In Tuscany, you will see some amazing architecture, as well as plenty of remnants from the Renaissance, and also enjoy some of the best food on the planet.

#4. Combine an Eiffel Tower Tour with a Seine River Cruise and a Show

Combination tours are a great way to see all the major highlights of a city without spending a fortune or taking up too much value time. Both the Eiffel Tower, Paris Moulin Rouge Show and Seine River Cruise and the Eiffel Tower, Paris Cabaret Show and Seine River Cruise combine three of Paris’s top attractions, the Eiffel Tower, Moulin Rouge, and a Seine River Cruise, into one spectacular tour! Not the combination you were looking for? Paris offers tons of Eiffel Tower & Moulin Rouge combination tours, for every type of traveler!

#3. Explore Ancient Rome and the Colosseum

Skip the lines and catch a glimpse of ancient Rome and the Colosseum on a half-day walking tour, or hop on and off a double decker bus to see what’s left of Europe’s most famous empire.

A trip to Paris wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Moulin Rouge

#2. See the world-famous showgirls at Moulin Rouge

At the Moulin Rouge Show Paris, the lights go down, the curtain goes up, and the troupe appears on the stage for the world’s greatest cabaret. This iconic attraction sells out months in advances, it’s no surprise it’s one of our most popular tours in Europe!

#1. Skip the Lines in Vatican City

Whether it be the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms or St Peter’s, no matter what religion you follow (or don’t) the Vatican is one of the world’s greatest monuments to religion and history. So, it’s no surprise that taking a Vatican tour is the #1 things to do in Europe in 2011. With the Skip the Line: Vatican Museums Walking Tour including Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms and St Peter’s, and the Skip the Line: Vatican Museums Walking Tour, you get to see it all without the wait.

With the economy in recovery and the world’s sights still waiting for visitors, now is as good a time as any to spin the globe and take a trip. These top things to do and see in Europe and Viator’s associated tours are just the ticket to see the attractions that have defined an entire continent, as well as save a few dollars in the process.

That’s Viator’s list of the Top 25 Things to Do in Europe in 2011. Stay tuned for more lists in the coming days, to help you plan your next trip across the globe. Let us know what you think, tell us about your own travel experiences, and most important of all – happy travels in 2012!

- Viator Travel Team

Top 25 Things to Do in Europe: 2011 Viator Travel Awards by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Viator Travel Blog » Press & Publicity

The World’s Top 50 Travel Destinations in 2012

50. Cape Town

49. Singapore

48. Alaska

47. Bali

46. Philippines

45. Costa Rica

44. Salzburg

43. Brisbane

42. Zurich

41. Milan

40. Auckland

39. Montreal

38. Munich

37. Ayers Rock

36. Costa del sol

35. Kuala Lumpur

34. Nice

33. Naples

32. Boston

31. Cairns

30. Edinburgh

29. Vienna

28. Athens

27. Dublin

26. Madrid

25. Melbourne

24. Oahu

23. Cancun

22. Vancouver

21. Miami

20. Washington DC

19. Dubai

18. Istanbul

17. Maui

16. Tokyo

15. Los Angeles

14. Amsterdam

13. Orlando

12. Bangkok

11. Florence

10. Rio de Janeiro

9. San Francisco

8. Venice

7. Barcelona

6. Sydney

5. Rome

4. Las Vegas

3. Paris

2. London

1. New York City

Top 10 Travel Photos: 2011 Viator Travel Awards

#10. Peru

#9. Valley of Fire Wedding

#8. Machu Picchu

#7. Egyptian Desert

#6. Paris Kiss

#5. Great Barrier Reef

#4. Thai Elephant Antics

#3. Top of Europe

#2. Nassau SUB

#1. The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Top 10 Viator Travel Videos: 2011 Viator Travel Awards

#10. Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas

#9. Phuket Jungle Trek, Thailand

#8. Paris City Segway Tour

#7. San Francisco Helicopter Tour

#6. Alcatraz and San Francisco City Tour

#5. Las Vegas Night Strip Helicopter Tour

#4. Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath Day Trip

#3. New York in One Day Sightseeing Tour

#2. Queenstown Nevis Highwire Bungy Jump, New Zealand

#1. Grand Canyon All-American Helicopter Tour

The World’s Top 25 Attractions: 2011 Viator Travel Awards

#25. Hoover Dam

#24. Blue Mountains

#23. Giverny

#22. Ground Zero

#21. Statue of Liberty