Forget about the usual tourist traps! These exclusive behind-the-scenes tours let you delve into unique experiences, from exploring ancient torture chambers to dining with sumo wrestlers!
And while you’re planning your next unique adventure, don’t forget to consider travel insurance!
Secret Itinerary Tour, Doge’s Palace, Venice
Go behind the scenes of this stunning Venetian Gothic palace, otherwise known as Palazzo Ducale, and uncover the secrets of the old Republic of Venice. This tour includes visits to the palace gardens, the Pozzi detention cells, the Torture Chamber, and the Chamber of the Inquisitors.
Tickets: €32 (approximately AUD $52)
Ceremony of the Keys, Tower of London
For over 700 years, the Yeoman Warders have locked up the Tower of London every night. Join the Ceremony of the Keys and witness this historic tradition, which dates from the 14th century to WWII to the present day.
Note: Be sure to book well in advance, as this event is popular. Tickets must be pre-booked and only available online only. Doors open at 9:30 PM sharp (be on time, otherwise you’ll be refused entry).
Tickets: £5 (approximately AUD $8.12)
Sumo Experience, Tokyo
Are you a fan of sumo wrestling or simply curious about this fascinating sport?
This exclusive tour offers an unparalleled behind-the-scenes experience with real-life sumo wrestlers. Enjoy an immersive 4-hour experience to witness a morning sumo practice session at a real sumo stable in Tokyo.
You’ll get to:
- Visit the sumo stable, watch a sumo practice session and even try and learn sumo moves and techniques.
- Share a meal with the sumo wrestlers themselves and prepare and enjoy the wrestlers’ signature dish, chanko-nabe, a hearty stew!
- And even take a few photos with them! Located conveniently near Yokohama and Tokyo, this type of tour features English-speaking tour guides, making it accessible to international visitors.
Tickets: From ¥250,000 (approximately AUD $233.99)
Private Tour & Dining Experience, Taj Mahal & Agra Fort
While this experience isn't strictly 'behind the scenes', it offers an array of irresistible perks that make it a must-do when visiting India.
On this experience a private guide will pick you up (and drop you off) at your hotel, and treat you to a 5-course Indian lunch at the rooftop of the Gateway Hotel, offering panoramic views of the city followed by the exploration of the iconic Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
Adding to the exclusivity of the tour is a personal photographer who will capture professional photos of you against the backdrop of these majestic monuments. This means you can fully immerse yourself in the experience without worrying about capturing the perfect shot.
The day concludes with a relaxing afternoon of high tea, after which you’ll be dropped back at your hotel. Tickets: Approximately AUD $275, depending on your preferences.
Ultimate VIP Tour, SeaWorld Orlando
On this 7-hour VIP tour, you’ll get to:
- Get up close and personal, and feed sea lions and stingrays.
- Dine in the underwater restaurant surrounded by sharks.
- Be first in line for any ride or show you want by enjoying the luxury of skipping the queues.
SeaWorld offers a variety of tours to suit every budget, including a standard Behind-the-Scenes tour and close-up encounters with dolphins, penguins, beluga whales, and walruses. There's something for everyone to enjoy!
Tickets: From AUD $600
Behind-the-Scenes Residence Tour, Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is crowded at the best of times, but on this special tour, you can scoot in a side door and have the rooms all to yourself.
The Private Residence tour takes you through areas off-limits to the general public, including Louis XVI’s library, the royal opera house, the chapel, the private game room (more exciting than it sounds) and the renowned Hall of Mirrors.
Be sure you get your walking shoes on for this tour, as it lasts the whole day (7 hours). This tour also includes exploring the Royal Gardens, perfectly timed to catch the fountain show. At the Grand Canal, enjoy free time—whether it’s rowboat hire, a picnic lunch, or a visit to the local palace cafe.
Tickets: €125 (approximately AUD $200)