Ever dreamt of touring the Vatican without the crowds, stepping beyond the velvet ropes into secret rooms at Versailles, or enjoying the raucous revelry of Mardi Gras from a private balcony in New Orleans? On Viator’s VIP tours, you can.
The Grand Canyon is just one of the many locations Viator offer’s VIP tours
Thanks to our partnerships with the best tour operators all around the world, Viator has a collection of incredible travel experiences – many you can’t book anywhere else – that feature exclusive benefits usually reserved for the rich and famous (or in some cases, royalty!). Not only can you skip the lines, and get early-morning or after-hours (and crowd-free) access to some of the world’s most iconic attractions, you can get access to areas normally reserved for only the most important people. There are even experiences you might not have guessed were possible – like visiting a Napa Valley winery after-hours or taking a tour of the Vatican’s secret rooms.
Rome’s ancient sites
Rome’s Colosseum is easily recognized throughout the world as one of the city’s – and Italy’s – most iconic monuments. Touring the ancient arena can be a pain, though, with long lines snaking around the exterior and crowds once you get inside. You can avoid all of that with a VIP exclusive nighttime tour of the Colosseum – including the underground chambers – that begins with dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking Ancient Rome. Feast on Roman specialties and then follow your guide into the nearly-empty Colosseum for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Florence’s art and architecture
The Tuscan capital is widely known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, but what does that really mean? Even art novices can get a handle on Florence’s important place in the world of culture with a VIP experience in the Uffizi Gallery and Vasari Corridor, including breakfast on the terrace. This four-hour tour includes skip-the-line entry at one of the world’s most famous art galleries, the Uffizi, plus the Vasari Corridor, which is only accessible with a guided tour.
View from the Chicago Skydeck
Early access to the Chicago Skydeck
There’s nothing quite like scanning the city of Chicago from the Skydeck of the Willis Tower – but usually you’re stuck waiting your turn at the windows because of all the other people up there with you. Take the more relaxing approach with VIP early access to the Willis Tower Skydeck before the doors open, followed by a leisurely guided tour of Chicago. You’ll ride a classic Chicago trolley through the heart of the city, and then board a river cruise to learn more about Chicago’s distinctive architecture. The complimentary drink you’re handed as you board the cruise only adds to the VIP experience.
New Orleans jazz and cuisine
New Orleans is a unique American city, with a reputation for great music and great food. Combine the two in style with a VIP gourmet dinner at a 5-star New Orleans restaurant and front row seats at Preservation Hall, one of the city’s most famous jazz clubs. You’ll get a private tour of Restaurant R’evolution, followed by a four-course meal, and then you’ll be escorted to Preservation Hall to hear traditional New Orleans jazz in a room that hasn’t changed for decades.
For those who would rather focus on the city’s relationship with the famed Mississippi River, there’s the VIP private tour of the Steamboat Natchez (including the engine room) followed by dinner on board the boat. Join the first mate on a tour of this paddle-wheel steamboat and then enjoy a two-hour dinner cruise while listening to live jazz music.
Of course, the ultimate expression of New Orleans is Mardi Gras – and with a VIP 4-day Mardi Gras experience you’ll get special access to great parade viewing spots, open bars, and gourmet buffets. You’ll even get to participate first-hand in Mardi Gras by marching in a parade through the French Quarter. What could be more exciting than that?
VIP treatment at a Paris cabaret
“Life is a cabaret,” at least according to the old song, and nowhere does that feel more true than in Paris. You can head for the famous Moulin Rouge for a VIP show with special balcony seating and a three-course dinner, or opt for VIP seating at the Paradis Latin cabaret with dinner and unlimited Champagne. Either way, you won’t have to wait in the line to get in, you’ll get VIP seating, and you’ll enjoy a three-course meal of French specialties along with a fabulous cabaret show.
For a more interactive cabaret experience, why not sign up for the exclusive small-group Cancan dance class at the Paradis Latin cabaret? You’ll not only learn the famous Cancan, but you’ll be fully kitted out with the right costume, makeup, and hair style for a truly immersive experience. And afterward, reward yourself for learning a new skill with a complimentary cocktail.
At the Great Wall of China
Exclusive access at the Great Wall of China
We all know how huge the Great Wall of China is, right? Despite its size, however, the few easy access points for tourists can make those places extremely crowded. With a VIP tour of Beijing’s Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China, you’ll be directed to a little-known portion of the wall for a more intimate experience. And in Beijing, this tour not only guides you through the Forbidden City, you’ll also get to see two parts of the Palace Museum usually off-limits to visitors – the Treasure Gallery and the Clock Exhibition Hall. This full-day tour grants you special access to two of China’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and culminates with a banquet of Chinese specialties.
A private tour at Mt. Fuji
The iconic Mt. Fuji rises impressively over Japan, but there’s nothing quite like seeing it up close. With a full-day excursion from Tokyo, you can take a VIP tour of Mt. Fuji that includes a private talk with a monk at Sengen Shrine. You’ll ride the famous bullet train from Tokyo with an expert guide, stop for photos along the way, and then take a private vehicle to the shrine at the base of Mt. Fuji. There you’ll have exclusive access to a resident monk to learn about the spiritual significance of the mountain, before sitting down to a meal of local specialties. Your tour continues with visits to beautiful nearby lakes, and your day concludes with a sunset view of Mt. Fuji.
Private access at the Vatican
It may be the world’s smallest independent state, but Vatican City is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy. In other words, having special access to Vatican sights is a big deal.
Start your day off right with a VIP exclusive – breakfast at the Vatican and early access to the Vatican Museums. Yes, you’ll have your first meal of the day in a pretty inner courtyard at the Vatican, and your guide will lead you through the museum before the crowds. If you’re not an early riser, you can still avoid the crush in the Sistine Chapel with a VIP private viewing of the Sistine Chapel and small-group tour of the Vatican’s secret rooms. You’ll walk right past the long lines at the museum, and take in the exquisite Sistine Chapel frescoes after hours.
You can also enjoy special access at St. Peter’s Basilica next door to the Vatican Museums – although there’s no entry fee, there is still often a long line to get in. You don’t need to wait in that line, however. Do you like a great view? Then take an exclusive skip-the-line St. Peter’s Basilica tour that includes a visit to the top of the cupola to take in the incredible view. Are you an artist at heart? Then go for the exclusive skip-the-line St. Peter’s Basilica tour that includes the Vatican Mosaic Studio, where you’ll see how the mosaics are repaired and restored in a workshop that’s not open to the public.
Exclusive dinner at Paris Disneyland
Spending a day or two at Paris Disneyland can be extremely fun, and it can also be frenetic. Treat yourself to the best possible time with a VIP Premium Fastpass at Paris Disneyland with an exclusive dinner. You’ll get priority access to selected rides to avoid waiting in line, and after a day of family fun on all the rides you’ll enjoy a relaxed dinner at Disneyland Hotel’s California Grill. To top it all off, you’ll get VIP seating for the Disney Dreams Show after dinner, along with a glass of Champagne. It’s an exclusive Disneyland experience your whole family can enjoy.
Versailles Palace
Royal Versailles experience
You won’t want to duplicate every event in the royal history of Versailles – the whole guillotine thing can really ruin a vacation – but you can still get the royal treatment at this famous palace with a VIP Versailles small-group tour with a private viewing of the royal quarters. Walk past the crowds to a priority entrance and you’re inside the former royal family’s private rooms – rooms that are usually off-limits to the general public. You’ll also get to see the main sights in the Palace of Versailles just as it opens, before most of the visitors have even gotten in the door.
An unforgettable view of the Grand Canyon
It’s almost impossible to really take in the scope of the Grand Canyon, especially when you’re at ground level. For the ultimate view – and an especially memorable experience – you’ve got to get up in the air. With a VIP Grand Canyon sunset helicopter tour with dinner, you’ll see the spectacular canyon, the Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead from the air – and then you’ll sit down to a gourmet meal on the rim of the canyon. Watch the sun go down as you sip Champagne, and marvel at this natural wonder.
To keep your evenings free for fun in Las Vegas, you can go on a VIP deluxe Grand Canyon and Valley of Fire helicopter tour in the morning or the afternoon. This one also includes a Champagne picnic below the rim of the canyon, as well as fly-overs of the Valley of Fire and the Las Vegas Strip.
Exclusive access to London’s iconic sites
There are few things that will make you feel more like a VIP than getting in when the public has to stay behind the ropes. With one tour in London, you’ll get VIP exclusive access to the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral, two of the city’s most popular attractions. You’ll get into the Tower of London before the doors open, including a look at the Crown Jewels, and you’ll get to see parts of St. Paul’s Cathedral that are normally closed to the public. Follow it up with the included lunch inside the cathedral restaurant and you’ve got a well-spent half day in London.
Special access in New York City
New York City is well-known for its high energy and fast pace. When you’re on vacation, though, you can’t really morph into a New Yorker just to avoid waiting in lines. What you can do is book a VIP tour that gives you special access to the city’s top attractions.
Take a VIP New York tour that includes the Empire State Building and the 9/11 Memorial, as well as the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum where you’ll get to see the Space Shuttle Enterprise. You’ll get into the Empire State Building right as the doors open, beating the crowds, and you’ll walk past the line to see the Space Shuttle. You’ll see even more sights from the open-top bus tour, the walking tour, and the hop-on/hop-off cruise that are all included.
If you prefer to get above all the hustle and bustle of the city, then you can choose a VIP NYC night helicopter tour followed by a Statue of Liberty cruise. This tour gives you a look at the sparkling city when it’s all lit up, from a vantage point few visitors ever get. After your helicopter flight, you’ll sip Champagne as you cruise through New York Harbor to see the Statue of Liberty.
South Africa’s Cape Winelands
Soar over South Africa’s Cape Winelands
For many travelers, South Africa is about crossing things off your bucket list. It’s the ideal time, therefore, to splurge on a one-of-a-kind luxury food and wine experience. From your base in Cape Town, you can take a VIP helicopter tour of Cape Winelands with dinner and wine tastings. You’ll be flown over the beautiful scenery below, sample the prize-winning wines at Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate, and enjoy a three-course meal (with more wine, naturally) at the estate’s restaurant. And then you’ll be flown back to Cape Town in style.
Early access in San Francisco
Getting in before the crowds with a VIP tour in San Francisco means you can relax and really enjoy the sights instead of fretting over waiting in line. With VIP early access at Alcatraz and a cable car sightseeing tour you’ll get priority entry to one of San Francisco’s top attractions, when it’s still quiet. After your Alcatraz visit, you’ll hop on a converted historic cable car for a sightseeing tour of this incredibly city, including a crossing of the Golden Gate Bridge. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes tour of the Boudin Bakery to learn how they make their famous sourdough before sitting down to lunch.
Behind-the-scenes and after hours in Napa Valley
A visit to Napa Valley is often about food as much as wine. If that describes your ideal vacation, then consider a VIP private Napa Valley Wine Train culinary experience from San Francisco. You’ll sample the sparkling wines at Gloria Ferrer Winery before getting a behind-the-scenes kitchen tour of the Napa Valley Wine Train Culinary Arts Center and a tour of the train’s on-board kitchen. Then you’ll enjoy a gourmet meal as the train winds through beautiful wine country.
Of course, if you’d rather focus on the food and wine and less on the kitchen, the VIP exclusive after-hours Grgich Hills Winery tour and Napa Valley Wine Train dinner may be just the thing for you. You’ll have access to the winery after the public has left for the day, including a wine tasting, and then you’ll dine on a four-course gourmet dinner on the Napa Valley Wine Train.
There’s nothing like seeing vineyards from the sky, however, which is where the VIP Napa by helicopter tour with wine tasting and lunch comes in. You’ll get to take in views over the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the rolling hills of Napa Valley before heading to Jamieson Ranch Vineyards for a tour and private wine tasting.
Real-life Game of Thrones filming locations
The kingdom of Westeros may be fictional, but the filming locations for the hit series “Game of Thrones” are quite real – and you can visit many of them.
In the Croatian city of Dubrovnik, which is a stand-in for many of the King’s Landing scenes, you can sign up for a VIP exclusive 3-night “Game of Thrones” experience in order to really get to know this historic city. If you don’t have that much time, you can still take a VIP exclusive “Game of Thrones” walking tour of Dubrovnik that covers most of the show’s highlights in a few hours. And if you’re visiting Croatia on a cruise, don’t worry – there are VIP exclusive “Game of Thrones” shore excursions in Dubrovnik that will suit your schedule, too.
The show is filmed in more countries than just Croatia, however. On a VIP exclusive “Game of Thrones” private tour of Malta, for instance, you’ll see filming locations for King’s Landing and the Red Keep castle. And on all of these exclusive tours, you’ll not only see filming locations for the show, you’ll also hear personal anecdotes and insider gossip from people who were there during filming.
At the Mayan ruins in Mexico
Private archaeology and distillery tours in Mexico
It’s one thing to have your own private tour guide – it’s another thing entirely to have access to your own private archaeologist when visiting Mayan ruins in Mexico. And that’s exactly what you’ll get with one of these VIP tours.
Take a VIP exclusive tour of Tulum with early access, getting in before the crowds and with an archaeologist along to tell you all about this fascinating site and lead you to spots most tours skip. With a VIP early morning Teotihuacan pyramids tour you’ll get “breakfast in the sky” as well as an archaeologist tour guide. You’ll start the day with breakfast on an open-air platform suspended over the pyramids themselves for an unparalleled view, and then you’ll join an archaeologist for priority entry to the Teotihuacan ruins before the crowds descend.
To wash down all that history, why not take a VIP exclusive tour of the Jose Cuervo Distillery for a private tequila tasting? On this behind-the-scenes tour you’ll sample the distillery’s famous tequila right out of the barrel – and you can even make your own tequila bottle with a personalized label
-Jessica Spiegel
Viator’s Most Incredible VIP Tours by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog