UnTours

UnTours 🌍 UnPack Once in your European villa or apartment - trip planning, transportation & local support 🧳 UnTour (ən-tʊər): n. 1.

Vacation rental apartment packages with air/ground/support. 2. Vacation enabling one to live in a country instead of just traveling through. 3. Hassle-free trip planning with experts.

When you go down for breakfast in your UnTour apartment in Ireland and are greeted by chickens. 😂If you’ve always wanted...
01/03/2025

When you go down for breakfast in your UnTour apartment in Ireland and are greeted by chickens. 😂

If you’ve always wanted to experience Irish day-to-day country life, this could be it! While we can’t guarantee the chickens will come inside to say hello, we do have three beautiful UnTour apartments on the former stable grounds of an active dairy farm (so you might make friends with cows as well as chickens!).

The apartments are surrounded by rolling green fields and quaint stone walls, showcasing all the charm Ireland has to offer. You'll find the kitchen stocked with essentials and many local delights, such as farm-fresh eggs and homemade preserves.

The Padraig apartment, pictured here, is a snug haven with warm, earthy tones, rustic wooden furniture, and a private patio. Each bedroom has its own ensuite (one featuring a whirlpool bath tub) and large, comfortable beds. There’s also a wood-burning fireplace for cozy evenings, listening to the soft crackling of logs. 😍

Raise your hand if Ireland is on your dream list of UnTours! ✋

👉 Find out more about this County Kerry gem and other UnTour properties in the region on our website: https://www.untours.com/

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There’s so much more to the Dominican Republic than just beaches and all-inclusive resorts, and our UnTours help you exp...
12/31/2024

There’s so much more to the Dominican Republic than just beaches and all-inclusive resorts, and our UnTours help you experience the island like a local.

In Las Terrenas, a quintessential Dominican experience is grabbing a seat at a small beachside eatery for fried fish and tostones, fresh from local fishermen. You’ll be surrounded by locals chatting, laughing, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures.

For a real taste of the countryside, hop on a motoconcho (local motorcycle taxi) and hike or horseback ride to visit the nearby El LimĂłn Waterfall, where you can swim in crystal-clear water.

When the sun sets and salsa and merengue fill the air, head to a local bar or beachfront spot, where locals gather to dance. You’ll likely find yourself caught up in the infectious energy of it all.

In Santo Domingo, skip the usual tourist route in the Zona Colonial and wander into the Alcázar de Colón, a quieter, often-overlooked spot that was once the residence of Diego Colón, the son of Christopher Columbus. It’s now a museum bringing the rich, layered history of Santo Domingo to life.

Afterward, head to a colmado (neighborhood convenience store) for a cold Presidente beer and mangu (mashed plantains) at a nearby café. Don’t forget to visit Mercado Modelo, where you’ll find handmade crafts and fresh fruit.

Don’t miss out on a Dominican baseball game. Baseball is the island’s favorite pastime. Whether it’s a professional game in Estadio Quisqueya or a more informal one at a community field, it’s a fun, lively experience.

All of this is made easier thanks to our UnGuides—friendly locals who’ll introduce you to their country, give you a lay of the land, and offer further tips to help you get a real feel for the culture.

Go to https://www.untours.com/destinations/dominican-republic to learn more about our Dominican Republic UnTours.

P.S.: January to March is one of the best times to experience the country with perfect weather—warm but not scorching, and the humidity is much lower than in summer. During this period, the island comes alive with festivals like the Carnaval de Santo Domingo, where you can join in the lively parades, dances, and celebrations that showcase Dominican culture at its best.

The traditional handicraft in Oaxaca, Mexico that you have to know about 👇If you think Oaxaca is just mezcal, mole, and ...
12/29/2024

The traditional handicraft in Oaxaca, Mexico that you have to know about 👇

If you think Oaxaca is just mezcal, mole, and textiles, think again — there’s another art form you shouldn’t miss: alebrijes.

These colorful, fantastical creatures are straight out of a dream (literally) and are an essential part of the region’s identity.

Alebrijes started as a fever dream (no, really!) of Mexico City artist Pedro Linares, but they found their true home in Oaxaca, where artisans began carving them from copal wood and painting them with incredibly detailed, hand-painted patterns in bright colors. These funky sculptures mix elements of different animals — like a jaguar with butterfly wings or a fox with dragon scales — and they’re believed to symbolize spiritual guardians in local lore.

Because we believe in truly experiencing local culture when we travel, all of our Oaxaca UnTours include a visit to an alebrije workshop so you can meet a master artisan, hear their fascinating story, and see how these magical creatures come to life — from carving the wood to painting the tiniest details by hand.

Which alebrije would be your spirit guardian? Any thoughts?!

Learn more about our Oaxaca UnTours: https://www.untours.com/destinations/mexico/oaxaca/oaxaca-the-cultural-epicenter-of-mexico

When you book an UnTour, you are directly funding the support of businesses making a positive impact in the world.👇At Un...
12/27/2024

When you book an UnTour, you are directly funding the support of businesses making a positive impact in the world.👇

At UnTours, we are deeply committed to creating positive change. That’s why we invest all of our profits in empowering innovative entrepreneurs who are tackling some of the globe’s most pressing challenges – from poverty and inequality to climate change and social justice.

One of the incredible businesses we’re supporting is Wearsos, based in Costa Rica, one of our newest UnTours destinations. .co is a social enterprise with a mission to upcycle retired airline seats into sustainable, high-quality products like backpacks, passport holders, and luggage tags. By repurposing waste materials, they not only reduce landfill waste but also promote sustainability on a larger scale.

What’s truly inspiring is Wearsos’ dedication to empowering women in rural communities. They provide well-paying jobs, craftsmanship training, and personal development opportunities. Many of the women they employ come from underserved areas and have faced significant challenges, including domestic violence. Wearsos offers them not just employment, but essential mental health support, helping them gain financial independence and personal growth.

Swipe to see some of their beautiful creations, and if you’d like to learn more about the world-changing businesses we support through the UnTours Foundation, be sure to follow us at !

Happy holidays from all of us on the team! ✨ We’ve got a special post for you today. Swipe through to see some of our Un...
12/25/2024

Happy holidays from all of us on the team! ✨ We’ve got a special post for you today. Swipe through to see some of our UnGuides’ favorite holiday traditions from their hometowns!

🇫🇷 Vivianne, Alsace, France: “The December 6th tradition of St. Nicolas when all the bakeries make “mannele” - small brioches shaped as little boys. I love to go from bakery to bakery to check out which has the best. Then, our evening meal consists of just mannele and hot chocolate. Saint Nicholas goes to all the schools, giving out gingerbread.”

🇨🇭 Urs, Switzerland: “Christmas singing, of course!”

🇮🇹  Caterina, Umbria, Italy: “Making cappelletti (ring-shaped stuffed pasta), that we eat in hen broth on Christmas Day. It reminds me of my grandma, who used to do it for Christmas day, and then passed on the tradition to my mother. Now that my mother is too old to cook, after thinking about it for a while, a few years ago I decided that it was time that my family took on this important tradition, and we’ve been making cappelletti for the 12 or so members of the larger 
family that meets for Christmas.”

🇬🇷  Christos, Nafplio, Greece: “Making (and eating!!) melomakarona (honey-soaked spiced cookies sprinkled with finely chopped walnuts or almonds), kourabiedes (buttery shortbread cookies dusted with powdered sugar) and diples (deep-fried pastry, crispy on the outside, with a sweet honey coating). Delicious!”

What about you, what’s your favorite holiday tradition?

One of our favorite parts of Vienna’s culture? The coffee shops! ☕️✨They have that old-world vibe with antique furniture...
12/22/2024

One of our favorite parts of Vienna’s culture? The coffee shops! ☕️✨

They have that old-world vibe with antique furniture, chandeliers, and marble countertops, and the waiters wear tuxedos. You can stay as long as you want—reading the newspaper, people-watching, enjoying a meal (they usually serve traditional dishes in addition to coffee and cakes), or just soaking in the atmosphere. It perfectly aligns with our ethos of taking your time when you travel—no rush, just enjoying the local culture and maybe even striking up a conversation with a local if the opportunity arises.

While the famous CafĂŠ Central is popular for a reason, we recommend exploring some of the more authentic spots where you can escape the crowds and feel like a true local:

☕️ Café Pruckel: Classic with a relaxed, welcoming vibe—perfect for an afternoon coffee.

☕️ Gerstner: Elegant, with delicious pastries and a true Viennese feel.

☕️ Café Leopold Hawelka: Cozy, iconic, and full of local charm.

Is Vienna on your list for next year?

Photos by

’s mini guide to the best Christmas markets in Vienna and beyond 🎄👇Vienna at Christmas time is a dream—there’s just some...
12/20/2024

’s mini guide to the best Christmas markets in Vienna and beyond 🎄👇

Vienna at Christmas time is a dream—there’s just something about the way the whole city lights up, the air smells of spiced punch, and the sound of carols fills the streets. If you’ve always dreamed of spending the holidays in this magical city, you won’t be disappointed.

Here are a few of Vienna’s best Christmas markets to add to your must-see list:

✨ Stephansplatz – The heart of the city, with a stunning backdrop of the cathedral. Don’t miss this one for the festive atmosphere!

✨ Am Hof – Smaller, quieter, and full of charm. It’s one of those spots where you can really feel the holiday spirit.

✨ Rathausplatz – Mandy’s personal favorite! Yes, it’s a bit busy, but the huge Christmas tree
and twinkling lights are worth it.

✨ Karlsplatz – If you go inside the church, there’s a lovely view of the market from above. A
nice break from the hustle and bustle.

✨ Maria-Theresien-Platz – This one feels more local and less touristy, with beautiful stalls to
explore.

✨ Spittelberg – A quaint, cobblestone-lined street filled with cozy stalls and local crafts.
Definitely worth a visit!

✨ Schönbrunn Castle – Yes, it’s a bit touristy, but the market here is set against the grand
backdrop of the palace, making it special.

✨ Grafenegg Castle – A bit of a day trip, but absolutely worth it for a more local and peaceful experience.

Do you have a favorite Christmas market in Vienna or any tips for fellow UnTourists? Share them in the comments below! And if Vienna is calling your name next December, reach out to our team—we’ll help you experience it like a local 😊

A peek inside our brand new Christmas Market UnTour in Vienna, Austria 😍After hearing so many of you say that you wanted...
12/18/2024

A peek inside our brand new Christmas Market UnTour in Vienna, Austria 😍

After hearing so many of you say that you wanted to experience Vienna during the holidays like a local, we created this UnTour earlier this year to make that dream come true. Yes, there are crowds at this time of year, but having access to our local UnGuides lets you skip the tourist traps and uncover those smaller, more intimate Christmas markets that make the season feel truly special. Plus, learning about the local traditions and the rich history behind each market really adds to the magic.

For those of you curious for next year, this UnTour, like all our UnTours, includes:
✨ 7 days in a handpicked, private apartment right in the heart of Vienna
✨ Personalized flight advice from the U.S. to Vienna
✨ Airport-to-apartment transfer assistance (no figuring out transport after a long flight!)
✨ A 7-day metro pass, with unlimited access to the metro, trolley, and buses
✨ Our custom UnTours app, packed with restaurant recommendations, local gems, and must-see sights
✨ A grocery stash awaiting you upon arrival, so you can settle in and feel at home right away
✨ Pre-trip planning and support from our expert team

And because we’re all about doing Christmas the local way, we’ve included some exclusive activities just for our UnTour guests, with our local UnGuide:

🎄 A city walking tour, followed by a cozy traditional lunch
🎄 A hands-on workshop to create your own Austrian Christmas cookies in a local bakery
🎄 A visit to the Snow Globe Manufactory (because, Vienna!)
🎄 Tickets to two spectacular concerts showcasing Vienna’s rich musical heritage
🎄 Guided visits to several local Christmas markets, with mulled wine and a market meal included
🎄 A farewell dinner at a beloved Viennese venue

Have any questions about this new UnTour? Drop them below!

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In Alsace, Christmas is not just a one-day celebration—it’s a full festive cycle, starting on December 6th with St. Nich...
12/16/2024

In Alsace, Christmas is not just a one-day celebration—it’s a full festive cycle, starting on December 6th with St. Nicholas Day and lasting until Epiphany on January 6th.

St. Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity and protection of children, was originally the central figure of the holiday season in Alsace. His feast day on December 6th was the main winter celebration, with children receiving Mannele—sweet, brioche-like treats shaped like little men.

However, over time, as Christianity spread and Christmas became more prominent in religious practice, the focus shifted to celebrating the birth of Christ on December 25th. The tradition of gift-giving, initially tied to St. Nicholas, evolved into the figure of Santa Claus, especially through the Dutch tradition of Sinterklaas, which merged with other European customs to form the modern Santa Claus we know today.

The festive cycle continues through Epiphany on January 6th, marking the arrival of the three wise men and celebrated with galette des rois (King Cake), signaling the close of the Christmas season.

Alsace offers so much to experience during the holiday season, and there’s no better way to explore it than with the help of a local who can share their knowledge and insights into the region’s traditions. If you love traveling in a way that immerses you in the culture and customs of a place, be sure to check out our UnTours.

Do keep in mind, though, that if you’re planning to visit Alsace during Christmas, the villages—where we highly recommend basing yourself rather than the larger cities—are small and accommodations are limited, with many places booking up as much as a year in advance. So, it’s a good idea to secure your reservations as early as possible for next year! Visit our website to browse the options we have available and don’t hesitate to contact our reservations team for any questions or advice.

12/15/2024

How has your experience with UnTours changed the way you think about travel?

The UnTours’ Guide to Christmas Markets in Alsace👇Think Christmas markets in Alsace are just about Strasbourg and Colmar...
12/13/2024

The UnTours’ Guide to Christmas Markets in Alsace👇

Think Christmas markets in Alsace are just about Strasbourg and Colmar? Think again! While these iconic cities are a must, some of the region’s most magical markets are tucked away in smaller villages, where the atmosphere feels cozier, more personal, and less touristy. Here are a few of our UnGuides’ favorites:

📍 Eguisheim: The market is small, but the real magic here is in just wandering the streets of its storybook village, which has the unique feature of being built in concentric circles around a main square.

📍 Colmar: Known as a Ville Fleurie for its greenery, Colmar goes all out with multiple Christmas trees, festive lights, and markets spread across the town.

📍 Kaysersberg: A favorite for locals and visitors alike. Its Christmas market is all about high-quality Alsatian products, and the whole place feels like a festive postcard.

📍 Riquewihr: Its Christmas market is the most touristy outside of Colmar and Strasbourg, but it’s unmissable for its magical atmosphere and Alsatian character.

📍 Ribeauvillé: The town is beautiful, but what makes its market especially interesting is that it’s medieval-themed, so you get to see costumed vendors as well as period performances.

📍 Bergheim: A beautiful little town with a delightful market that feels less crowded and less hurried than the others. Go in the evening, mingle with the vendors, enjoy some street food, and warm up by the fire.

📍 Obernai: The birthplace of the Christmas tree! Obernai’s market is a must for food lovers—don’t miss vin chaud blanc Obernois, the local mulled white wine specialty.

📍 Strasbourg: This is where you’ll find the oldest documented Christmas market in France, dating to 1540! Nowadays, there are several markets spread across the city. Go to Temple Neuf for amazing Christmas street food, Square Louis Weiss for local products, and Place Kléber for the giant Christmas tree.

➡️ One important tip: accommodations during Christmas market season sell out fast—often a year in advance! So, if you’d like to visit next year, reach out to our team ASAP to save your spot for 2025.

12/13/2024

It looks like this right now 😍 And the story is truly fascinating 👇

The roots of Christmas markets in Alsace stretch back to the Middle Ages. During this time, towns and villages hosted winter markets—often during Advent—so locals could stock up on essential supplies to endure the long, cold months ahead.

By the 16th century, Alsace, strategically located along major trade routes between France and Germany, had become a thriving commercial hub. Traders from across Europe flocked to the region to sell coveted goods, including exotic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves brought in via the spice routes.

As Christmas grew in cultural and religious significance, these markets shifted their focus to holiday-specific items. Handmade ornaments, candles, and festive foods became the stars of the season, while the region’s abundance of spices inspired beloved holiday treats like gingerbread.

Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik (meaning “Christ Child’s Market”) was the first documented Christmas market in France, dating back to 1570. Today, these markets are dazzling celebrations of the season, complete with sparkling decorations, Christmas trees, carolers, and an irresistible array of crafts and treats.

Did you know? Alsace is also the birthplace of the Christmas tree (in Obernai) and the first Christmas baubles (crafted in nearby Meisenthal). But that’s a story for another day!

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post, and don’t miss our stories throughout the week for a glimpse of Alsace’s festive magic in full swing. 🎄

12/08/2024

What’s a book, movie, or piece of music that reminds you of your time in Europe?

Have you had a chance to meet our UnGuides in Porto, Marta and Alex, yet? Say hi in the comments if you have 👋 or swipe ...
12/05/2024

Have you had a chance to meet our UnGuides in Porto, Marta and Alex, yet? Say hi in the comments if you have 👋 or swipe to get to know them!

One of the many perks of going on an UnTour is the opportunity to connect with a local.

At UnTours, they’re known as “UnGuides,” and they are essentially friendly locals who are passionate about their region and love sharing it with travelers. They will meet with you after you arrive to give you a lay of the land, tell you the must-knows as you navigate the city, share some of their favorite places, and give you recommendations based on your interests.

You can also message them anytime during your stay if you have any questions, whether you’ve spotted something and want to know what that was about, or you have questions about the culture, need help booking something, or want a restaurant recommendation and reservation for tonight.

➡️ Have you ever been on an UnTour? Who was your UnGuide?

12/01/2024

If you could take a loved one on their first UnTour, where would you take them and why?

This is a Switzerland winter appreciation post… 😍 … and your sign to book now if you’d like to see these wonderful views...
11/30/2024

This is a Switzerland winter appreciation post… 😍 … and your sign to book now if you’d like to see these wonderful views for yourself on an UnTour next year!

Can we all agree that Switzerland in winter is nothing short of a visual and cultural feast?

Our Unfluencer got to visit earlier this year, and we cannot stop looking at her photos of Zurich, Thun, Lucerne, Bern, Meiringen, and the Berner Oberland.

If you’re interested in going next year and are hesitating between options, here’s what you need to know:

📌 The Swiss Heartland is somewhat in the “center” of the country. We recommend it if you want to see a mix of charming cities like Lucerne and Bern, picturesque villages with traditional wooden chalets and flower-adorned balconies, rolling hills, sparkling lakes (Brienz and Thun), and lower mountain ranges.

We have apartments in Hohfluh, Meiringen, Sachseln, Reuti, and Lungern, allowing for easy exploration. Bern, Thun, Brienz, and Interlaken are all a quick train ride away. Feeling peaky (pun intended!)? The mountains of Schilthorn and Pilatus are achievable for day trips too!

📌 If you love hiking, another great option to consider is the Swiss Oberland region, literally meaning “Upper Land,” just above the Swiss Heartland. This is where the dramatic, high-altitude peaks like Jungfrau, and the lush Lauterbrunnen Valley with its epic waterfalls and traditional mountain villages like Gimmelwald really come into their own.

We have chalets and apartments in Frutigen, Kandersteg, Spiez, and around Lake Thun. From here, conquer Thun, Brienz, Interlaken, Murten, Lucerne, and legendary peaks - Schilthorn, Jungfraujoch, Pilatus, and Titlis.

Can’t choose just one? Why not embrace the best of both worlds and spend a week in each stunning region? 😊

👉 Link below to chat with our reservations team and book.

https://www.untours.com/

Having access to a local when you travel is immensely helpful, especially if you’re an inquisitive UnTourist or you like...
11/29/2024

Having access to a local when you travel is immensely helpful, especially if you’re an inquisitive UnTourist or you like to go and see things that are less touristy. 💚

It means you can learn about lesser-known places you might not have found otherwise, hear stories from the locals about their day-to-day life, and gain a better understanding of deep-rooted traditions that tourists usually never get to experience.

💡 If you love to travel independently but find it difficult to connect with locals, UnTours really do provide the perfect solution for you. You are free to explore what you want when you want, with that access to local people, through a special orientation meeting and at least one cultural experience. Your UnGuide can also help you organize additional opportunities.

Take UnTourist Valerie, for instance. During her adventure in Umbria, she met the great-granddaughter of Giuditta Brozzetti, who founded a hand-weaving workshop in 1921 to empower rural women and preserve traditional craftsmanship. Valerie also connected with a family member of Francesco Moretti, a renowned stained glass artist whose breathtaking work graces churches and palaces throughout Italy – both experiences arranged by her UnGuide, Caterina.

Some of your UnGuides may also invite you along to local events, bike rides, and other opportunities to connect if you’re interested.

UnGuides really do make your experience visiting a place all the more enriching and interesting.

👉 Double-tap if you agree! Shout out in the comments about an UnGuide who made your experience extra special!

Photos: Urs, our Switzerland UnGuide, Tracy, our Tuscany UnGuide, Aurelie of Giuditta Brozzetti weaving atelier, the Francesco Moretti museum in Perugia, Pablo our Andalusia UnGuide, Caterina our Umbria UnGuide and Ettore one of our experience providers and farmhouse owner also in Umbria

11/24/2024

Jon tried our new trams and tapas experience in Lisbon with our local UnGuide Joao! 😋 Here’s what you need to know about this new tour 👇

Our trams and tapas tour combines two quintessential Portuguese experiences: riding through Lisbon’s charming hilly streets (there are seven hills!) and sampling the city’s delicious and rich culinary scene (and there’s a lot to try!)

You go by train with our local UnGuide Joao. You take the train from Sintra, where all of our UnTours are, just 40 minutes from Lisbon, and then you get to explore the city by taking a mix of trams and funiculars with Joao, telling you more about the history and the neighborhood, and stopping by some of his favorite places along the way so you can try food from the area.

The places may vary, but when Jon went, he got to try the irresistible pastéis de bacalhau (salt cod fritters), the iconic pastéis de nata (custard tarts), and a refreshing glass of Ginjinha—a delightful berry liqueur that’s a must-try—and so much more.

Swipe to take a peek! 👀 Warning: Prepare to feel hungry! 🤤

Double tap if this sounds like your kind of adventure! If you’ve had the pleasure of wandering through Lisbon, we’d love to hear from you 👉 what was your favorite bite?

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Media, PA
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Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm

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Untour (ən-tʊər): n. 1. Vacation rental apartment packages with ground transportation and staff support. 2. Vacation enabling one to live in a country instead of just traveling through. 3. Hassle-free trip planning with experts.