good times wine tours

KINGSTON & PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY TOURS

Lookin' for a good time.

Built by friends, for friends. Good Time Tour Co. was established in 2021 to fill the tourism gap in our own backyards. Based out of Kingston, Ontario, we recognize the wondrous island that is Prince Edward County and explore it the way everyone should - by experiencing some of our nation's finest wine and craft beer establishments. Supporting local, building partnerships that last and leaving nothing but footprints behind.

Oh hey, didn't see you there. Looking for a good time? Well you've come to the right place. Check out our full-service Prince Edward County winery and brewery tour packages below. There's a little something for everyone.

Don't see what you're looking for? Just ask - we'll take you anywhere. We also offer private car & on-site transportation services.

Public Beer Tours

Looking for an unforgettable craft beer experience in Prince Edward County? Our Saturday night public beer tour offers a unique opportunity to sample the best brews, visit local breweries, and immerse yourself in the vibrant beer culture of the city.

Public Wine Tours

Visit Prince Edward County, and indulge in some of the best wine in Canada! Join our Saturday public wine tour and explore the county's stunning vineyards, taste award-winning wines, and discover what makes this region so special!

Private Tours

Looking to organize a fun and memorable private beer or wine tour in Kingston or Prince Edward County? Let us help you create the perfect itinerary for your group. From unique tastings to exclusive brewery and vineyard tours, we've got you covered.

Transportation Only

Need reliable transportation for your beer or wine tour in Kingston or Prince Edward County? Our professional drivers will take you to the best breweries and wineries in the region, so you can enjoy a safe and stress-free experience

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Good Times Wine Tour. The name says it all. Are you ready for a good time, we offer private wine tour, bacherolete wine tours, or a bachelor Brewery tour. …

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I was one of the 4 couples that booked our wine tour with Georgette, and she was great with accommodating all our needs! You can either select 3 wineries or go with a preset option which we ultimately went with so it made it a lot easier for us. Upon arriving to each location, Georgette checked us in helped keep us on track (with time). Being an event planner myself, it was nice to not have to take the lead and have someone do it for you. I would definitely recommend her services to anyone. She doesn't just do wine tours! Georgette is a woman with many trades and hats! Thanks Ms. G!!

Dont re-invent the wheel right? Georgette has branched off and started her own company, just as her former employer did. She has tremendous proven time and again customer service skills. She goes above and beyond for ALL of her clients. She ensures the bookings are complete, payment is posted in advance and works with clients individually for their needs. When the day of the tour comes, she ensures all drivers are on location to pick up the vehicles and clients have nothing to worry about and the day is a good time! Georgette is an organized and professional business woman and anyone who says otherwise has not experienced her exceptional honed in attention to detail business mind that is customer obsessed! 5/5 STARS!! BOOK TODAY!!

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Town Car Service

Several local wineries (including Idaho’s oldest independent winery) offer the perfect pour on the Palouse. Tasting rooms let you sample the work of vintners, and in many cases, have a chat with the winemakers themselves.

Basalt Cellars

906 Port Dr, Clarkston, WA 99403, USA

(509) 758-6442

Camas Prairie Winery

207 Main St, Bovill, ID 83806, USA

(208) 826-3222

Clearwater Canyon Cellars

Pursuing excellence in full lush blends and stand-alone varieties from local vineyards as well as a few select vineyards from central Washington.

Tasting room open every Saturday, 1-5pm.

3143 10th St, Lewiston, ID 83501

(208) 816-4679

Colter’s Creek

215 S Main St, Moscow, ID 83843, USA

(208) 301-5125

Lindsay Creek Vineyards

3107 Powers Ave, Lewiston, ID 83501, USA

(208) 746-9463

Merry Cellars

1300 NE Henley Court Pullman WA

(509) 338-4699

4020 Hatwai Rd, Lewiston, ID 83501, USA

(208) 717-1648

Wawawai Canyon Winery

202 S Montgomery St, Uniontown, WA 99179, USA

(509) 338-4916

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Stompin' Good Times

Chauffeur Services, Finger Lakes Wine Tours!

Seneca lake wine tours, cayuga lake wine tours keuka lake wine tours, finger lakes region tours.

(585) 857-TOUR                    (8687)

Finger Lakes Wine Tours!  

Stompin' Good Times offers affordable, year round, wine/brew

tours along all of the Finger Lakes Wine Trails! We will pick you up at any bed & breakfast, hotel or rental property in, or around the Finger Lakes Region. Our Wine Tours are 6 or 7 hours long from the time we pick you up until the time we drop you off.

Our drivers are very professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. We can help you plan your entire day by recommending wineries based on your tasting desires, or we can follow an itinerary that you provide. We are laid back, easy going and happy to guide you along the wine trail!

Try a local Cidery, Distillery or Micro-Brewery during your tour. You can also stop for locally produced cheese or stop to browse antiques! We are here for you! 

Please call or email anytime, 7 days a week, and we will discuss the best way to customize your Finger Lakes Wine Tour!

   We would also be happy to recommend places to stay, eat, shop, hike, camp & enjoy the Finger Lakes!

             Tours Offered Along:

Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Cayuga Lake Wine Trail

Keuka Lake Wine Trail

Canandaiuga Lake Wine Trail

The Finger Lakes Region is beautiful! Wine Tours can be done 7 days a week year round! Please click on the links above to find out about upcoming events and specials that are taking place on the Finger Lakes Wine Trails. Please also visit our "Local Area" page to be linked to specific wineries and accommodation options in the area.

The Best Time of the Year to Visit Napa Valley

• by WINECOUNTRY COLLECTIVE
• on JANUARY 15, 2024

Photo Courtesy of Bob McClenahan Photography

Regardless of when you plan to visit, be it next weekend or next fall, Napa Valley is always a good idea. After all, there’s a reason why Napa remains one of the most popular destinations in California, and, believe it or not, wine is just a small part of the equation.

Happiness is not a state of mind, but a trip to Napa Valley.

From world-class wineries and breathtaking scenery to luxurious accommodations , acclaimed restaurants , rejuvenating spas , vibrant arts and culture , unique shopping , and more, Napa Valley truly has something for everyone. Plus, with its mild Mediterranean climate, this Northern California wine region boasts plenty of sunny days year-round, making it an ideal destination any time of year.

So when, exactly, is the best time of year to visit Napa Valley? It really depends on the type of experience you want to enjoy, as every season offers a different slice of Wine Country life. To help you plan the perfect getaway, regardless of the time of year, we’ve put together a seasonal guide to visiting Napa Valley.

Spring Season

After the winter rains, spring is a rejuvenating time of year in Napa Valley, when wildflowers adorn the vibrant green hillsides, vineyards start to awaken with the start of bud break, and the overall vibe is relaxed and cheerful as the days get longer. While you still may see some rain in the forecast , most of the time the temperatures are mild and inviting, making wine tasting outdoors a more appealing prospect. It’s also a great time to explore Napa’s outdoorsy side, biking or hiking around before the summertime heat descends upon the Valley. Average highs tend to range in the mid-to-high 60s and start to roll into the mid-70s by May, though evening lows are still pretty chilly, typically in the mid-to-high 40s.

Summer / “Peak Season”

With dry, sunny days and virtually no rain—there’s rarely a cloud in the sky from sunrise to sunset—it’s no wonder why people flock to Napa Valley during the summer months . Wineries and tasting rooms embrace the nice weather by offering outdoor tastings and vineyard tours , hotel pools can be found bustling with happy guests enjoying the California sunshine, and local farmers’ markets are bursting with summer produce. You’ll find average daytime temperatures in the mid-80s to mid-90s, depending on how far north you are in the valley, with lows ranging in the 50s at night.

Fall Season

Fall is always a busy time of year in Wine Country, when the bustling harvest season brings an air of excitement to the Valley. During the months of August, September, and October, winery teams can be seen picking grapes in the vineyards for crush, and some wineries even offer special harvest tours so you can witness the winery production facilities buzzing with action. Even if you’re not here for the wine, it’s hard to deny the appeal of fall in Napa, when the region shines with vibrant autumnal colors of orange, red, gold, and yellow. Add in mild temperatures both day and night and it’s no wonder why harvest is a popular time for visitors (we recommend booking reservations well in advance). Average day highs linger in the high 70s to low 80s, dropping down into the 50s at night, with rarely much precipitation in sight.

Winter Holiday Season

Mid-November through early January is no doubt a magical time in Napa Valley, when festive winter events and holiday gatherings add to the joy of the season. Starting with Thanksgiving, many restaurants in the area offer special holiday dinners to take advantage of, while wineries host a range of specials on wine and holiday open-houses. Whole towns even go all out this time of year, showcasing bright twinkly lights and special events for kids of all ages. Daytime averages are usually in the high 50s to low 60s, with nighttime temps clocking in the 40s and high 30s. So, while you won’t be in for a “white Christmas” in Napa, rainy days can be more frequent, so don’t forget an umbrella or a rain jacket for those times when the weather forecast calls for rain instead of sun.

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Viognier Venture Concierge Wine Tour

Description

Head out of town, into the rural landscape that hasn’t changed for millennia. Visit the gorgeous Rivaura tasting room, located at their estate vineyards. This panoramic view overlooking the Clearwater River is perfectly paired with their multi-award-winning wine.

Head into the rural landscape to Colter’s Creek, enjoy the beautiful view at Rivaura, then one more winery of your choice listed below! Hear about history, culture, and Lewis-Clark AVA.

Enjoy a flight of either red or white wines, at this modern winery and event center. It’s the perfect place to relax and look out for spectacular views.

The 2020 Northwest Winery of the Year, this is one of the two (re)-founding wineries in the Lewis-Clark AVA. Their wines will wow, as they are the only winery in the area to join the prestigious King of Platinum list, for having nearly twenty of their wines get platinum awards, and consistently win top awards at wine competitions locally and nationally. You’ll be able to taste the quality shine through for yourself!

Here, you’ll feel like you’ve always been friends with the winemakers. At this 2021 Idaho Winery of the Year, these two friends (and their wives!) make amazing wine. Their wines consistently win medals at all wine competitions they submit their wines. We will visit them at their tasting room in Newberry Square in beautiful downtown Lewiston. (They will soon be moving directly behind the building to their new winery!)

As we drive up the original highway to get into Lewiston, you can easily see how this vineyard got its name (the Old Spiral Highway). Stu will greet you at his residence (and winery) and you will take in the incredible views of the Clearwater River and the City of Lewiston. As this is primarily a wedding and event venue, getting in to taste is dependent upon there being no events that day.

You’ll feel like family, here. Paul and Heidi love showing off their great variety of white and red wines, which pair perfectly with the incredible views you see from their house. They have won many awards in regional and national wine competitions.

The newest tasting room in downtown Lewiston, tucked into the historic Morgan’s Alley, is a definite treat. This dynamic duo have many of their wines which are focused on Spanish varietals. Take a sip, and taste summer in every glass. Enjoy great wines, and a great husband and wife who want to share their love of wine with you.

This destination winery is meant to wow! Their winemaker is a Master of Wine, of which there are only a few hundred, world-wide. The wines consistently win awards, and the views are absolutely stunning, looking out over the Clearwater River.

Why not have a bite to eat, here where most of the dishes are made with locally sourced ingredients, and have some award winning wine in this chic venue in Juliaetta, Idaho. Or, if you are starting your tour in Moscow, have a taste of wine at Colter’s Creek’s tasting room in Moscow!

Primary pickup location is the Hells Canyon Grand Hotel, our Premier Partner.

Why take this tour?

Head into the rural landscape to Colter’s Creek, enjoy the beautiful view at Rivaura then one more winery of your choice listed above! Hear about history, culture, and Lewis-Clark AVA.

Tasting fees for all venues

Bottled water, convenience snack (such as crackers), things to know.

You Can Choose One Winery Of Your Choice!

1. Lindsay Creek Vineyards 2. Clearwater Canyon Cellars 3. Vine 46 4. Spiral Rock Vineyards 5. Two Bad Labs Vineyards 6. Jovinea Cellars 7. Rivaura 8. Colter's Creek Tasting Room-Juliaetta OR Moscow

Want a pickup in Moscow, Idaho? No problem! We pickup from the Hattenbaugh Hotel, our Palouse Preferred property for $10 per person. Pickup may also be arranged at the same price for other hotels. Pickup from private residences is also an option within Moscow for $15 per person.

Local Guide

Your local guide, Clint, will talk about the Lewis-Clark AVA, culture of the Nez Perce, as well as the history and scandals of the past, depending on the interest of the guests!

Capacity and Age Requirement

A minimum of four guests guarantees the tour will go. Ages 21+ only.

The tour typically takes 5-6 hours.

Ask a question

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Muscat Concierge Wine Tour

Explore three wineries on this VIP wine tour, while getting behind the scenes access, and learning about local culture, history, and the Lewis-Clark AVA.

Venues: Take A Look At The Venues Listed Below And You Can Choose Up To Three Of Your Choice!

Syrah Ultimate Concierge Wine Tour

For the guest who wants it all, this is your tour. Start out with a pickup from your Lewiston-based residence and have lunch. Then explore up to four wineries on this VIP wine tour of regional wineries, and end with dinner and a complete chef culinary experience by Foodology catering with a three-course dinner, paired with wine, at a local vineyard or scenic location. Of course, you always get behind-the-scenes access, learning about local culture, history, and the Lewis-Clark AVA.

Venues: Take A Look At The Venues Listed Below And You Can Choose Up To Four Of Your Choice!

Cabernet Concierge Wine Tour

Explore up to four venues, with lunch included at a local restaurant, on this VIP wine tour of regional wineries, while getting behind-the-scenes access, and learning about local culture, history, and the Lewis-Clark AVA.

Note For Venues: Take A Look At The 8 Venues Listed Below And You Can Choose Up To Four Of Your Choice!

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7 Wineries You Will Fall In Love With In Idaho’s Lewis-Clark Valley

• Activities and Interests
• Destinations
• Food and Drink
• United States
• Wine Regions

Idaho is just being discovered as a center of wine growing, but already the fairly new Lewis-Clark Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) has been highly praised by the wine press. This is an emerging destination for winemaking and combines the best of all worlds. Dedicated winemakers have sought out this region for its unique terrain and weather that allows a slow ripening season, adequate water, and many sunny days.

Several wineries have been singled out for excellence, including Northwest Wine Press ’ 2020 Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year, Clearwater Canyon Cellars, and Idaho’s Winery of the Year, Colter’s Creek. Lewis-Clark Valley sits on the border between Washington and Idaho at the base of Idaho’s agricultural palouses (land) and Washington’s high desert. Here they grow Bordeaux and Rhone varietals.

Lewiston, Idaho , and Clarkston, Washington , face each other across the Snake River and a jet boat up Hell’s Canyon is a must when visiting. These industrial towns are fairly straightforward and lodging is your typical chain hotels like Hampton Inn and Best Western, but there are quaint river lodges like Boggan’s Oasis and the Clearwater River Casino & Lodge.

A worthy side trip when visiting the Lewis-Clark Valley is about 45 minutes away to the town of Moscow, Idaho . Pronounced “Moss-coe,” this historical small town is known as the site of the University of Idaho and a farmer’s market that can attract over 100,000 visitors on weekends. Elevated dining, great wines and culture abound in this sophisticated hamlet. I was a guest of the region right before the pandemic and cannot wait to get back to the hospitality and rich dimensions of the State of Idaho.

1. Colter’s Creek Winery   

Idaho’s 2019 Winery of the Year makes wine from only Lewis-Clark Valley and Snake River Valley AVAs fruit, which means it stays hyper-local in Idaho. The good thing is that you can try Colter’s Creek both at its hip tasting room in Moscow and at its tasting room and restaurant in the town of Juliaetta, Idaho. It also has vineyards and a winery where a tour and tasting may be arranged.

In 2007, early in the recognition of Idaho wines, Colter’s Creek owners Mike Pearson and Melissa Sanborn combined their chemistry and engineering backgrounds with a love of wine and the earth and found an abandoned vineyard in Juliaetta nestled between the Potlatch and Clearwater rivers. They named the winery after an early settler named John Colter and today produce a variety of wines that truly encompass the gambit of taste and style. 

Both a chardonnay and chardonnay-viognier are in the lineup along with a variety of rieslings, a perfect food-pairing wine experiencing a renaissance in popularity. Red and white blends are good for everyday drinking, or try Spanish grape varieties like tempranillo and the rocinante blend, Italian grapes like Sangiovese, and French favorites syrah and the grenache, syrah, Mourvedre blend in Arrow Rim Red. The restaurant in Juliaetta allows visitors to try wines paired with foods reflective of the region.

Colter’s Creek prides itself on sustainability in vineyard, water and waste management as well as in the tasting room environments themselves.

2. Clearwater Canyon Cellars

Coco Umiker is the ebullient winemaker at Clearwater Canyon and her enthusiasm is infectious. With a doctorate degree in wine microbiology, she and a vineyard manager and soil scientist create wines with little interference that are long on flavor.

Since 2016, Clearwater Canyon’s tasting room has been on the family’s Idaho Century Farm in the Lewiston orchards. The room features a cozy and comfortable ambiance and is a far cry from the four barrels it crafted in a storage room from 2004-2007.

The energy exhibited here is worth a visit and the wines are solid and well made, even creative. Definitely a priority stop to make in the valley for the fun, frivolity, and history of this solid winery.

3. Basalt Cellars

One of the original leaders in the Lewis-Clark Valley since 2003, and renowned since the winery’s 2004 merlot won double gold medals in the Tri-Cities Wine Competition. It sits on the Washington state side of the Lewis-Clark Valley and sources grapes from vineyards in the best growing regions of the state. An early pioneer in the region, Basalt Cellars secured long-term contracts with well-known vineyards like Bacchus, Weinbau, and Willard to assure quality wines as the winery became known.

Basalt considers itself a maker of ultra-premium wines and ones it feels will age well. This means the grape sources and winemaking have to be extraordinary, with only the finest techniques and all-French barrels for 18-30 months aging. 

French varieties take center focus at Basalt and Bordeaux-origin grapes like cabernet Franc, merlot, and malbec are excellent as are the Bordeaux blends. Sauvignon blanc sells out quickly as does the viognier. From the Rhone region, try syrah and several GSMs (grenache, syrah, and mourvedre) which have deep fan followings. A cool tasting room with very knowledgeable representatives makes a Basalt visit desirable in the Lewis-Clark Valley.

The Idaho Winery of the Year in 2021 says a lot about this unassuming producer. In a storefront in Lewiston, hang with the winemaker/owners of Vine 46 and enjoy an array of interesting and affordable wines that express grapes that grow well in the region. 

Carmenere, tempranillo and GMT (grenache, mourvedre and tempranillo blend) are something new for most wine drinkers and deliver spicy red fruit flavors — a perfect complement to your summer grilling. On the white side, sauvignon blanc, pinot gris, and rosé assure there is something for everyone. I have found that reds age well and look for a lot of great things in the future from Vine 46. The charming area of Lewiston around Vine 46 is an added bonus.

5. Lindsay Creek Vineyards 

Lindsay Creek is an expansive, fun and happening winery that makes tasting not only delicious but entertaining. Live music, event areas and plenty to do means a visit here is never boring. And the wines are fantastic.

Fourth generation grain farmers and brothers Art and Doug Mcintosh haven’t forgotten their roots. In fact, you can see grain fields surrounding the winery and small lot grains like oats and wheat are sold in the retail shop, which is another huge reason for home bakers and cooks to visit. The brothers and their wives love traveling to wine regions and in 2007, decided to try maximizing the lush palouse soils left from centuries-ago Missoula floods into wine grape crops, starting with what they call “a mere 150 sticks.”

Heading back to school for winemaking and viticulture has paid off for the brothers and their Bordeaux and Rhone varieties. Cabernet sauvignon, merlot and malbec make up the majority of reds along with a rosé and riesling. All of the wines are incredibly affordable ($16 riesling!) so make Lindsay Creek at the end of a fun day of tasting and listen to some music while watching the sun lower over the palouse.

6. Jovinea Cellars 

The couple behind Jovinea , Michael and Lisa Grigg, moved to Lewis-Clark Valley with the intention of building a winery and, of course, making wine. It would be 8 years until they got into operation and now source fruit from esteemed vineyards in both Idaho and Washington while planting their estate vineyard near the production facility they built in Lenore, Idaho.

Hoping it doesn’t take another 8 years of starts and stops, triumphs and adversity, to get the vineyard online, Jovinea has opened a tasting room in downtown Lewiston, which has become a small center of so-called urban wineries. In Lewiston, lunching in a small restaurant and sampling wines from the handful of local wineries with tasting rooms in town is a perfect way to spend a day in the area. Jovinea makes some fairly rare varieties so a good place to try your first Touriga Nacional, Tinta Cao, Montepulciano, Dolcetto, and Roussanne, grapes originating in Italy and Portugal is here.

7. Rivaura Estate Vineyards

The family behind Rivaura has a long history of farming along the banks of the Clearwater River in Lewis-Clark Valley and the latest generation has embarked on winemaking under the name Rivaura, meaning “river.”

Ron Hewett, Sr., along with sons Ron, Jr., and Reece Hewett, planted Rhone and Bordeaux varietals and now make ultra premium viognier, syrah, grenache, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot. The latest generation of Hewetts, Lance and Vince Hewett, returned to the family business after a time in the working world.

Rivaura’s tasting room is located on the vineyards near Juliaetta, Idaho, with sweeping views of rolling vineyards.

After getting to know Lewis-Clark Valley, travel south to the urban wineries of Boise and the Snake River Valley AVA around the Caldwell area.

Related Reading:

• 7 Truly Underrated U.S. Wineries Outside Of California
• 9 Best Breweries And Wineries To Visit In Chickasaw Country
• And the rest of our wine content

Barbara Barrielle has been a full-time travel, wine, and food writer for the last five years after a career as a publicist in the America's Cup, wine and entertainment. She is also an actress and film producer with two films currently in production and one released in 2018. She is working on a documentary "Crushed" about the wine country wildfires. She writes regularly for the Napa Valley Register, East Hampton Star, Northwest Travel and Life, Human Compass, Oregon Wine Press, and Wine Industry Advisor.

THE 10 BEST Moscow Wine Tasting Tours

Wine tasting tours in moscow.

• Private Tours
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• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• District Southern (YuAO)
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• Meshchanskiy
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• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
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• Good for a Rainy Day
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• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

2. UTS GROUP

3. Travellum

4. Russian tour operator DMC

5. Julia Politova

7. Retro Experience

8. Pero Travel

9. ALL TRAVELS

10. Rubin Leonid

Exceptionally good wine tours of Europe, US & South Africa

Our dedicated team have put together a sensational range of wine tours for 2024 and beyond.

Each one explores every aspect of the art of creating superb wine in that region. Expect Good Wine, Good Food, Good Company and, of course, Good Fun. You will be sampling some of the best wines these regions have to offer and learning from the experts throughout the tour.

This is a great opportunity to try something different and enjoy the company of like minded people that can lead to lasting friendships. We will be adding new tours throughout the year so follow us on X (Twitter ) for updates. Photo: Vineyard in Valtellina in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy.

Take a look at the Good Wine Tours Wine Blog for news and updates. We also run wine tastings and short courses for beginners in London, Aberdeen and Belfast. Find out more

The Good Wine Tours Holidays and Short Breaks for 2024 & 2025

Wine tour in beautiful, historic Tuscany 16th to 20th October 2024

£1699 (guide price) per person sharing a twin or double-bedded room (excluding flights).

As the blistering summer sun fades and the grape harvest comes to an end, there is no better time to visit this exquisite, historic region. We'll introduce you to the secrets of the Chianti Classico countryside - visiting some of the oldest and newest vineyards and the most passionate winemakers in Tuscany.

Champagne Wine Break 7th to 10th November 2024

£825 (guide price) per person sharing a twin or double-bedded room (does not include travel to Reims).

As autumn turns to winter, lift your spirits with this wonderful wine break in Champagne. Learn the secrets of this celebrated fizz in convivial surroundings. And what better opportunity to test, taste and stock up for the festive season ahead.

Beaune in Burgundy 14th to 18th November 2024

£2449 (guide price) per person sharing a twin or double-bedded room (excluding travel from and to UK).

Over the third weekend of November, the vignerons of Burgundy and the great and good of the wine trade gather in the town of Beaune for “Les Trois Glorieuses”. Our expert team use their knowledge and connections to ensure you get the very best this historic event has to offer. Book early as this is a very popular tour.

South African Wine Tour 2nd to 9th March 2025

£2599 (guide price) per person sharing a twin or double-bedded room (excluding flights). 

Prepare ahead for this late summer wine tour in South Africa after the mainstream tourist season has ended. This is a remarkable odyssey and a unique opportunity to indulge and learn more of the best wines South Africa has to offer.

Bulgarian Wine Tour 28th May to 1st June 2025

£1399 (guide price) per person sharing a twin or double-bedded room (excluding flights). 

Immerse yourself in 5,000 years of wine making, food and culture in the spectacular Thracian Valley and Sakar Region of Bulgaria.

Wine tour of Hungary – 25th to 29th June 2025

£1599 per person sharing a twin or double-bedded room(excluding flights). 

Red wines forever!  Slow down, look around and enjoy the hospitality of the winegrowers of the Szekszárd and Villány wine regions! Come to the southernmost wine growing areas of Hungary and meet the winemakers of these estates.

Wine holiday in Georgia 21st to 26th October 2025

£1899 (guide price) per person sharing a twin or double-bedded room (excluding flights)

Discover the secrets of 8000 years of wine making tradition in the beautiful and dramatic setting of Georgia.  Flanked by the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains, we take you on a ground-breaking tour of the very best this fascinating wine region has to offer.

Private Wine Tours for groups in UK, Europe, US and South Africa

We are often asked 'can you set up a tour for a group of friends who like the idea of learning a little more about wine?' And yes! We can and we do. Small groups, large groups any level of wine knowledge - we're happy to advise.

Like some more information? Email us at [email protected] or call us on 07802 944 920 for an informal chat.

A truly fantastic holiday. Learnt so much and made great new friends. Here's to the next one! - Kate M (Northampton)

• Wine tour of Porto and The Duoro – May 2024
• Wine tour in Bulgaria October – May/June 2025
• Champagne Wine Break November 2024
• Burgundy Wine Tour November 2024
• Wine tour in Hungary June 2025

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Terms and conditions, cancellations/transfers & travel protection.

We realize that illness and other reasons arise that may make it impossible for you to travel. For this reason, a travel protection policy (which includes cancellation insurance) through a third party is available and it’s highly recommended that you purchase this at the same time you make your initial tour payment. Those who have purchased travel protection and must cancel for a covered reason, will be reimbursed by the travel protection company the balance of any non-refunded funds (minus the travel protection premium). Regardless of the reason, cancellations, credits, and transfers of confirmed bookings result in a costly process of e-mails, letters, phone calls, adjustments, refunds, and penalties/fees assessed by our travel suppliers. Therefore, the below cancellation policies and fees are in place. Note that the below fees are per person and apply if you choose NOT to purchase travel protection or if you cancel for a non-covered reason.

Single-Day Tour Cancellations

• If you cancel 30 or more days prior to the departure date, you may receive a credit minus a $10 p.p. administrative fee* or a refund minus a $25 p.p. administrative fee*.
• If you cancel within 30 days of departure, you may receive a credit (minus $10 p.p.*) or a refund (minus $25 p.p.*) ONLY if your space can be resold from a waitlist.
• In addition to the administrative fee, all non-recoverable or non-transferable fees made to our suppliers on your behalf (for tickets, etc.) will be retained.
• Refund provisions vary from tour to tour and there are exceptions to the above policy and some tours (including those tours involving theatre tickets or high-security access) may have different or additional restrictions.

Multi-Day Tour Cancellations

• If you cancel prior to our established balance payment deadline (generally 60-90 days depending on the tour) you may receive a credit minus a $50 p.p. administrative fee* or a refund minus a $75 p.p. administrative fee*.
• If you cancel after our established balance payment deadline (generally 60-90 days depending on the tour) you may receive a credit (minus $75 p.p.*) or a refund (minus $125 p.p.*).
• If you cancel within 30 days of departure, you may receive a credit (minus $150 p.p.*) or a refund (minus $250 p.p.*) ONLY if your space can be resold from a waitlist.
• If you cancel within 15 days of departure, you may receive a credit (minus $250 p.p.*) or a refund (minus $500 p.p.*) ONLY if your space can be resold from a waitlist.
• In addition to the administrative fee, all non-recoverable or non-transferable fees made to our suppliers on your behalf (for airfare, tickets, lodging, services, etc.) will be retained.
• Refund provisions vary from tour to tour and there are exceptions to the above policy and some tours (including international tours and national park tours) may have different or additional restrictions.

Additional Notes About Cancellations

Credit does not expire and may be left on your account for future use or immediately transferred to another tour. No credits or refunds are available for failure to board the motorcoach on the day of departure.

• Multi-Day Tours

We develop and operate more than 50 unique and memorable multi-day tours each year – from relaxing 2-3 day getaways to comprehensive 5-9 day journeys throughout North America and beyond. Below, you will find our currently available multi-day tours as well as ways to narrow down your search. Click into each tour below to find more information on each including the tour description, inclusions, price, tour pace/activity level and more. Within each tour is the option to either book the tour or information on how to contact one of our partners to book the tour. Come back often as this page is updated frequently with tours "Just Added."

Featuring a Single-Hotel Stay in Monterey, 17-Mile Drive, Carmel, Redwood Forest Steam Train, Coast Starlight Train

June 9-12, 2024

 Limited Space 

Featuring a Single-Hotel Stay, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Newport, RI, Plymouth, Provincetown, JFK Library, Boston

June 23-29, 2024

 Waitlisted! 

Featuring Denali National Park, Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star , Fairbanks, Anchorage, Alaskan Tour Director

July 14-19, 2024

Featuring Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, Grand Teton National Park, National Park Lodge Stays

August 4-11, 2024

Featuring Denali & Kenai Fjords National Parks, Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star , Seward, Anchorage, Alaskan Tour Director

August 15-22, 2024

2-Night Stays in Vancouver, Victoria & Seattle, Butchart Gardens, Chihuly Garden & Glass, 3 Spectacular Ferry Rides

September 3-9, 2024

September 5-12, 2024

Featuring Denali National Park, Prince William Sound, Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star , Anchorage, Fairbanks, Valdez

September 6-13, 2024

Featuring Monterey, Big Sur Scenic Highway, Cambria, Piedras Blancas & Point San Luis Lighthouses, Coast Starlight Train

September 8-12, 2024

Two-Night Stay at the Grand Canyon Lodge on Grand Canyon’s North Rim, Zion National Park, 2 Nights Las Vegas

September 20-25, 2024

 New Itinerary 

Crater Lake National Park, Columbia River Gorge, Timberline Lodge, Oregon Dunes, Willamette Valley, Portland, Bend

September 28-October 4, 2024

 New Itinerary   Just Added 

Featuring Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Boston, Portland, Kennebunkport, Killington, Hildene

September 30-October 6, 2024

Featuring Albuquerque's Annual Balloon Fiesta, Santa Fe, Taos, Chimayó, Bandelier National Monument

October 2-7, 2024

Coast Starlight Train, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Sonoma Valley, The Skunk Train , Redwood National Park

October 6-11, 2024

Featuring 4 Train Rides, Lake Tahoe, Monterey, Sacramento, Reno, Carson City, Virginia City, Eastern Sierra

October 13-19, 2024

 Just Added 

Featuring Dublin, Waterford, Killarney, Galway and Belfast

October 16-28, 2024

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Award-Winning Okanagan

Wine Tours Luxury Blended with Good Times

Voted best wine tour company year after year with Wine Tours Year Round !

BACHELORETTE WINE TOURS

Corporate wine tours, wine, boat & adventure tours, wine, beer, cider &, spirits tours, large group/private.

Popular Tours

Sip N’ Giggles

Half day tour & lunch stop, east kelowna wine trail.

$139 per person plus GST

Tastings at 3 wineries with Lunch Stop

Duration: 4 Hours

Sip disturber, half day wine tour, westside wine trail.

$139 per person plus GST Visit 4 Westside Wine Trail wineries

“I Don’t Give a Sip”

Half day tour, central kelowna – various.

$129 per person plus GST

Visit 4 wineries on a wine region of our choice!

Pick which City You’re Staying In

• Lake Country
• West Kelowna
• Okanagan Falls

Lakeshore/East Kelowna Wine Trail

$139 per person plus GST Visit 4 East Kelowna and Lakeshore wineries

Full Day Lunch Wine Tour

$169 per person plus GST Visit 5 Westside Wine Trail wineries with a lunch stop

Duration: 6 Hours

$169 per person plus GST Visit 5 East Kelowna and Lakeshore wineries with a lunch stop

Scenic Sip Wine Trail

$169 per person plus GST Visit 5 wineries with a lunch stop

$139 per person plus GST Visit 4 wineries

Sunset Sipster

Dinner wine tour.

$169 per person plus GST Visit 4 wineries with a dinner stop

Get Your Sip Together Wine, Craft Beer & Cider Tour

$169 per person plus GST Visit 2 wineries, a cidery and a brewery!

“Get Your Sip Together” Wine, Craft, Cider Tour

$169 per person plus GST Visit 4 Venues

Summerland Bottleneck Drive Wine Trail

$139 per person plus GST Visit 4 Bottleneck Drive Wine Trail wineries

Penticton/Naramata Bench Wine Trail

$139 per person plus GST Visit 4 Naramata Bench Wine Trail wineries

$169 per person plus GST Visit 5 Bottleneck Drive Wine Trail wineries with a lunch stop

$169 per person plus GST Visit 5 Naramata Bench Wine Trail wineries with a lunch stop

Corkscrew Drive Wine Trail in Okanagan Falls

$139 per person plus GST Visit 4 Corkscrew Drive Wine Trail wineries

$139 per person plus GST Visit 4 Corkscrew Wine Trail wineries

Osoyoos/Oliver Wine Trails

$139 per person plus GST Visit 4 wineries on the Golden Mile & Black Sage Bench Wine Trail

$169 per person plus GST Visit 5 Corkscrew Drive Wine Trail wineries with a lunch stop

Osoyoos/Oliver Wine Trail

$169 per person plus GST Visit 5 wineries on the Golden Mile & Black Sage Bench Wine Trail with a lunch stop

$169 per per person plus GST Visit 4 wineries on the Golden Mile & Black Sage Bench Wine Trail with a dinner stop

$169 per person plus GST Visit 4 wineries on the Golden Mile & Black Sage Bench Wine Trail with a dinner stop

Pick the Award Winning Tour Company

*Wine & boat tours May to October

2023 Wine Tour Operator of the Year Global Awards

2022 best wine tour company in british columba 2022/2021/2021 best wine tour company in kelowna 2022 wine tour operator of the year 2023 travelers’ choice award – top 10% of  attractions worldwide., tour only with the very best.

For last minute bookings, please hop on the chat, or call us at 778-212-2134

Sip Happens Wine Tours

Luxury blended with good times.

Award winning Okanagan vineyards with spectacular views, and a welcoming experience for all. Over the years we have come to know the winery owners and staff as friends, which is exactly how you will feel when you join us for your wine tasting experience!

At Sip Happens, we blend good times with luxury in an unpretentious, relaxed setting. From modern and clean touring vans, to smartly dressed fun and knowledgeable tour guides, you will be glad to know that you are touring with the best wine tour company in the Okanagan Valley.

We pick up from any hotel, Air BNB, or home in central Kelowna, Lake Country and Vernon. We also offer wine tours for our guests staying in Summerland, Penticton, Naramata, Okanagan Falls, Oliver and Osoyoos. Simply fill out our booking form, and you’ll be on your way to having a memorable day!

Okanagan Wine Tours

Large group/private booking form.

• Choose from any of our wine tours and let us plan an amazing day for your group!
• We can plan a large group private tour to anywhere in the Okanagan Valley.
• Want to organize a bachelorette or corporate wine tour? We will handle everything from transportation, winery visits and lunch or dinner reservations.

What Our Clients Say

“ We had the best time touring Naramata Bench in the Okanagan with our guide Sunnie. She went above and beyond to make the experience memorable, capturing videos and pictures of our tour as well. The vehicle was clean and new which made the tour very comfortable! 5 stars would tour with Sip Happens again anytime. ” MACKENZIE S.

“ Bob our tour guide was a pleasure to be with as we visited 5 wineries including a lunch with a fantastic view! The Mercedes Benz van arrived on time and was immaculate inside and out. Bob took care of our wine purchases as he carried them to the van, and Covid protocol was intact. My sister and I enjoyed the whole experience and we recommend The Holy Sip Wine Tour to anyone who wants to enjoy tasting a variety of great wines. Fun memories that will never be forgotten!! ” ROSE

“ Booked a full day private tour for 7 for the Naramata Bench. Our guide Sunnie was awesome! She is a grape grower and was a wealth of knowledge. Every winery we went to was expecting us, no waiting whatsoever. Sunny labeled our bottles/cases to keep us very organized. This is my 3rd tour with Sip Happens and will definitely go back. Totally recommend ” ANNE T.

“ Loved the selection of vineyards that we visited - all of the tasting guides were super knowledgable and entertaining! ” KATE

“ Great experience. My girlfriend and I went on a wine tour for her birthday. Our guide, Kenny was outstanding, Great company and informative. Even gave us a ride to our dinner reservation after the tour so we didn't have to get a cab. The views on the drive around the lake country wine tour were breathtaking. Thanks Kenny ” SHAUN

“ It was so well planned and done, safely as well during COVID times. I booked the day before and staff was so accommodating and friendly. James, our guide, was incredibly knowledgeable and way beyond wines! Personable, candid, and full of helpful suggestions. I definitely recommend! ” TROTTING

“ We booked a shoulder season wine tour with Sip Happens. Great experience, with our small group (just the two of us) the tasting went quickly, our driver Bob went out of his way to accommodate us with other wineries. Friendly, professional and knowledgeable!! Highly recommend. ” SHANE

“ We had the best time touring Naramata Bench in the Okanagan with our guide Sunnie. She went above and beyond to make the experience memorable, capturing videos and pictures of our tour as well. The vehicle was clean and new which made the tour very comfortable! 5 stars would tour with Sip Happens again anytime. ” MACKENZIE

“ I highly recommend this company. Eddie was the best tour guide. All the wineries included in our tour were great! ” JAN

“ Great tour in the Oliver area. Our driver Bernie did a great job and was very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend Sip Happens for a wine tour. ” JOHN

Discovering the best wine tours and wine tasting options in the communities of Kelowna, West Kelowna, Penticton, Osoyoos, Oliver, and throughout the Okanagan, is as easy as scheduling a getaway with our amazing team at Sip Happens Wine Tours. Our luxury wine tours are known for being among the best in BC, and we do everything possible to ensure that every wine tasting is filled with joy, laughter, great times, friendships, beautiful memories and so much more. Our Sip Happens Wine Tours service can be booked easily and is heavily focused on customer safety and success. All our wine tours are well planned and coordinated giving you access to unparalleled and unprecedented wine tasting experiences.

If you are searching for high-quality Okanagan wine tours, then look no further than our Sip Happens Wine Tours travel packages. We believe that every wine tasting should not only be time well spent but also an unforgettable trip of a lifetime which is why we go above and beyond to make our wine tour vacations stand out from the alternative choices. You will find our staff and winery partners at Sip Happens Wine Tours friendly, knowledgeable, and professional which makes every wine tasting a truly wonderful time off from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

If you have wine tasting questions, our wine tours team can assist you with whatever schedule you may need. If you require more information about our Sip Happens Wine Tours please do not hesitate to reach out and we would be happy to help. We are here to guide you on the wine tours that make the most sense for your schedule and goals and what it is that you desire to accomplish during your wine tasting holiday. To learn more about wine tours in Vernon, Lake Country, Kelowna, West Kelowna, Summerland, Penticton, Naramata, Okanagan Falls Osoyoos, & Oliver just check out our website or give us a call today.

Sip Happen Tours

Blending luxury with good times, cancellation policy  .

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[email protected]

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19 best rome tours of 2024: food, the vatican & more.

These top-rated Rome tours are led by experts who bring the city's history to life.

The Best Rome Tours

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Considered one of the world's best places to visit , Rome offers countless things to do and an endless selection of delicious cuisine. But given the overwhelming crowds and restricted access to ancient sites, it can be difficult to fully enjoy all that Italy's capital has to offer on your own. That's where a guided tour can help.

Based on recent traveler reviews and expert opinion, we've selected the best tours in Rome. Whether you're gliding past the Colosseum on a Segway or savoring Italian wine in the countryside, you'll benefit from fun and informative guides leading the way.

Editor’s Pick: What a Life Tours – Skip-the-line Vatican Small Group Tour

Price: Adults from 99 euros (about $108); kids from 94 euros (around $102) Duration: 3 hours

U.S. News independently paid to send Laura Itzkowitz , a freelance journalist based in Rome, on this tour to provide readers with an unbiased, first-hand perspective of what to expect. What a Life Tours – Skip-the-line Vatican Small Group Tour was selected by our team as an Editor’s Pick thanks to its popularity and favorable user reviews.

One of the largest – and most crowded – landmarks in the world, the Vatican Museums actually comprises 26 museums, plus various chapels and galleries, so while it’s a must-see attraction, it can be an overwhelming place to visit. The engaging guide leading this skip-the-line tour brought us straight to the highlights, starting with the Pinecone Courtyard and ending in St. Peter’s Basilica , where she showed us Michelangelo’s Pietà and explained why it’s the only work the artist actually signed.

Along the tour, you’ll see masterpieces from the Vatican Museums’ collection, including the ancient statue of Laocoön and his sons; the Belvedere Torso, which inspired Michelangelo; Greek Cross Hall; and the Round Hall, which contains a monumental bronze statue of Hercules. Other highlights include the Gallery of Candelabra; the Gallery of Tapestries; the Gallery of Maps, where the guide pointed out some fun facts about Italy in the 1600s; and the Sistine Chapel. Talking isn’t allowed in the Sistine Chapel, so the guide explained Michelangelo’s frescoes at the beginning of the tour. Our guide shared a deep knowledge of the artworks, and delivered her commentary with a sense of humor. However, the guide didn’t bring us to the Raphael Rooms; if this is a priority for you, you may want to book a different tour.

Tours generally operate Monday through Saturday; the first tour begins at 9:30 a.m. In addition to its variety of Vatican tours, the company also offers tours of the Colosseum and daylong tours of Rome.

Laura Itzkowitz

Why we love it:

• Groups are capped at 12 or fewer participants. 
• After the tour, stroll down Via della Conciliazione to capture perfectly framed photos of St. Peter’s Basilica.
• For a nice lunch nearby, book a table at Ristorante Arlù, a family-run eatery that’s been open since 1959. If the weather is nice, ask for a table outside on the charming cobblestone street.
• Prati, the neighborhood surrounding the Vatican, is popular for shopping, especially along Via Cola di Rienzo. Stop by il Sellaio di Serafini for a handmade leather bag, or Castroni for espresso and other gourmet foods to bring home.

Check prices & availability on:

Fat Tire Tours Rome – Rome Day Segway Tour

Price: From 73 euros (around $79) Duration: 3 hours

Hop on a Segway to see the Eternal City's many sights. After receiving your helmet and tuning in to a quick training session, you'll receive a headset to follow the lively commentary from the experienced Fat Tire Tours guide. Along the three-hour ride, you'll glide past sights like Trajan's Forum, Capitoline Hill and more. Plus, you'll don a virtual reality headset during your stop outside the Colosseum that reconstructs the famous arena's past grandeur. Travelers appreciate that Segways make getting around and seeing Rome's sights easier and more fun, especially for families with older teens. Reviewers also appreciate the engaging local guides.

Tours run daily at 9:30 a.m. Participants must be at least 16 years old and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Pregnant women are not permitted on this tour. The company also leads a night tour, which visits the city's illuminated monuments after sundown, among other outings.

LivItaly Tours – Colosseum Underground Tour with Arena, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum

Price: Adults from 159 euros (around $173); kids from 144 euros (around $156) Duration: 3 hours

Enjoy swift entry to the Colosseum underground and see the arena floor, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum on this small-group tour. LivItaly leads up to six travelers to the restricted lower level of the Colosseum, where dungeons once confined gladiators and their opponents. In three hours, learn about ancient Rome's social order on Palatine Hill and everyday life at the forum. Travelers, especially those with children, agree that having a passionate guide with a deep knowledge of Roman history enriched the experience. Reviewers also appreciate the small size of the tour group.

Tours depart daily at multiple times beginning at 12:15 p.m. Book the company's 90-minute Express Colosseum Underground & Arena Tour if you're short on time.

The Best Rome Colosseum Tours

Laura Itzkowitz April 17, 2024

TopBike Rental and Tours – Ancient Appian Way, Catacombs and Aqueducts Park

Price: From 65 euros (about $71) to 89 euros (about $97) Duration: 4 or 6 hours

Travelers have been using the Ancient Appian Way for 2,300 years and you'll traverse it with a friendly, knowledgeable local on this electric bike excursion. Along the ride, you'll pass archeological sites, Christian catacombs and picturesque Roman aqueducts framing the unspoiled countryside. The tour covers roughly 17 miles, 60% of which requires off-road cycling, so TopBike recommends this tour for intermediate riders. Some tourgoers say you might not even break a sweat though, thanks to the ease of the electric bikes.

Tourgoers can opt for the Short Tour (four hours) or the Plus Tour (six hours), the latter of which follows the same path as the shorter excursion and also includes a guided tour of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus (or Saint Sebastian) and a stop at the Baths of Caracalla. Exact tour departure times vary by season, but you can expect to start around 9 a.m. TopBike also leads cycling tours within the city center.

Gourmetaly – Campo de' Fiori, Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere Rome Food Tour

Price: Adults from 93 euros (around $101); kids from 65 euros (around $71) Duration: 3.5 hours

Tantalize your taste buds on this Rome food tour, which covers three distinct neighborhoods known for their cuisine. As your local guide leads you through the Jewish ghetto, Campo de' Fiori and Trastevere, you'll stop by top-rated food markets, grocery stores, coffee shops, gelaterias and restaurants. Among the food samples included in the tour are fried artichokes, pizza, mozzarella, fresh pasta and gelato. Tours are capped at 12 participants. Reviewers call this a delightful experience thanks to the informative guides who offer an interesting lesson on Roman history, food and culture. They also recommend taking this tour on your first day in Rome to make the most of the guides' recommendations.

Tours are offered several times each day in the morning and afternoon. Note that the afternoon tour does not visit the Campo de' Fiori market (a highlight for many recent tourgoers). In addition to food tours, Gourmetaly also hosts cooking classes.

Eyes of Rome – Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour

Price: Adults from 453 euros (around $491); kids from 35 euros (around $38) Duration: 3 hours

With your private guide leading the way, you'll visit the Colosseum, explore the ancient city along paths that served the Roman Senate and learn the legends of the House of the Vestal Virgins. Tourgoers value the attentive guides who share history and lore in an entertaining way. They also say the tour is well-paced.

Tickets cover pick up at centrally located hotels and skip-the-line admission. Note that prices can vary significantly depending on the number of people in your party. A couple can expect to pay roughly $500 for tickets. Eyes of Rome also conducts private walking tours of the Vatican.

Private Tours of Rome – Vatican & Sistine Chapel Private Tour

Price: From $364 Duration: 3 hours

One of the best tours of the Vatican , this intimate excursion includes skip-the-line access to the complex and a guide who shares the Vatican Museums' top attractions in just three hours. See the artistic highlights in the   Gallery of Ancient Roman Sculptures, the Gallery of Tapestries and famous Raphael paintings. You'll then experience Michelangelo's masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel. Your guide will ensure you see the Pietà   in St. Peter's Basilica, the Apostolic Palace and the famous balcony where the pope delivers his blessings. Travelers praise the excellent guides who tailor the tour to groups' interests and keep children engaged.

Tours operate Monday through Saturday in the morning and afternoon. Ticket prices vary depending on your itinerary and group size. The company suggests you book at least one month in advance to ensure a specialist authorized by the Vatican is available. Private Tours of Rome also offers tours of the Colosseum and the Borghese Gallery, among others.

Courtesy of Roman Food Tours

The Roman Food Tour – Prati By Sunset

Price: Adults from 99 euro (about $107); kids from 90 euros (about $98) Duration: 4 hours

Devoted foodies skip lunch for the more than 20 food and wine pairings on this four-hour evening tour of some of Rome's top eateries. Throughout the tour, you'll feast on gourmet delights, such as homemade pasta, pizza, fresh cheeses and gelato. More importantly, you'll learn tips to enhance your knowledge and pleasure in Italian cuisine. Travelers praise the expertise of the fun guides who explain each dish's origin and quality with gusto.

Tours, which are offered daily multiple times starting at 3:30 p.m. The Roman Food Tour also offers day tours and cooking classes.

Rex-Tours – Rome City Segway Tour

Price: From 79 euros (about $86) Duration: 3 hours

Roll in comfort past many of ancient Rome's major sights on this three-hour Segway tour. Rex-Tours' expert guides lead up to eight travelers for an effortless overview of must-see landmarks, such as Capitoline Hill and the Colosseum. Reviewers applaud the knowledgeable guides who offer a wealth of information without overwhelming travelers. What's more, guides provide restaurant recommendations and tips for making the most of your visit to Rome, according to tourgoers.

The Rome City Segway Tour departs twice daily at 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Travelers also recommend enjoying the company's evening Segway tour if you're visiting during the summer and need a break from the peak daytime heat.

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Eating Europe – Twilight Trastevere Rome Food Tour

Price: Adults from 114 euros (about $123); kids from 81 euros (about $88) Duration: 4 hours

Travelers suggest you skip lunch before this evening walking tour of Trastevere, so that you can savor the street food and sweet treats served at each stop. As you meander through the neighborhood (often compared to New York City's Greenwich Village), you'll enjoy mouthwatering bites of everything from classic supplì , or fried risotto balls stuffed with mozzarella, to porchetta, homemade pasta and gelato. Foodie guides share each chef's story and culinary traditions, along with tips on how to find and make the best Roman cuisine on your own. Reviewers praise the guides for their insider knowledge and gush about the quality of the food and wine featured on the tour.

Tours run daily at multiple times and there is a maximum of 12 people per tour. Eating Europe also operates a tour that explores Testaccio, considered Rome's "original foodie neighborhood."

Rolling Rome – Rome Squares & Fountains Golf Cart Tour

Price: From 100 euros (about $108) Duration: 3 hours

Avoid Rome's congested traffic and keep the family entertained on this three-hour, private golf cart tour of the city. Whizz past major sights in the historical center and piazzas Venezia, Navona and del Popolo, plus the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and more. Since the tour is customizable, you can also ask the guide to take you to lesser-known spots in the city – a highlight for reviewers. Along with the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, reviewers appreciate the golf cart's ability to avoid traffic using Rome's narrow back lanes.

Tours, which can accommodate up to seven participants, depart daily at 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. One week's advance reservation is recommended. Rolling Rome also offers daylong golf cart tours, as well as a variety of Segway and electric bike tours.

Food Tours of Rome – Jewish Ghetto and Campo de' Fiori by Night Food Tour

Price: Adults from 89 euros (about $96); kids from 75 euros (about $81) Duration: 4 hours

Combine sightseeing with snacking and drinking on this evening tour of the Jewish ghetto and the Campo Marzio area. Fun, knowledgeable guides make seven stops for food and wine between explaining major historic attractions like Piazza Navona and Campo de' Fiori. Stop in delis, family-run shops and restaurants to sample gourmet cheeses and hams, pasta, espresso, and gelato. First-time visitors especially appreciate this informative introduction to the city and the family-run vendors featured on the tour.

Tours depart nightly at 6 p.m. Food Tours of Rome can accommodate some special diets with advance notice. The company also offers a dessert and sightseeing tour of Rome, among various other options.

Rome's Ultimate Free Walking Tour

Price: Free Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours

According to reviewers, this free walking tour is a great way to start your visit in Rome. During the nearly three-hour stroll, you'll visit several photo-worthy piazzas, the Pantheon, Ponte Sant'Angelo and Castel Sant'Angelo, among other sights. Guides, who have backgrounds in subjects like history and architecture, earn praise from reviewers for their entertaining storytelling and thoughtful restaurant and activity recommendations.

Tours, which are limited to 15 participants, operate twice daily at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. In total, you'll walk less than 2 miles. According to the company, the tour is suitable for travel strollers and wheelchairs. Though the tour is free, it's recommended that you reserve your spot in advance via the company's website (guides do not wait at the departure point unless reservations are booked). At the end of the tour, you can tip your guide based on your experience.

Check availability on:

Courtesy of Secret Food Tours Rome

Secret Food Tours – Rome Food Tour

Price: Adults from 79 euros (about $86); kids from 69 euros (about $75) Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours

Dine your way through the historical center of Rome, visiting cafes, markets and shops for a total of up to seven stops. During the tour, you'll walk through neighborhoods like the Campo de' Fiori and the Jewish quarter with an enthusiastic guide who ties together history and insights about traditional dishes. The focus is on Italian-style dining: savoring the perfect cappuccino, sampling fresh pizzas and homemade pastas, pairing wines with a variety of cheeses, gelato and more. Travelers praise the guides' knowledge of Roman cuisine and the amount and quality of the food.

Tours depart daily at 11 and 11:30 a.m. An additional 5 p.m. tour may be available depending on the day. Private tours are also an option.

The Roman Guy – Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Price: Adults from $119; kids from $56 Duration: 3 hours

Hoping to see the Vatican sans enormous crowds? This three-hour tour from The Roman Guy convenes at 7:45 a.m., allowing you to enter the Vatican Museums an hour before they open to the general public. First, relish the tranquil Sistine Chapel, which welcomes upward of 25,000 visitors daily during the summer. Afterward, follow your guide to museum highlights, including Raphael's paintings, the Borgia Apartments and the Gallery of the Maps. Travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides and say the opportunity to see the Sistine Chapel without the crowds is worth the tour price (though reviewers warn that you will still encounter quite a few other tour groups enjoying early access to the site).

Tours are available Monday through Saturday. Groups are capped at 14 people. If you're short on time, consider The Roman Guy's abridged Vatican Highlights tour, which last 2.5 hours.

City Wonders – Tuscan Countryside Day Trip from Rome with 3-Course Lunch & Wine Tasting

Price: Adults from $112; kids from $102 Duration: 12 hours

If you want to visit Tuscany while in Rome, but don't want to drive the approximately 175-mile journey yourself, consider this 12-hour excursion from City Wonders. You'll depart from Rome at 7:30 a.m. via an air-conditioned coach bus to see famous hilltop towns, such as Montepulciano and Pienza. You'll also visit the Renaissance church of St. Biagio before enjoying a three-course lunch and wine pairing in the famed Montalcino. Travelers say guides are informative and thoughtful, giving tourists ample time to explore the towns and take pictures. All agree that leaving the driving to a professional made the trip worthwhile.

Tours are offered daily. City Wonders also offers a variety of tours in Rome, including tours of the Colosseum, the Vatican and the Borghese Gallery.

Through Eternity Tours – Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum & Sistine Chapel: Essential Experience

Price: From 1,345 euros (about $1,458) Duration: 6 hours

Conquer Rome in six hours with Through Eternity Tours. With your skip-the-line tickets , you'll visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Professional, engaging guides – all fluent English speakers – allow you to set the pace, absorbing as much history and archeology as you want at each stop. Travelers say you'll see much more on this half-day tour than you would if you were to visit each site on your own, as guides point out unexpected gems along the way.

Rates can vary considerably depending on the number in your party, and the company offers discounts for students and children. Bring stamina, a water bottle and wear comfortable walking shoes . When you're ready for more, try one of Through Eternity's other tours, such as its evening tour of Rome's piazzas and fountains.

Walks of Italy – Gladiator's Gate: Special Access Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor

Price: Adults from $105; kids from $99 Duration: 3 hours

On this three-hour tour, you'll enter the Colosseum through the "Gladiator's Gate" – the entrance that was once used exclusively for gladiators 2,000 years ago. Once inside, you'll enjoy 360-degree views of the Colosseum on the reconstructed arena floor as your guide shares the gory history of this famous landmark . Then, you'll bypass the lines to tour the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Highlights include the cremation point of Julius Caesar, senate buildings and the Temple of the Vestal Virgins. Guides win kudos from travelers for their ability to discuss dense history topics in an engaging manner. Reviewers say the tour flies by thanks to the guides' entertaining storytelling. They also appreciate the skip-the-line access to these must-see sights.

Tours, which are capped at 25 participants, are offered three times daily at 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Rates may vary based on the time of year, and they include all entrance tickets and the use of audio headsets during the tour. Walks of Italy also hosts cooking classes in Rome and organizes day trips to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.

Maya Tours – Skip-the-Line Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Group Tour

Price: Adults from 45 euros (about $49); kids from 35 euros (about $38) Duration: 2 hours

If you're interested in visiting the Vatican Museums, but don't want to devote more than a couple hours of your Rome vacation to the experience, consider this kid-friendly tour. In addition to skip-the-line access, your guide will show you the must-see artworks, several courtyards and galleries, and the Sistine Chapel. Reviewers praise guides for their interesting and informed commentary (which tourgoers can hear via audio headsets). Parents are particularly impressed with guides' ability to engage children.

Tours are offered Monday through Saturday multiple times in the morning and afternoon. Maya Tours also operates longer, semiprivate tours of the Vatican.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Hotels in Rome
• The Best Places to Visit in Italy
• The Best Italy Tours + Small-Group Trips
• The Best International Travel Insurance

Tags: Italy , Tours , Travel , Vacations , food and drink , Europe Vacations

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Ukraine-Russia war latest: Vladimir Putin repeats warning he could send weapons to adversaries of the West

Speaking at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Vladimir Putin also says he does not see the conditions for the use of nuclear weapons as set out in Russia's nuclear doctrine - but adds he could not rule out a change to it.

Friday 7 June 2024 17:15, UK

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• Russia economically strong despite 'illegitimate sanctions'
• Ukraine has right to strike targets in Russia - NATO chief
• Russian vessels to make port in Cuba in 'hopes of invoking memory of missile crisis'
• Biden to discuss $225m package with Zelenskyy in France
• Ivor Bennett:  Why is Lavrov in Africa?
• Big picture:  Everything you need to know about the war right now
• Your questions answered: Are there any signs of an underground resistance in Russia?

Thank you for reading.

We will be back soon with more updates from the war in Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin has said he does not see the conditions for the use of nuclear weapons as set out in Russia's nuclear doctrine - but added he could not rule out a change to the doctrine.

"We have a nuclear doctrine which states that the use of nuclear arms is possible in an exceptional case, when the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country is threatened," he told the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

"But the doctrine can be changed.

"The same applies to nuclear tests. We will carry out tests if needed, but so far there is no such need."

Russia could send weapons to adversaries of the West, Vladimir Putin has warned for a second time.

The Russian president repeated the warning from earlier this week during the St Petersburg Economic Forum.

He did not say what countries or entities he was referring to, and he stressed that Moscow is not doing it currently.

"If they supply (weapons) to the combat zone and call for using these weapons against our territory, why don't we have the right to do the same?" he told the crowds. 

"But I'm not ready to say that we will be doing it tomorrow, either."

On Wednesday, Putin told international journalists that Russia could provide long-range weapons to others to strike Western targets in response to NATO allies allowing Ukraine to use their arms to attack Russian territory.

He also reaffirmed Moscow's readiness to use nuclear weapons if it sees a threat to its sovereignty.

Joe Biden has apologised to Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the recent delay in approving new US aid for Ukraine.

Last month, following months of political disagreements, the Senate passed $95bn (£76.2bn) in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan .

"I apologise for those weeks of not knowing," the US president said.

"Some of our very conservative members [of Congress] were holding it up. 

"But we got it done, finally. We're still in - completely, totally." 

The Ukrainian president thanked his counterpart for American assistance.  

"It's very important that you stay with us," he said. 

"It's very important that in this unity, the United States of America, all American people stay with Ukraine, like it was during World War Two - how the United States helped to save human lives, to save Europe." 

The two men were speaking in Paris, the day after D-Day commemorations in Normandy.

Russia needs to boost its use of non-Western currencies, Vladimir Putin said as he addressed the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

He also said his country needs to reduce imports while calling for a major expansion of its domestic financial markets.

Trade with Asia is soaring, he told delegates, adding that almost two fifths of Russian external trade is now in roubles.

The share conducted in US dollars, euros and other Western currencies has declined.

Russia will try to boost the share of settlements conducted in the currencies of BRICS countries - which include Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, Mr Putin said.

"Last year, the share of payments for Russian exports in the so–called 'toxic' currencies of unfriendly states halved, while the share of the rouble in export and import transactions is growing - it is approaching 40% today," the president said.

Russia has referred to nations that imposed sanctions on it as "unfriendly".

 The session begins with an address by the Russian president. 

Vladimir Putin says there is a race among world powers to establish sovereignty. 

He speaks of the need for countries to both establish partnerships and also to look internally to tackle challenges presented by the current global economic landscape. 

Despite all the "obstacles and illegitimate sanctions", Russia remains one of the world's economic leaders, he says. 

He adds that "friendly countries" - those that have not joined sanctions against Moscow - account for three quarters of Russia's mutual trade turnover, and praises them for that. 

Countries including India and China have strengthened economic ties since Mr Putin launched his war in Ukraine. 

Vladimir Putin has taken to the stage in St Petersburg to address the International Economic Forum there.

He's joined by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwais and Bolivian President Luis Alberto Arce Catacora. 

Chairing the session is Sergey Karaganov - a Russian political scientist. 

We'll bring you any key lines here in this live blog. 

A T-shirt is on sale at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum printed with a phrase attributed to Vladimir Putin, Sky News has discovered. 

"If a fight is inevitable, throw the first punch," it says.

The Russian president reportedly said it in 2015.

He apparently explained that it was something he had learned while growing up on the streets of Leningrad - a former name of St Petersburg. 

The Russian defence ministry has accused Ukraine of injuring 20 people, including children, in a missile attack on the Russian-controlled eastern Ukrainian city of Luhansk, using US-supplied ATACMS missiles.

Four of five missiles were shot down by air defence systems, the ministry said in a statement.

However, one of the missiles damaged two residential apartment blocks, it added, claiming it was deliberate.

Sky News is unable to verify the allegations.

There has been no immediate comment from Ukraine. 

The European Commission supports starting EU accession talks with Ukraine, the country's prime minister has said.

Denys Shmyhal said the commission had confirmed in a report that Kyiv had fulfilled the remaining steps required to start negotiations. 

"Now we expect our European partners to take the next step - to start negotiations on European Union membership this month," Mr Shmyhal said on Telegram. 

Earlier (7.43am post) we reported that the commission was reportedly ready to recommend that accession talks get underway.

It is part of an attempt to signal support for Kyiv before Hungary takes over the rotating presidency of the EU next month, the Financial Times reported.

The EU announced earlier this year that it was sending an additional £42bn in aid to Ukraine - but only after  weeks of resistance from Hungary , which reportedly has concerns about minority rights in Ukraine. 

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Ukraine-Russia war – live: Putin ‘invokes Cuban Missile Crisis’ as he moves ‘nuclear-capable’ ships to Havana

LIVE – Updated at 16:00

Vladimir Putin is invoking the memory of the Cuban Missile Crisis by moving “nuclear-capable” warships to Cuba in a move intended to provoke the United States , a think tank warned.

Four Russian vessels will make a port call to Havana between 12 and 17 June before stopping off in Venezuela later in the month, according to Cuban and US officials.

The Admiral Gorshkov frigate, the Kazan nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine , the Academic Pashin replenishment oiler, and the Nikolai Chiker rescue tug will all be part of the visit, the US-based think tank Institute for the Study of War.

The Admiral Gorshkov is capable of carrying Zircon hypersonic missiles, which the Kremlin has touted as being able to carry a nuclear warhead. There is no suggestion the ship will be equipped with nuclear weapons during the visit.

In 1962, former Russian premier Nikita Khrushchev moved nuclear missiles to Havana which led to an intense stand off between Moscow and Washington.

Meanwhile, Putin has threatened to retaliate against Western countries that are allowing Ukraine to hit Russia with their long-range missiles.

Joe Biden apologises to Zelensky for delay in aid

Russia trying to ‘invoke memory of cuban missile crisis’, france to send mirage 2000 warplanes to ukraine.

• Putin claims Russia may supply long-range weapons to enemies of West

Ukraine air defence downs 9 out of 13 Russian drones over four regions

Ukrainian air defence and mobile drone hunters groups shot down nine out of 13 Russian drones over four regions of the country, the air force said today.

The Iranian-made Shahed drones were downed over the central Poltava region, southeastern Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions, and the Kharkiv region in the northeast, the statement said. One X-59 Russian missile launched from Russia’s Kursk region was also downed.

Serhiy Lysak, Dnipropetrovsk regional governor, said the overnight drone attack damaged commercial and residential buildings and also a power line.

Details of the damage in other regions were not immediately clear.

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Ukraine is in a race against time to steel itself for a Russian summer assault

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Ukrainian air defence and mobile drone hunters groups shot down nine out of 13 Russian drones over four regions of the country, the air force said on Saturday.

Serhiy Lysak, Dnipropetrovsk regional governor, said the overnight drone attack damaged commercial and residential buildings and also a power line. Details of the damage in other regions were not immediately clear.

Putin says Russia does not need to use nuclear weapons for victory in Ukraine

Russian president Vladimir Putin said there was no need to use nuclear weapons to deliver victory for Moscow in Ukraine, the strongest signal yet from the Kremlin chief that there will not be a nuclear strike.

Mr Putin, whose forces have been making advances in eastern Ukraine in recent months, said he did not see the conditions for the use of such weapons and requested that people stop discussing the nuclear topic.

However, Mr Putin, who leads the world’s biggest nuclear power, said he did not rule out changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which sets out the conditions under which such weapons could be used.

He also said that if necessary Russia could test a nuclear weapon, though he saw no need to do so at the present time.

Mr Putin’s response came to a question from Sergei Karaganov, an influential Russian analyst, who asked if Mr Putin should hold a “nuclear pistol to the temple” of the West over Ukraine.

“The use is possible in an exceptional case - in the event of a threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. I don’t think that such a case has come. There is no such need,” he said at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

“But this doctrine is a living tool and we are carefully watching what is happening in the world around us and do not exclude making some changes to this doctrine. This is also related to the testing of nuclear weapons.”

Biden, Macron get ready for pomp-filled state visit to discuss Ukraine and Israel

French president Emmanuel Macron will host US president Joe Biden today for a state visit marked by pomp and a parade as well as talks on trade, Israel and Ukraine.

The two men, who share a warm relationship despite past tensions over a submarine deal with Australia, will participate in a welcoming ceremony with their wives at the iconic Arc de Triomphe and a parade down the Avenue des Champs-Elysees before holding a meeting about policy issues and then attending dinner.

Jake Sullivan said talks between the two men would touch on Russia’s war with Ukraine, Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza, cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and policy issues ranging from climate change to artificial intelligence to supply chains.

White House spokesperson John Kirby said the countries would announce a plan to work together on maritime law enforcement and the US Coast Guard and French navy would discuss increased cooperation.

Mr Biden and Mr Macron are also expected to discuss strengthening Nato, and both have pledged their countries’ support for Ukraine, though they have not agreed yet on a plan to use frozen Russian assets to help Kyiv. A US Treasury official said on Tuesday the United States and its G7 partners were making progress on that.

UN says Ukraine’s monthly civilian death toll rises to highest in a year

Ukraine marked a significant increase in monthly civilian casualties in May, reaching the highest point in nearly a year, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) said today.

It said conflict-related violence killed at least 174 civilians and injured 690 in Ukraine in May, the highest number of civilian casualties since June 2023.

It noted that the main reason for the high number of civilian casualties was the use of air-dropped bombs and missiles in populated areas such as communities near the frontline and Kharkiv city.

“Over half of the casualties in May occurred in Kharkiv city and region where Russian armed forces launched a new ground offensive on May 10,” Danielle Bell, the head of HRMMU, said.

Ms Bell said that the attacks in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, have been deadly and no place in Ukraine was safe.

“The attacks on a shopping center and printing house in Kharkiv city highlight the stark vulnerability of civilians engaged in everyday activities, where even routine tasks like buying supplies to repair damaged homes can result in the loss of life and loved ones,” said Ms Bell.

US could deploy more nuclear weapons on its border to deter adversaries, Biden aide says

The US may have to deploy more strategic nuclear weapons in coming years against growing threats from Russia, China and other adversaries, a senior White House aide said yesterday.

Pranay Vaddi, the top National Security Council arms control official, made his comments in a speech on “a more competitive approach” to arms control that outlined a policy shift aimed at pressing Moscow and Beijing to reverse rejections of US calls for arsenal limitation talks.

“Absent a change in adversary arsenals, we may reach a point in the coming years where an increase from current deployed numbers is required. We need to be fully prepared to execute if the president makes that decision,” he told the Arms Control Association.

“If that day comes, it will result in a determination that more nuclear weapons are required to deter our adversaries and protect the American people and our allies and partners.”

The US currently adheres to a limit of 1,550 deployed strategic nuclear warheads under the New START treaty with Russia even though Moscow suspended it last year.

The administration remains committed to international arms control and non-proliferation regimes designed to curb the spread of nuclear weapons, Mr Vaddi said.

But, he said, Russia, China and North Korea “are all expanding and diversifying their nuclear arsenals at a breakneck pace, showing little or no interest in arms control.”

The three and Iran “are increasingly cooperating and coordinating with each other in ways that run counter to peace and stability, threaten the United States, our allies and our partners and exacerbate region tensions,” he said.

Russia, China, Iran and North Korea are sharing advanced missile and drone technology, said Mr Vaddi, citing Moscow’s use in Ukraine of Iranian drones and North Korean artillery and missiles, and Chinese support for Russia’s defense industries.

Biden promises new $225m aide to Zelensky in Paris talks

US president Joe Biden announced a fresh $225m aid to Ukraine on the sidelines of his meeting with president Volodymyr Zelensky for D-Day events.

Mr Biden apologised to Mr Zelensky in what was their first first face-to-face encounter since the Ukrainian president visited Washington in December, when the two pressed Republicans to overcome opposition in their party to more support for Ukraine.

“You haven’t bowed down, you haven’t yielded at all, you continue to fight in a way that is ... just remarkable,” Mr Biden told the Ukrainian leader at the start of their meeting on Friday. “We’re not going to walk away from you.”

He confirmed he was signing an additional tranche of $225m on Friday to help Ukraine reconstruct its electric grid.

“We’re still in, completely, totally,” Mr Biden said.

Mr Zelensky thanked Biden for US military, financial and humanitarian support.

“It’s very important that you stay with us. This bipartisan support with the Congress, it’s very important that in this unity, United States of America, all American people stay with Ukraine, like it was during World War Two, how United States helped to save human lives, to save Europe,” he said in English.

Zelensky hits out at Putin’s claims about Ukraine’s presidential legitimacy

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has hit back at Vladimir Putin for raising questions over the legitimacy of his presidency in the absence of elections in the war-torn country.

In a joint news conference with France’s President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, Mr Zelensky said: “President Zelensky’s legitimacy is recognized by the people of Ukraine only, he is elected by the people of Ukraine.”

“I am very grateful for the support. Our people are free. To be honest, that’s what we are fighting for (freedom). I am grateful for the support,” he said.

He added said Mr Putin’s legitimacy is recognized only by the Russian president himself.

“Putin elects himself. Russian people are just a decoration, they only have one actor,” Mr Zelensky said, pointing to Russia’s presidential election,

Ukraine had to undergo elections in March 2024 after Mr Zelensky’s first term ended in May. However, martial law was imposed following the Ukraine war in February 2022, banning elections during wartime.

British foreign secretary falls victim to hoax video call and messages

Foreign secretary Lord David Cameron has been the victim of hoax a video call and messages from someone claiming to be the former president of Ukraine , it has been revealed.

In order to stave off any attempts to manipulate video footage of Lord Cameron from the communications, the government has made public what happened.

A statement from the Foreign Office said a “number of text messages were exchanged followed by a brief video call between the Foreign Secretary and someone purporting to be Petro Poroshenko , former president of Ukraine”.

Mr Poroshenko served as Ukrainian president between 2014 and 2019, and has remained a prominent figure in the country since leaving office.

Lord Cameron falls victim to hoax video call and messages

Russia-installed governor says 22 killed in Ukrainian shelling

The Russia-installed governor of Ukraine‘s southern region of Kherson accused Ukrainian forces of killing 22 people and wounding 15 in the shelling of the small town of Sadove.

Governor Vladimir Saldo said Ukrainian forces had deliberately struck the area a second time today, using a US-supplied HIMARS missile to inflict the largest possible number of casualties.

Leonid Pasechnik, another Russia-installed governor in Luhansk, an occupied region northeastern Ukraine, said a Ukrainian strike had killed three people and wounded 35.

Russian Defence Ministry said Ukrainian forces had used US-supplied ATACMS missiles in the attack on the city of Luhansk.

There was no comment from Ukraine on either incident.

Putin claims Russia may supply long-range weapons to enemies of West in retaliation for Ukraine support

Putin claims Russia could supply long-range weapons to West’s enemies

Graffiti with images and messages referencing Ukraine appear on Paris buildings near Parliament

Unusual spray-painted images and messages with references to Ukraine appeared on the streets of Paris on Friday as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US president Joe Biden in the French capital.

It was unclear who sprayed the graffiti that has appeared on several buildings in central Paris near the Parliament complex and various government ministries.

Some depicted coffins with stenciled signs in French that say “A French soldier in Ukraine.” Others include a sign that says in Ukrainian “Return the elections back to Ukrainians.”

Speaking in Normandy at the commemoration of 80th anniversary of D-Day, Joe Biden declared that the US and the West is committed to unwavering support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, and robust resistance to Vladimir Putin “a tyrant bent on domination”.

The US president went on to meet Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris to assure him that $225 million (£176m) in weapons supply is on its way.

It was their first meeting since December when the Ukrainian leader visited Washington during a Congressional impasse over a $60 billion arms package for Kyiv.

The bill in Congress, held up at the time by Republican opposition, has been passed, easing trepidation that Ukraine would face defeat this year without that lifeline.

Importantly, the Biden administration, after prolonged hesitation, has belatedly allowed Ukraine to use American weapons, chiefly ATACAMs missiles, to strike targets inside Russia -- as long as its not in Moscow and the Kremlin.

Read more here:

Putin’s forces killed his brother. He takes revenge using hundreds of suicide drones to blow Russian troops up

The Ukraine politician avenging his brother’s death with hi-tech ‘suicide drones’

Why African nations are turning to Russia

Russia‘s top diplomat pledged help and military assistance while on a whirlwind tour of several countries in Africa‘s sub-Saharan region of Sahel this week, as Moscow seeks to grow its influence in the restive, mineral-rich section of the continent.

Russia is emerging as the security partner of choice for a growing number of African governments in the region, displacing traditional allies like France and the United States.

Sergey Lavrov, who has made several trips to Africa in recent years, this week stopped in Guinea, the Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso and Chad.

‘There is more to do’ to avoid repeat of Second World War, warns army chief

There is “every possibility” that a conflict on the scale of the Second World War could embroil Europe in the coming years, the outgoing head of the British army has claimed.

General Sir Patrick Sanders, 58, who will step down in the coming days after two years in post, issued the comments in Portsmouth at an event to commemorate the D-Day operation of 6 June 1944.

Having recently returned from a visit to British troops in Poland, Gen Sanders heralded the progression of the British army but added that there was “more to do” and urged the military to ramp up its readiness for war.

‘There is more to do’ to avoid repeat of WWII, warns army chief

At D-Day ceremony, American veteran hugs Ukraine's Zelenskyy and calls him a savior

An American veteran and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared an emotional moment at a ceremony to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion to liberate France in World War II, each praising the other as a hero.

Retired Staff Sgt. Melvin Hurwitz, 99, and other veterans were introduced to the foreign dignitaries remembering the landings in Normandy on Thursday.

When he met Zelenskyy, Hurwitz kissed the Ukrainian leader’s hand and pulled him in for an extended hug, exclaiming: “Oh, you’re the savior of the people!”

Inside the escape from a Ukraine border village as Putin’s forces closed in: ‘Mummy, when will this war end?’

Nine-year-old Sasha rushed down to the basement as Russian-launched drones buzzed in the sky above him. He was terrified, shivering as he desperately tried to block out the noise of the “Shaheds”, the Iranian-designed drones that have become a deadly feature of Vladimir Putin’s invasion.

The boy was living with his mother and five siblings in the village of Zakharivka, just a few miles from the Russian forces advancing across the border into Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region. The region has been the scene of intense fighting for weeks.

This was five days after the Russian attack had started in the middle of May. Poor defensive fortifications and severed communication lines, the result of Russian signal jammers, had caught Ukraine’s forces off guard. Moscow’s troops had then pushed rapidly across the border.

Inside the escape from a Ukraine border village as Putin’s forces closed in

Biden announces $225m arms package for Ukraine as he meets with Zelensky in France

The US will soon dispatch an arms and aid package to Ukraine amounting to $225million as Kyiv works to repel renewed Russian attacks, President Joe Biden said on Friday.

Biden announced the new tranche of defense assistance in Paris during a meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, a day after the Ukrainian president joined the US president and other world leaders for ceremonies commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

In remarks at the American cemetery in Normandy during the ceremony, Biden had described Ukraine’s fight against Russia as a modern-day analog of the war against Hitler and Nazism while stressing the importance of beating back isolationist sentiment, providing an implicit contrast with his predecessor and likely 2024 election opponent, former president Donald Trump.

Zimbabwe's Mnangagwa tells Putin that Russia is a reliable ally

Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa said Russia was a consistent ally of his country, and criticised the West for imposing a global order which he said had marginalised the Global South.

Mnangagwa was speaking at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum on a stage with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who Mr Mnangagwa called “my dear brother”.

Watch: Zelensky's heartbreaking exchange with D-Day veteran

Ukraine has right to strike 'legitimate targets in russia', nato chief says.

Ukraine has the right to attack legitimate military targets in Russia, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said.

“Ukraine has the right to self defence,” Mr Stoltenberg said during a news conference with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson at a military base near Stockholm.

He added: “The right to self defence also includes the right to hit legitimate, military targets on the territory of the attacking party, the aggressor - in this case Russia.”

EU 'supports starting accession talks', Ukrainian PM says

The European Commission supports starting EU accession talks with Ukraine, the country’s prime minister has said.

Denys Shmyhal said the commission had confirmed in a report that Kyiv had fulfilled the remaining steps required to start negotiations.

“Now we expect our European partners to take the next step - to start negotiations on European Union membership this month,” Mr Shmyhal said on Telegram.

Germany needs 75,000 extra troops as NATO braces for Russia threat

Germany will need at least 75,000 additional troops to fulfil its Nato commitments as the alliance adapts its defence planning to face what it sees as an increasingly hostile Russia, Spiegel magazine reported on Friday.

At their Vilnius summit last year, Nato leaders signed off on the first major defence plans since the end of the Cold War, detailing how the alliance would respond to a Russian attack.

The move signified a fundamental shift - Nato had seen no need to draw up such plans for decades, as it fought smaller wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and felt certain post-Soviet Russia no longer posed an existential threat.

Nato and national military planners have been busy translating the plans into concrete requirements, identifying shortages of troops, weapons and other equipment needed to defend against a Russian attack that could, according to the German military’s top brass, come as early as 2029.

US president Joe Biden has apologised for a month-long delay in approving weapons for Ukraine and told Zelensky “we’re still in.”

Speaking in Paris, where they both attended ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, Biden apologized to the Ukrainian people for the weeks of not knowing if more assistance would come while conservative Republicans in Congress held up a $61 billion military aid package for Ukraine for six months.

Still, the Democratic president insisted that the American people were standing by Ukraine for the long haul. “We’re still in. Completely. Thoroughly,” he said.

Trump claims nuclear war is a greater threat to the world than climate crisis

Donald Trump has downplayed the threat of the climate crisis in his latest interview with Fox News, insisting that international unrestand the danger of nuclear war are of far greater concern, declaring: “The only global warming that matters to me is nuclear global warming.”

The Republican presidential candidate and convicted felon sat down with the conservative network’s anchor Sean Hannity to lambast Joe Biden for emphasising environmentalism over the threat of nuclear war.

“I love this country. I don’t want to see this country get into a nuclear war and be so badly damaged. What we say won’t matter. This won’t matter.

This place won’t matter, nothing will matter because practically nothing is going to be here anymore,” Trump told Hannity, outlining his nightmarish vision of man-made apocalypse.

French citizen arrested in Moscow on charges of collecting military data

Watch live: Zelensky inspects French military equipment after Macron promises warplanes to Ukraine

Live: Zelensky inspects French military equipment after Macron promises warplanes

Read more by Tom Watling here:

Russian naval vessels that will be making port in Cuba next week is an attempt to invoke the historical memory of the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, according to a leading thinktank.

The Cuban ministry of the revolutionary armed forces announced yesterday that four Russian northern fleet vessels would make an official visit to the port of Havana between 12-17 June.

The US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said the move was “likely part of a larger effort to invoke the historical memory of the Cuban missile crisis as part of Russia’s reflexive control campaign to encourage US self-deterrence”.

Moscow accuses Ukraine of using US rockets to shell civilian targets inside Russia

The Russian foreign ministry accused Ukraine of using US- supplied HIMARS rockets to shell civilian targets in Russia’s Belgorod region and of being responsible for the deaths of women and children.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova set out the allegation at a news conference held on the sidelines of an economic forum in St Petersburg.

She said fragments of the HIMARs rockets would serve as proof of what had happened.

Russia detains French NGO worker in Moscow on spying charges

Russia has arrested a French NGO worker on suspicion of spying on its military, a move that is likely to further strain already frought relations with Paris.

The Russian authorities claimed, without providing evidence, that the Frenchman was involved in the “targeted collection of information in the field of military-technical activities of the Russian Federation”.

They have launched a criminal case against him for allegedly violating the country’s law requiring any person receiving foreign support to register as a “foreign agent”.

Ukraine military downs nearly 50 drones

Ukrainian forces drowned 48 drones and five cruise missiles overnight, the military said in its morning update today.

The drones were launched from occupied Crimea, the Russian town of Yeysk and Primorsko-Akhtarsk, located on the coast of the Azov Sea, it added.

Russia reportedly flew Tu-95MS bomber planes to launch Kh-101 cruise missiles from Saratov Oblast.

Biden draws comparison between World War II and Ukraine

US president Joe Biden yesterday drew parallels between Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and World War II throughout his speech commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France.

Mr Biden warned “the autocrats of the world are watching closely to see what happens in Ukraine”.The president vowed that the US would “not walk away” from the conflict, claiming “if we do, Ukraine will be subjugated, and it will not end there”.

“Ukraine’s neighbours will be threatened, all of Europe will be threatened.”

Zelensky meets Biden and Macron in France

Biden calls putin a ‘dictator’.

US president Joe Biden said his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin is “not a decent man” but “a dictator” amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

“He’s a dictator, and he’s struggling to make sure he holds his country together while still keeping this assault going,” Mr Biden told ABC World News during his trip to France to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion.

When asked about the US administration’s decision to authorise Ukraine to use American weapons to strike inside Russia, Mr Biden said the weapons were authorised to be used “in proximity to the border”.

“We’re not authorising strikes 200 miles into Russia, and we’re not authorising strikes on Moscow, on the Kremlin.”

“We’re not talking about giving them weapons to strike Moscow, to strike the Kremlin, to strike against — just across the border, where they’re receiving significant fire from conventional weapons used by the Russians to go into Ukraine to kill Ukrainians.”

President Emmanuel Macron said France plans to provide Mirage 2000 warplanes to Ukraine and train Ukrainian pilots this summer.

Mr Macron did not specify how many single-engine jet fighters would be provided, by when or under what financial terms.

He said France had proposed to train 4,500 Ukrainian soldiers but did not clarify where the soldiers would be trained.

He made the announcement on the occasion of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to France as part of D-Day anniversary celebrations.

Mr Zelensky earlier in September said he had struck an agreement on training Ukraine pilots in France in conversation with Macron.

The head of the Ukrainian Air Force said in January that French Mirage aircraft may reinforce the Ukrainian air force.

US to send new $225m military aid package to Ukraine

The US will send about $225m in military aid to Ukraine, US officials said Thursday, in a new package that includes ammunition Kyiv’s forces could use to strike threats inside Russia to defend the city of Kharkiv from a heavy Russian assault.

The officials said the aid includes munitions for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, as well as mortar systems and an array of artillery rounds. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss aid not yet publicly announced.

Under a new US directive, Ukraine can use such weapons to strike across the border into Russia if forces there are attacking or preparing to attack.

That change, however, does not alter US policy that directs Ukraine not to use American-provided ATACMS or long-range missiles and other munitions to strike offensively inside Russia, according to US officials.

US to send new $225 million military aid package to Ukraine, officials say.

Russian warships headed to Caribbean for drills as tensions rise

The US has tracked Russian warships and aircraft that are expected to arrive in the Caribbean for a military exercise in the coming weeks.

The ships also are expected possibly to make port calls in Venezuela and Cuba, as Russia establishes a Western Hemisphere military presence that the senior Biden administration officials said was notable but not concerning.

The exercise will involve a “handful” of Russian ships and support vessels, the two officials said.

It’s not the first time Russia has sent its ships to the Caribbean.

This exercise, however, is taking place as Russian president Vladimir Putin has suggested that Moscow could take “asymmetrical steps” elsewhere in the world in response to president Joe Biden‘s decision to allow Ukraine to use US-provided weapons to strike inside Russia to protect Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.

Russia detains French man for ‘espionage’

The authorities in Russia have arrested a French NGO worker on suspicion of allegedly gathering information about the activities of Vladimir Putin’s military.

A criminal case has been launched against the Frenchman for allegedly violating Russia’s law that requires a person receiving foreign support to register as a “foreign agent”.

Moscow said the man, who it did not name, was involved in the “targeted collection of information in the field of military [and] military-technical activities of the Russian Federation”.

“Such information, if obtained by foreign sources, may be used against the security of the state,” it added.

The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue told AFP it was trying to secure the release of a member of its team, identifying him as Laurent Vinatier.

The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue is a Geneva-based non-profit that works to prevent and resolve armed conflicts through mediation and discreet diplomacy, according to its website.

“We are aware that Laurent Vinatier, an adviser at the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, has been detained in Russia,” it said in a statement. “We are working to get more details of the circumstances and to secure Laurent’s release.”

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https://www.barrons.com/news/moscow-nightlife-unchanged-despite-ukraine-conflict-8bccc0e2

• FROM AFP NEWS

Moscow Nightlife Unchanged Despite Ukraine Conflict

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The Kremlin has been doing everything to ensure that hostilities have as little impact as possible on the daily lives of Muscovites

At a trendy restaurant in central Moscow, Russian data analyst Alexandra awaited her dessert, determined to carry on as usual despite the conflict in neighbouring Ukraine.

Her friend returned with a glass of red wine and then they went bar hopping in the Russian capital, around 600 kilometres (370 miles) from fighting that has been raging for more than two years.

"Even during the Second World War, women continued to put on makeup and buy lipstick," said the 32-year-old, declining to give her surname.

"This shows that we should continue living... We go out and have a good time," she added, smiling.

Whether due to patriotism, caution or indifference, 10 Muscovites interviewed by AFP asserted their right to a "normal" life despite the conflict and escalating tensions between Moscow and the West.

They avoided directly addressing Russia's offensive on Ukraine, that Moscow calls a "special military operation".

Russia has criminalised criticism of the conflict and arrested and detained thousands since February 2022, when it ordered troops across the border.

Alexandra said the atmosphere in Moscow is "the same as before" the conflict began.

"People go for walks, get to know each other, enjoy themselves, live, work and go about their lives. In that respect, nothing has changed," she said.

Behind her, a crowd of young people, glasses in hand, were chatting, drinking and eating at Moscow's "Central Market" -- a three-storey establishment full of chic bars and food stalls.

It is a different scene from Kyiv, some 750 kilometres away.

Although the Ukrainian capital has retained some form of nightlife, those frequenting bars and restaurants have been forced to grow accustomed to night curfews, air raid sirens, soldiers marshalling the streets, as well as missile and drone strikes.

In the heart of the city, Moscow's famed Bolshoi Theatre was sold out for a performance of Verdi's opera La Traviata that evening.

"Why shouldn't we go there?" asked 49-year-old nanny Anna Savyolova.

She, too, drew a parallel with World War II, known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War.

"I know that artists came, performed, supported the soldiers... Life doesn't stop!" she said.

Pastry chef Diana Kitayeva, 28, had been dreaming of visiting the Bolshoi for years. "Why not treat yourself?" she said.

Accompanied by her mother, 14-year-old Alexandra Pomoshnikova said she saw art as an escape, in order to "not panic too much".

Despite tens of thousands of deaths on the Russian side -- the authorities do not provide an exact toll -- the Kremlin has been doing everything to ensure that hostilities have as little impact as possible on the daily lives of Muscovites.

Russia's forced mobilisation of more than 300,000 young men in 2022 also had little effect on the capital. The majority of recruits came from poorer regions, far away from big cities.

In Victory Day celebrations on May 9, a major public holiday that Russia uses to commemorate veterans and showcase its military prowess, no wounded soldiers were visible on Red Square.

Funerals of soldiers in the capital are low-key affairs, with little or no official fanfare for the fallen men Russian officials portray -- enthusiastically and often -- as "heroes".

Posters inviting Russians to enlist or praising the courage of soldiers are the most visible reminder of the fighting Moscow unleashed next-door in Ukraine.

The continued presence of Western brands, often under licencing agreements established before 2022, reinforces an appearance of normality -- a visual challenge to the notion of an irreparable cultural, political and economic rift between Russia and the West.

But the conflict in Ukraine has not been entirely painless for Moscow residents. Rising prices, a direct result of Western sanctions and the government's high spending on the offensive, is one of their primary concerns.

After soaring to nearly 20 percent in the spring of 2022, annual inflation remains at almost eight percent, according to official statistics.

The upscale clientele of Moscow's Central Market used to pay about six dollars for a cocktail.

"Now it costs 200 rubles ($2.20) more," said Bogdan Vorobyov, 24, who was out for beers with friends.

The conflict has also affected the lifestyle of Muscovites in other ways.

Trying to get around the city centre using Yandex Maps, the country's main navigation app, has become a headache. Following drone attacks on the Russian capital in May last year, satellite signals in Moscow's centre have been partially jammed, making GPS tracking spotty and unpredictable.

Alexandra summed up the general feel of the city with the help of a phrase that has become a go-to for Russians over the last 30 years.

"I've gotten used to living in times of crisis."

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