The tourist attractions with the longest queue times revealed - as expert shares hack on how you can save HOURS
The demand for world-famous attractions is higher than ever - and for tourists, this means frustrating delays and hours-long queues.
According to a new study by solo travel specialist, Just You, travellers can waste up to 20 hours standing in queues while visiting some of the world's most popular sites - but which have the longest lines?
The travel company's research analysed waiting times at some of the world's most famous landmarks and identified nine tourist attractions with the longest waiting times.
Luckily, Just You unveiled how much time could be saved on queues if travellers were to pre-book a guided tour, which can help maximise a visitor's experience with fast-track access, seamless transport and expert planning to make the most of the day.
Charlotte Field, Marketing Director at Just You, said: 'Pre-booked entry, fast-track passes and expert planning can all dramatically reduce waiting times at these must-visit destinations.
'This means that travellers can spend more time discovering cultural wonders, rather than waiting in line.'
From skipping long queues at the Taj Mahal, or breezing past crowds at the Uffizi Gallery, read on to discover how much time you could save with the help of a guided tour at nine global attractions with the longest queues.
1. Taj Mahal - Agra, India
With its breathtaking beauty, perfectly symmetrical design, and intricate marble inlay work, the Taj Mahal is undoubtedly a world-renowned architectural masterpiece.
However, the India-based attraction has bagged the top spot for having the longest lines, which sees independent visitors queueing for up to 4 hours to explore the mausoleum.
For travellers who choose to book with a guided tour operator, it's estimated they can gain entry in just 15 minutes, saving an impressive 3 hours and 45 minutes.
2. Château de Versailles - Versailles, France
As one of France's top historical landmarks, the grandeur of Versailles attracts over 15 million tourists each year.
However, without a plan, that can mean two hours of inching toward the entrance.
But those who have an advance ticket with a tour operator can find themselves through the gates in just 20 minutes, leaving more time for strolling the Hall of Mirrors and picnicking in the palace gardens.
3. Uffizi Gallery - Florence, Italy
A visit to Florence's Uffizi Gallery is a must for art lovers - but, without a timed-entry ticket, visitors could spend up to 2 hours and 30 minutes waiting to enter.
Tours offer fast-track entry in as little as 20 minutes, freeing up 2 hours and 10 minutes for marveling at iconic works by the likes of Botticelli and Michelangelo.
4. Colosseum - Rome, Italy
The Colosseum is renowned for its historic epic hunts and bloody gladiator battles - but visitors often find themselves combatting lengthy queues to appreciate the magnitude of the world's largest amphitheatre.
The bustling attraction draws millions of tourists annually, who wait up to 2 hours and 30 minutes to gain entry.
But with guided entry, visitors can step back in time in no less than 20 minutes, saving 2 hours and 10 minutes for sightseeing.
5. Leaning Tower of Pisa - Pisa, Italy
Famous for its unintended tilt, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is recognised for its unique architectural style, making it one of Italy's most popular tourist attractions.
The Tower gathers over 5 million visitors each year, meaning many are subject to wait times of up to 1 hour and 50 minutes to enter.
Booking a tour grants visitors entry in as little as 15 minutes, saving 1 hour and 35 minutes of queueing time to take on the 251-step climb to the top of the structure.
6. Shrine Of Our Lady of Pompeii - Campania, Italy
The Shrine Of Our Lady of Pompeii is a prominent Catholic pilgrimage site renowned for its history and spiritual significance, making it a top attraction for religious pilgrims and curious tourists alike.
With guided entry, visitors can see their 1 hour 20 minute queue cut to just ten minutes, freeing up a spare hour to explore nearby Pompeii or indulge in regional cuisine.
7. Tokyo Tower Observation Deck - Tokyo, Japan
The impressive panoramic view of Japan's capital from the top of Tokyo Tower is unmatched - but it often comes at the price of an hour-long wait.
Tour packages offer near-instant access in as much as five minutes - giving visitors nearly an extra hour to explore Shibuya or tuck into a bowl of steaming hot ramen in Roppongi.
8. Blue Grotto - Capri, Italy
Capri's famous Blue Grotto is known for its vibrant blue water and mythical history, but experiencing the otherworldly sea cave is often accompanied by a 1 hour 30 minute wait.
Private boat tours can dramatically reduce wait times to just five minutes, which gives an extra 1 hour and 25 minutes to explore, sail, snorkel or dive into its brilliant blue waters.
9. Te Puia Thermal Reserve - Rotorua, New Zealand
Home to bubbling mud pools, and Māori cultural experiences, Te Puia is one of New Zealand's top tourist sites.
But without a guided experience, visitors often face queues of up to 1 hour and 30 minutes.
A tour package can save the average tourist up to 1 hours and 20 minutes of waiting time, which frees up almost an extra 90 minutes to discover the power and history of the land.
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