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Rome Travel Agency in Rome Tours MICE Events, VIP Guided Tours in Rome, Transfers, Tour in The City, Tours of Rome, Vatican City, and its surroundings. Book your tours and skip-the-line tickets to visit the main attractions in Rome. Exclusive Rome Private Tours customized itinenraries, ancient Rome and Colosseum tours.

Rome Travel Agency , Rome sightseeing Guided tours , Tour in the City is a travel agency based in Rome. We are an official Tour Operator with 30 years of experience and can offer every service. Thanks to our knowledge, high professionalism, and passion, we can organize customized services and satisfy every request . Business or leisure trips, tailor-made tours for groups, individuals, families, couples, etc. Great attention to the creation of guided educational tours and conference events. We can organize exclusive visits, privileged entries, and privileged accesses in all places of greater or lesser historical/artistic interest in Vatican City, Rome, and its surroundings . On our site, you will find an assortment of excursions, bus tours, bicycle tours, seg-way, scooters, horseback riding, golf-car, food and wine tours, cooking lessons, Gala dinners, etc.

 Rome Travel Agency:  Tour in the City is an official partner of the   Vatican Museums and the colosseum . We can organize exclusive corporate events with special openings in all Museums and archaeological areas of Rome and the Vatican. We can organize and manage events for large or small groups and find unique locations for Gala Dinners, conferences, congresses, theme nights, team building, etc.

Rome travel agency | Tour in Rome and Italy by Tour in the City is a full-service travel agency based in Rome; we are an official Italian tour operator with 30 years of experience. The agency can organize travel arrangements for business (MICE Services) and leisure travelers. We are specialized in customized tours and trips for small or large groups, individuals, families, and couples. We take special care of school groups and Incentives. We work in every region throughout Italy, proposing an assortment of tours, cruises, bus tours, bike, segway, and scooter tours in Rome. We organize customized tours for individuals, small or big group tours, transportation services, cooking classes, and logistical support. Our professional team of drivers, tour guides, hosts and hostesses, interpreters, and travel agents are at your complete disposal to assist you and meet all requirements. The agents of Tour in the City are passionate and knowledgeable, and they will put together an itinerary that suits both your needs and budget. Best excursions and day trips to visit Rome and Italy. Personal chauffeur and deluxe vehicles. Vatican City, Museums, Sistine Chapel , Colosseum, Underground, Catacombs, Castel Sant’Angelo, St Peter’s Square and Basilica, Dome, Pantheon, Caracalla Bath, Capitoline Museum, Etc. By night and Early morning tours. Skip the line tickets, transfers, and tourist information. Daily trips and excursions to Italy from Rome to Florence, Venice, Siena, Pompeii, Naples, Capri, etc. Rome cruise connections from Civitavecchia and the main airports. Deluxe VIP services SCHOOLS – ASSOCIATIONS – TOUR OPERATORS SPECIAL DEAL S Visit various city sights, museums, and galleries can be arranged upon request. Large Groups on-demand and excursions to out-of-town sites such as roman, Etruscan, and hilltop towns. Inquiries regarding itineraries and confidential rates for schools and associations. Licensed multilingual guide lecturers for standard city tours, specialized itineraries, and out-of-town excursions are available. Tour operator rates are applicable.

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Rome Travel Agency – Exclusive Colosseum official Tours – Guided tours  include skipping the line Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine hill entrance  tickets!! Rome Travel Agency

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Tour in the city , rome travel agency, rome tours mice events, vip guided tours in rome, transfers, and entertaining, memorable tours of rome, vatican city, and its surroundings., rome official travel agency special tours | vip service tours in rome by tour in the city: entertaining, instructive and memorable tours of rome, its surroundings, and vatican city, advantages booking guaranteed | best prices | free cancellation, and all together with privileged entry everywhere and skip the line tickets.

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VATICAN  Early Morning VIP Tour

Vatican museum early morning vip tour visit the sistine chapel before official opening hours, exclusive vip special access at 7:15 am when the vatican museums are still closed to the public. with this tour you can visit the highlights of the vatican avoiding the crowd..

After admiring Michelangelo’s incredible frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, you will be able to visit the most prestigious galleries, Tapestry Gallery and the Gallery of Maps the Raphael Rooms, the statues of the Belvedere Apollo, the Laocoon, The Octagonal Courtyard, and other works of art of the most famous Italian artists, collected by the Popes throughout the centuries.

At the end of the guided tour of the Museums, through a particular passage, you will have the possibility to go directly to St. Peter’s Basilica without standing in line.

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Tour in the City (Rome Travel Agency – Rome sightseeing tours) offers personalized exclusive services for small or large groups, gala dinners and special guided tours in the most exclusive places in the city of Rome private guided tours, guide services, in all languages, accurate and of the highest quality, including help and support on-site.

With our tours Fast Track Entry privileges and the benefits in all museums, archaeological areas, and art galleries.

Our expert guides of Rome qualified and selected by us, will make you discover and appreciate iconic places and attractions, such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, the Catacombs, the Mausoleum of Hadrian, the Baths of Caracalla, Galleria Borghese, etc. Daily excursions to Tivoli, Pompeii, Naples, Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Florence.

The experience and professionalism of our staff are able to satisfy every type of request, even the most eclectic. Discover special rates and promotions for travel agents. We can plan your itinerary. Book tours, tour packages, and day trips from Rome to all over Italy. Plan your next trip with Tour in the City and enjoy it!

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Tour in The City was founded in 1990 in response to the ever increasing demand for customized guided tours, in order to visit one of the most important art collections in the World, the eternal city Rome.

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Tour in The City Rome

Tour in Rome and Italy by Tour in the City is a full-service travel agency based in Rome; we are an official Italian tour operator with 30 years of experience. The agency can organize travel arrangements for business (MICE Services) and leisure travelers. We are specialized in customized tours and trips for small or large groups, individuals, families, and couples.

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Tour in Rome, Group Tours of Rome, Private Tours in Rome. Exclusive   Vatican Guided Tours . Our Travel Agency offers our clients high-quality services in Italy. Rome in one day or Rome in two days, Trips, Panoramic Rome river Cruise with aperitif, dinner Highlights, customized itineraries, bikes, walking city  tours, and personalized packages; we plan your vacation in Italy to ensure the best service.

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Amazing Experience. This tour was better than we ever expected it to be. We made such a great decision in booking this 2-day tour. We had a private driver and Tour guides.

My family and I planned a short visit to Rome and wanted to make the most of our time. We are very happy with our decision to book this Rome one-day tour with this travel agency.

I wanted to find a private tour that was personalized and special to surprise my girlfriend. Impeccable service, the guide made our trip to Rome unique and fun. And the final touch was the toast with prosecco !!

Rome Corporate Events | Rome MICE and DMC, Gala Dinners in Rome, Best Locations, Hotels, Team Building, Exclusive Events in Rome, Private Tours, and Small and Large Groups. Rome Corporate Events | DMC, Rome MICE. Gala Dinners in Rome are held in the most extraordinary locations, such as hotels—exclusive events in Rome Private Tours. Rome Corporate Events | Experience, professionalism, and creativity to organize the perfect event in Rome. Rome Business Events can guarantee the planning and implementation of luxury events suitable for any occasion.

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I wanted to find a private tour that was personalized and special to surprise my girlfriend. Impeccable service, the guide made our trip to Rome unique and fun. And the final touch was the toast

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"There are so many wow moments in Rome and you've really got to see all the ancient masterpieces with your own eyes to believe it. After hopping around all the icons, don't forget to take a step back with a gelato in hand and embrace 'la dolce far niente' - the sweetness of doing nothing."

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Visit the famous Colosseum and see Circus Maximus

You’ll travel back in time on your Rome tour when we take you on a sightseeing tour of the city’s ancient wonders with your Local Specialist. Visit the mighty Colosseum and wander the historic walls of this ancient amphitheater, and see the Circus Maximus, where you can still imagine the thrilling chariot races and thousands of cheering spectators.

Visit St. Peter's Basilica

You’ll get to tick off a whole new country when we cross over to Vatican City in Rome. The world’s smallest independent state is the home of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope), along with St. Peter’s Basilica, the famous Renaissance church said to be the burial site of  Apostle Saint Peter, where you can marvel at Michelangelo's Pietà, a sculpted marble masterpiece.

Admire the Sistine Chapel

The treasures of the Vatican just keep on rolling on our Rome trips, and we’ll take you on a tour to the iconic Sistine Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope. We’ll even arrange priority access to the Vatican Museums, so you can gaze up at Michelangelo's spectacular frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel when it’s less crowded.

Clamber up the Spanish Steps

This monumental stairway is set in the heart of one of Rome’s swankiest neighborhoods, and you’ll pass by stunning churches, lavish hotels and the famous Trevi Fountain before arriving at the Spanish Steps, built back in 1723 and made extra famous by Audrey Hepburn in the film Roman Holiday. Wander up the stairs and be sure to snap some special photos.

Take a tour of Castel Gandolfo

We’ll take you on a spiritual journey to Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the Pope. You’ll get to visit the 17th-century Apostolic Palace which was opened as a museum by Pope Francis and see the beautiful gardens, walking along the same paths as many Popes throughout the centuries. We’ll even enjoy lunch in these stunning surroundings.

Our top 5 things to do in Rome

Our Rome tours will take you on a bellissimo journey to all the famous Rome attractions you can’t miss, from the Circus Maximus to the Sistine Chapel.

Castel Sant'Angelo

Originally built as a tomb for Emperor Hadrian back in the year 135, Castel Sant'Angelo has since been used as a prison, fortress and castle by the Popes and today it’s a fascinating museum where you can wander the halls lined with stunning Renaissance frescoes and stop by the terrace for panoramic views over Rome.

The Pantheon is one of the most breathtaking buildings in Rome and you’ll get to discover it with your Local Specialist. Built almost 2,000 years ago, it’s the best-preserved Roman temple in the world, and we’re sure you’ll agree with Michelangelo who once said the Pantheon looks more like the work of angels, not humans.

Museo Nazionale Romano

You can’t miss visiting the national museum of this ancient city, and you’ll love exploring this superb collection of classical art, archeological artifacts and treasures of the Renaissance. See the gorgeous frescoes and mosaics, thousand-year-old jewelry, 2nd-century bronze statues, and even mummified remains dating back to the Roman Empire.

Best museums in Rome

When you travel Rome with Trafalgar, we’ll show you around all the timeless Rome museums, from the ancient Pantheon to the Mausoleum of Hadrian.

Cacio e Pepe

Made with only four ingredients, cacio e pepe is the ultimate pasta dish of Rome. The cacio (sheep’s milk cheese), pepe (black pepper), and cheese (ideally Pecorino and Parmesan), meld with the pasta to create a rich, creamy sauce that is utterly blissful. Once a simple shepherd’s dish, cacio e pepe is now the most elegant pasta dish you’ll ever taste.

Pizza al Taglio

You’ll find some of the world’s best street food in Rome in the form of pizza al taglio. This delicious snack is baked in rectangular trays and sold by the slice in little cafés and hole-in-the-wall places. Topped with fresh ingredients like tomato sauce and olive oil, pizza al taglio is light, airy and totally delicious.

No trip to Rome is complete without a stop at traditional gelateria. More than just ice cream, this iconic Italian dessert is a fine art in Rome, made with seasonal flavors and the freshest natural ingredients. Just ask your Rome travel guide where to find the best gelato in town, and start your gelato tasting adventure through hundreds of bright and beautiful flavors!

Best food in Rome

We’ll take you on the Rome food tour of your dreams and show you all the best places to visit in Rome for the very best pasta, pizza, gelato and more.

What to pack for Rome

Italian phrasebook

You’ll find it easier to connect with the locals after learning a few phrases in their mother tongue, and you’ll love the feel of speaking this passionate language.

A fancy outfit

The Romans are famous for their chic and effortless dress sense, and if you’re looking to spend a night on the town, be sure to dress the part with your own elegant outfit.

Good walking shoes

One of the best parts of a Rome holiday is wandering the streets and piazzas, so bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes that can take on the cobblestone streets.

A blank journal

You’ll find pockets of inspiration at every turn in Rome, and a notebook will come in handy for collecting special memories, creative sketches and traditional Italian recipes.

Room in your suitcase

From the boutiques of Monti to the delicious market finds, be sure to leave room in your suitcase for all your special souvenirs, like a bottle of your favorite Roman wine.

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Dearoma tours & travel.

Born and raised in Rome , we truly know best way to explore our beloved eternal city. We did our first tours by Vespa, Bike and Fiat500 when, years ago, we were showing Rome to our friends and…girlfriends. We didn’t know, in the 90s, we were riding trough the roads of our destiny. With the same passion for the beauty, art and history, and with much more knowledge and experience, today we explore nooks and crannies of the city of popes and emperors with you.

Since 2009, Dearoma Tours exists as a Licensed Tour Operator , leader of the vintage wheels adventures in Rome, trusted company for the classical sightseeings of the Vatican and Colosseum .

We wait for you in our agency in Via dei Balestrari, just on the corner of the market square of Campo de’Fiori

Dearoma Tours & Travel is first of all a quality choice . We deeply believe that the care of the details joined to the construction of a tailor made experience could truly offer our clients, leaving for the world or visiting our dear Rome, moments to remember for a lifetime .

The attention for the safety is always the main element of our tours and sightseeing. Before leaving our staff use to verify the bikes and scooters customers driving skill. It’s a very important test necessary to ride in the necessary safety condition. In absence of those conditions, our policy also provides a refund of the cost of the tour. When left, our clients have only to follow our Guides and to trust in their insiders Rome secrets skills. They will lead you in safety to enjoy driving, trough the maze of the Eternal City .

Choosing Dearoma Tours & Travel you rely on the years experience of a staff that cares about your smile. Our Guides and Tour leaders are strictly licensed The skills and enthusiasm of our main Guide , Valerio, won, years ago, the shyness of the first customers,and made products such as the Vespa Tour di Roma one of the most exclusiveand entertaining tours of the Eternal City. The decade of experience in the Travel&Leisure world of Cristiana is, daily, at your disposal in our Campo de’Fiori square .

We sell Travel and Tours , we offer products that have to deal closely with human emotions (that’s why we love our work). We want to keep in mind that when we quote our experience to be always ready to redefine the details of any fee to allow anyone, singles, couples and wonderful families, to enjoy what they want.

Thanks to a special deal with Allianz-Global Assistance, Dearoma Tours & Travel was able to take out a a policy exclusively dedicated to our customersIncoming . Each Tour and Sightseeing is sold including of a personal Insurance Interassistance 24su24.Insurance Policy Conditions here.

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Why This Unique Tour In Rome Was My Favorite Way To Explore The City

R ome has a rich history and vibrant culture that can transport you to a different era. Long before I ever visited Rome, what I knew of the ancient city came from the movies. I’m a classic movie buff, and Roman Holiday , the 1953 romantic comedy, is my favorite film.

The story unfolds as Princess Ann, who, during a visit to Rome, escapes her guardians to explore the city. Enter a handsome newspaper reporter who whisks her away on the back of his Vespa. I’ll never forget the images of iconic landmarks in the eternal city whizzing by as the movie unfolds.

On a recent visit, I found that exploring Rome by Vespa Sidecar Tour can make you feel like you’re living a similar fantasy. 

My private Vespa Sidecar Tour was provided by Anantara Palazzo Naiadi as part of a hosted stay at the beautiful hotel. As always, all opinions are my own.

The Vespa Sidecar Tour 

The Vespa Sidecar tour offers a unique way to discover the city’s famous landmarks, hidden gems, and picturesque squares. As you motor through the bustling city, you can imagine yourself as Audrey Hepburn’s character, Princess Ann, embarking on her own Roman adventure. 

The company’s owner, Luca Di Trapano, explained that the Vespa Sidecar Tour was born in a flash of inspiration after 2 decades of giving tours in Rome. He thought the concept was genius but later learned his idea was 45 years too late.

The makers of the Vespa stopped producing the model equipped with a sidecar in 1968. Not easily deterred, he persevered and brought his dream to reality. Since 2018, Luca has welcomed over 20,000 passengers on board without a single accident. He told me, “It is like having sailed through the streets of Rome with four or five gigantic cruise ships!”

The tours are 3 hours, depending on traffic. The price is 110 euros per person (about $117) on the small group tour (12 guests max). You can take the tour solo as I did or with a companion or group. Trade places halfway through for a new perspective. A private tour’s price depends on the number of guests.

Here are several reasons why you should explore Rome on this unique Vespa tour.

Easy Meeting Point

Piazza della Repubblica is the tour meeting point. The square is well-connected and easy for drop-offs by taxis and vehicles. Take the subway Line A to the Repubblica-Teatro dell’Opera stop. It’s just a 2-minute walk from the Central Termini Railway Station.

Pro Tip: If you want somewhere to stay close by, I recommend Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel . A restored 19th-century, crescent-shaped palazzo, it fronts Piazza della Repubblica, where the Vespa tour starts. At the assigned time, I met my guide, Alessio, at the concierge desk. My chariot, i.e. baby blue Vespa, was waiting just outside.

The Iconic Landmarks Of Rome

Exploring the highlights of the Eternal City, we visited 12 sights, including the Spanish Steps, Piazza del Popolo, and the Borghese Gardens. There were several opportunities to stop, stretch our legs, and linger, including the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon.

It’s A Blast!

When exploring the beautiful city of Rome, I loved all the astonished looks on people’s faces as we made our way down tight alleys and broad avenues. I felt like a movie star — everyone was smiling, waving, and snapping our photo. We must have been quite a sight; something special to share with family members when you get home.

Avoid The Crowds

What’s the best way to avoid crowds and see a different side of Rome? See it on a Vespa! If you’re fearless, you could rent one yourself. But my advice? Enlist a pro. You will feel much safer riding next to or behind someone who understands the ins and outs of Rome’s streets, where locals think traffic lanes are merely suggestions.

It’s A Beautiful Ride

The Vespa is a classic: These stunning coupes from Italy are iconic on the streets of Rome. Piaggio & Co. started making the Vespa after WWII as cheap, affordable transportation. Eventually, in 1953, the hit movie Roman Holiday showed the world how great a Vespa could be, resulting in record sales. Like the Colosseum, the Italian scooter has remained a part of Italy’s landscape. You will feel like an authentic Italian in the sidecar of a Vespa.

Unique And Unforgettable Way To See The Eternal City 

Unlike larger vehicles, a Vespa can easily maneuver through tight spaces, allowing you to see more of the city’s hidden gems and local hotspots. As you zip through the streets, you’ll experience the city in an exciting and unique way. Your guide will share his knowledge of the city’s history and culture, providing insights into the backstories of the pivotal figures in the Roman Empire.

A Driver And Official Guide Rolled Into One

My driver, Alessio, wasn’t just a history buff: He’s also an official guide, which means he’s been trained to lead tours and provide in-depth information on all the sites you’ll see. He knows how to keep you engaged, entertained, and informed, making your Vespa tour an unforgettable experience. Throughout the tour, he shared fascinating facts, historical anecdotes, and his favorite neighborhoods and restaurants. With his expertise and passion for sharing the city’s rich history, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind adventure that you’ll remember for years to come. 

Radio-Connected Modern Whispers

As we cruised along the streets of Rome, Alessio provided commentary directly into my ear through a modern whisper system. He pointed out the window overlooking St. Peter’s Square where the Pope makes his Sunday address. It was chilling to see the balcony above the Piazza Venezia, where Mussolini delivered his most famous speech, the declaration of war on France and Britain in 1940.

A Sense Of Freedom And Excitement

Take in Rome’s sights, sounds, and smells from the open-air Vespa sidecar. You can enjoy the warm breeze on your face, witness the daily life of Romans, and immerse yourself in the city’s timeless beauty. 

Pro Tip: Three hours is about the right amount of time to get a taste of Rome. I saw much more than I would in a walking tour, and it was a better experience than a hop-on, hop-off bus tour — we could go where large coaches could not.

I Felt Safe 

The guides are expert drivers and the top-class helmets have face shields and disposable head covers. The passenger wears a seatbelt with a shoulder harness. We traveled at the most 24 miles per hour; just the right pace. Once you are on board, your unease fades away as you sit back, hold on, and enjoy the thrill of exploring Rome on a Vespa.

The Hidden Gems Of Rome

Rome is one of the most beautiful places in Italy and a real bucket-list destination. But allow some time to visit the hidden gems many tourists miss. Janiculum Hill, called the “Eighth Hill of Rome,” is a beautiful, often overlooked area with the best views of Rome. It’s a bit of a climb on foot, but on a Vespa, sit back and enjoy the ride. Piazzale Garibaldi in the center has the Giuseppe Garibaldi Monument with a cannon that fires daily at noon. Don’t miss the 17th-century Aqua Paola Fountain.

Cappuccino And Cornetto 

After visiting the Pantheon, we stopped for a cappuccino and cornetto, the traditional Roman breakfast choice. Our baby blue Vespa was parked nearby and I enjoyed watching how much attention it got from passersby. On the afternoon tours, customers are offered gelato instead.

Unforgettable Experience 

This is the perfect gift for someone who has done everything and an unforgettable experience for curious travelers of all ages. You will carry home remarkable moments and fun memories. 

Would I recommend Vespa Sidecar Tour? Absolutely. If this had been my first time in Rome, it would have given me a good overview of the places I would like to return to for a deeper dive. I have been to Rome several times, but until now, I’ve never seen the eternal beauty of Rome from the seat of a Vespa sidecar. And the coin I tossed into the Trevi Fountain guarantees I’ll be back.

Related Reading: 

• 9 Ways To Avoid Looking Like A Tourist In Rome
• 7 Unexpected And Unforgettable Attractions You Need To See In Rome
• 7 Best Places To Indulge In Dolce Far Niente While Visiting Rome

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits

'Expensive in every way': What travelers should expect this summer

Summer travel in 2024 will be "expensive in every way," said Katharine Nohr. And she should know.

She's planning a two-week adventure to Europe in June, which starts with a marathon flight from Honolulu to Zurich, where she'll speak at a conference. Then, she's hopscotching across Europe – to Vienna, then on to the Olympics. Nohr made plans to be in Nantes, France, to watch a soccer game, in Lille for basketball, and in Paris for gymnastics, boxing, and swimming.

Check out   Elliott Confidential , the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone!

All told, it'll set her back five figures despite her best efforts, which include flying economy class and staying in the lowest-priced hotels. 

"The trip is pricey, even with my efforts to economize," said Nohr, an attorney from Honolulu. "But it's a once-in-my-life adventure." 

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Summer travelers are pursuing exciting, expensive vacations

Nohr is part of a wave of travelers who are making big plans for this summer. The itineraries are exciting – and expensive. 

Pretty much every barometer of travel intent is up for the summer travel season. Inflation and unemployment are low, and consumer sentiment and curiosity are high, fueling an unprecedented interest in travel during the summer of 2024. 

"Bookings are rising," said Susan Sherren, who runs Couture Trips , a travel agency. "Unfortunately, hotel, tour, and air prices are not falling. So, if you plan on hitting the road this summer, make sure you are willing to splash some cash."

Travel companies say they're overwhelmed with summer reservations.

"The travel economy is booming," said Joe Ialacci, owner of Yacht Hampton Boating Club , a company that rents yachts in Sag Harbor, New York. He's seeing a 40% increase in rentals this summer compared to last year as Americans shift some of their vacation dollars to domestic destinations.

Prices aren't the only thing trending higher. People's expectations for their summer vacation are also higher than at any time since the pandemic, said Sangeeta Sadarangani, CEO of Crossing , a multinational travel agency headquartered in London. 

"They're embracing the unknown," she said.

And one of the great unknowns is travel prices. How much higher will they be?

What will prices be like this summer?

It depends on where you're going. There's good news if you're traveling within the U.S.: flights and hotels are a little less expensive than last summer . But they're rising elsewhere. Here's the breakdown:

• Airfares are mixed. Domestic roundtrip airfares for summer will peak at $315 per ticket, according to the travel platform Hopper . Flights to Europe are cheaper, too. They've fallen 10% from last year to $882. But flights to South America are up 2% and flights to Canada have risen 7%. You'll pay an average of $708 to fly south of the border and $419 to head north.
• U.S. hotel rates are down. Domestically, they're about the same as last year at an average of $206 per night.
• Car rental prices are rising. Average domestic car rental rates are only up 3% this summer to $42 per day on a four-day rental, according to Hopper. 

But you can avoid the high prices with a little strategic planning, experts say.

What to avoid this summer

American travelers are becoming more predictable in their summer vacation choices, said John Lovell, president of Travel Leaders Group . Immediately after the pandemic, they embarked on "revenge" vacations to far-flung locations. Now they're returning to more conventional vacations.

"We continue to see U.S. travelers heading back to the more traditional locations across Europe this year, like London, Rome, Athens and Munich," he said.

There are places that will be exceptionally busy – and exceptionally pricey – this summer.

• Paris during the Olympics. The Olympic Games are taking place in Paris this summer. Rooms are more than double the normal rates . which is typical of the Olympics. Paris is already crowded with tourists during the summer, so you can probably imagine what it will be like with the Olympics. Zut, alors!
• Taylor Swift is touring Europe this summer. Prices will be higher and the crowds will be denser. "If you aren't planning to attend one of her concerts, I recommend planning around those European cities when she's there," said Betsy Ball, co-founder of Euro Travel Coach . (Want to know if your schedules overlap? Here's Taylor Swift's concert schedule .)
• Other big summer events. Even if you steer clear of Taylor and the Olympics, you're still not out of the woods. There's the UEFA Euro 2024 football tournament in Germany in June. There's the Tour de France in July, which begins in Florence and finishes in Nice. France is also hosting the Paralympic Games in August and September, which will take place in Paris, Nice, Marseille and Bordeaux.

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Pay less to fly: New strategies for finding cheap airfares now

When is the best time to book a 2024 summer vacation?

Since this is going to be a busy one, the sooner you book, the better. Hopper recommends buying your airfare two to three months before your departure for domestic flights, and for international – well, it's probably too late to get that rock-bottom fare. If you're reading this in April, you can still find something for late August or early September, according to its airfare experts.

As always, you can save money by booking a flight for midweek instead of on the weekend – and, of course, by keeping far, far away from the big travel holidays like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day. 

Also, if you're going overseas, remember their holiday calendar is different. For example, half of Europe shuts down during August for summer vacation. It's worth a look-up, otherwise, you could face some real disappointments.

Strategies for traveling better during the summer

One tactic that consistently works is splitting your getaway into two sections. Take that required summer vacation with your family somewhere less expensive during the high season. Then, wait until shoulder season for the big trip. 

That's what Ross Copas, a retired electrician from Tweed, Canada, is doing during the summer of 2024. It's a road trip across the northern U.S. by motorcycle – New York to Washington State, and then back east through Canada. 

Then he's heading to Amsterdam in September for a 23-day European river cruise. He said the late summer getaway will be costly, but he doubts fares will fall anytime soon. "So price be damned," he added.

Actually, that's pretty smart. I took the same cruise he's planning on Viking River Cruises many years ago, and it was worth every penny.

With hotel rates rising in some places this summer, this is the right time to consider alternatives. Monica Fish, a writer from Glen Rock, N.J., is headed to Ireland to catch one of Taylor Swift's performances. She said hotel rooms in Dublin are overpriced if they're even available. But Fish found an affordable vacation rental. 

"We just had to book it farther in advance than we normally would," she said. 

Go ahead, follow the crowds this summer

I think it's fine to follow the crowds this summer. I'll be doing it. I'm planning to rent an apartment for a month in Switzerland with Blueground, a long-term apartment rental company. Then I'm crashing on a friend's sofa in Spain, then heading to Sweden to see other friends and visiting my brother in Finland. Yes, travel writers know people everywhere . 

But don't follow the crowds off a cliff. There are places even I won't go. I might take the four-hour train trip from Zurich to Paris in June to check out my favorite patisseries, but I wouldn't go anywhere near the City of Lights during the summer games in July unless I made a reservation a long time ago.

And Taylor Swift? Puh-leeze. I'm more of a jazz guy.

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

Live Updates: Israel Weighs Response After Iranian Attack Does Little Damage

As Biden urged Israel to show restraint, Iran signaled that it would not strike further unless attacked. Calm mostly prevailed in Israel after Iran fired hundreds of missiles and drones overnight, nearly all of them intercepted.

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• A demonstrator waves the Palestinian flag as he and others gather at Palestine Square in Tehran on Sunday. Arash Khamooshi for The New York Times
• Drones or missiles being fired at Israel from Iran early Sunday. AFPTV
• Relatives mourning a Palestinian man who was killed during clashes with Israeli settlers in the village of Baytin in the West Bank. Jaafar Ashtiyeh/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• Israeli Air Force military helicopters fly over the southern Negev desert. Ahmad Gharabli/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• Holes in the roof and floor at the home of a 7-year-old girl who was injured by missile shrapnel outside Arad, Israel. Sergey Ponomarev for The New York Times
• A demonstration of solidarity with Israel in Berlin. Markus Schreiber/Associated Press
• Displaced Palestinians passing through Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip as they tried to return to northern Gaza. Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• Palestinian men inspect a damaged house in Qusra in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Majdi Mohammed/Associated Press
• A burnt vehicle in the village of Qusra in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Majdi Mohammed/Associated Press

Mike Ives ,  Ronen Bergman and Isabel Kershner

Here are the latest developments.

Israel’s war cabinet met on Sunday to discuss possible responses to the overnight attack by Iran, which fired hundreds of exploding drones and missiles in what was believed to be its first direct attack on Israel after years of a shadow war . It was not immediately clear what, if any, response Israeli leaders had discussed.

Nearly all of the munitions fired by Iran were intercepted, and those that did make impact caused only minor damage, Israeli military officials said. The United States said it had shot down dozens of the drones and missiles , a significant show of support for its ally despite widening divisions over Israel’s conduct of the war in Gaza.

Iran’s attack, a retaliation for airstrikes on an Iranian Embassy building in Syria on April 1, was not unexpected. As Iran signaled that it would not strike further unless attacked , the focus turned to how Israel would respond, as President Biden and other world leaders appealed for calm and sought to avert a wider war in the Middle East.

Two Israeli officials said some war cabinet members had urged a retaliatory strike, but that was called off after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel spoke by phone with President Biden on Saturday, and because the strikes caused relatively minor damage. The officials did not elaborate on the contents of the call between the leaders. Still, Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, said early Sunday that the confrontation with Iran was “not over yet.”

Here’s what else to know:

The Biden administration is advising Israel that it does not necessarily need to fire back at Iran , U.S. officials said. They said that its successful defense proved Israel’s ability to protect itself along with its American allies.

Iranian officials issued a series of statements that appeared designed to keep tensions from escalating further. Iran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, said that Tehran “has no intention of continuing defensive operations, but if necessary it will not hesitate to protect its legitimate interests against any new aggression.”

After convening a virtual meeting on Sunday, the Group of 7 leaders issued a statement condemning Iran’s attack and reaffirming their “full solidarity and support to Israel.” The leaders said Iran had risked “provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation” and demanded that “Iran and its proxies cease their attacks.” The United Nations Security Council was separately scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on Sunday afternoon.

Britain confirmed that its air force had shot down some Iranian missiles and drones, as did Jordan, the Arab kingdom neighboring Israel. Jordan said it acted in self-defense , but some Arab critics assailed the country for helping to defend Israel even as the Israeli military wages war against Palestinians in Gaza. France’s foreign minister said on Sunday that the country had taken part in “interception missions,” although the details of its involvement were not immediately clear.

Anushka Patil

The G7 condemns Iran’s attack on Israel, as E.U. leaders urge restraint from all parties.

After convening a virtual meeting on Sunday to discuss Iran’s attack on Israel, Group of 7 leaders adopted a joint declaration that reaffirmed their “full solidarity and support to Israel” and accused Iran of having risked “provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation” that must be avoided.

Iran’s attack, which appeared to have been mostly intercepted by Israel and its allies, was carried out in retaliation for Israeli attacks on an Iranian Embassy building in Syria earlier this month. Iranian leaders have signaled that their retaliation is over unless they are attacked again.

The joint declaration from the leaders of G7 nations — Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, as well as the European Union — demanded that “Iran and its proxies cease their attacks.” The leaders said they were ready “to take further measures now and in response to further destabilizing initiatives.”

Hoping to head off Israel from further escalating the conflict, President Biden privately advised Israel against firing back on Iran, U.S. officials said on Sunday . It was not yet clear how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and his government would respond.

Leaders of the European Union have publicly urged restraint from both countries as they, too, condemned Iran’s actions. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, called the attack “blatant and unjustifiable,” adding that “all actors must now refrain from further escalation.”

Charles Michel, president of the European Council, said that the condemnation from G7 leaders was unanimous and that “all parties must exercise restraint.”

“Ending the crisis in Gaza as soon as possible, notably through an immediate cease-fire, will make a difference,” Mr. Michel added.

Where weapons and interceptors were seen

Where air defense systems were seen intercepting missiles or drones Damage or other evidence of attack visible

The New York Times

Regional involvement in the conflict

Israel struck the Iranian Embassy complex in Syria on April 1.

Iran fired hundreds of missiles and drones toward Israel starting Saturday night.

A small portion of the bombardment was launched from Iraq, Syria and Yemen.

Israel said 99 percent

of the attack was intercepted.

Iran’s attack was in response to an Israeli strike earlier this month on a building in the Iranian Embassy complex in Syria.

Iran fired hundreds of missiles and drones from multiple locations toward Israel.

Israel said it and its allies had intercepted approximately 99 percent of the missiles and drones fired at it.

Aaron Boxerman

The Israeli military announced it would relax heightened restrictions on gatherings that were enacted before the Iranian strike, a possible indication that Israel does not expect the confrontation to continue to escalate. The Israeli authorities had briefly cancelled all educational activities, shuttering schools and universities, as well as barring gatherings of more than 1,000 people in much of the country.

Farnaz Fassihi

Russia’s ambassador to the U.N., Vasily Nebenzya, blamed the U.S., Britain and France for “hypocrisy and double standards,” for not condemning the attack on Iran’s embassy complex in Syria this month and said the Council’s lack of action had led to escalation and Iran’s retaliation. Nebenzya said Israel was disrespecting the Council by violating a resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza and suggested the Council should punish Israel with sanctions.

The U.N. Security Council is one of the few places where adversaries at war with one another come face-to-face in the same room, and today representatives of Iran and Israel are expected to address the Council.

Barbara Woodward, Britain’s ambassador to the United Nations, told the Security Council that Iran’s actions “do nothing to advance the prospects of peace in Israel and Gaza,” as demanded in a resolution passed by the Council last month calling for an immediate cease-fire. She said Britain remains committed to protecting Israel’s security while resolving to secure a pause in fighting in Gaza.

Aurelien Breeden

France “took part” in missions to intercept Iran’s attack on Israel, Stéphane Séjourné, France’s foreign minister, told French television, although the details of the country’s involvement were not immediately clear. “We shouldered our responsibilities because we are actors of the region’s security,” Séjourné said, noting that France has military bases in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.

Robert Wood, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, told the Security Council that the United States “is not seeking escalation, our actions have been defensive in nature.” He said the U.S. goal was to “de-escalate” and get back to securing an end to the conflict in Gaza. Wood also called on the Council to unequivocally condemn Iran’s actions and said the United States was planning further measures at the U.N. to hold Iran accountable.

So far, diplomats speaking at the Security Council meeting have said it’s imperative for both sides to exercise restraint, with the region at risk of plunging into a wider war with devastating consequences. Ambassadors from Slovenia and Sierra Leone both called for a return to diplomacy and for the parties to refrain from further retaliation.

The meeting of Israel's war cabinet — which includes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Benny Gantz, a former Israeli military chief — has ended, according to two Israeli officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity. It was not immediately clear what the group had decided about possibly responding to Iran’s overnight strikes.

Farnaz Fassihi and Leily Nikounazar

Iranians are split over the attack. Some fear upheaval, others vow to fight.

Many Iranians stayed glued to their television screens and phones Saturday night, anxiously following updates as their country launched a military attack on Israel and fearing a wider war that would only add to the country’s current economic upheaval.

In Tehran and several other big cities, lines of cars stretched a mile or more outside gas stations in the middle of the night. Some parents kept their children home from school on Sunday. Tehran’s airport closed down, and will remain that way until at least Monday morning.

Iranians living inside the country said in interviews that they were worried the confrontation with Israel would spiral out of control and hoped both sides would avoid escalating the conflict.

Soheil, a 37-year-old engineer in Isfahan who, like several other Iranians, asked that his last name not be used for fear of retribution, said all he and his colleagues could talk about at work on Sunday was the prospect of a broader conflict.

“I’m afraid of war,” he said. “It will have a great impact on our daily lives, especially on the economy and the price of dollar, and the anxiety will affect our mental health.”

Since a strike two weeks ago on the Iranian Embassy complex in Syria that killed three top military commanders, Iran’s currency, the rial, has fallen sharply against the U.S. dollar, shrinking purchasing power as Iran’s leaders vowed to respond.

Nafiseh, a 36-year-old high school teacher in Tehran, said that many of her students did not attend school on Sunday because parents were worried about counterattacks from Israel. “It’s all everyone is talking about, from teenagers to teachers and family members, it’s all about the war and attacks,” she said.

Supporters of the government hailed the attacks as Iran’s showcasing its military might to defend itself on Saturday, with several hundred gathering in Tehran’s Palestine Square to celebrate with fireworks and chants of “Death to Israel.” A large mural on the square depicted Iranian missiles with a message written in Farsi and Hebrew that read, “Next time the slap will be harder.” On Sunday night, a crowd formed again in the square, carrying signs and chanting anti-Israel slogans.

Others took to social media to say they would fight for their country unconditionally if Iran were to go to war.

“When a foreign enemy is involved, honor means standing with our country even at the cost of our lives,” Reza Rashidpour, a civil engineer, wrote on social media . “Long live Iran, long live soldiers of Iran.”

But critics of the government denounced the attacks, seeing them as a misadventure that risks harming ordinary Iranians.

Many Iranians oppose government policies that include funding, arming and training groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, the Lebanese armed group that has increasingly traded fire with Israel since the Oct. 7 attacks that set off the current fighting in Gaza. In protests against the government over the past few years a recurring chant has been, “No to Gaza, no to Lebanon, my life for Iran.”

Ali, a 53-year-old veteran of the Iran-Iraq war who lives in Kerman, said the existence of the Islamic Republic depends on “crisis.”

“Now they are exploiting the war and the crisis to survive,” he said.

The United Nations Security Council has begun its emergency meeting to address Iran’s attacks on Israel. “The people of the region are confronting a real danger of a devastating, full-scale conflict,” the U.N. secretary general, António Guterres, said in opening remarks. “Now is the time to defuse and deescalate. Now is the time for maximum restraint.”

For the Security Council to issue any statement condemning Iran’s actions all of its 15 members would have to agree — a prospect that appears unlikely, given its recent lack of consensus over issuing condemnation statements on Hamas’s Oct. 7 attacks and the attack on the Iranian Embassy compound in Syria, which prompted Iran’s strikes.

Israelis begin a return to calm, anxious about how their government will respond.

After many Israelis spent a long night huddled in bomb shelters, life crept back toward calm on Sunday, even as the people of Israel waited tensely to see how their government would respond to the Iranian strikes that set off rarely heard sirens in Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is targeted much less frequently than border communities or the coastal metropolis of Tel Aviv, but during the assault loud booms resounded in the skies, where missiles and interceptors wove around one another like fireflies.

In areas of Jerusalem with a mostly Jewish population, many crowded into public bomb shelters, some wearing pajamas and lugging sleeping bags.

“There were more people there than usual,” said Zev Palatnik, 33, who spent some of the night in his building’s bomb shelter alongside his neighbors. “There’s a sense that the rockets from Iran are more sophisticated than the ones from Gaza,” he said, adding that there was a higher level of anxiety as a result.

But on Sunday, a relatively steady amount of foot traffic flowed in downtown Jerusalem as Israelis returned to work. Ron Cohen, a 37-year-old engineer, said he had hoped that the Israeli government would immediately strike back at Iran, but he did not expect a significant Israeli response.

“Not much, maybe a few small things,” he said. “Our government knows how to defend, but not how to attack.”

For the Israelis among the tens of thousands forced to flee communities along the borders with Gaza and Lebanon, the assault compounded six exhausting months of war. Many expressed uncertainty over the best way for the government to respond.

Gidi Lapid, who left his home in Metula, near the border with Lebanon, with his family at the beginning of the war, said Israel might be able to show strength through restrained action.

But at the same time, Iranians “should be the ones in existential dread, in bomb shelters, stocking up on food and water,” Mr. Lapid said by phone from Eliav, a small town near Beit Shemesh, west of Jerusalem. “Not our peace-seeking nation.”

Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group, congratulated Iran on Sunday for an “unprecedented attack” on Israel, calling it a “natural and legal right” in the wake of the deadly strike on the Iranian Embassy complex in Damascus. Although Hezbollah, Iran’s most powerful regional proxy, launched rockets into the Golan Heights amid the overnight attack, it largely remained on the sidelines.

With much attention shifted to Iran, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an Israeli grass-roots citizens’ group, reiterated its call for a deal to release the approximately 100 hostages held in Gaza. The group said in a statement that the fear and uncertainty felt by Israelis during Iran’s overnight strike “pale in comparison to the terror, dread, despair, loneliness, cold, physical and mental torment” experienced by the hostages.

Eric Schmitt

American officials said U.S. fighter jets shot down more than 70 exploding drones in the attack Saturday, while two Navy warships in the eastern Mediterranean destroyed between four and six ballistic missiles and an Army Patriot battery in Iraq knocked down at least one missile that passed overhead. The more than 300 drones and missiles Iran launched was on the high end of what U.S. analysts had expected, one official said.

After a virtual meeting today, leaders of the Group of 7 nations reaffirmed their “full solidarity and support to Israel” in a statement condemning Iran’s attack . The leaders said Iran risked “provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation” that must be avoided. “We will continue to work to stabilize the situation and avoid further escalation,” they said. “In this spirit, we demand that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks.”

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military spokesman, told reporters that Iran and its proxies had fired about 350 exploding drones, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and rockets at Israel overnight. That amounted to a total of about “60 tons of warheads and explosive materials,” he said in an evening briefing.

Catie Edmondson

Reporting from Washington

Johnson says the House will vote on an Israel bill in the coming days.

Speaker Mike Johnson said on Sunday after Iran’s overnight attack on Israel that the House would vote in the coming days on aid for Israel, and he suggested that aid for Ukraine could be included in the legislation.

“House Republicans and the Republican Party understand the necessity of standing with Israel,” Mr. Johnson said on Fox News, noting that he had previously advanced two aid bills to help the U.S. ally. “We’re going to try again this week, and the details of that package are being put together. Right now, we’re looking at the options and all these supplemental issues.”

U.S. funding for both Israel and Ukraine has languished in Congress; Mr. Johnson initially refused to take up a $95 billion aid package for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan passed by the Senate , and the Senate refused to take up a House Republican proposal that conditioned aid to Israel on domestic spending cuts.

In recent weeks, Mr. Johnson has repeatedly vowed to ensure that the House moves to assist Ukraine. He has been searching for a way to structure a foreign aid package that could secure a critical mass of support amid stiff Republican resistance to sending aid to Kyiv and mounting opposition among Democrats to unfettered military aid for Israel.

But the attacks from Iran have ratcheted up the pressure on Mr. Johnson to bring some kind of package to the floor this week, potentially forcing him to make a decision he has been agonizing over for weeks.

He left it unclear on Sunday whether the legislation he said the House would advance this week would also include aid for Ukraine.

Mr. Johnson said he believed that some proposals around Ukraine aid enjoyed broad support among House Republicans. He noted that he met with former President Donald J. Trump on Friday at his estate in Florida and that Mr. Trump had been supportive of conditioning the aid as a loan.

“I think these are ideas that I think can get consensus, and that’s what we’ve been working through,” Mr. Johnson said. “We’ll send our package. We’ll put something together and send it to the Senate and get these obligations completed.”

Before the attacks in Israel over the weekend, Mr. Johnson had privately floated bringing up the $95 billion spending package for Ukraine and Israel passed by the Senate in February — and moving it through the House in tandem with a second bill containing policies endorsed by the conservative wing of his party. That plan envisioned two consecutive votes — one on the Senate-passed bill and another on a package of sweeteners geared toward appeasing Republicans who otherwise would be infuriated by Mr. Johnson’s decision to push through a bipartisan aid package for Ukraine.

Representative Michael McCaul, Republican of Texas and the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said on Sunday that the two conflicts were tied together, and that he hoped they would be addressed together. “What happened in Israel last night happens in Ukraine every night,” he said on CBS’s “Face The Nation.”

Mr. McCaul said that he had previously secured a “commitment” from Mr. Johnson that a broad national security bill would be brought to the House floor for a vote, but that the timing was unclear.

“My preference,” he said, “is this week.”

Minho Kim contributed reporting.

The Israeli military said in a statement that it is calling up “approximately two reserve brigades for operational activities on the Gaza front.” Reservist soldiers played a key role in the military’s operations in Gaza earlier in the war, when more than 300,000 citizen soldiers were called up . Since late February, many reservists have been released back to their normal lives while professional soldiers took on the brunt of the fighting.

Leaders of the Group of 7 nations convened on Sunday and condemned Iran’s attack on Israel, according to the White House and the president of the European Council, Charles Michel. In a social media post , Michel urged all parties to “exercise restraint,” adding that an immediate cease-fire in Gaza “will make a difference.”

With #G7 leaders, we unanimously condemned Iran’s unprecedented attack against Israel. All parties must exercise restraint. We will continue all our efforts to work towards de-escalation. Ending the crisis in Gaza as soon as possible, notably through an immediate ceasefire, will… pic.twitter.com/BIcrwDWxyV — Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) April 14, 2024

Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, the Israeli military chief of staff, spoke Sunday with Gen. Michael Kurilla, the commander of U.S. Central Command, the Israeli military said in a statement. Halevi told Kurilla that “cooperation between the two militaries throughout the war has led to the formation of a strong defensive coalition that proved itself last night,” the Israeli military said.

Isabel Kershner

Reporting from Jerusalem

The Iran attack is the latest political test for Netanyahu.

In a deeply divided Israel, even the dramatic scene above the country’s skies on Sunday is open to political interpretation.

For supporters of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s display of defensive technology against an Iranian salvo that included hundreds of drones and missiles proves Mr. Netanyahu has long been right to warn about the threat posed by Iran.

His opponents are loath to give him any credit, reserving their praise for the air force.

“Like everything in Israel in recent years, the story is split into two narratives,” said Mazal Mualem, an Israeli political commentator for Al-Monitor, a Middle East news site, and the author of a recent biography of the Israeli leader.

“The division and polarization in Israeli society prevents people from seeing the full picture,” Ms. Mualem added.

Iran’s barrage on Sunday, launched in response to an Israeli attack on an Iranian Embassy building this month in Damascus that killed several high-ranking commanders in Iran’s armed forces, came at a perilous time for Mr. Netanyahu.

At home, he is an unpopular leader whom many hold responsible for his government’s policy and intelligence failures that led to the deadly Hamas-led attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7, which prompted Israel to go to war in Gaza. Abroad, he is the focus of international censure over Israel’s prosecution of that war, which has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Gazans.

How he ultimately emerges from this episode may depend on what happens next.

Mr. Netanyahu now must make a choice. Will he respond to Iran with a forceful counterattack and potentially entangle Israel and other countries in a broader war? Or will he absorb the attack, which gravely injured one 7-year-old girl but otherwise did limited damage, and defer to the coalition that helped defend Israel in the interests of regional stability?

Israel’s allies have been urging restraint.

“The question is whether Israel is going to retaliate immediately, or surprise the Iranians in one way or another,” said Efraim Halevy, who served as director of Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, during the latter part of Mr. Netanyahu’s first term in the 1990s.

No Israeli leader has warned about Iran so consistently as Mr. Netanyahu or, for that matter, has spent so long in office. Israel’s longest serving prime minister, he has been in power for about 17 years overall.

Since his first year in office in 1996, Mr. Netanyahu warned that a nuclear Iran would be catastrophic and that time was running out. For the nearly three decades since, he has been sounding the same alarm.

Iran maintains a network of proxy militias across the region, including in Gaza, which the government funds and supplies with weapons. Some of those militias in Yemen, Syria and Lebanon have battled with Israel, creating distractions for the Israeli government and military amid the war with Hamas.

But perhaps more troubling, experts say, is that Iran is closer than ever to obtaining a nuclear weapon. Mr. Netanyahu’s backers still credit him with having put Iran’s nuclear program on the world agenda then, and they praise him now for investing in the mighty, multilayered air defense system that allowed Israel and its allies, including the United States, to intercept the vast majority of Iranian drones and missiles this weekend before they reached Israel.

Sometimes resorting to gimmicks and antics to draw attention to Iran’s nuclear progress, Mr. Netanyahu has in the past made opposing Iran a key part of his global diplomacy. Once, at the United Nations General Assembly he held up a cartoonish drawing of a bomb marked with red lines depicting enrichment levels. Another time, at the Munich Security Conference, he waved around a piece of wreckage from what he said was an Iranian drone sent from Syria and shot down by Israel.

“Everywhere he went he was talking about it,” recalled Jeremy Issacharoff, a former Israeli ambassador to Germany and for years the Ministry of Foreign Affairs point man coordinating diplomatic efforts on regional security and the Iranian threat.

At times, Mr. Netanyahu’s campaign against Iran has severely strained Israel’s relations with American presidents, though bipartisan U.S. support for Israel has long been considered a strategic asset.

Around 2012, Mr. Netanyahu infuriated the Obama administration by pushing hard for President Barack Obama to set clear “red lines” on Iran’s nuclear progress that would prompt the United States to undertake a military strike. Before that, the Israeli prime minister was making plans for a unilateral Israeli strike in the face of tough opposition from Washington and public criticism from a string of former Israeli security chiefs. It was never clear if Mr. Netanyahu was bluffing, and the prospect of an imminent strike receded.

He further challenged Mr. Obama in 2015 with an impassioned speech to a joint meeting of Congress denouncing what he called a “bad deal” being negotiated by the United States and other world powers with Iran to curb its nuclear program.

When President Donald J. Trump came to power, Mr. Netanyahu encouraged him to withdraw from the agreement — a move that many Israeli experts have called a dire mistake and a failure of Mr. Netanyahu’s Iran policy.

“Since then, there have been no constraints on the program,” Mr. Issacharoff said, adding, “It has never been more advanced.”

But it was also under Mr. Netanyahu’s watch that Israel forged diplomatic relations with more Arab states that are considered part of the moderate, anti-Iranian axis, including the United Arab Emirates.

Regardless of what comes next, Ms. Mualem, the Netanyahu biographer, said, “Bibi is still in the game,” referring to him by his nickname. “He’s a central player, and it isn’t over, diplomatically or politically. And he plays a long game.”

The Israeli military said in a statement that the Home Front Command’s defensive guidelines remain “unchanged and in effect” until 11 p.m. Monday. The guidelines include school closures and a ban on gatherings of more than 1,000 people.

Hiba Yazbek and Bilal Shbair

Reporting from Jerusalem and Gaza

Israeli airstrikes continue in Gaza after the calmest night there since the war started.

As the world’s attention shifted to Iran’s attack on Israel, Palestinians in Gaza experienced a relatively calm night for the first time in more than six months but were quickly jolted back to reality when airstrikes there continued on Sunday morning.

While Iranian drones and aircraft were making their way to Israeli territory on Saturday night, the incessant noise of Israeli drones and warplanes disappeared from Gaza’s skies, residents said.

“Finally some calmness after six months of buzzing and noises!” Yousef Mema, a Gazan activist with a significant social media following, wrote on Instagram.

Another influencer, Mahmoud Shurrab, recorded himself walking in the middle of the street, the skies overhead quiet. “I can’t believe it, silence,” he said in a video posted on Instagram.

The calm did not last. The Israeli military said on Sunday that its forces were pressing on with a raid in the central Gaza Strip for the fourth day, where they “eliminated dozens of terrorists in face-to-face battles and with air support.” And Wafa, the Palestinian Authority news agency, reported that several Palestinians had been killed in a strike on a home in Nuseirat in central Gaza, and that at least eight others were wounded in a strike on three homes in Beit Hanoun, a city in the northeast of the strip.

Some Palestinians worried that an escalation between Israel and Iran would distract from the dire situation in the Gaza Strip, potentially diverting international attention from the Israeli bombardment and looming famine there.

“I think it is not at all in the Palestinians’ side or favor to have a new front open with Israel,” said Amer Nasser, 64. “This will distract the people around the world from seeing what is happening in Gaza,” he added.

For many, the Iranian attack was unexpected.

Fayez al-Samman, a 76-year-old car trader from Gaza City who is sheltering in Deir al-Balah, in central Gaza, said he spent the night listening to the news on the radio. “It was a surprise for me when I heard the missiles were targeting Israeli sites,” he said.

Osama al-Hato, 53, another man from Gaza City staying in Deir al-Balah, said he was happy that Iran had targeted Israel. “However, I did not follow the news nor expect the Iranian reaction to this extent,” he added.

Aymen Zidan, 57, a wholesale vegetable supplier from Deir al-Balah, said he had had little expectation that Iran would target Israel, although he believed Iran’s attack was for its own interests, not for the sake of Palestinians in Gaza like him.

Even so, he said, he felt “relieved that there is a country that said no to Israel.”

Raja Abdulrahim contributed reporting from New York.

Israel’s war cabinet has convened to discuss the Iranian attack, said a spokesman for Benny Gantz, a member of the cabinet.

The Israeli military estimates that Iran and its proxies launched 170 aerial drones, 120 ballistic missiles and 30 cruise missiles at Israel overnight. In an Instagram post , the military said that it and international partners had intercepted about 99 percent of the launches, and that only a few ballistic missiles entered Israeli territory.

Jordan says it shot down Iranian attacks as an act of self-defense.

The response by Israel and other nations to Iran’s aerial attack kept the majority of its drones and missiles from landing in Israel, ensuring they caused only light damage and a handful of injuries, Israeli officials said.

An unexpected — and for some, unwelcome — actor played a role in Israel’s defense: Jordan, the Arab kingdom next door.

Jordan fought four wars with Israel between 1948 and 1973 before signing a peace treaty in 1994. Its population is heavily made up of Palestinians , and their descendants, who were barred from returning to their homes by Israel after the 1948 war that followed the establishment of the Jewish state.

Jordan’s involvement was welcomed by older Israelis who remembered when Jordan would shell Israel. But Palestinians and their supporters denounced Jordan’s role, accusing the kingdom of siding with Israel at a time when its military offensive in Gaza has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians, according to health officials there.

Amir Tibon, a journalist for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, celebrated the role played by Israel’s allies, including Jordan. He called it “an important lesson for us Israelis.”

“Science, technology and alliances with the world: These are the things that hold Israel together,” he wrote.

On Sunday, Jordan’s government issued a statement describing its military action as an act of self-defense, not done for the benefit of Israel.

It said the drones and missiles “that entered our airspace last night were dealt with and confronted preventively without endangering the safety of our citizens and residential and populated areas.”

It military will continue to defend Jordan against any future incursions by “any party” in defense of “the nation, its citizens, and its airspace and territory,” the Jordanian government added.

That official explanation did not mollify critics of Jordan’s involvement on Sunday. Large pro-Palestinian demonstrations have taken place in Jordan since the war began in October, and the authorities have often responded harshly. This year, Amnesty International criticized the kingdom for arresting more than 1,000 protesters and others.

Social media users shared a meme of Jordan’s ruler , King Abdullah II, wearing an Israeli military uniform. In a post on X, Dima Khatib, the managing director of AJ+, a digital news organization owned by the pan-Arab network Al Jazeera, called Jordan’s actions “shocking.”

“Friendly countries are responding, not to the attack of Israeli planes, drones and missiles on Palestine, but to an attack on Israel,” she wrote. “There are Arab citizens who pull the trigger to protect Israel and watch when the Palestinians are bombed.”

Some Israeli officials call for a tough response, while others urge restraint.

Right-wing Israeli government ministers and lawmakers pushed on Sunday for a swift, aggressive response to Iran’s overnight aerial assault, putting pressure on Israeli leaders to resist calls for restraint by President Biden and other world leaders.

Itamar Ben-Gvir , Israel’s national security minister, praised Israel’s defense — nearly all of the hundreds of missiles and drones were shot down by Israeli forces or allies, including the United States — and said on social media that “now we need a crushing attack.”

The Iranian assault did little damage, and one person, a child, was reported to have serious injuries. Still, its scope prompted some lawmakers to say that the Israeli government had no choice but to strike back.

“If this government does not understand its responsibility to restore the element of deterrence and respond with an attack against Iran, it is endangering the future of the state of Israel,” said Tally Gotliv, a member of the Israeli Parliament from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party. “Every minute that passes without attacking Iran is an endless tragedy.”

Miki Zohar, the culture and sports minister, wrote on X that Iran “took the gloves off,” and that Israel “must not be lax against the serpent’s head that works to destroy Israel.”

Some opposition lawmakers warned against a hasty response, calling instead for Israel to refocus its attention on the war in Gaza. Gideon Saar, an opposition lawmaker, urged “strategic patience,” saying that returning the roughly 100 hostages still held in Gaza after the Hamas-led attacks on Oct. 7 should remain Israel’s priority.

“This is the right and smart thing to do,” Mr. Saar said on social media. “Iran’s time will come.”

Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s war cabinet, said the country aimed to “build a regional coalition against the threat of Iran” in the wake of the Iranian strike. In a statement, Mr. Gantz said Israel would respond “in the manner and time that are appropriate for us.”

Aaron Boxerman contributed reporting from Jerusalem.

Matthew Mpoke Bigg

Iran’s leaders say their retaliation is over, unless Israel strikes back.

Iranian leaders on Sunday said that their retaliation against Israel was over, signaling that they were not seeking to start a wider war, but warned that they could launch a bigger military operation depending on Israel’s response.

The foreign minister, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, said on social media that “at this point, the Islamic Republic of Iran has no intention of continuing defensive operations, but if necessary it will not hesitate to protect its legitimate interests against any new aggression.”

Iran launched more than 300 exploding drones and missiles overnight in its first such direct attack on Israel. Almost all were shot down by Israeli forces aided by the United States and other countries, including Britain and Jordan. On Sunday, Iranian leaders issued a series of statements that appeared designed to keep tensions from escalating further.

Mr. Amir Abdollahian said the attack, launched in response to a recent strike on a building in the Iranian Embassy complex in Syria that killed several of Iran’s top commanders, was an act of “legitimate defense.” Iran has blamed Israel for the strike in Syria, though Israel has not publicly claimed responsibility.

In a statement addressed to his people, President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran focused on what he said was the country’s capacity for a “decisive and even stronger response” should Israel strike back.

Gen. Hossein Salami, commander in chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, which carried out the attack, claimed that it had been more successful than expected, describing it as a “limited operation.” He gave no details. Israeli officials have said that 12 people were hospitalized after the strikes and that an air base was lightly damaged.

The commander’s comments echoed those of Iran’s mission to the United Nations, which said in a post on social media overnight that the Iranian attack was “deemed concluded.” The mission added that “should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe.”

Leaders in Europe and the Middle East call for restraint after the attack.

Europe and the Middle East awoke to a new strategic reality on Sunday after what was believed to be Iran’s first direct attack on Israel, and leaders in the regions urged the two sides to exercise restraint.

Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Union’s executive arm, called the Iranian drone and missile attack, which was largely intercepted by Israel and its allies, “unjustifiable.”

“I call on Iran and its proxies to immediately cease these attacks,” she said. “All actors must now refrain from further escalation and work to restore stability in the region.”

Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to Israel’s security and echoed Ms. von der Leyen’s call for restraint.

Pope Francis told the faithful in St. Peter’s Square in Rome on Sunday that all nations should take the “side of peace” to assist “Israelis and Palestinians to live in two states side by side, in safety.”

Foreign ministries across the Arab world, including in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, expressed concern that the Iranian attack could escalate into a broader regional war.

Saudi Arabia called on the United Nations Security Council, which was scheduled to hold an emergency meeting Sunday on the crisis, to “fulfill its responsibility in maintaining international peace.”

“This region is crucial for global peace and security,” the kingdom’s foreign ministry said in a statement . “The council must act to prevent the crisis from escalating.”

The government of Egypt, the most populous Arab country, said in a statement that the crisis was “a direct consequence of the warnings” it had issued in the past.

Egypt “has consistently cautioned against the perils of expanding the conflict in the region, specifically following Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip and the provocative military activities observed in the area,” the government said .

Jordan, while calling for calm, also confirmed its participation in the military response to the attack, which it cast as a defense of its sovereign airspace. The kingdom signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1994.

In a statement, Jordan’s cabinet said its armed forces had shot down multiple aircraft and missiles in the skies over the country, which is sandwiched between Iraq, Syria, Israel and Saudi Arabia. It vowed to defend itself against any future incursions.

In Gaza, Hamas celebrated the attack as “a deserved response” to a deadly airstrike on an Iranian Embassy building in Syria this month. At the same time, it tried to pull global attention back to Gaza, where Israeli bombardment in response to the group’s Oct. 7 attack has killed more than 33,000 people, according to the health authorities there. Hamas called upon “the free people of the world” to support its battle against Israel and “the right of our Palestinian people to freedom and independence and the establishment of its Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.”

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