tour and travel history

History tours

Get a chance to visit new places and learn not just about the cultures today, but also about the generations of people who built them on our guided history trips.

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What travelers say about their historical trips

Faqs about our historical tours.

There are so many historical destinations around the world, but here are a few to visit on our top history travel tours:

• London & Berlin for American World War II history
• The Netherlands & Germany for Canadian World War II history
• Egypt & the Nile for the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx
• Italy for the Colosseum and Renaissance-rich Florence
• Peru for the legendary Lost City of the Incas
• Israel for the Acre Crusaders fortress and Western Wall

Historical tours are easy to find in Europe because there’s simply so much history. It’s home to the great empires and so many cultural ideas that have shaped the world. Some of the most notable historical places in Europe include:

• The Roman Forum, which you can see on Rome, Florence & Venice Carnival
• Nymphenburg Palace, which you can visit on Historic Germany: Berlin to Bavaria
• The Acropolis, which you can see on Athens & Ancient Greece

You can learn a lot more when you’ve got an expert to guide you along the way. You can ask questions and explore without getting lost. Plus, everything’s planned for you, so you can be sure you’re visiting the best spots.

Even though the ancient Romans didn’t have cameras, you do. So bring it—and be sure to pack a portable charger or two. That way, you can preserve every memory from your historical trip. You can learn more about what to bring on your specific history tour’s page.

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Matsumoto Castle, Nagano, Japan

A Brief History of Travel and Tourism

Utilizing the widest definition of the word, human beings have been travelling since the dawn of time. No matter one’s beliefs about the creation of humans, everyone can agree our species began in some single locale, likely Africa or the Middle East , and ‘travelled’ outwards, settling new lands. However, most of this ‘travel’ was done out of necessity and war, often without the intent of return. It wouldn’t be until Antiquity, or the glory days of the Greek and Roman empires, that tourism, or leisure travel, would be introduced.

Aristocratic Tourism

In those days, tourism was a privilege almost entirely confined to the wealthy, who travelled largely for cultural exploration. One has to remember, the Greek and Roman upper classes were people who prided themselves on artistic, scientific, and philosophical pursuits. It follows, then, that these early travellers largely sought to learn the arts, languages, and cultures of their destinations.

Soon enough, travelling for leisure’s sake began to gain popularity; from the Roman Empire arises some of the earliest examples of travel resorts and spas in the world. Though they documented their experiences most thoroughly, the elite Europeans were not the only ones travelling in ancient times. In eastern Asia , it was popular for nobles to travel across the countryside for the religious and cultural experience it offered, oftentimes stopping at temples and sacred sites during their travels.

Religious Tourism

During the Middle Ages, travel took on a new meaning. Although leisurely travel was still reserved for the upper class, it became more and more common for members of the upper and even lower classes to embark on pilgrimages. Most of the major religions at the time, including the Islamic, Judaic, and Christian traditions, encouraged their practitioners to conduct pilgrimages.

Largely unaided by technology, most of these journeys were done on foot, often occasionally with a beast of burden to carry supplies. The wealthy were able to afford other forms of travel including horseback and ship. Furthermore, the Middle Ages saw the emergence of connected shipping routes. As ports grew, travel opportunities increased, and the dock was typically the start of any long-distance travel during the Middle Ages.

The Grand Tour

Travel continued to exist in this way for some time: the rich travelled primarily for cultural and leisure reasons, while the poor travelled largely for religious reasons, if at all. The next major development travel underwent was the establishment of the Grand Tour. Undertaken by the elite men of Western and Northern European countries , the Grand Tour took young travellers across Europe in a “rite of passage” meant to educate the wealthy after they finished their education but before adulthood. Historians cite this tradition as the origin of the modern tourism industry and indicate that the tradition had become well established in European culture by the 1660s.

Like many traditions, the Grand Tour eventually developed a rigid structure. Tourists were expected to follow a set itinerary and travelled with a tutor. The Grand Tour typically began in England, moved south through France into Switzerland and Italy. After spending a few months in Italy, the traveller and his tutor moved upwards through Germany and into Holland before returning to England. These trips utilized the most advanced travel technology of the day, including ships and collapsable coaches, and it wasn’t entirely uncommon for the traveller and tutor to be waited on by a handful of servants.

Tourism For The Masses

The Grand Tour remained a popular cultural phenomenon amongst the rich until the 1840s, which saw the advent of the first widespread railway system across system Europe. Immediately, this innovation opened the possibility of embarking on a Grand Tour to the middle classes, and soon it became more popular for middle and even working-class citizens to travel for leisure.

More importantly, the implementation of railway systems across Europe and the United States positioned the world for the Industrial Revolution. The United Kingdom is often cited as the first country to actively promote leisure time to its industrial class, and as a result, the country had a strong impact on the early development of the tourism industry. One hugely influential player in the history of travel and tourism was Englishmen Thomas Cook, who established the first-ever travel agency to provide ‘inclusive individual travel’ in the 1840s.

This means that travellers move independently in their travels, but all the food, lodging, and travel expenses were set at a fixed price for a predetermined length of time. This allowed travellers to take any route they fancied throughout Europe without having to ascertain food or lodging ahead of time. This fact, coupled with the falling ticket prices of railways, meant that long-distance travel was dramatically cheaper and faster than ever before. This not only further lowered the barriers to leisure travel but also drastically increased the incidences of business-related travel. As one can imagine, Cook’s Tours became massively popular, and the company remains successful today as the Thomas Cook Group.

In short, the introduction of a widespread railway system gifted a massive boost to the tourism industry; this boon would largely reflect that the aeroplane would have in the early-20th century. More so than any other technological development, the aeroplane opened the floodgates of mass international tourism. Behemoth multinational airlines such as Pan Am, Delta, and American Airlines arose during the 1900s, and suddenly the physical boundaries between cities were rendered useless. It has become possible for a traveller to get nearly anywhere on the globe in less than 48 hours, for a price that most middle and working-class members can achieve.

Today, travel stands as one of the most economically important leisure activities in the world. The tourism market is so large that it has split into an astounding number of niche markets, including ecotourism , backpacking, and historical tourism. As of the writing of this article, there have even been a handful of trips into orbit around Earth branded as “space tourism”, a new and exciting chapter in the history of travel and tourism. The story of tourism displays a remarkable connection to the technology that makes travel possible. Transportation innovations like the train and aeroplane have eliminated the difficulties and lowered the costs of long-distance travel, and planet Earth has truly become a smaller place because of it.

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Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours is an American-Owned, Family-Operated Company!

Live the memory of a lifetime on an American History or WWII tour by Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours! Our Founder Stephen E. Ambrose, author of the best-selling books, Band of Brothers , D-Day: June 6, 1944 and Undaunted Courage , had a passion for teaching Americans about our nation’s heritage and heroes. Today our full-time historians carry on his legacy. 

Domestic Tours Brochure: Travel the USA

We invite you to travel with us through the sacred battlefields of the Civil War and follow the path of America’s explorers and legendary figures.

As Stephen Ambrose said, “The best way to understand history is to study the places it was made.”

And there are so many wonderful places to study history in America. Check out our new domestic tours brochure to learn more about our tours on the Civil War , Revolutionary War , WWII Home Front and Great American West .

Download our Domestic Tours Brochure >

International Tours Brochure: WWII and Military History Tours

For a more in depth study of WWII, join us on  The Normandy Campaign (the Allied plan to take Brittany and trap the remaining German army in Normandy) or WWII: Victory in Europe (the Allied march through Europe).

Two other military history tours that have received great reviews are our  WWI Tour: War to End All Wars , and Scotland: Jacobite Rising of 1745 , Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Battlefields of the Highlands.

Download our International Tours Brochure >

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Best historical cities to visit in the usa.

Use this list to plan your next getaway to a destination that's rich with history. To determine the best historical cities to visit in the USA, U.S. News considered the storied pasts, preserved landmarks, notable monuments and tourist-friendly services in each city – as well as votes from users. Vote on your top picks for history lovers to help us determine next year's list. (Note: Some of the below destinations may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Check with the CDC and the U.S. Department of State before traveling.)

Washington, D.C.

Philadelphia, williamsburg, charleston, sc, new orleans.

America's capital is brimming with affordable things to do. The Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol, the White House and the Lincoln Memorial anchor the National Mall, while the Tidal Basin boasts three of its own memorials dedicated to history-making figures. Various outfitters offer history tours that focus on showcasing the city's past through the eyes of everyone from specific presidents to notable women. What's more, exploring the Smithsonian museums, filled with art and science history, won't cost you a dime.

Boston is a city of American firsts. The country's first public library, first subway system, first public school and first public park belong to Boston. Here, you can stroll the same cobblestone streets as the Puritans and revolutionaries. Kick off your city tour on the Freedom Trail, which guides visitors past 16 of the city's most historic sites. A few must-see historical attractions include Faneuil Hall Marketplace (built in 1742), the Paul Revere House (built around 1680), the Old North Church (built in 1723) and the Fenway Park baseball stadium (opened in 1912).

Gettysburg Battlefield, the 6,000-acre Civil War military park that witnessed the momentous clash of Union and Confederate forces in 1863, is the star of any visit to this Pennsylvania town. Gettysburg also played a part in the Cold War, which you'll learn about next door to the famous battlefield at the Eisenhower National Historic Site. To better understand the town's role in these historic events and more, speak with the knowledgeable curators and peruse the 4,000-plus historical artifacts on display at the Gettysburg Museum of History.

You'll see Benjamin Franklin's name and influence across the United States' first capital city. Visit Independence Hall, where Ben and company signed the Declaration of Independence. Then, pay homage to the famously cracked Liberty Bell. And for a bit of cinematic history, head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to snap a picture of the famous "Rocky Steps." When you get hungry, visit Reading Terminal Market, one of the largest and oldest public markets in America, to sample everything from ice cream and pastries to cheesesteaks and barbecue.

With its preserved Colonial sites and costumed interpreters, Williamsburg, Virginia, is the definition of a living history museum. Your first stop should be Colonial Williamsburg, where you'll be greeted by the "residents" who once called this revolutionary town home. Visitors have no shortage of learning opportunities: Williamsburg offers more than 20 guided and self-guided daily tours, ranging from ghost tours to garden tours – all included with your admission ticket. Round out your Williamsburg visit with a stop at the Yorktown Battlefield, the site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War.

If you're visiting Williamsburg, you'll likely also make a stop at Jamestown, where English settlers established the first American Colony in 1607. Similar to Colonial Williamsburg, the Jamestown Settlement acts a living history museum, with costumed interpreters telling the story of life in 17th-century Virginia. You'll even get the chance to climb aboard replicas of the three ships that first brought colonists to Virginia. To learn more about the Paspahegh Indian Tribe, the Powhatan tribal group closest to Jamestown, plan to stop by Paspahegh Town.

Walking around the Battery with Fort Sumter in the distance may make you feel like you've stepped back in time. Should you wish to catch a glimpse of former 19th-century Southern high society, tour Middleton Place, the Aiken-Rhett House Museum or the Nathaniel Russell House Museum. Another great way to get to know this South Carolina city is on a historical walking tour. Or, simply relax on the wraparound porch of your historic bed-and-breakfast.

This coastal city southeast of Boston boasts its fair share of historic homes, museums and monuments dedicated to the Wampanoag Indian Tribe and the men and women who founded the first New England Colony. But Plymouth, Massachusetts, is also home to a bit of 21st-century history: Visitors will find the city's 9/11 Memorial just north of Plymouth Rock. What's more, lodging options range from historic hotels to quaint bed-and-breakfast accommodations.

Many come to New Orleans to party hard on Bourbon Street, but history lovers will delight in admiring sights like the French Quarter, the Cabildo and St. Louis Cathedral. If you need a break from the crowds, head to the Garden District or Chalmette Battlefield, or escape the heat at the popular National WWII Museum. If you don't mind a bit of ghost lore mixed in with your history lesson, you'll also want to sign up for one of the city's cemetery tours.

Luring travelers interested in learning about everything from witches and pirates to Colonial and maritime history, Salem was founded in 1626. This town situated on the northern coast of Massachusetts is best known for its ties to the Salem witch trials, which curious visitors can get an overview of at the Salem Witch Museum. Other popular historical attractions to visit include The Witch House, the New England Pirate Museum and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.

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Fortress Malta. From The Knights of St John to World War Two - click here to find out more

This is a wonderfully varied and scenic tour of Malta – a tiny island with a warm welcome and proud military and cultural heritage. The Second World War siege will be our main focus, but we also examine the indelible marks that other cultures and events have left behind: the unspoilt ancient walled city of Mdina, the renaissance architecture of the Knights of St John, the brief occupation by Napoleon and the extant Victorian fortifications

The Battle For Berlin - click here to find out more

The Battle for Berlin was the decisive action that brought an end to the war in Europe. The tour will focus on the fierce and bitter action from the point when the Red Army crossed the Oder River to the eventual fall of Berlin.

Wellington in Spain | A Classic Peninsular War Tour - click here to find out more

This eight-day tour, the second in our series of 'classic' of Peninsular War tours is led by award winning Peninsular War historian Nick Lipscombe. It visits some of the most beautiful and historic parts of central Spain and Wellington’s most notable battles and sieges during the period 1809 – 1812.

The Pompeii Experience | Archaeological delights of the Bay of Naples - click here to find out more

This comprehensive archaeological tour of the Bay of Naples and the events of AD79 not only includes the well-known and impressive remains of Pompeii and the superbly preserved Herculaneum but also those lesser known, but nonetheless important sites such as the seaside villas of the wealthy at Oplontis.

The Vietnam War | From Defeat at Dien Bien Phu to the Fall of Saigon - click here to find out more

Appealing to history and culture enthusiasts alike, this tour combines the key locations of the Vietnam war, with the stunning highlights of that country. Vietnam offers a rich culture and history, combined with delicious local cuisine with a French twist. Hanoi, with its leafy tree lined avenues, plays host to fascinating, thought provoking museums and military sites.

The Holocaust - click here to find out more

In this 8-day tour to Poland, we visit the sites of the former ghettos in Warsaw, Lublin and Krakow alongside four of the concentration and death camps - Treblinka, Majdanek, Belzec and Auschwitz-Birkenau - that played such a significant role in this genocide.

The Raise & Fall of Nazi germany - click here to find out more

This tour tells the whole story of the Rise and Fall of the Third Reich chronologically from its birth in 1919 Munich, to its bloody end in Berlin in 1945. Led by Historian Nigel Jones, this tour will visit all the significant milestones marking Adolf Hitler's ascent and Germany's descent into the abyss.

Finland 1939. The Winter War - click here to find out more

This tour follows the fortunes of the 9th Soviet Army attempting to cut Finland in two at its narrowest point in time for Stalin’s 60th birthday. Ex Parachute Regiment colonel and historian Robert Kershaw uses his Arctic training background and broad military experience to explain the nature of this amazing victory against seemingly insurmountable odds.

Discovering the Western Front - click here to find out more

This five-day Western Front tour provides an overview of the major events involving British and Empire forces in Northern France and Belgium: it is both an introductory tour for the novice and an essential ‘aide memoire’ to those more familiar with the First World War.

History Tours & Holidays With Expert Historians

The Cultural Experience is a leading international battlefield tour , historical tour and cultural tour company offering expert led holidays to destinations throughout the world. We offer a wide range of scheduled escorted tours including archaeology, military history and general history tours all of which are accompanied by leading historians, academics or senior soldiers.

We are also a leading provider of school trips to many schools in the UK and Ireland and organise bespoke battlefield studies and staff rides for The Army, RAF, Royal Navy and other MOD establishments. We can also create a wide range of tailor made tours for individuals, small groups and organisations.

Today's Recommended Tours

Latest News From The Cultural Experience

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Established in 2009, The Cultural Experience now offer tours all over the world. From the battlefields of the Zulu War in South Africa to the War Of the Roses in the UK, all bases are covered. If for any reason you cannot see the tour you would like to do, you can either see our future planning page or contact us to arrange your own bespoke tour.

Each of our guides are experts in their respective fields. Authors, historians, lecturers and fellows guide you through battlefields in France, America, India, Israel, Canada, Belarus and more. They guide you throughout the day, and dine with you in the evening, as all Cultural Experience tours include a three course meal in the evening.

Another benefit of a Cultural Experience tour is that a maximum of 22 passengers are accommodated on each tour. This means that we can include more in our daily activities as there is less time spent waiting for others to catch up.

All of our tours vary in the amount of physical activity involved. This is why we have added an activity level to each tour. This enables you to ascertain which tours are most suitable for you. All of the extra information about all of our tours can be found on our what to expect page.

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Lost Empires of the Balkans

8 days, october 2024.

World Heritage

7 days, may/june 2024, veneto & lombardy.

Tunisia's Treasures

10 days, november 2024.

Hillforts of the Ridgeway

5 days, april/may 2024, living with the white horse.

Éire's Land of Heart's Desire

8 days, july 2024.

Bulgaria: Old Europe

12 days, may & september 2024.

Hadrian's Wall

Malta's Millennia

The Welsh Marches

6 days, july 2024, england's wild west, archaeology & history tours.

Knowledge and insight from history, prehistory and the ancient world.

Wonderful Holidays…Historic Wonders .

Great destinations.

Beautiful locations in Britain, Europe and the Mediterranean. Exploring famous and lesser-known sites, cultures and landscapes, past and present.

Leisure with Enrichment

Fascinating content, expert guides and small groups provide an enriching travel experience. Perfect combinations of leisure and interest.

We are your friendly specialists; a team of archaeologists, historians and travel experts making knowledge and insight accessible to all.

Personal Service

As a small, specialist tour operator we provide a dedicated, personal service, focused on you and the content and quality of your travel experience.

Featured Tours

Well informed, realistically paced and reasonably priced. Exploring archaeology, history, landscape and culture.

Veneto & Lombardy World Heritage From £1795

Extraordinary World Heritage from ancient Rome to the Italian Renaissance in the beautiful Veneto and Lombardy regions of northern Italy, including Lake Garda and the famous cities of Venice, Verona, Vicenza and Padua.

28 May 2024.

Éire’s Land of Heart’s Desire From £2095

A fascinating journey across Ireland, from Dublin to the wild Atlantic west. County Sligo is Ireland’s undiscovered hidden gem, with breath-taking scenery, a rich cultural heritage, and the greatest concentration of prehistoric sites in the country.

02 July 2024

Late Availability

It is always worth checking for late availability, but we do keep our group sizes small, so places are limited. People often book a year ahead. Tours also need a minimum number to run, so early booking not only secures your place but also enables earlier confirmation of your tour.

Don’t leave it too late.

From The Darjeeling Limited (2007). A film by Wes Anderson.

What our customers say

“Communication was excellent. Booking easy. Tour notes were very detailed and helpful, greatly enhancing the experience.”

Hidden Historian,

"We would certainly use Hidden History again as we had a fantastic holiday."

"Length of tour and variety of visits were perfect."

"More than met my expectations. It was well thought-out and well paced. The tour notes were excellent."

"An excellent and very enjoyable tour, covering a wide span of Malta’s history with an emphasis on the archaeological sites."

"We went on three short UK tours this year and undoubtedly enjoyed this one the best."

"Having been touring archaeological sites in many parts of the world for 50+ years, I can honestly say that your Cyprus tour was outstanding in my experience."

Country Profiles

Use our country profiles to get a feel for the archaeological and historical interest of different destinations. You can follow things up through our Reading Lists and explore travel itineraries through our Tours pages.

Syria & Lebanon

Further reading.

We have categorised our recommended publications by destination. Most publications can be ordered directly by following the relevant link.

Useful Websites

Links to archaeology-related organisations and websites useful for keeping up-to-date and involved.

News & Artefacts

Do you appreciate the beauty and interest of ancient artefacts? Simon’s Artefact pages highlight the significance and appeal of antiquities.

We combine travel, archaeology, history and culture to create wonderful holidays and worthwhile experiences.

Historical Tours & Trips in Europe

Consider booking an adventure through Europe to uncover centuries of history and culture. Star in Paris, the City of Love and enjoy the opportunity to wake up in a different city every day. You'll find that Eastern Europe is a place where time stands still, while Western Europe continues to stay ahead of the trend. Countries such as Germany or France are must-see destinations. Discover here family trip to Europe itineraries .

250+ Historical tour packages in Europe with 28,308 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

The Great Adventure

I truly enjoyed traveling with the group. Europamundo did a good job facilitating the trip. Though, we did have a little trouble keeping to the itinerary near the end. I would make a few changes to some of the highlighted stops in order to add in a little more free time.

• Coach / Bus

European Delight

We enjoyed the tour with our close family and now we have beautiful memories to cherish with best holidays of our lifetime spent in Europe Our best tour guide from all of them was Albert. Maria was very helpful too. Other tour guides Jose, Christina and different local tour guides were knowledgeable too but was rushing too much. We had to rush a lot from morning thru evening with stop overs in between. Some more extra time at each stops would have been appreciated but understanding time restraints it was not possible. Couple of hotels were bit far away from city centre which was bit inconvenient so be prepared to grab stuff you need in your stopovers - guide would let you know in advance. Highly recommend this tour to people who want to visit more places in less time. Also ensure to book extra nights in Rome, Budapest and Paris as there is lots to do here Thank you

Classic Europe

Our tour was everything we expected and more. Roma our tour guide was knowledgeable and demonstrated a true passion for the history of the places we visited and was always happy with a tip or recommendation to make our experience that much better. Ivo our driver for all but the last day of the tour was first class, a very good driver.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Train & Rail
• Sightseeing

Berlin to Venice (15 Days) (including Salzburg)

All About Balkans (4 Star Hotels)

Itinerary - Great. Good mix of hotspots like city capitals, and some lesser known places like smaller towns and hidden gems. Guide - Excellent, 10 stars to both of my guides this trip. Organization - Everything went extremely smoothly, also in part to other travelers being amazing.

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• In-depth Cultural

Absolute Turkey

I want to thank Gonca so much for being our tour guide. She has made me fall in love once again with Turkey. I cannot fault anything for this trip. I recommend it to everyone.

Best of UK & Ireland

Great driver Paul and tourleader Peter who wasVery informative and gave us lots of places to see or visit on free time to experience.Would do another tour with. Expat .

Balkan Discovery (4 Star Hotels)

excellent, highly recommended

Western Balkans Uncovered

I did not know what to expect and was pleased to find it all very interesting and different from our North American standards. The kindness of the people toward tourists was wonderful to experience especially given the difficult history all of the countries visited had gone through. Food and drink were very good.

3 Days Pamukkale, Ephesus and Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul by Plane

Overall very good. Tour contact very responsive, great accommodation was arranged. The guide at Ephesus was the best, the other 2 guides need to be better for Cappadocia and Pamukkale.

European Cavalcade (End Paris, 18 Days)

Excellent 18 days itineraries!

European Whirl (Summer, End Paris, 12 Days)

The European wirl was amazing Garry was an amazing gide we had a great time absolutely loved it and the people we were travelling with were great everyone cooperated it was my trip of a lifetime

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

European Quest (Summer, Start London, 25 Days)

Super fun experience. Well planned and my trip manager was so kind, knowledgeable and always went out of her way for us.

European Whirl (Summer, End London, 13 Days)

BOSNIA, CROATIA & MONTENEGRO UNESCO BALKAN TOUR

What people love about historical tours in europe.

Eva and Rene were amazing tour guides. Disappointed that we didn't see the Eiffel Tower at night. Several times we were dropped in town at night with not enough time to get a meal before being taken to the hotel. Some hotels were out of town with nothing within walking distance. Thank you to Rene for arranging for a group of us to go to the Moulin Rouge.

So honestly when we were assigned to this company through Tour Radar and looked at the reviews we were a little worried. I tried to hope for the best and assume that people who DO NOT have great experiences write more reviews. I was absolutely correct. We had AMAZING tour guides. Knowledgeable, kind, helpful. I think this company does an amazing job of moving people from one destination to another especially when it seems that itineraries overlap offering everyone the trip they desire. The hotels far outweighed our expectations. Of course there were small hiccups with time losses and changes in plans for the day but for the price and to get a brief view of Europe I would call it an outstanding tour.

We wanted to leave this review for Adam, our tour guide and Florin, our bus driver. They were absolutely amazing on our tour. We felt very fortunate to have them right from the moment the tour started. Adam is kind, knowledgeable and made us feel safe every step of the way. This was our very first overseas trip and we came from Australia. For us, it was a big moment in our life. We felt very grateful to be in the hands of Adam and Florin. Adam ran the tour with expertise and fun. He had everything organised, our itinerary for each day was set out and everything was explained very well. We have met life long friends, saw so many amazing places, ate some delicious food and overall had the most wonderful time. Loved every part of our experience. Thank you so much Adam.

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History tours

Our History tours focus on significant events, encounters and destinations, from castle-builders and conquest in medieval Wales to The Making of Argentina ; from forces that shaped the Western Balkans to the passion and politics of civil war Spain . Acclaimed historians provide context and analysis on in-depth journeys through place and time.

Central to all our history tours is the choice of lecturer; top academics and experts with first-hand experience of the places and detailed knowledge of the period in question. They include former diplomats, army officers and foreign correspondents – well placed through their myriad contacts to open doors onto the past. 

Additionally, our UK based ​residential history symposia programme presents leading scholarship in digestible and entertaining ways. We run one of two of these events per year – contact us to register your interest for 2024.

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The Western Balkans Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina & Montenegro: history past & present

The Plantagenet Empire Rulers of England in Normandy and Anjou

In Churchill's Footsteps Celebrating the 150th anniversary of his birth

Whitehall Architecture & history

Maritime England Royal Navy and Merchant Navy in the history of the nation

The Romans in Britain a midweek symposium in York

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Celebrating 100 years of travel together.

There has been a unifying thread connecting every trip we have ever led over the last century. And that thread is the endless unique reasons that inspire us to travel.

Why do you travel?

We’ve spent the last 100 years bringing people all over the world and along the way we’ve learned that travel isn’t about the places we go – it’s about you and your reasons for going.

“It’s beautiful isn’t it?”

“we should have done this years ago.”.

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Everyone has different reasons. They can be big, like a promise to a loved one or fulfilling a lifetime goal. But they can also be small, like hearing that the blue water in Capri sure is lovely this time of year. Though the reasons might be different, they are all simply something that is missing. That’s why completing a trip is, in a sense, completing ourselves.

It’s why we travel. Collette.

Collette History

Back in 1918, when Jack Collette started Collette Tours, World War 1 had just ended. The Red Sox had just won the World Series and porterhouse steak was 54 cents per pound.

The first Collette tour to ever run was made up of a jitney bus of travelers that left Boston headed for Florida. This three-week adventure cost just $61.50! At that time few could have foreseen that nearly 100 years later, that same company would be taking guests to all seven continents.

Looking to expand destinations, Collette comes up with a new adventure in 1920. The “$50 Cherry Blossom Special” was the best way to see Washington D.C. in the springtime.

Collette’s catalogue of tours grows and grows. They add tours to Radio City Music Hall, Nantucket, and organize trips to the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago.

In 1945, Dan Sullivan Sr., who had come home from a wartime commission in the U.S. Army Counter Intelligence Division, started working for New England Transportation. Over the next 15 years, Dan and Jack Collette crossed paths often.

Dan marries Alice Macaulay beginning a family legacy that would soon connect to Collette.

In 1962, looking to retire, Jack made a decision that changed the course of the company – he sold it to Dan and his brother-in-law Arthur McWilliam.

With everyone talking about the wonders and technological innovations being showcased at the 1964 New York World Fair, the Sullivan family decides that now is the time to take a trip and see it.

Beginning in the 1970s, the second generation of Sullivan’s joins the workforce; Dan Jr., Gary, Karen, Kevin, Susan, Jerome, and Lynne all worked at Collette in some capacity.

In 1976, the soaring peaks of the Canadian Rockies becomes the first tour Collette offers that includes both an air and land component to the journey.

Collette continues to expand, opening its first international office in Toronto, Canada in 1980.

By 1985, Collette has expanded beyond the Northeast and is now providing tours throughout the USA.

In 1986, Switzerland becomes the first European tour Collette offers, opening up an entire new continent to New England Travelers. But they don’t just stop with Switzerland, by the end of the decade Collette is offering tours to destinations across the globe. Italy, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and even China tours open up a world of possibilities for travelers.

In 1990, the torch is passed from father to son. Daniel Sullivan, Jr. becomes the new CEO of Collette as Daniel Sullivan Sr. become President and Chairman of the Board.

Collette begins offering trips to the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany.

With the inception of the Alice I. Sullivan Foundation in 1997, Collette begins its long commitment to philanthropic activity. This dedication to giving back continues to this day.

Collette continues to expand opening an office in the United Kingdom in 1998.

In 2001, the third generation enters the workforce with Daniel Sullivan III joining the Collette Team as a District Sales Manager. In the following years Jaclyn (Sullivan) Leibl-Cote joins as a Product Manager and Nicole (Sullivan) Diebold as a copywriter.

In 2003, Collette adds the frozen landscape of Antarctica to its tour destinations, becoming one of the only tour operators to take travelers to all seven continents.

Collette Cares. In 2007, they establish the Collette Foundation, dedicated to supporting children in communities all around the world.

The first office down under is opened in 2014. Collette opens an office in Sydney, Australia, to help travelers get the best tour experience possible, even on the other side of the world.

In 2018, Collette celebrates its centennial anniversary, 100 years of business, 100 years of exploration, and 100 years of happy travelers.

2018 & Beyond

So much has changed over the years, but the heart and soul of Collette remains the same. Collette will continue to innovate and evolve to provide the best tour experience possible.

100 Days,100 Giveaways

Did you miss our 100 Days, 100 Giveaways contest? Read some of the wonderful entries.

Our guests are getting in on the fun and celebrating with us!

#collette100, one million meals to celebrate 100 years..

Collette Cares is thrilled to announce the launch of our 1 Million Meals Campaign, a new global hunger initiative. Through volunteering, global projects and three strategic, new partnerships, we will provide 1 million meals to those in need throughout the world by 2018, the 100th anniversary of Collette.

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Visiting bucket list sites are a highlight of traveling, however, traveling on your own can make them hard work. Don’t queue with other sightseers for hours, with Trafalgar our experts unlock doors –  think exclusive access to the Vatican out of hours or a tour of Versailles and its grounds with an expert. This, coupled with the intimate glimpses and hidden gems our local specialists show you, are the life-changing experiences that make you feel like an insider, not a tourist.

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When you choose Trafalgar, you are choosing to make your travels a force for good and support our goal to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®. We recognize our responsibility to ensure we make a positive impact on the planet we call home, the people we visit, and the rich wildlife we find. We ensure that the impacts of our business and your travels are positive in two ways: through our TreadRight Foundation, and our 5-year sustainability strategy How We Tread Right.

Here's what you'll experience

Repeat Guests

Guest Satisfaction

Years Experience

Dolores & Jay

Taking it home. "So many new foods! I love cooking, so have challenged myself to recreate some dishes from memory for friends at home." - Dolores

Craig & Graham

A wedding to remember. "The Trafalgar team on tour pulled out all the stops to create our dream wedding at the drop of a hat. In the most beautiful location, surrounded by our friends, it was perfect." - Craig

Alice & Mary Jane

Looking to the future. "We have a lot of history with one another, and now we'll go home with new special memories, which is exactly what we wanted to create." - Alice

Millie & Ryan

A fresh perspective. "Getting out of your comfort zone always gives a different perspective. Seeing how they live their lives is a big part of it, even those from within our own tour group." - Ryan

Mita & Sribash

Keeping the spark alive. "After 35 years of marriage, to travel with my soulmate, my anchor, my rock, just reminds me of how much in love we are." - Mita

Cassandra & Kristen

Go with the flow. "Whether it was unexpected experiences or unexpected nights out – we just enjoyed every minute." - Cassie

Ashlinn & Edward

Finding her light. "With so many moments to indulge my passion for photography, I’ve captured thousands of picture-perfect memories." - Aishlinn

Lawrence & Avery

Memories across generations. "My grand-niece now knows more about me, and I know a whole lot more about her. Forever in the memory bank." - Lawrence

Candace & Jacqueline

A respect for all. "I come from a small American town, so to experience so many different cultures and religions was really enjoyable, I took a lot away from that." - Jackie

Beautiful souvenirs. "Yes, I've done a lot of shopping on this trip – but the most valuable souvenirs will be the beautiful memories, beautiful photos, beautiful experiences with the locals, and of course, with the friends I've made." - Candy

Leith & David

Have more experiences. "Don't get hung up on possessions. Traveling with Trafalgar has given us so many experiences – memories that we'll cherish forever." - Leith

Madeline & Jascha

Feeling the buzz. "Meeting other people and sharing experiences means we kind of bounced off each other's energy, and I think that makes travel exciting." - Madeline

Sarah & Pushp

Life is precious. "Hearing about the war, what people had to go through, reminded me never to take for granted how lucky we are." - Sarah

Benedict & Twinie

A welcome surprise. "To discover how beautiful Central Europe is as a destination has inspired us to see more. Full of hidden gems, it was the perfect place to celebrate our anniversary." - Benedict

Tracy & Kimberly

Learning new steps. "I never thought I would be dancing in the street! So much fun learning traditional steps, and a first for me." - Tracey

Rochelle & Shayne

Finding a talent. "Who knew I’d be good at coppersmithing? I just picked up those tools and went to work." - Rochelle

See who unlocked their best self in the Balkans

We asked you to share your stories to win a very special trip to the Balkans, and over 10,000 of you did. Our 15 winners had the trip of a lifetime, creating even more magical moments.   From discovering hidden talents to gaining new perspectives, here are their stories:  

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History Bike Tours

Ride through time as you pedal past the world’s historic monuments, famed architecture, and stunning unesco regions..

These tours allow you to pedal through time and witness famous landmarks, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and other historic monuments up close. Discover World War II memorials and ancient Roman ruins among the world's most iconic destinations. You'll appreciate the balance between physical activity and cultural exploration with stunning cycling routes and knowledgeable guides. Come explore the past on a unique historical adventure.

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If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

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What is the Difference?

Ultimate luxury:.

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of hotel levels, from Explorer to Luxury to Ultimate Luxury. Rest assured, no matter which level of hotel you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

Road : 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Road : 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Road : 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Road : 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel:  4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - reserve:.

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discover:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

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Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself

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The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

Get inspired, see the world, discover history

Uncover Pompeii and Herculaneum with Sophie Hay and Tristan Hughes

Rediscovering King Richard III with Matt Lewis

Discover the Magic and Mythology of the Cyclades with Victoria Hislop

The Best Ancient Roman Sites in Italy

Experience the Art, History and Medieval Towns of the Dordogne

Historical experiences.

Uncover Pompeii with Sophie Hay and Tristan Hughes

Tour Colditz with Guy Walters

Travel Scotland’s Highlands & Islands

Discover the history, culture and dramatic landscapes of the Faroe Islands

Sail the Danube and see the Lipizzaners with Lucy Worsley

Antarctica Expedition Cruise

Taste the flavours of Slovenia and see its spectacular natural landscapes

Explore italy.

Unmissable Historic Sites in Italy

10 Best Roman Amphitheatres to Visit in the World

Roman Temples: The Ultimate Guide

10 Key Historic Sites to See in Rome

Travel around european history.

10 of the Most Striking Castles in Normandy

7 Important Viking Sites and Museums to Visit in Denmark

Explore the History of the Western Front: 10 World War One Battlefield Sites in Europe

6 Important Holocaust Sites, Museums and Memorials in Germany

Charming Medieval Towns to Visit in Europe

8 Unmissable Museums to Visit in Greece

5 Key Cold War Sites and Monuments in Berlin

10 Must-See Historical Attractions in Athens

Historical experiences in the united kingdom.

The 10 Best Bronze Age Sites to Visit in the World

5 Historic Mazes to Explore in England

Explore the Key Sites of Henry VIII’s Life and Reign

5 of the Best Hillforts in England

10 British Churches Ruined During the Dissolution of the Monasteries

The Best English Civil War Sites and Battlefields

11 British Royal Residences

10 Must-See Medieval Landmarks in England

Historic places to stay.

10 of the Oldest Hotels in Scotland

5 Historic Hotels in Paris

10 of the Oldest Hotels in the World

Amazing Castles You Can Sleep in Around the UK

10 Historic British Churches You Can Spend the Night In

12 of the Most Haunted Hotels in the World

5 Fascinating Historic Hotels in Berlin

10 of the Oldest Hotels in England

7 of the Most Haunted Hotels in the UK

Explore the ruins of the ancient world.

10 Dazzling Ancient Greek Ruins in Greece

10 Best Ancient and Archaeological Sites in Crete

10 Historic Sites Associated with Constantine the Great

The 10 Best Historic Sites in Peru

Discover the Ancient World of Alexander the Great

Travel through culinary history.

What Did the Anglo-Saxons Eat and Drink?

What Did the Tudors Eat and Drink? Food From the Renaissance Era

How Did Potatoes Become Political in Wartime?

What Did the Vikings Eat?

What Did the Romans Eat? Cuisine of the Ancient Romans

French Baguette: How A Humble Stick of Bread Became a Cultural Icon

Etiquette and Empire: The Story of Tea

What Did the Aztecs Eat and Drink? Mexican Food of the Middle Ages

The evolution of travel and tourism.

Thomas Cook and the Invention of Mass Tourism in Victorian Britain

How Ocean Liners Transformed International Travel

What Was the Grand Tour of Europe?

The Rise and Demise of Britain’s Victorian Pleasure Piers

The Orient Express: The Most Famous Train in the World

What Was a Victorian Bathing Machine?

Ermine Street: Retracing the Roman Origins of the A10

Deck Chairs and Donkey Rides: Visiting the Seaside in Victorian Britain

Historic places to eat and drink.

Where to Wine and Dine like Royalty in the UK

8 of the Most Haunted Pubs in Britain

The 5 Most Historic Cafés in Paris

The Oldest Pubs in Britain

5 Historic Cafés to Visit in Cairo

5 of the Oldest Restaurants in London

Best London Pubs: 5 Historic Boozers

Historical experiences in the usa.

Unmissable Car Museums to Visit in the USA

Weird and Wonderful Museums to Visit in the United States

Important Pearl Harbor Sites to Visit in Hawaii

6 Blackbeard the Pirate Sites to Visit in the US

The White House: The History Behind the Presidential Home

5 Key Cold War Sites and Monuments in the United States

30 of the Best Historic Sites in the United States

10 Revolutionary War Sites and Battlefields in the United States

Travel in photos.

In Pictures: Historic Photographer of the Year 2022

10 Photos That Changed the World

Eerie Photos of Bodie, California’s Wild West Ghost Town

10 Majestic Ancient Structures Carved into Mountains

Photos of History’s Great Ocean Liners

In Photos: The Remarkable Story of Qin Shi Huang’s Terracotta Army

10 Magnificent Historic Gardens Around the World

Stark Images of Abandoned Soviet Military Bases

13 Haunting Photos From the Postal Museum’s Abandoned Mail Rail

Discover history around the world.

The 8 Best UNESCO World Heritage Cities

20 of the World’s Most Beautiful Castles

10 of the Most Famous Shipwrecks Around the World

10 of the World’s Most Beautiful Cemeteries to Visit

8 Fascinating Sex Museums to Visit Around the World

15 Must-Visit Pyramids Around the World

The Top 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Popular sites and landmarks.

L’Anse aux Meadows

Agincourt Battlefield

Warwick Castle

Alcazaba of Málaga

Cirencester

Homonhon Island

The Catacombs of Paris

Leyte Landing Memorial

The Kasserine Pass

Cannae Battlefield

Visit locations linked to historical figures.

5 of the Best Christian IV Historical Sites in Scandinavia

10 Historic Sites Associated with Elizabeth I

10 Historic British Sites Associated With Queen Victoria

The Duke of Wellington: Where History Happened

Ian Fleming’s London: 5 Key Historical Locations to Visit

10 Historic Sites Associated with Emperor Augustus

Historic Sites Associated with Mary Queen of Scots

Best History Tour Companies

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History Reviews & Ratings

History in the heat.

I've always been interested in Egyptian history and when friends suggested joining this holiday I booked straight away. And it didn't disappoint. Seeing & bein...

Sorry, I meant to add that Exodus should perhaps delete the reference to the "library" on the cruise from the Trip Notes. The library consisted of 16 dog-eared bo...

Nile Cruise

This was a wonderful trip - I enjoyed it enormously. Visit to the temples at Karnak & Luxor Khaled Lotfy was an excellent & inspirational group leader. He ...

I do not have a very long 'bucket list', in fact Egypt is the only destination on it and this holiday did not disappoint. From the flight to Cairo to the flight ho...

Nile Cruise Premium

I have always wanted to visit Egypt to see the antiquities, but because of the political instability I thought it would be unlikely. So when I saw this trip adver...

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History Fangirl

The Ultimate History Travel Blog Since 2015

101 Epic History Travel Ideas to Help Plan Your Next Adventure

Last Updated on: 26th September 2021, 11:33 pm

It’s super common for travelers to have a list of places they want to see or a bucket list for a specific continent or country.

If you’re like me, you want to see as many historic places as you can squeeze in! Looking for ideas for an epic history travel inspired adventure?

Wondering what kinds of historical sites people are visiting after hitting the famous spots like the Roman Forum and the Acropolis ?

Whether you want an around-the-world adventure or are looking for something in your own backyard, here’s a giant list of 101 ideas for your next history-inspired trip.

(Looking for more history travel inspiration? Check out the episodes of The History Fangirl Podcast for in-depth overviews of the history of some of the world’s most amazing and interesting places).

My Favorite Travel Booking Sites for 2023

These are my favorite companies that I use on my own travels.

Protect Your Trip via Safety Wing

Find the best city tours, day tours, bus tours, & skip-the-line tickets on GetYourGuide and Viato r .

Find the best deals on hotels & vacation rentals on Booking.com .

For English-speaking private airport transfers, book through Welcome Pickups.

For road trips and independent travel, rent a car through Discover Cars .

Find information and cruise reviews on Cruise Critic.

For packing and travel essentials order via Amazon .

Book an affordable family or romantic photography session on your trip through Flytographer (Use the code HISTORYFANGIRL for 10% off your first photoshoot).

For travel guidebooks to have with you during your trip, I always pick one or two from Rick Steves and Lonely Planet.

North America

• Tour the White House.
• Host historians John Meecham and Doris Kearns Goodwin for afternoon tea.
• Take a driving tour of Gettysburg.
• Walk across the Selma Bridge to commemorate the fight for Voting Rights, then pop over to Birmingham to learn about its role in the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama.
• Go on a volunteer archeological dig at Cahokia.
• Take a bike tour of Mexican haciendas.
• Cruise the Northwest Passage in Canada.
• Visit the monuments to freedom erected by former slaves in Haiti after the revolution.
• Take a sunset walk around La Fortaleza and Old San Juan in Puerto Rico.
• Tour the earliest settlements by Europeans in the New World at St. George in Bermuda.
• Play old-school Oregon Trail while driving the Oregon Trail.
• Recover the lost history of America’s Black Pioneers and learn about the early stages of the Underground Railroad in Ohio and Indiana.
• Drink coffee at the first coffee plantations in southeastern Cuba.
• Visit the Mayan Ruins of Tikal in Guatemala at sunrise.
• Sail to Tayasal, the last Mayan city which wasn’t conquered until 1967 in Guatemala.
• Take in the Templo Mayor, the Aztec site dedicated to the God of Rain, mid rainstorm, in Mexico City.
• Hike San Antonio’s Mission Trail, seeing all five of the UNESCO-protected San Antonio Missions , including the famed Alamo.

South America

• Trek one of these six alternative routes at Machu Pichu in Peru.
• See the tug of war between the Spanish and the Portuguese Colonial styles in Colonia del Sacramento  in Uruguay.
• Have a low-key evening with Evita on Netflix and a bottle of Malbec in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
• Ride the century-old cable cars up to the top of the Sugar Loaf as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Rio de Janeiro , Brazil. (Don’t worry, the actual machinery was updated in the 1970’s).
• Sail (or fly) to Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands and see the lands and animals that inspired Darwin to pen his theory of evolution.
• Taste history at the  Mercado del Puerto , where parrillas  have been serving Uruguayan barbeque cooked on open wood stoves for over a hundred and thirty years in Montevideo, Uruguay.
• Fly to Chile’s Easter Island to explore Orongo, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see the ruins of the Birdman cult.
• Visit the politely named Court of the Holy Office, the torture house with a dark past that served as the Palace of the Inquisition in Cartagena, Colombia.
• See the shipwrecked Lady Elizabeth  which left Vancouver for Mozambique in 1912 but became stranded en route near the Falkland Islands and has been stuck in Whalebone Cove since 1936.
• Visit Ile du Diable , also called Devil’s Island, the French penal colony famed for abhorrent conditions, located on a jungle island circled by sharks, off the coast of French Guiana.
• See the Dutch influences on the continent with a visit the to seventeenth-century Dutch historic district in Paramaribo, Suriname.
• Envision life during the age of the dinosaurs with a visit to Dinosaur Dance Floor, which boasts six different kinds of dinosaur footprints including a section made by a baby Tyrannosaurus Rex nicknamed “Johnny Walker” near Sucre, Bolivia.
• Explore the central historic district in Quito, Ecuador , which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best-preserved Spanish colonial neighborhood in Latin America.
• Visit Coro, the early sixteenth-century colonial city that is the only remaining example of the fusion of Carribean, Spanish, and Dutch colonial architectural in Falcon, Venezuela.
• See over ten thousand years of human history at Quebrada de Humahuaca, which was a site for some of the earliest human settlements in South America. The site also served as an important caravan route for the Inca Empire, a communication link between the Viceroyalties of Peru and the Rio de la Plata, and was the site for important battles in the Spanish War of Independence in northern Argentina.
• See the monuments and pyramids of the Norte Chico culture at Caral-Supe, one of the earliest settlements in the Americas, near Lima, Peru.
• See the stunning fusion of European and Indigenous architecture in the sixteen wooden Churches of Chiloe on the Chiloe Archipelago in Chile.

• Hike the length of Hadrian’s Wall in northern England.
• See a Shakespearean play at the Globe Theater in London, England.
• Sift through the Archives of the Crown of Aragon, one of the oldest in Europe, in Barcelona, Spain.
• Tour the beaches of Normandy and see where the Allies started the Liberation of Europe in northern France .
• Find the lock of Lucrezia Borgia’s hair preserved at the Biblioteca Ambrosiana in Milan, Italy.
• Sail a fjord in a replica Viking Ship in at the Viking Museum in Roskilde, Denmark .
• Tour the secret Soviet bunker hidden beneath a spa in Ligatne, Latvia.
• Make a special appointment to see the skull of Kara Mustafa Pasha, the grand vizier of the Ottoman Empire who lost the Siege of Vienna. On display for centuries, it has since been pulled from the exhibitions and sits in storage in Vienna, Austria.
• Eat a delicious lunch in the restaurant where Julius Caesar was assassinated (although it wasn’t a restaurant 2,000 years ago…) in Rome, Italy.
• Track every point on the Struve Geodetic Arc  that Friedrich Georg Wilhelm von Struve used to calculate the exact size and shape of the earth in Eastern Europe.
• Walk the Comino de Santiago to the grave of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
• See one of the only monuments to Trans history in Barcelona’s Parc de la Ciutadella  in Barcelona , Spain.
• Explore the history and art of Orthodox Monasteries  in Rila, Bulgaria , Meteora, Greece , and Bucovina, Romania .
• Learn about Soviet life and photograph   Chernobyl disaster  with a day trip from historic Kiev to  tour the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone and the Atomic Town of Pripyat in Ukraine .
• Go for a swim at Petrou tou Romiou, one of Cyprus’s prettiest beaches and the spot where Cypriots believe that Aphrodite emerged from the sea.
• Go on a pub crawl through the literary pubs of Dublin in Ireland.
• Climb to the top of the Acropolis to appreciate the achievements of the Golden Age of Athens , and then head to the Acropolis Museum to learn about millennia worth of destruction at the hands of Greece’s invaders in Athens , Greece.
• Explore the historic center of Istanbul, including the Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque , the Grand Bazaar , and the Theodosian Walls , to appreciate how the city has been at the center of history and politics for over seventeen hundred years. In Istanbul, Turkey.

• See the ruins of Carthage outside of Tunis, Tunisia.
• Take a Tunisian Louage south to the Great Mosque in Kairouan , the fourth holiest city in Islam, in Kairouan, Tunisia.
• Tour the Egyptian Pyramids and take a cruise on the Nile while pretending you’re Egyptian royalty.
• Think about the enormous span of human history in Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania, which covers human evolution all the way back to 2.1 million years ago.
• Visit one of the most interesting and unique mosques in the world at the Larabanga Mosque in Ghana.
• Visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and other South African anti-apartheid protestors were imprisoned in South Africa.
• See the remains of Arab and Portuguese influence on the UNESCO World Heritage protected Island of Mozambique.
• Visit Mali’s famed Timbuktu and then challenge your friends to name the country you’re in. Count how many think the place isn’t real.
• Pick out which palace you prefer at the Royal Palaces of Abomey in Benin, where each of the twelve reigning kings built their own.
• Peer outside the Door of No Return on Goree Island in Senegal. Contemplate the horrors faced by millions of Africans being forced into generations of slavery and the lingering effects of slavery today.
• Explore Great Zimbabwe, the capital of the Queen of Sheba and important medieval ruins, near Masvingo, Zimbabwe.
• See the political and spiritual capital of the Kingdom of Kongo and see how African kingdoms had to change and adapt after incursions by European explorers began in the fifteenth century, in Mbanza-Kongo, Angola.
• See the Tin Mal Mosque , now abandoned, along one of the most spectacular drives in northern Africa, the Tizi n’Test, near Tinmel, Morocco.
• Visit the virgins who guard the Ark of the Covenant at the Chapel of the Tablet in Askum, Ethiopia.
• Head out to Man and Woman Lakes, two crater lakes on Mount Manengouba, believed to contain the spirits who control the weather and create local storms. Bathing in Man Lake is reserved for local Bakossi ceremonies, but foreigners are permitted to swim in Woman Lake. Near Bangem, Cameroon.
• Visit the shrines and sanctuaries dedicated to the Yoruba fertility goddess Osun at the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove in Osogbo, Nigeria.
• Scuba dive the Pharos Lighthouse in Alexandria, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, in Alexandria, Egypt.

• Enjoy sunrise at Angkor Wat in Cambodia before heading off to explore the rest of Angkor’s historic temples.
• Take a floating tour of Trang An, called the Halong Bay on Land, to see the gorgeous Confucian temples in Vietnam.
• Visit the eleventh century Temple of Literature, the oldest university in Vietnam located in Hanoi.
• Spend a day checking out the famous Buddhist temples in Bangkok , Thailand including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Temple of Dawn.
• Take a walking pilgrimage on the Kumano Kodo Trail in Japan .
• Climb the 1200 steps to the top of Sigiriya to see the ancient palace ruins in Dambulla, Sri Lanka.
• Explore the city-state of Singapore to learn about its unique history after independence from Malaysia.
• Hike the Baekdu Daegan Trail, the spiritual center of Korean mountain spirit worship and an important area for all local prominent religions. The trail runs the length of the Korean peninsula, but one of the highlights, the temples on Mount Jirisan, is located on the South Korean portion and is reachable to outsiders.
• Visit all four pilgrimage sites of the Char Dham, a pilgrimage route that all Hindus are required to undertake, located in the far north, south, east, and west of India.
• Explore the history of the Silk Road by traveling through Azerbaijan  and seeing fire temples, crude oil spas, and Shia pilgrimage sites, all of which had elevated prominence due to the numerous travelers spreading the word after traversing the ancient route.
• Take a trek through the steppe, staying in yurts and riding horseback, to see what life was like as a  nomad in rural Mongolia.
• Attend the biennial World Nomad Games , to see how modern nomads carry on the sporting traditions of their Central Asian ancestors, including horseback riding, falconry, and Kok-Boru, a sport where riders battle for a goat carcass. Held in various locations, the games in 2018 were held in Kyrgyzstan . They are expected to move to Turkey in 2020.
• Visit the secret underground printing press that Joseph Stalin used to create his propaganda in Tbilisi, Georgia.
• Explore the Russian Far East by train via the Trans-Siberian and Trans-Mongolian railway systems in Siberia, Russia.
• Tour the Forbidden City, where the Chinese emperors lived for over 500 years, in Beijing, China.

The Middle East

• Celebrate Christmas at the Church of the Nativity , where Christians believe Jesus was born. Pick between the three different Christmas celebrations held there annually due to the different calendars used by different Christan sects. In Bethlehem, West Bank , Palestine.
• See the ruins of the lost city of Petra in southern Jordan and see its sister site Mada’in Saleh in Saudi Arabia.
• See how Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are literally layered on top of each other while exploring the Old Town in Jerusalem.
• Visit the architecturally unique ninth-century Great Mosque of Samarra in Iraq.
• Remember the victims of the Ottoman Turks by visiting Martyr’s Square, named for the Lebanese nationalists executed in 1916. The square also served as the dividing line for the two sides during the Lebanese Civil War. In Beirut, Lebanon.
• Feel like you are in a life-sized sand castle with a trip to the sixth-century historic city of Arg-e Bam in Kerman Province, Iran.

• Visit the eleven penal colony sites spread across Australia which collectively comprise the UNESCO World Heritage site Austrailian Convict Sites.
• Take the long drive from Alice Springs to Uluru, the famous rock site which is sacred to the local Aboriginal Pitjantjatjara Anangu. The site includes important rock art and ancient paintings. In the Northern Territory, Australia.
• Visit Tamaki Maori, a village where Polynesians have lived since the thirteenth century, in Rotorua, New Zealand.
• Visit the three sites associated with Chief Roi Mata’s Domain, one of the most remote UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world, in Shefa, Vanuatu.
• See the civilization that was created by the surviving mutineers of the HMS Bounty on Pitcairn Island.

• Visit the South Pole Flag Mast like the true badass you are, remembering all the people who fought to see the South Pole and the team that planted it in 1965.
• Find the bust of Vladimir Lenin, placed by a team from the USSR, in 1958.
• Journey to the Inexpressable Island Ice Cave to see the seal bones and other remains from the 1912 team that was forced to erect the ice cave and winter on the island.
• See where Shackleton’s crew waited four brutal months to be rescued at Point Wild on Elephant Island.
• Observe for signs of paranormal activity at Whalers Bay on Deception Island, where abandoned buildings and a buried cemetery give the uninhabited island an extra spooky flair.
• Sail from South America to Antarctica by passing through Drake’s Passage, named after English explorer Sir Francis Drake.

You Might Also Enjoy:

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Have You Undertaken any Epic History Travel or History-Inspired Trips? Leave the Destination and a bit about it in the Comments so other History Travelers can get inspired!

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1 thought on “101 Epic History Travel Ideas to Help Plan Your Next Adventure”

Waouh !!! All many interesting informations ! First of all, I want to thank you for your experiences told to everybody in all your articles ! I am a french woman and actually, as I start a travel blog focused on France, I’m trying to get into the world of blogging. But it’s not easy… Your blog is wonderfull and I am not sure mine will be as beautifull as yours !

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The Fashionable Tour : or, The First American Tourist Guidebook

Offering advice for visiting Sarasota Springs and other sights, Gideon Davison combined the travel narrative and road book to create a new type of travel guide.

In 1822, Gideon Davison, a printer in Sarasota Springs, New York, published The Fashionable Tour: or, A Trip to the Springs, Niagara, Quebeck, and Boston, in the Summer of 1821. It’s been called the first American tourist guidebook. Davison “ proved highly influential ,” writes historian Will B. Mackintosh, with his “particular combination of geographical facts and figures, landscape description, brief historical sketches, and practical route information in distance charts and timetables.”

Davison himself wrote that he wrote and published the guide “that it might serve the purpose of a small pocket volume of references, such facts only have been collected as will render it more particularly interesting to the tourist.” The guide’s geographical genesis is significant: Sarasota Springs developed into the largest mineral springs resort in the US, especially booming after the Saratoga and Schenectady Railroad connected the resort into the nation’s growing rail network in 1832.

But where did Davison get the idea for a combination of features that still mark tourist guidebooks and their digital offspring nearly two centuries later? Mackintosh points to two sources: travel narratives of the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries and “road books” designed to assist travelers getting places before the advent of standardized routes and signs.

Travel narratives were first person accounts of travel, but many authors of these works “invited readers to replicate their journeys and their experiences.” They also often made an effort to “develop codes to help such readers on the road.” Mariana Starke’s 1802 Travels in Italy , for instance, used exclamation points to rate places, an influential forebear of the rating systems still used by tourist guidebooks and restaurant guides .

With his subtitle, Davison was consciously emulating travel narratives, a popular genre in the US. He wrote as if the tour he was detailing took place during “the summer of 1821.” But unlike travel narrative authors, he kept himself out of the story. Readers weren’t supposed to vicariously travel with him, they were supposed to use his information to travel themselves. And by adding the details of “directions, distances, timetables, and fares,” he tapped into the road book tradition.

“Road books were small, portable, frequently updated volumes designed to assist travelers with the basic tasks of navigation over unfamiliar roads,” explains Mackintosh. Containing itineraries and, often, maps, road books dated to the seventeenth century in Great Britain. After 1750, “the genre exploded in size, scope, and popularity there.” Several authors and publishers, some of them British immigrants to the US, tried to replicate that British popularity.

But road books largely failed to take hold in the US. Britain may have been “Great,” but it wasn’t very big, especially in comparison to a nation expanding across North America. With a much better road system and stronger publishing industry, road books fit well with travelers in England, Wales, and Scotland. The US simply didn’t have a national road system: roads “were profoundly local in orientation.” Notes Mackintosh, American travel was “highly improvisational” into the early nineteenth century.

“The economic structure of early national print made the production of a useful road book exceeding difficult [in the US],” he writes, “and the underdeveloped road network of the era meant that even those that were produced were of limited utility to actual travelers.”

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The idea of the road book was a good one, though. By the 1810s, both US roads and publishers were in better shape for producing road books, but the market was changing. Travelers now wanted more than just way-finding guides.

Davison’s combination of way-finding with practical information about services/amenities and costs thereof, along with social, historical, and geographical information, actually wasn’t a big seller in its first, pamphlet-like edition. But it soon caught on. It “was regularly reissued in ever-expanding editions for the next twenty years,” Mackintosh writes. The Fashionable Tour sparked a host of imitators and a long-lived genre.

Teaching Tips

Explore pedagogical approaches: a special issue of CEA Critic offers substantive discussions about teaching travel literature, including an introductory essay by Scott Christianson and Julia M. Gergits and Syrine C. Hout’s article, “ Reading Travel Writing in Two Theme-Based Graduate Seminars .”

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The Underrated Tour Every Utah History Buff Needs To Add To Their Bucket List

Monument Valley is one destination that is rich in beauty, culture, and history. However, it is also a destination that is often overlooked and doesn’t receive the attention that many national and state parks in Utah receive. To help change that, there is one underrated tour that is an absolute must. It is the Monument Valley Historical Sightseeing Tour and it will change the way you think and feel about this remarkable and unique area in southern Utah. It’s a tour that every history buff, Utah resident, and out-of-state guest needs to put at the top of their bucket list.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park was established in 1958. However, this area dates back many, many years prior. The Puebloan peoples lived here for more than 1,000 years.

On this 2.5-hour tour, you will meet a local guide who will take you along the 17-mile loop and restricted backcountry, and provide you with a demonstration inside a traditional hogan., you will get to experience the views and travel in an open-air vehicle unless otherwise specified. along your way, your guide will tell you all about the history of monument valley, various formations, and the culture of the people who once called this area home., in addition to learning the history and stories of monument valley, you will also enjoy some of the best overlooks and viewpoints, so make sure to have your camera ready., however, for those who want to learn and see all that monument valley has to offer, there’s no better way than a guided tour like this historical sightseeing experience. are you ready for this adventure.

For more information on the Monument Valley Historical Sightseeing Tour, such as availability and to purchase tickets, visit Viator .

What are some of your favorite things to do in Monument Valley? Let us and your fellow travelers know in the comments. And, if there is another bucket-list-worthy tour in Utah you recommend, fill out this form and tell us all about it.

The post The Underrated Tour Every Utah History Buff Needs To Add To Their Bucket List appeared first on Only In Your State ® .

$2299—Lisbon to Madrid 4-city tour w/Seattle flights

Visit historic landmarks and local wine cellars during the offseason, when crowds are slim.

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Depart on Dec. 1 and 8, 2024,  for the following per-person prices: 

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Embark   on a small-group tour with no more than 28 fellow travelers on your trip for $400-$500 more; depart on  Nov. 18; Dec 2.

Options: Explore these vibrant cities during the summer for $2499 per person ; or explore Barcelona, Madrid, Cordoba, Seville and Lisbon on this 8-night guided tour for $2399 per person .

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The single-supplement waiver and single-room capacities are limited; please call for availability.

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