Top 10 best history tours
If you want to get out there and know a destination, learning about its past is a good place to start – whether that means understanding a country’s place in the ancient world or seeing what life was like during the Cold War. There are, of course, history vacations the world over, but those listed below are some of our most popular. Think crumbling Greek temples, Bedouin camps and sacred cities and you start to get the picture. Keep reading to discover our best historical tours.
1. Explore the Golden Route in Japan
Originally the well-trodden spiritual paths of Samurai warriors, the Old Tokaido Road from Tokyo to Kyoto is a great introduction to Japan’s historical sights. But you’ll be using modern bullet trains to get around, instead of your own two feet. Highlights include the UNESCO temples in Kyoto and hot spring baths in Hakone, plus nights spent in traditional ryokan inns.
When to go: Year-round
Our top selling trip: Japan Golden Route vacation
See all our trips: Tailor made vacations in Japan
Read more: Japan cultural vacations travel guide and Japan railway vacations guide
Our top selling trip: Japan Golden Route vacation
See all our trips: Tailor made vacations in Japan
Read more: Japan cultural vacations travel guide and Japan railway vacations guide
2. Highlights of Jordan
You can cover Jordan’s main cultural hotspots in as little as a week on this small group adventure. That includes Jerash, the King’s Highway and a thorough introduction to the mind-blowing beauty that is Petra. Most nights are spent in comfortable hotels, but the undisputed highlight is a night spent camping with Bedouins in the desert.When to go: March to May and October to November
Our top selling trip: A week in Jordan
See all our trips: Jordan vacations
Read more: Jordan travel guide and Petra and Wadi Rum travel guide
3. History & nature in Ethiopia
A two-week tailor made journey is just long enough to sample the natural and historic beauty of Ethiopia. You’ll take in the monuments, museums and markets of Addis Ababa, the ancient capital of Gonder and the iconic rock churches at Lalibela, as well as go trekking at the Simien Mountain National Park and discovering the country’s endemic wildlife.When to go: September to April
Our top selling trip: Ethiopia tailor made vacation
See all our trips: Ethiopia vacations
Read more: Ethiopia travel guide
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about History or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
1-866-821-6866
Call toll free
Calling from outside the USA
4. Travel the Silk Road
The five countries that make up Central Asia – ‘the Stans’ – are home to ancient sites, Silk Road cities and remote mountain villages. A three-week small group tour gives you just enough time to taste them all. You’ll travel overland, staying in small hotels, guest houses and simple homestays. A real highlight is a night in a yurt camp in Kyrgyzstan.
When to go: June to September
Our top selling trip: The Five Stans Silk Road vacation
See all our trips: Silk Road vacations
Read more: Silk Road travel guide and The Stans travel guide
Our top selling trip: The Five Stans Silk Road vacation
See all our trips: Silk Road vacations
Read more: Silk Road travel guide and The Stans travel guide
5. Archaeology in the Peloponnese
On this small group trip, you’ll spend eight days based in Tripoli, with regular excursions to the ancient wonders of the Peloponnese. As well as treading in the sandal-strapped footsteps of the past, you’ll spend time communing with nature, with walks through picturesque vineyards and visits to sun-kissed beaches all part of the package.When to go: Year-round
Our top selling trip: Archaeology vacation in Greece
See all our trips: Peloponnese vacations
Read more: Peloponnese archaeology vacations and Archaeology travel guide
6. Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh
A 10-day small group tour that’s all about understanding the history, culture and customs of Vietnam. You’ll see the ancient heritage monuments of Hue and Hoi An, and the French colonial architecture of Hanoi. Visit the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City to hear sobering stories of the Vietnam War. Overnight train rides from Hanoi to Hue and boat cruises in Halong Bay add a touch of adventure.When to go: Year-round
Our top selling trip: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh vacation in Vietnam
See all our trips: Cultural vacations in Vietnam
Read more: Vietnam travel guide and Vietnam small group travel guide
7. Commune with the ancients in Sicily
Get your fill of Sicilian history and culture on this nine-day circuit of the island. Traveling with a small group of like-minded travelers, you’ll visit a wealth of archaeological and cultural treasures, including amphitheatres, cathedrals and Greek city ruins. Food plays a big part in your journey, too. Each day you’ll sample delicious seasonal fare, whether dining at a fabulous restaurant or quaffing a classic Sicilian red.
When to go: March to June and September to October
Our top selling trip: Sicily history tour
See all our trips: Cultural tours in Italy
Read more: Sicily travel guide and Italy travel guide
Our top selling trip: Sicily history tour
See all our trips: Cultural tours in Italy
Read more: Sicily travel guide and Italy travel guide
8. Delhi to Kathmandu
Travel from Delhi to Kathmandu on a small group overland trip, taking in sacred sites, holy cities and Mughal architecture along the way, including ancient Agra and holy Varanasi. Wetlands and wildlife reserves are on the agenda, too. And you’ll get around by road, over water and by train, including a night on a sleeper train.When to go: October to May
Our top selling trip: Delhi to Kathmandu tour
See all our trips: Cultural vacations in India
Read more: India travel guide and India cultural vacations guide
9. Chernobyl
The 1986 Chernobyl disaster caused many deaths and the complete evacuation of the nearby town of Pripyat. It’s now possible to visit these areas, and even to spend a night at a hotel in Chernobyl itself. On this five-day small group tour, you’ll explore these sites in the company of an expert and meet some of the people who now live here in near isolation. It’s a sobering reminder of the importance of nuclear safety.When to go: Year round
Our top selling trip: Ukraine tour – discover Chernobyl
See all our trips: Chernobyl vacations
Read more: Chernobyl travel guide and Ukraine travel guide
10. Lebanon
This small group trip explores some of the most spectacular ancient sites in the Med, with emphasis placed on getting to know the culture. As well as visiting crusader castles and Roman temples, you’ll stay in a monastery in the lush Qadisha Valley, cook with a local family, and taste Lebanese wine in the fertile Bekaa Valley.
When to go: March to November
Our top selling trip: Lebanon group tour – vineyards and valleys
See all our trips: Lebanon vacations
Read more: Historical sites in Lebanon and Middle East travel guide
Our top selling trip: Lebanon group tour – vineyards and valleys
See all our trips: Lebanon vacations
Read more: Historical sites in Lebanon and Middle East travel guide
More about History
History tours and vacations are a fantastic way to get to know a country’s DNA. But they’re not at all staid and boring – they can be as quiet or active as you like.
Not sure where to go on a history tour? We’ve got plenty of ideas to make you think. From exploring glorious Greece to going off the radar on the Silk Road.
