History & culture holidays

Tailor-made journeys through the ages

From the palazzos and ancient waterways of Venice to the Incan wonders of Machu Picchu, the world is bursting with historic and cultural sites to be explored. Watching the sunset over the temples at Angkor Wat, exploring the Roman and Moorish vestiges of Portugal's Lisbon or marvelling at the ruins of ancient Sicily are all experiences guaranteed to make your holiday unforgettable.

It's easy to pair these journeys with other experiences; visit iconic Italian cities by rail on the world-famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, or join Vietnamese temples and its network of wartime tunnels with a scenic Mekong river cruise.

Take a look at our options below and get in touch with one of our destination specialists to start planning your dream trip.

 

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Our top recommended history and culture holidays

Arena di Verona

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & Verona Opera

5-day luxury rail journey from £5,920 pp incl. flights

This spectacular short break combines a journey on the world’s most elegant train with a stay in a converted palace and of opera at the iconic Arena di Verona.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Machu Picchu & the Galápagos

15-day tailor-made holiday from £11,495 pp incl. flights

In between exploring the mist-clad beauty of Machu Picchu and cruising the Galápagos Islands, discover the rhythms of Lima, Cusco and Quito, some of South America's most enticing cities.
Japan cherry blossoms

Highlights of Japan

10-day tailor-made holiday from £7,225 pp incl. flights

This is the ideal introduction to Japan, pairing a host of highlights with personalised tours, including a trip up the iconic Tokyo Skytree, stays at luxurious ryokan accommodation, traditional kaiseki feasts and journeys aboard the bullet train.
Machu Picchu, Peru

Highlights of Peru & The Andean Explorer

12-day tailor-made holiday from £11,480 pp incl. flights

Whether it’s staying at the only hotel at Machu Picchu, enjoying a chef-led cooking course in Lima or travelling through the Andes on a luxury rail journey, this trip showcases Peru's icons at their very finest.
Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre in Style

7-day tailor-made holiday from £2,105 pp incl. flights

Explore the myriad coastal delights of Cinque Terre on this luxury tour, enjoying everything from wine tasting in world-class vineyards to sampling local bruschetta in cosy trattorias.

Sensoji Temple, Tokyo in Japan

Imperial Palaces & the Japanese Alps

16-day tailor-made holiday from £13,075 pp incl. flights

A more in-depth insight into Japan: ryokan inns, be led by a geisha around Kyoto, and ride the bullet train to learn about Hiroshima. From samurai cities to scenic farmhouse villages, this holiday showcases Japan's finest sights
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Top offers for History & culture holidays

Grand Canal, Venice
Special offer

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Venice to London

4-day tailor-made holiday from £0 pp incl. flights

Save up to £775 pp – ends 31 Jan

A counterpoint to the classic London to Venice route, this journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express starts in Italy's floating city before crossing the Alps in style en route to Paris, then via Eurostar to London.
St. Charles's Church, Vienna
Special offer

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Vienna to London

4-day luxury rail journey from £5,355 pp incl. flights

Save up to £510 pp – ends 31 Jan

Board the world’s most elegant train for a luxury journey to remember as you're transported not just from Vienna to London but all the way back to the glamour of the Roaring Twenties.

Verona, Italy
Special offer

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Verona to London

4-day luxury rail journey from £4,485 pp incl. flights

Save up to £785 pp – ends 31 Jan

Beginning with a luxury city stay and included walking tour in Verona, you'll board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for an unforgettable journey across Europe, steeped in the elegant traditions of 1920s rail travel.
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