history & the arts - cultural tours abroad
home page » history & the arts - cultural tours abroadCalling all culture vultures. If the mysteries of the ancient world and the pleasures of art are your thing, then don't dwell on the past for too long. Instead, be creative and take an inspirational cultural tour abroad. Travel to Egypt and watch the sun set over the spectacular pyramids. Then follow the River Nile and tour ancient Luxor, staying in classical hotels along the way. Or make your own history and head for timeless Italy for the annual Verona Opera. This medieval city simply oozes romance and culture, while the operatic performances are legendary. Just take a look at our Train Journeys, Cultural Tours, Music Trips and City Escapes.
Trips with a green tick support sustainable tourism.
CULTURAL TOURS
From £3095
10 days
This journey offers a taste of the fascinating culture of historic and modern Japan, and its enchanting scenery of mountains and gardens. Departures include Japan’s colourful festivals and sumo wrestling in Tokyo.... From £2299
17 days
La Ruta MayaAn in-depth exploration of the delights of Central America: tropical jungles, palm-fringed beaches, Indian markets and the majestic ruins of the Maya. It was across this region of Mexico, Guatamala and Belize that the Mayans established one of the most powerful and mysterious empires of the ancient world.... From £311
7 days
Monumental buildings of state, great churches and Cathedrals, ornate theatres, legendary art collections, the buildings lining its canals and streets and a unique atmosphere all add up to create one of the most rewarding experiences for modern day visitors.... From £5999
9 days
An unforgettable tour of Peru by private air full of luxury, discovery and adventure. See the best of Peru with the freedom and flexibility that only private air travel can provide.... From £1054
15 days
Temples of Middle EgyptFrom the tour’s start in Cairo, the largest capital city in Africa, the history of this antique land is almost tangible.... From £1565
15 days
Lost Cities of the Roman EmpireVast and beautiful expanse of the Sahara desert to the formidable remains of an almost intact Roman city at Leptis Magna, Africa’s fourth largest country is a land of contrasts.... From £2594
19 days
Inside the Hidden KingdomsThe North Eastern region remains relatively little visited by travellers and has extreme contrasts in scenery and people. An adventurous trip for offbeat travel .... From £1865
12 days
Packed with fun and excitement, this family adventure tour is the perfect way to discover the history, culture and energy of China. See the Giant Pandas in Beijing, the amazing Terracotta Warriors in Xian and the spectacular limestone mountains of Guilin.... From £1865
12 days
With its history, diversity and local colour, India is an ideal destination for families. This escorted tour offers India’s highlights as well as plenty of excitement and activities for all ages.... From £1255
12 days
This family adventure is an exciting journey through the Land of Smiles that combines all the highlights of this wonderful country with entertaining activities for people of all ages.... From £485
5 days
The monumental scale, grandeur and beauty of Angkor justifies its reputation as one of humankind’s most exquisite masterpieces. This journey brings together a visit to the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, with the stunning Temples of Angkor and the ecological marvel of Tonle Sap Lake.... From £790
5 days
The monumental scale, grandeur and beauty of Angkor justifies its reputation as one of humankind’s most exquisite masterpieces. This journey brings together a visit to the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, with the stunning Temples of Angkor and the ecological marvel of Tonle Sap Lake.... From £1575
14 days
An exciting combination of ancient cultures, river journeys, stunning scenery and culminating with the awe inspiring Temples of Angkor, this unforgettable tour takes in many of Indochina’s most enthralling destinations.... From £535
16 days
Costa Rica AdventureCosta Rica is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world - a true Garden of Eden. Let Costa Rica mesmerize you as we explore its rainforests, rushing rivers, pristine beaches and towering volcanoes. This trip combines world-class highlights with more remote areas for an authentic adventure experience.... From £925
16 days
Mayan ExplorerThe Mayan world straddles several modern-day countries, but a shared culture and history give modern Maya an identity beyond borders. From ancient ruins in the Yucatan to colonial Chiapas and colourful, traditional Guatemalan markets, immerse yourself in the ancient and the thriving on this journey through the land of ... From £359
8 days
Inca DiscoverySpend a week retracing the steps of the ancient Inca civilization, highlighted by the spectacular Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu.... From £1469
16 days
Cuba Salsa! Family HolidayFantastic Caribbean beaches. Explore the sites of Cuba’s revolutionary past. Catamaran trip, crocodiles and steam trains! Truck safari in Topes de Collantes National Park... From £1029
9 days
A Taste of CubaOne of the hottest travel destinations of the moment - visit Cuba and sample its warmth, charm and fascinating history... From £1519
16 days
Essential PeruMachu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and the Nazca Lines: our best value two-week tour to Peru takes in all the main highlights... From £1499
16 days
La Isla GrandeThe best of Cuba: revolutionary history, faded colonial charm, lush tropical jungles and vibrant Afro-Cuban culture... From £1559
16 days
Thailand EncompassedWhether it’s the golden gleaming spires of Bangkok’s royal palaces or the nighttime buzz-saw sound of the northern jungle, Thailand is a sensual land of lasting impressions. This journey takes us from teeming metropolis to the warm welcome of traditional hilltribe villages, from pristine jungle to relaxing ... From £770
8 days
Dubrovnik & The Dalmation CoastSample island life on beautiful Korcula & visit Dubrovnik, arguably the most perfectly preserved mediaeval town in the world, with a jumble of narrow streets and red-tiled roofs.... From £869
14 days
Highlights of ChinaMarvel at the imperial wonders of the Forbidden City. Learn the mystical secrets of the Shaolin monks. Discover the army of Terracotta Warriors and walk the impenetrable Great Wall.... From £1299
14 days
Discover JapanJapan is an intricate blend of East and West. Delve into this society with its deep traditions and customs and find a nation that leads the world in innovation, style and progress.... From £1079
15
Tibet AdventureTake an amazing overland journey across the roof of the world. From the frenzied streets of Beijing travel the high-altitude railway to charming Lhasa and overland to Kathmandu via the great monastic centers of Central Tibet and Everest Base Camp. Take part in temple rituals and haggle for a bargain in the markets.... From £469
14 days
Highlights of MoroccoThe best of Morocco is encapsulated in this trip, which visits the Atlas Mountains, stunning coast and remote desert regions. Famous Kasbahs, spicy markets and vibrant cities ensure this trip satisfies both the seasoned and novice traveller.... From £499
16
Absolute EgyptFloat down the Nile in a traditional Felucca, discover the tomb of King Tut, explore the majestic Pyramids and wander through the bustling streets of Cairo. This is truly an unforgettable journey through Egypt.... From £869
12 days
Amazon to the AndesA compact 12 day trip that combines two radically different regions of Peru. This tour provides a taste of the beauty and extreme contrasts this stunning country has to offer.... From £1199
15 days
Wonders of BrazilA remarkable 2 week journey of Brazil, filled with prolific wildlife, immense waterfalls and famous beaches. From the exuberance of Rio to colonial Paraty and the natural wonders of the interior, see first hand why there is no place in the world quite like Brazil.... From £499
15 days
Hummingbird highwayA popular 2-week tour for good reason; it is a great combination of beaches, ruins, wildlife, activity and culture in Belize and Guatemala.... From £399
10 days
Yucatan PanoramaBetween climbing ancient temples and snorkelling the reefs of the Caribbean, we explore lost cities, sub-tropical rainforests and pristine beaches while soaking up the culture of one of Mexico’s most fascinating regions.... From £729
15 days
Cuba ColonialViva la Revolución! Stroll through historic cities, relive the colonial history and soak up the musical rhythms of the Caribbean during this 2-week Cuban adventure.... From £1649
15 days
Highlights of TibetOne of the world’s most spectacular road journeys, from the Forbidden City of Lhasa through the Himalaya to Kathmandu... price on request
10 days
Highlights of Northern IndiaThe enchanting Taj Mahal, the Ganges at Varanasi, tiger spotting plus the monuments, forts and palaces of Moghul India... From £1539
16 days
Highlights of ChinaA classic journey exploring the historic sites and stunning landscapes of eastern China... From £2329
15 days
Ancient & Modern JapanExploring the varied attractions of this vibrant and traditional nation: Zen gardens, grand mountains and big cities... From £1573
16 days
Classic IndiaThe spectacular palaces and monuments of colourful Rajasthan, plus the holy city of Varanasi and the enchanting Taj Mahal... From £1299
11 days
Taj, Tigers & Temples Family HolidayExciting game drives in search of the elusive tiger. Incredible Agra to see the magnificent Taj Mahal. A village camel ride. Explore the colourful markets of Delhi... From £1899
14
Classic ChinaBeijing, the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors and the Yangtze River - all on this cultural tour to China... From £759
15 days
Highlights of MoroccoExploring the Imperial Cities, souks, mountains and deserts of romantic Morocco... From £704
8 days
Amalfi Coast and Bay of NaplesA week of sightseeing on the beautiful Amalfi coastline including Ravello, Capri and the historic sites of Herculaneum and Mountt Vesuvius.... From £319
8 days
Best of TurkeyExperience the wonders of Turkey on this journey back in time. Travel to ancient ruins such as Ephesus, and the more recent Gallipoli Peninsula, site of the famous WWI battle.... From £650
3 nights
Situated in the heart of Moscow near Red Square, the Kremlin and the Bolshoi Theatre, The Moscow Marriott Grand Hotel is pure elegance.... From £2249
14 days
The Wild West’s period of feuding cowboys and indians is long gone, but the scenery, the cities and the activities are as wild as ever. The national parks that we explore are geological fairylands of coloured stone, rocky spires, pine-clad cliffs and simply astounding canyons. Your guide will help you and your fa... From £1799
16 days
Exploration of the faded colonial splendour, romantic revolutionaries and soft sandy beaches of Cuba, is all best done on foot. There is a wealth of rural charm to be found and a genuine warmth of the local people to be discovered. We visit the heritage sites of Old Havana, Trinidad and Santiago de Cuba - where the fir... From £2339
17 days
Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos, is the only place in the entire archipelago where extended trekking is possible. A unique environment, it is one of the last remaining habitats of the giant Galapago Tortoise, is home to many interesting species of endemic wildlife and boasts five major volcanoes. As well ... price on request
16 days
The last stronghold of the Inca royal family following the Spanish conquest, Choquequirao is one of the best-preserved Inca cities and bears strong similarities to Machu Picchu, both in its architectural style and its stunning location. Our trekking route is dominated by the lofty snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Vi... From £2159
21 days
The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors and Giant Pandas - China’s iconic sights need little introduction and we visit them all on this comprehensive and varied journey. Equally inspiring are China’s great scenic attractions including the breathtaking Three Gorges on the Yangtze River and th... From £2499
20 days
Lhasa is the main goal for most visitors to Tibet, but this high, wild, magnificent land has much more to offer. Three full days in Lhasa allows plenty of time to explore the Potala Palace, temples, monasteries and market. We also visit the Yarlung Tsang Po Valley, cradle of Tibetan civilisation and home of Tibet&rsquo... From £1659
11 days
Visiting all that is China: the Terracotta Warriors, the Great Wall, the Forbidden City on this introductory exploration of one of the world’s most diverse countries. Starting in Beijing our journey provides contrasting experiences at every turn. The frantic pace of life in the cities is complemented by discoveri... From £649
9 days
Sri Lanka is one of the most diverse islands on earth with enough to keep the most jaded traveller happy for several weeks. For those with less time, however, this trip visits the essential highlights. Ancient Buddhist cities and spice gardens, the Temple of the Tooth and giant rock fortresses, cave temples and botanic... From £2399
11 days
Protected by the mighty Himalaya, the isolated kingdom of Bhutan is an unforgettable place to visit. The landscape is stunning, with steep forested hills and misty mountains rising from fast flowing rivers. However it’s the fascinating culture that makes this country unique, boasting several colourful annual fest... From £1699
16 days
We also explore and experience the fascinating living history of the Tibetan Buddhist community in and around the Himalayan foothills of Dharamsala. We will attend an audience with the Karmapa, go to the opera and have time to enjoy the magnificent scenery of this area. including a visit to the Golden Temple in Amritsa... From £1069
17 days
Nestled between the great mountain ranges of the Himalaya and Karakorum lies the high-altitude desert of Ladakh. This is a Buddhist land more akin to Tibet than the lowlands to the south. Ladakh’s centuries-old culture finds expression in the monasteries, monuments, fairs and festivals, and most departures coinci... From £2349
31 days
There are few places on earth that offer the traveller such variety as India. On this incredible trip we sample some of the best it has to offer, from the exquisite palaces of colourful Rajasthan to the Taj Mahal. For wildlife we head to Ranthambore, home of the elusive tiger. There are cave temples and ancient ruins t... From £1459
16 days
Lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a natural paradise; a landscape of verdant mountains, rainforests, paddy fields, tumbling waterfalls and sweeping gorges. Hidden amongst this are the ancient Buddhist city of Polonnaruwa and the impressive ’Lion’s Rock’ fortress at Sigi... From £1679
16 days
Discover India’s desert state of Rajasthan in style; using exclusive heritage hotels we explore the gateway city of Delhi, are enthralled by the magnificent Taj Mahal at sunrise and delve into the history of the many extravagant forts and palaces the region has to offer. At every turn India bombards the sen... From £1349
21 days
South India is a region of great charm, offering varied delights to the traveller, including beautiful cities, colonial hillstations, colourful temples, a relaxed lifestyle, attractive scenery and some of the best food in India. The major cities of the south were once princely capitals of the Maharajas, and their magni... From £1899
18 days
An alternative and fascinating look at some of South India’s highlights! As with all our Premium trips it’s not just about luxury, it’s about optimising your experience with that little extra comfort and style, whilst visiting some of the world’s most colourful and enriching destinations. In Sou... From £2749
16 Days
This corner of the Eastern Himalaya has a great deal to offer. Bhutan is unique in its appeal, almost completely unaffected by Western influences, and one of the true homes of Tibetan Buddhism. Sikkim is renowned for its flora and large number of Buddhist monasteries, including Rumtek, Labrang and the rarely-visited Ph... From £1129
15 Days
This leisurely journey gives us time to adjust to the gentler pace of life in Thailand. With plenty of time we can fully appreciate the grandeur of Bangkok’s Royal Palace, the historic associations around the River Kwai, the unique hilltribe cultures of the north and the tropical serenity of the south. We visit K... From £2659
29 Days
Long lines of saffron robed monks on their alms round at dawn, the luscious green of Vietnam’s paddy fields, the shy smile of school children in Luang Prabang; it’s the small day-to-day things that make this an unforgettable trip. Not that the bigger things won’t wow you too - Angkor Wat, Bangkok&rsq...
MUSIC
From £1677
7 nights
The Festival is an annual fixture in the diaries of music lovers from around the world. Concerts are given in the beautiful Angelika Kauffman Saal in the idyllic village of Schwarzenberg.... From £790
The annual Festival has taken place in the city’s Roman arena since 1913. Built around 2,000 years ago for games and gladiatorial combat....
CITY ESCAPES
From £890
Sites that benefit greatly from the services of a guide. They will take you to the places you are most interested in.... From £745
Get to know Venice by taking a guided tour of the city, personalised to your own interests. English-speaking guides.... From £649
6 days
Carnival in Rio- ExtensionThe greatest show and one of the most beautiful cities on earth combine to make an exhilarating few days....
TRAIN JOURNEYS
From £2778
11 days
The Palace on Wheels offers an opportunity to explore northwest India’s most spectacular sights in the style of the maharajas and maharanis.... From £2595
9 days
Travel in style through the jungles, rice fields and cities of South East Asia....
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