History and Archaeology Tours

Image of Machu Picchu

Whilst our Worldwide tours visit virtually all of the world's greatest historical sites, this select special interest programme offers an in-depth exploration of the most celebrated wonders:



The list is endless!


In addition to these popular history holidays, you will also notice other tours to these countries, which may include less-visited sites and offer you a chance to go back and see more, perhaps with a different itinerary.

Almost every holiday will have some historical element to help you understand the region - without, however, being too heavy on history. We believe that learning the history and culture of a country should be fun and absorbing, and a general understanding of the history of a country will always help to appreciate its modern society; a healthy interest in the area is therefore expected of the traveller.

On every tour there are interesting historical facts that people come away with, some even promising to learn more when they get home! It could be the glittering Museum of Jewels in Tehran; the Mummies' Room in Cairo; or the Old Pharmacy in Dubrovnik - each remarkable in its own way.

But we always strive to give you that little bit extra. So we might allow more time at the local museum, or visit a site nearby to present another aspect of the story. Our cultured local guides are there to help us understand and appreciate the sites, and each tour leader will often give additional talks on a related subject. As on all Explore tours, there is so much variety that there are always plenty of other highlights and interests, such as the rail travel, a houseboat, or perhaps a camel trek, or... a hundred other things.

Classic sites, unforgettable tours

Image of the Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal

There is an amazing choice of world class historical sites to visit, as millions of tourists do every year. What makes Explore different is that we try a little harder to make your visit just that bit more special. We have built up knowledge over 25 years and perfected ways to visit important sites:

  • Seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise might mean an early wake-up; but the experience of watching the weak sun burn off the mist of the Yamuna River to reveal the faint, evocative outline of the domes is truly unforgettable.
  • Petra is the celebrated site of the Nabateans, and whilst other groups spend a few hours here, we usually have a guided visit and then another full day to visit for personal exploration of other locations in this vast and important site.
  • A visit to The Great Wall of China at the most popular site of Badaling, closest to Beijing, can sometimes be a crowded experience. Some of our itineraries allow us to get away from the hordes and visit some of the quieter sections at Mutianyu, or even walk along a section to Simatai.

History tours

Egypt, pyramids and Sphinx

Egypt in depth

Explore offer a certain number of specialist History Tours with accompanying experts. Whilst our regular tours give a good overall appreciation from official guides at the sites, these tours will offer additional information and a far more in-depth background knowledge from an expert lecturer, travelling with you for the entire tour. Departures are limited and include unique routes and itineraries such as:

Information and bookings for these one-off tours should be made as soon as details are released. As with all Explore's small group holidays, popular tours quickly fill up.

Little known and precious - but get there quick

Characteristic houses of the Dogon, Mali

Characteristic houses of the Dogon, Mali

As tourism expands relentlessly, the race is always on to get to historical sites before everyone else does. Some are becoming less difficult to reach with improved communications, whilst others are coming out of years of isolation. Here are a few for you to consider: