See the Past Come to Life on Our Historic Tours
Learn the stories behind historic sites
When you explore the complex history of Europe and Asia with Back-Roads, you’ll take home lasting memories of the historic tales and fascinating traditions behind each country. All of this is possible with the expert guidance of your Tour Leader, who’ll take you to the heart of each region by sharing a wealth of fascinating stories.
Discover important architectural styles
Throughout the course of your trip, you’ll have the chance to take in an array of unique architecture on included tours of castles, abbeys and inns – many of which have stood for centuries and have their stories written in stone. From Roman ruins to cosmopolitan cities, the captivating buildings we visit are guaranteed to impress.
Historic hotel stays
Many Back-Roads tours offer stays in historic hotels, such as the (supposedly haunted) Mermaid Inn in Rye, and the Antico Convento (‘old convent’) in Sicily. With plenty of time to soak up the history of each sympathetically restored and decorated establishment, your overnight experience will be one to remember.
Specialist local guides
Step away from the crowds in Asia and Europe to hear from locals who live and breathe each region’s history. At Cambodia’s awe-inspiring Angkor Wat complex, a stone conservation expert will reveal the relationship between the site’s Hindu and Buddhist influences – and in Oxford, a local guide will share the stories behind the university town’s picturesque streets.
Gain modern insights
Not all history is ancient, and the ramifications of the past can still be seen and experienced at many of our destinations today. Our Battlefields tours commemorate the lives of the soldiers who fell in the conflicts of WWI – and the demilitarized zone in Hue, Vietnam, is an important reminder that the lessons of the past should not be forgotten.
