Top Asia Historical Tours - page 7

Experience a warm cultural welcome to Japan with an authentic tea ceremony in traditional kimonos in Kyoto. Dress in a classic kimono, sip authentic matcha green tea, sample Japanese sweets and learn the customs and history behind this cherished ritual. It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.

This bike tour is an excellent choice for first-time visitors to Hiroshima. Get your bearings in the city, learn about its history, and discover backstreet areas that only locals know about. The tour helps you cover more ground than a walking tour and see many top sights in a day, such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Castle, and Shukkei-en Garden.

Learn about a life of grandeur in 19th-century Penang on a tour of Cheong Fatt Tze, aka the Blue Mansion. Book admission to the famed George Town landmark and gain insight into its eclectic architecture and heritage, based on the lavish lifestyle of its former resident.

Ride around the Thai capital like a local with this evening tuk-tuk tour of Bangkok. Get your bearings in the city and check off highlights such as Chinatown, the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), Khao San Road, and Pak Khlong Talat, Thailands biggest flower market. Combine your sightseeing with a food tour as you stop for snacks.

The ancient sport of sumo is bound by so many strict rules, rituals, and unique techniques that attending a sumo tournament can be a bewildering experience. Book this experience, which includes reserved seats in the Ryogoku Kokugikan and is led by a sumo expert who explains everything you need to know about traditions and culture. Choose between a private or a group experience to suit your tastes.

If your time in Kyoto is limited and you want to see lots of its famous sights in a day, then this private guided tour is an excellent choice. Explore the city with a private guide to take care of navigating. Along the way, tick off 10 top attractions including the beautiful temple of Kiyomizu-dera, the geisha district of Gion, lush bamboo groves, and plenty more scenic surprises.

Perform a traditional Japanese tea ceremony dressed in a ceremonial kimono during this small-group cultural experience in Kyoto. Learn about the meaning of different kimono patterns and the history behind the tea ceremony from your guide, then watch the professional tea master prepare a cup of tea. Sip your tea and learn about Japanese manners during a tea ceremony, then enjoy the opportunity to try your hand at brewing your own.

Visit two of Japan’s most picturesque UNESCO World Heritage villages in just one day, without the hassle of navigating rural bus schedules or planning a complex day trip. This guided tour combines round-trip transportation from Kanazawa, a local guide's insight, and free time to explore the historic gassho-style farmhouses (a style of traditional Japanese architecture) of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama at your own pace.

Visit Mt. Fuji and other area highlights in one day, without the hassle of arranging multiple stops and activities, on this day tour from Tokyo. Enjoy the ease of comfortable transportation and a guide who accompanies you to Mt. Fuji's 5th Station. Ride the Hakone Ropeway for aerial views of the area, then take a short boat cruise on Lake Ashi before returning to Tokyo by bullet train. Upgrade to include a traditional lunch.

Visit the Great Wall on this tour from Beijing with a private driver. Get picked up at your hotel and travel to the Mutianyu Great Wall, a less crowded section. Explore independently and hike along the wall to see its many panoramic views at your own pace. Optional extras include a cable car ride and toboggan ride. Customize the start time of this private tour to suit your schedule.

Visit Mahabalipuram’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites on a private tour from Chennai that includes door-to-door transport, lunch, and all entrance fees. Travel by private car and spend the day exploring temples and a seashell museum in a scenic town, with a personal guide who will tailor the day to your interests.

Skip the rigid itineraries and opt for a more flexible approach to sightseeing on this private customizable full-day tour of Xian. Visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, then choose two more Xian highlights based on your interests, such as Huaqing Hot Springs, Banpo Museum, or Xian City Wall. Options include transfer only or guide plus transportation for a seamless experience.

Soak in lush scenery as you venture—in a comfy, air-conditioned vehicle—from Da Nang to the Ba Na Hills. Take a trip on the longest non-stop single track cable car in the world and once at the top, take in views of Golden Hand Bridge. Wander through French Village—a charming replica of a medieval French town—then visit Linh Ung Pagoda, a sacred Buddhist temple. There's plenty of free time to explore at your own pace, and your local guide is happy to help with tips and recommendations. An included buffet lunch of traditional Vietnamese food will keep you well-fueled during afternoon activities.

Book this hassle-free, private tour to head out to the Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh. There are a few options for flexibility. Choose a limo serving beer and snacks, or a private van- whichever sounds best to you. You also have the option to visit either Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc Tunnels. Learn about their purpose in the war and how they were used by Viet Cong soldiers.

Make the most of your time in Hue on a guided day tour of the city’s historic highlights. This small-group tour (max. 13) includes hotel pickup in Da Nang city center. Learn about ancient and modern Vietnamese history and culture from your local guide. Tour the large Hue Citadel on foot and admire the many temples, pagodas, and decorated gates around the city. Not recommended for children under 5 years old.

With thousands of years of rich history and a vibrant cultural scene, Seoul is a city that’s certainly worth getting to know. On a full-day tour, discover the city’s highlights, without having to research, plan, or navigate. See the Gyeongbokgung Palace (or Changdeok Palace if your tour is on a Tuesday) and ancient temples, learn about local culture, and shop for local goods all in one day.

Turn something old into something new during this lesson in the Japanese art of "Kintsugi," the practice of repairing broken pottery, and there's a chance you'll get to see Master Taku on the day of your visit. Stemming from a Japanese belief that breakage and repair are part of the history of an object, rather than a reason to throw them away, your class involves repairing damaged items (plates are provided; personal items are not allowed) with lacquer mixed with gold. Don a "samue" as you refinish one traditional pottery item, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for Japanese aesthetics and a unique souvenir.

From Da Nang, take a trip through the scenic Hai Van Pass on a local train and enjoy views of the coastline, including a brief stop at the pristine white sand beach and crystal-clear waters of Lang Co Beach. Once arrived at Hue Imperial City (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), learn about its unique architecture—the result of a mixture of different cultures—and hear fascinating historical tales. At lunch, satisfy your tastebuds with delicious local food (including vegetarian options). There's plenty of time for photo ops, including Emperor Khai Dinh's tomb, Thien Mu Pagoda, and Perfume River.

With thousands of years of history and entrenched in a clash of cultures, this private half-day tour lets you explore Hanoi with a local guide. Travel from traditional pagodas to bustling markets and serene lakes, going beyond guidebooks into hidden corners. See Hanoi Old Quarter's 2,000-year history, snap photos of French colonial architecture, and experience the thrill of Train Street—a must-do when visiting Hanoi.

Discover the rich history of Gyeongju at your own pace on a private full-day tour of its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This extensive excursion is perfect for curious travelers seeking a thorough and immersive sightseeing experience. Enjoy live narration from your guide as you visit Bulguksa Temple, Daereungwon Tomb Complex, the Gyeongju National Museum, and more. Departing from Busan or Gyeongju, you’ll enjoy the flexibility to choose a round-trip or one-way tour.

Travelers interested in Vietnamese and military history will enjoy this themed small-group tour of Hue. You’ll visit the DMZ, the buffer zone between North and South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, as well as four war-related museums. See relics of the war and learn more about this dramatic period of 20th century history. Learn more from your guide than you would touring alone.

Learn the history and culture of Malaysia's capital with this easy cycling tour of Kuala Lumpur. Your Dutch-style orange bike allows you to slide through back alleys, and is equipped with a basket with plenty of room for local wares. Traveling through the back alleys means you'll see eight distinct stops throughout the day. Starting at Merdeka Square, you'll explore the Chow Kit Markets, Kampong Bharu, the Sin Sze Si Ya Temple and Petronas Twin Towers.

Head deep into Bali’s lush interior and delve into the historical and natural highlights of Ubud on this half-day private tour. You’ll visit a beautiful waterfall, swing by a 9th-century Hindu temple, and finish at the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, where you can marvel at panoramic views and enjoy lunch (at own cost).

Gion, Kyoto's famed geisha district, is packed full of tourists during the day making it difficult to get a sense of the area's culture. Avoid the biggest groups and immerse yourself in Japanese heritage on this small-group walking tour that leads you through the elegant streets after dark, while geisha and maiko make their way to their appointments.