Top Europe Historical Tours

Many tours visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii but only a few include the first-hand expertise of an archaeologist guide. Explore the ancient Roman city and discover what life was like before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the company of a guide who brings history to life while leading you to important buildings and structures such as the Basilica, the Forum, and the thermal baths.

The Colosseum is one of Rome's most-visited attractions but many travelers miss the chance to learn about the ancient site when visiting alone. This guided tour ensures that you get the most out of your visit by taking you inside the Colosseum in the company of a guide who brings its history to life. Afterward, continue to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill for further immersion in Ancient Rome.

Malta’s UNESCO-listed capital is best explored on a walking tour. This small-group tour of Valletta is limited to 25 participants, and has plenty of time to take in all the highlights.

Avoid the endless queues at one of Rome's busiest landmarks and spend more time steeped in its history. Navigate the many rooms of the Vatican Museums with a tour guide, explore the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, including Michelangelo's masterpiece, and finish in St. Peter's Basilica (optional) with free time to explore its tombs or pay on the day to climb its dome.

Dodge the research hassles and discover both the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum on a half-day tour with a guide to put all the history in context. Following the Acropolis tour with a visit to the museum takes you beyond the monuments for a glimpse of daily lives in ancient Athens, from spirituality to celebrations—and, of course, magnificent artwork. Upgrade to include entrance tickets—or even a private tour.

Dubrovnik is known for its history and architecture, but appreciating its many sights can be difficult on a self-led tour. Forget the guidebook and learn from a local on a tour of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, exploring landmarks including the Franciscan Monastery, Stradun monument, Cathedral of the Assumption, and more. Enjoy the intimate perspective of a walking tour as you gain insight into the city’s far-reaching heritage and culture.

Combine three popular attractions on one convenient day tour of Oxford, Windsor, and Stonehenge from London. First up is the magnificent royal residence of Windsor Castle, where you can admire the lavish State Rooms and walk the historic ramparts. Next, be awed by the towering monument of Stonehenge. Finally, enjoy a guided walking tour of Oxford. When booking, choose to include admission tickets to some or all of the sights.

This walking tour of Edinburgh is a great choice for first-time visitors who want to get their bearings of the city and learn more about its history. By exploring the city with a guide, you’ll be able to stop looking at a map and focus on enjoying the sites around you. Your guide will teach you about secret places locals love, as well as the Old Town’s most famous sites. Highlights include St. Giles’ Cathedral, the Mercat Cross, Edinburgh Castle, and much more.

Discover the beauty of the Bavarian countryside on this full-day coach tour from Munich, visiting the iconic Neuschwanstein and Linderhof castles. Learn about King Ludwig II and his architectural masterpieces, with the flexibility to choose admission to one or both castles (entrance fees not included). Enjoy a hassle-free journey with stunning views and expert commentary along the way.

Discover the best of Bruges—and immerse yourself in the city’s centuries of history—on this walking tour. Choose from English, French, or Spanish in-person tours, meet your guide in the city center, and set off on foot. As you discover local landmarks like the Belfort, Gruuthusemuseum, the Church of Our Lady, and the city’s picturesque canals, you’ll learn the stories behind the sights.

Secure your entry to the Tower of London—one of London's most popular attractions—by booking tickets before you arrive. View the remarkable Crown Jewels and visit the White Tower, Traitors’ Gate, and Tower Green, where Anne Boleyn was beheaded. Follow a Beefeater guard on a walk to hear insider stories about this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site, which holds almost 1,000 years of history.

The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill make up the heart of Ancient Rome, and shouldn’t be missed—but unless you’re an archaeologist, deciphering the ruins can be tricky without explanations. During this half-day tour, spend time exploring each site alongside a guide who can fill you in on ancient history—or an audioguide, if that’s what you prefer. Combined admission tickets are included for seamless sightseeing.

Experience London’s traditional pub scene—and discover historical drinking dens that most visitors miss—on this small-group, half-day tour. Accompany your guide to the history-saturated City of London, and visit at least four noteworthy pubs (drinks separate expense). Pop into centuries-old alehouses, see literary haunts favored by writers such as Charles Dickens, and learn about local drinking culture as you explore.

The entrance lines at Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice can sometimes feel like they last forever. Bypass the annoyance of waiting in long queues by prebooking a Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica skip-the-line tour. Perfect for those with a limited time in Venice, you’ll visit both big attractions with a guide leading the way and loading you with historical information you wouldn’t hear otherwise.

See the landmark monuments of Athens in a new light during a tour of the Acropolis, guided by a licensed tour guide. Avoid the crowds and warmer temperatures while taking a leisurely stroll around the Parthenon, Propylaia gateway, Temple of Athena Nike, and more. Enjoy skip-the-line access to save time. Upgrade to include tickets to the Acropolis Museum for even more insights into ancient Greece.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum marks the site of the Nazi German concentration camp where over a million Jews and other prisoners died during World War II. Your guide leads your tour of the two separate camps, Auschwitz and Birkenau, enhancing your understanding. Round-trip transfers come direct from your Krakow address or a central meeting point, while a wide range of departure times lets you plan ahead.

If you plan to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, ensure your spot by prebooking a guided tour direct from Krakow. Gain a greater understanding of what you see, and learn about the atrocities that occurred here during World War II, from your guide. Listen via an audio headset and get to watch a video on the liberation of Auschwitz. Round-trip transport from Krakow simplifies the trip.

Explore the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel without spending hours in line on this comprehensive tour, which includes skip-the-line entry and visits to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Navigate the vast halls, artwork, and history with a guide who offers special insights into collections you would likely miss on your own.

Head to the coast of Normandy to visit Mont-Saint-Michel on this day tour from Paris. You'll receive an orientation from a guide, and then enjoy time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site independently with an audio guide or by wandering the hilly streets at your leisure. Transportation is by coach from Paris.

This small-group tour is ideal for travelers looking for a comprehensive Gaudí experience. Save hours researching where to find the best examples of Gaudi’s work by having a guide to lead the way. Visit the architect’s most celebrated works—Park Güell and La Sagrada Familia—and stop outside Casa Milà and Casa Batlló,

Christian works of art abound in Ravenna, but the most fascinating examples of the city are the mosaics. Make sure you don't miss any of the fantastic mosaics with this walking tour through the streets of Ravenna's historic center. In the company of a certified guide, you will be able to admire UNESCO World Heritage monuments such as the Basilica of San Vitale and enjoy a rich commentary on art and architecture.

Discover the best of Florence, learn all about the Medici family and their role in shaping the Renaissance, and see the city’s hidden corners on this immersive, pay-what-you-want tour. Set off on foot to see highlights like the Duomo, Giotto’s Campanile, and Palazzo Vecchio, and learn the stories behind the sights.

Tick off the highlights of Iceland’s famous Golden Circle route in just one day, and enjoy a more personal sightseeing experience, on this small-group tour from Reykjavik. Settle into a comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle with Wi-Fi access, and ride seamlessly between dispersed sights. Along the way, see the Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur geyser, Thingvellir National Park, and Kerid Crater, and learn more from your guide's in-depth commentary.

Explore the crown jewel of medieval Granada on a tour of the Alhambra, and gain skip-the-line entry to the Moorish palace and fortress complex. Together with the Generalife Gardens and Albaicín., they form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the Nasrid dynasty as well as Muslim, Jewish, and Christian history during a walking tour with your informative guide.