10 of the Top-Rated History Tours Per Viator Travelers
There are numerous must-see historical attractions around the world where you can really feel the weight of the past—gigantic stone pyramids, centuries-old palaces, and sobering battlefields. Seeking out these historical sightseeing highlights can be a reason to travel in the first place, but knowing where to begin is often half the problem, especially when the world is your proverbial oyster. With taht in mind, take the hassle out of the search, and immerse yourself in these top 10 historical destination recommendations—from Australia to Brazil—with each top-rated tour offering a unique perspective on our world.
1. For community engagement: Explore Palenque, Colombia
Cartagena is best known for parties, beaches, and Caribbean flair. But you can dig deeper during your trip to the tropical metropolis on a tour that brings you to San Basilio de Palenque, a community founded by people who escaped enslavement in Colombia during the 16th century. This private historical tour teaches you about the village’s history as well as its current culture—food and drink included.
What one reviewer said: “Awesome experience! Must try, very informative and I love the interaction we had with the people of the community.” June_J, June 2024
2. For a full picture: Discover African American history in DC, US
A trip to Washington DC isn’t complete without learning about the city’s regional Black history. On the border of what is considered the South in the United States, the US capital was quite literally on the front lines of the Civil War and 19th-century debates over slavery. This Washington DC history tour also includes a trip to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture, which has received praise for its detailed and moving portrayal of Black history in the US.
What one reviewer said: “Our guide was a knowledgeable historian. Excellent experience! Would highly recommend this tour. This was the highlight of our trip to Washington DC.” Maria_J, May 2024
3. For hidden history “down under”: Hear the stories of Tasmania, Australia
The neighborhoods of Salamanca and Battery Point in the Tasmanian capital of Hobart paint an interesting picture of the former colony. Now better known as swanky arts districts and desirable places to live, these adjoining areas of the city also have plenty of stories to tell, with deep histories intertwined with that of Australia itself. This small-group walking tour offers a great way to explore Tasmania with a guide.
What one reviewer said: “If you're interested in the history of the city, this tour is a must. Peter is a wealth of knowledge and shares it gladly.” Natalia_R, January 2024
4. For whiskey and history: Drink bourbon in Kentucky, US
Kentucky is world-famous for bourbon, the favored American tipple. Choose three of Louisville's top distilleries to tour and sample from, all while your guide shares the tumultuous history of Kentucky's distilleries and moonshiners throughout the Prohibition era.
What one reviewer said: “Vladimir was a great tour guide! He was super friendly and brought great energy to the tour.
The tour guides at each distillery are all super friendly, and very knowledgeable about that associated distilleries. And of course, the tastings are great!” Geoffrey_K, Jul 2025
5. For Adriatic ambles: Wander through Dubrovnik, Croatia
Catapulted to fame thanks to being featured in Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik has a lot of real history to share, too. Walk through this Dalmatian town as your guide shares about the centuries of maritime history—and countless rulers—of the city, while you enjoy the breeze off the Adriatic Sea and maybe a drink or two.
What one reviewer said: “Our guide was insightful and informative with a sense of humor, which made our walking tour more enjoyable. Highly recommend this tour.” Leanne_O, June 2024
6. For haute couture: Learn about fashion history in Paris, France
Fashion-obsessed travelers rejoice: Paris has a lot to offer in terms of both contemporary design and fashion history. Prove yourself worthy of that designer outfit by arming yourself with the interesting history—full of backstabbing and rivalry—of the big fashion houses that have historically called the City of Light home. Plus, you get to wander through the dreamy streets of Paris and show off your own outfit to the notoriously hard-to-impress Parisian locals.
What one reviewer said: “Ivo was delightful and well-informed, with lots of experience in the Paris fashion industry and history. Took me on the most insightful and interesting tour. Truly the best tour ever for a ‘fashionista’!” Shirley_S, May 2024
7. For LGBTQ+ history: Learn about gay liberation in Vancouver, Canada
Follow the man in pink through the streets of Vancouver for an undercover history lesson of the gay liberation movement in the City of Glass. Hear about how gay and lesbian residents fought for recognition, where they blew off steam at some of the city’s first gay bars, and much more on this half-day gay history tour, all delivered in an engaging way.
What one reviewer said: “Glenn was an amazing storyteller. He really was great at making the stores vivid. It really is a tour worth doing.” Maria_P, May 2024
8. For bucket-listers: Check off the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt
What history buff doesn’t have the Great Pyramid of Giza (Khufu Pyramid) on their bucket list? Add to that a trip to the Egyptian Museum, world-renowned for housing one of the world’s most impressive collections of objects from the ancient world. This authentic history exploration tour with an Egyptologist guide takes the guesswork and negotiation out of the trip to this must-see historical site.
What one reviewer said: “We had a wonderful tour with our guide Fatima. Her knowledge of the history of Cairo and Giza enhanced our experience and created an unforgettable day!” Marnie_K, June 2024
9. For foodies: Dig into culinary history in Rio, Brazil
The way to a person’s heart is often through their stomach, but it might even be the way to their mind, too. This experiential history tour of Rio de Janeiro lets you sample pão de queijo (cheese bread), coxinha (croquettes), and brigadeiro (confections) as well as sip locally made beer and cachaça (a distilled Brazilian spirit made from sugar cane juice)—all with the goal of teaching you about the history of the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City). What’s not to love?
What one reviewer said: “Oh my gosh, this was a most amazing tour. Camila was the best guide we've had. The food was great and the sites she took us to were fabulous.” marlene1966, March 2024
10. For armchair generals: Storm the beaches of Normandy, France
On June 6, 1944, the daring mission called Operation Overlord began, and thousands of Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy to take back Europe from Hitler’s regime. More than 4,000 of those men died on D-Day, and now the beaches of Normandy stand as a World War II memorial. This small-group day trip, with easy transfer from Bayeaux, focuses on the American forces on the battlefield.
What one reviewer said: “This was a wonderful tour. Our tour guide, Marie, was knowledgeable and personable with a reverence for the men who fought and the situations they encountered in Normandy. She was able to bring their stories to life.” Jennifer_A, May 2024
Find more things to do in North America
Keep reading
