The Oldest Religious Sites You Can Visit With Culture Trip

The Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza might take the headlines when it comes to tourism in Egypt, but you could argue that the ancient city of Luxor is the most historically significant part of the whole country. The temples of Luxor and Karnak were seen as two of the holiest sites in all of Egypt, where priests and pharaohs would worship the gods. Luxor Temple saw several famous Pharaohs come and go, adding their own Nubian sandstone structures to the complex. The original temple is thought to be a remarkable 3,443 years old (approx.), making what remains today surprisingly well-preserved. The site is best visited at night, under the glow of candlelight, with the atmospheric Avenue of Sphinxes leading you to the temple entrance. That’s exactly how you’ll experience Luxor Temple on day four of our comprehensive Egypt tour. That very same morning you’ll also check out Karnak Temple, Luxor’s baby brother at a mere 2,000+ years old.

This ancient Buddhist temple, thought to date back to the sixth century, is one of the only cave temples in all of South Korea. The idea of grotto temples was more common in India, and it is said that the monk who built Golgulsa was inspired by those in South Asia. On our 10-day Korean epic you’ll even get the chance to stay here. Korean temple stays have become a popular tourist experience, as travellers are given the opportunity to learn about Buddhist monk culture first hand. You’ll take archery lessons, work on meditation chants and try out the martial art of Sunmudo during your time here.