The Best Ancient City Trips in Europe

Explore the many ancient places to visit in Turkey on this small group, 12-day adventure. Discover the architectural treasures lining the streets of Istanbul, showcasing the Ottoman, Byzantine and Roman empires. Take a seat at the remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre in Aspendos. And marvel at the Bronze Age Kingdom of Hattusas before bedding down in an opulent cave hotel. When you awake, take in Cappadocia’s troglodyte dwellings from above on an early morning hot-air balloon ride.

Take a tour through ancient Rome, snap a selfie with Ponte Vecchio, and stuff your face with parma ham as you behold the Duomo di Milano on this nine-day Rail Trip through Italy. If the mention of food piques your interest, you’re in for a treat: visits to ancient European cities including Modena and Como are interrupted for a feast of freshly pulled pasta and swirl glasses in the Chianti wine region.

Unearth ancient places to visit along the stunning Amalfi Coast on this 10-day adventure through Southern Italy. Dig into traditional Italian bread at an Altamura bakery, then sleep off the carbs in a limestone cave guesthouse in the ancient hilltop town of Matera. Come morning, meander past Alberobello’s traditional conical-roofed dwellings and through Locorotondo’s labyrinth of whitewashed alleys on an e-bike. Prefer something more elaborate? You’ll love the baroque architecture of Lecce, also known as the Florence of the South.