The Best Ancient City Trips in Europe

| © iStock / Getty Images Plus
Nick Dauk

Senior Travel Writer

Book an ancient city adventure and go back in time with these unbelievable trips.

Europe’s cosmopolitan capitals may look and feel lively and modern, but dig deeper and you’ll discover the ancient cities of history books. This blend of old and new lets you eat pasta beside Rome’s Colosseum, admire Athens’ Acropolis while walking to the cinema, and stroll Dubrovnik’s walled city in search of a cliff bar. Unlock millennia of not-so-hidden European history on these exciting ancient city Culture Trips.

Spring Sale
Hot Air Balloon Rides In Cappadocia At Sunrise

Ride a hot-air balloon over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia in Turkey

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.

From US$2798

Next available from 5th Jul 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Istanbul, Turkey

arrow pointing to the right

ENDS AT

Antalya, Turkey

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

18

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

info icon

STYLE

Discovery

info icon
Spring Sale
The picturesque Oia village at sunrise with blue domes and views of the sea

Take a legendary cruise from Athens to the Cyclades in Greece

Ancient Greece is the stuff of literary and historical legend, and you’ll have a chance to see some of the most iconic ruins in the country on this eight-day ancient city trip. The journey starts with a crowd-beating early-morning visit to the spellbinding Acropolis in Athens. Snapping photos of the Parthenon is a bucket-list experience in itself, and that’s all before you hop around the islands of Milos, Naxos and Santorini.

From US$2039

Next available from 28th Apr 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Athens, Greece

arrow pointing to the right

ENDS AT

Athens, Greece

DURATION

9

GROUP SIZE

18

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

info icon

STYLE

Discovery

info icon
Spring Sale
Man looking over the city from a cave in Matera, also known as the Stone City

Experience living history along the Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy

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.

From US$2623

Next available from 27th Apr 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Naples, Italy

arrow pointing to the right

ENDS AT

Lecce, Italy

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

14

PHYSICAL RATING

Easy

info icon

STYLE

Discovery

info icon

Angela Symons, Louis Rabinowitz, Emma Gibbins and Richard Collett contributed to this article.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
close-ad
Edit article