History & Culture

Put your best foot forward in a private lesson with Rojo Tango’s world-renowned performers, learning steps to take your skills to the next level and sizzle on the dance floor. Alternatively, for an authentic slice of Buenos Aires nightlife visit a Milonga, or tango dance club. Learn the basics, sit back and watch the Porteños (locals to Buenos Aires) dance and join them on the floor.

Your departure may be timed to coincide with a Tsechu (Buddhist festival), one of the best ways to experience the ancient living culture of Bhutan. Part religious holiday, part social event, local people gather in a spirit of festivity, celebration and deep faith to honour Guru Rinpoche, the saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan.

Join the Zu/’hoasi Bushmen on a captivating bush walk in the Makgadikgadi Pans. Learn about the unique skills they employ to survive in this harsh, arid environment. Observe their hunting techniques, and the native plants used for food and medicinal purposes. Discover their spiritual beliefs, admire their crafts and listen to their unique click greetings.

Salvador offers the traveller a historic melting pot of cultures and African heritage with an incredible colonial background. Wander cobbled streets past pastel coloured buildings in Pelourinho, take in the energetic martial art inspired capoeira dancing, feel the beat of the Olodum drummers and bite into the creole flavours of a moqueca fish stew. This is the true soul of Brazil.

Travel past small villages in the remote Cambodian countryside to discover the archaeological marvel of the Banteay Chhmar temple complex — one of Cambodia’s great national treasures. Enjoy a delicious lunch amid the spectacular 12th-century ruins. This magnificent temple rivals Angkor Wat in grandeur but is one of the country’s best kept secrets.

Ramble through the ancient ruins of the mighty Khmer civilisation, whose 900-year-old temples and structures are some of the most remarkable architectural and artistic accomplishments from the ancient world. Marvel at Angkor Wat, the jungle temple of Ta Prohm and the creative genius of the Bayon.

Following an Indigenous tour of Stanley Park, enjoy Insider Access at a First Nations art gallery, where you’ll meet with an Indigenous art expert for a deeper understanding of the collection. Afterwards, meet Klatle-Bhi, a celebrated local Squamish Nation artist, as they share some of their favourite life stories.

Embark on an inspiring First Nations Medicine Walk in Banff National Park, learning about the plants and trees traditionally used for healing, food or starting a fire. This experience invites you to relate to the landscape in a more conscious way, and appreciate the sophisticated, ancient knowledge of the Indigenous.

Over 3,700 kilometres off the west coast of Chile is the island of Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Standing guard over this exposed triangle of volcanic rock seemingly lost in the South Pacific are hundreds of iconic moai statues. Carved from the island’s volcanic rock, the statues have baffled experts and inspired romantics for centuries.

The Chilean capital of Santiago sits in a dry valley, flanked by the snow-capped Andes. This exuberant city thrives, boasting an eclectic mix of historic architecture, a burgeoning arts scene, museums, handicraft markets, sidewalk cafés, bars and award-winning restaurants. Night owls can enjoy a taste of lively Latino nightlife in hip Bellavista.

Cartagena’s period architecture, pastel colours, horse-drawn carriages and narrow, cobbled streets exude colonial charm. This Caribbean jewel was the first Spanish colony on the South American mainland and one of the main ports of the Spanish fleet. Today, the city draws artists, musicians and travellers in search of a muse.

Coined the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik is renowned for its fortified old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Middle Ages, maritime trade spurred Dubrovnik’s rise to power. Today, the port city’s majestic air endures, featuring prominently in the hit series Game of Thrones. Go on location as you explore the mighty fortresses, towering parapets and meandering alleyways.

Set along a meandering river in the deep south of the Czech Republic, the Bohemian enclave of Cesky Krumlov affords a glimpse into medieval Europe. Step back in time as you climb the castle belltower for a commanding view of the town and surrounding countryside. Then, sample the region’s celebrated beers at a local brewery.

One-time seat of the Habsburg Dynasty, and today capital of the Czech Republic, Prague is home to the Estates Theatre, where Mozart conducted the premiere of Don Giovanni, and the elegant, 14th century Charles Bridge. Its Jewish quarter, once a walled ghetto, further reveals the city’s complex legacy.

A stay in a historic hacienda gives the chance to experience life in colonial times. Take part in ranching activities, explore local markets, stroll through a beautiful rose garden, learn the unique history of these time capsules and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch in a gracious, relaxing setting.

In this vast City of the Dead, 138 magnificent tombs span iconic royals such as Tutankhamun and Ramses V. Prepare to be dazzled by special entry to the burial chamber of Seti I whose colours are as vibrant today as they were 3,000 years ago.

Get up-close to the ancient world’s largest monumental sculpture, with exclusive Insider Access at the Great Sphinx. Stand between the mythical creature’s paws for an unforgettable encounter that will dwarf you. Study the great pyramids of Menkaure, Chephren, and mighty Cheops — the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; towering over the Giza Plateau, this panorama has gripped adventurers for centuries.

Located about 160 kilometres due west of London, Bath is one of the loveliest cities in all of England and the site of the country’s only natural hot springs, prized for their restorative powers since the time of the Celts. Nearby, in the southwest, the idyllic Cotswolds region is known for its rolling hills, winding rivers, picturesque cottages and peaceful villages where many old homes are constructed with the famed Cotswold stone, a honey-coloured limestone found only in local quarries.

Immortalised by master painters and writers, the French countryside farmstead endures as a steadfast cornerstone of the national culture. Set out for a day of fun on an authentic, working farmstead secluded in the French countryside. Here, learn the art of French bread making from your host family, chat with your hosts, stroll around the farm, meet the animals and explore the adjacent woodland.

Between 1940 and 1945, Berlin bore the brunt of 363 Allied bombing raids, driving millions from the city. Those that remained endured a stark existence in the Berliner Unterwelten, a subterranean labyrinth of tunnels, air raid shelters and bunkers. Let your expert guide reveal life in these small chambers as air raid sirens sounded and the rumble of Allied bombers thundered overhead.

Surviving turbulent times in the 20th century, Berlin has steadily become a must-see destination for travellers interested in its historic past and vibrant present. With a dazzling and versatile arts scene, it is home to three world class opera houses, the Philharmonie concert hall and Museum Island where five museums are devoted to archaeology and art.

Encounter the ancient Greek gods as local performers bring them to life in the streets of Athens. With humorous and enthralling storytelling, you’ll savour traditional Greek food and drink as you go along for the ride, with live music for a fully sensory experience.

Embark on an immersion into cultural Hong Kong on this captivating tour. Visit historic Sham Shui Po and the Mei Ho House museum for insight into local life and architecture, pull up a bar stool and savour a locally-made craft beer, and learn the origin story of charismatic Cantonese opera..

Fronting the shores of Iceland’s west coast, the port hub and capital of Reykjavík is a small city big on character. Established around AD 870, it is believed to be Iceland’s first permanent settlement. Today, Reykjavík welcomes guests with its unique architecture, modern design and seaside-chic atmosphere.

The princely state of Rajasthan in India’s north seduces with its opulent forts and imposing monuments showcasing an astonishing blend of Hindu, Jain and Islamic traditions. Desert landscapes and dreamy lakes provide a backdrop for dazzling saris, richly coloured turbans, vibrant festivals and glittering jewels.

Be immersed in the unforgettable spiritual experience of Aarti, a prayer ritual led by saffron-robed gurus at sunset. Set along the banks of the holy Ganges River in Varanasi, hear the prayerful hymns and rhythmic drumming, smell the incense and watch as disciples sway in unison and candles and flowers are set afloat on the river marking the close of another day among their Mother Ganges.

One of the world’s most celebrated monuments, this stunning mausoleum leaves an indelible mark on all who encounter it. Rise early to watch the first rays of dawn bathe the iconic white marble façade in a soft white aura. Return to marvel as the last waves of sunset paint a palette of soft pastels or dramatic oranges and reds, the sky’s canvas deepening as the silhouetted monument fades to black.

Experience a biosphere of wonders at the exquisite Garden of La Foce, considered one of Italy’s most striking private gardens. With spectacular views over the valley of the Orcia and Mount Amiata, learn all about Tuscan architectural and cultural evolution, which reveals itself in the harmony between buildings, garden and nature.

The geisha tradition is a living culture and is as relevant today as it was in 19th century Japan. You can gain fascinating insight into its mysterious customs, attending a magical performance in Kyoto. Savour traditional Japanese cuisine while an attending geiko and maiko dance, sing, pour sake and converse about their intriguing lives.

Explore this time-honoured cultural institution which has been elevated to an art form as a local expert reveals the finer points of serving and enjoying a traditional Japanese tea ceremony within the tranquil surroundings of a serene Kyoto temple.

Chiselled from the imposing red cliffsides some 2,000 years ago, the lost city of Petra snakes its way through a vast, winding gorge. This sprawling complex of dwellings, baths, temples, tombs and markets was built by the Nabataeans and later occupied by the Romans. After the Byzantine era, Petra lay largely forgotten until a Swiss explorer rediscovered it in 1812. Today it stands as Jordan’s most treasured UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The traditions of the Maasai have sustained their people for countless generations, forging a deep bond with the land and its wildlife. Experience for yourself some of these customs as a local tribe member reveals the cultural significance of beading and storytelling. Then, try your hand at the age-old bush skills of fire-making, archery and spear throwing.

Perched beside the fast-flowing waters of the Mekong River amidst the mountains and forest of northern Laos, Luang Prabang exudes a distinctly spiritual vibe. Laid back and quintessentially southeast Asian, this former capital and colony offers visitors an authentic glimpse into a quickly fading era.

Celebrate your arrival in Luang Prabang with a baci ceremony — a traditional ritual of welcome — performed at the UNESCO-listed Heritage House. Featuring music, dance and the tying of ceremonial bracelets, the ritual is believed to centre the spirit and foster good will.

Be welcomed into a local Antandroy village in the south of Madagascar for an encounter with members of the fascinating Antandroy tribe. Learn about their sacred tombs in the spiny forest, age-old burial customs and medicinal plant uses.

Take a traditional boat from Valletta, crossing the waters of Grand Harbour to the Three Cities, whose imposing fortifications tell the fascinating story of Malta’s military history. Senglea’s tidy Gardjola Gardens, with its iconic watchtower, offers panoramic views of magnificent Fort St Angelo and the capital’s lively waterfront.

Few things epitomise the spirit of Morocco like its meandering, inspired medinas and their bustling maze of souks (markets) that lie shoehorned within. Djemaa el-Fna square forms the heart of Marrakech’s iconic medina, its stalls selling spices, handicrafts, clothes and perfume.

Wedged between sheer mountain cliffs and vast Saharan dunes, the Berber villages of the Atlas foothills preserve a traditional way of life that has endured for centuries. Experience authentic interactions with a local family, joining them in their home for traditional Berber bread and mint tea.

The rough waters, roaring winds, strong currents and thick fogs of Namibia’s famed Skeleton Coast have caused many a ship to run aground leaving behind rusted wrecks on the windblown sands. Pick your way through this haunting landscape of bleached whale bones and shipwrecks hearing tales of tragedy, loss and survival.

The Himba are a semi-nomadic people who still follow many of their centuries-old traditions. During a stay in the remote Kunene region, and if the Himba are in the area, you’ll have the rare opportunity of visiting a community to learn about their customs and age-old traditions.

Nestled in the Kathmandu Valley at an altitude of 1,400 metres, Kathmandu is the Nepalese capital and a gateway to the Himalaya and the Annapurna range. The city has more World Heritage-listed sites than any other in the world and the fertile Kathmandu Valley is full of sacred spots and medieval villages like Bhaktapur and Patan.

The Taonga Maori Tour takes you to the heart of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Your hosted cultural tour will weave you through the Maori exhibition spaces displaying New Zealand's unique history through stories and objects, as well as provide behind-the-scenes access to Maori taonga (treasures) close up.

The beauty of an Oslo getaway can be found in its stark contrasts. Balance all the excitement of a capital city, its chic cafés, bars, galleries and boutiques, with beautiful majestic mountains and sparkling seas. A must for history buffs is the Historical Museum, where the history of Nordic Vikings and their far-reaching legacy takes centre stage.

The spiritual traditions of the Andean people have endured for centuries. On a wellness-inspired excursion, your expert guide leads you to a remote site secluded among the mountains in search of a time-honoured spiritual ceremony. A local shaman greets you, then leads a sacred ritual honouring Pachamama, the Andean mother earth deity.

Overlooking the Urubamba River from its remote Andean perch, the 500-year-old citadel of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, holds many secrets. Retrace the footsteps of Inca emperors along pathways through cloud forest and past ancient ruins to Sun Gate, a towering vantage revealing the pride of the Inca empire, Machu Picchu.

Discover the Nabataeans’ second-largest city in Hegra, brimming with spectacular rock-cut tombs, like its Petra counterpart. In the Lihyanite’s former capital, marvel at burial niches guarded by sculpted lions. Navigate the labyrinthine Old Town, inspect age-old inscriptions in archaic languages at Jabal Ikmah and visit the Ottoman-era Al Hijr fort.

Endlessly vast, poetically inspiring and sublimely remote, the Scottish Highlands is a natural playground with a turbulent history. Visit Culloden Moor, the storied battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie suffered his devastating defeat. Then, follow the Great Glen to Loch Ness, and seek out fabled Nessie from the timeworn ramparts of Urquhart Castle.

Edinburgh is the stately and sophisticated capital of Scotland, graced with rustic medieval and Gothic architecture. Looming over the city is majestic Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland’s crown jewels. Wander down the Royal Mile and discover the splendid Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland.

Scotland is the most mountainous region of Great Britain. The beautiful Highlands are an untamed landscape of mountains, lochs and heathery glens, historic castles and famous battle sites. Don’t miss its famous distilleries and the chance to taste some of the world’s finest single malts.

Experience the living heritage that is flamenco. Begin with a warm welcome at a local studio, including a glass of wine and a Spanish tapa, as you listen to an expert guitarist and a singer. Then, take to the floor with a top instructor and learn some of the dance’s simpler steps, along with tips for playing the castanets.

Situated on the central plains of Sri Lanka, the Cultural Triangle is the nucleus of early Sinhalese civilisation, centred around the great cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, whose impressive monuments still serve as powerful reminders of that golden age. The other three World Heritage sites are the majestic rock fortress of Sigiriya, the cave complex of Dambulla and the sacred city of Kandy.

Explore hidden gardens, shrines and residential communities in old Bangkok — home to a glittering array of temples, palaces and ancient architecture. Discover hidden landscapes of serenity, as well as old merchant’s houses, eclectic street art and rice barns.

Chiang Rai is well known for its wild mountain scenery and many hill tribes. It affords an ideal base from which to explore the temples of the Golden Triangle, the fascinating culture and customs of the different hill tribes and the region’s iconic cuisine.

Explore İstanbul’s largest Basilica Cistern, a cavernous underground space with a fascinating history. Its atmosphere and sheer grandeur are breathtaking, and it makes a great retreat in summer. Wander along the 336 columns and spy the Roman Medusa heads, while schools of carp zig zag in the waters below.

Flanking an azure Aegean bay, Izmir’s bustling bazaars belie the weight of antiquity hidden just below the port city’s surface. Delving into the depths of a vast archaeological site, your guide reveals the Ionian ruins of Ephesus, the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean. Marvel at sprawling frescoes frozen in time, their fascinating scenes of daily life affording insight into an empire lost to the ages.

Join local villagers for a traditional Turkish dinner in a family garden. After a visit to a mosque you’ll sit down to a meal cooked from fresh produce and learn more about life along the Aegean coast. During the evening, artisans will be on hand to show you the intricacies of silk carpet weaving.

Obscured by the city’s neon flash, discover a secret world of hidden gems waiting to be explored on this unique exploration. Stop for coffee in a park where locals congregate to show off their prized pet birds, shop in a fragrant flower market and delve into the city’s wartime history as you uncover a secret weapons depot. No day is complete without a bowl of pho from a favourite local haunt.

Immerse yourself with the people of Hue, learning all about their traditional lifestyle, culture and cuisine at an historic garden estate. Discover the antiques, the leafy gardens and the stunning half-moon lotus pond. Spend time with the charismatic owner, learning about the history of the houses and their place in Hue society.

Trek across Vietnam’s northern highlands where lush mountains and terraced rice fields are dotted with remote ethnic communities. Meet villagers of Tay, Hmong and Xa Pho hill tribes and admire their distinctive costumes and architecture, then retreat to a comfortable, yet rustic lodge overlooking tiered green rice terraces.