Why you should book a history-inspired escorted tour
History-inspired tours get clients closer to the stories behind the images of old
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1. It’s spine-tingling to stand in the spot where history was made
Mary Reynolds is head of product and operations at Andante Travels, which specialises in archaeology and history-focused tours. She is responsible for the design and development of Andante Travels’ worldwide programmes.
Mary Reynolds, head of product and operations, Andante Travels
"Historical tours are designed to allow clients to delve deeper into a destination and develop an understanding of how its past has shaped it, to suit anyone looking for a truly memorable experience.
Every tour is accompanied by an expert guide/lecturer who can draw on knowledge gained from expertise in their field, and special access to areas that aren’t open to the public also provides an opportunity to connect with ancient history in an intimate way, something relatively few people get to experience. About 70% of our guests are solo travellers and there is time for them to pursue their own interests.
Travelling from Luxor to Cairo, the Archaeology of Upper Egypt tour goes beyond the popular tourist route.
Alongside visits to places such as the Valley of the Kings, clients also explore rarely visited sites such as the hilltop tombs of El Kab (pictured main) and take the journey between Esna and Aswan in a traditional dahabiyya boat much like the Victorians did.
When selling historical tours, don’t forget to mention ‘out of the ordinary’ experiences and highlight little-known sites. Piecing history together is both enjoyable and addictive – it’s hard to beat that spine-tingling sensation you feel when you realise you are standing in the very spot where history was made."
Book it: Andante Travels’ 12-day Archaeology of Upper Egypt tour costs £8,695, including flights from London, accommodation including five nights on a dahabiyya and an expert guide. Departing November 17.
andantetravels.co.uk
Geishas ride a rickshaw in Kyoto. Image credit: RGS-IGB
2. The RGS draws from historical archives for extra depth
Charlotte Field joined G Touring in 2018 and became marketing and e-commerce director in 2023. In February, Travelsphere unveiled a series of tours inspired by the archives of the Royal Geographical Society.
Charlotte Field, marketing and e-commerce director, Travelsphere
"History tours differ from standard tours as understanding a destination’s heritage helps to build connections to the communities customers visit. It also provides insight into the local culture and builds a deeper appreciation for the sights and landmarks visited.
Our new collection developed in partnership with the Royal Geographical Society offers tours with an adventurous edge, designed for travellers with an inquisitive mind. The Land of the Rising Sun tour in Japan begins with two nights in Tokyo, where clients can discover the stark contrasts this city has to offer.
Guests follow this with visits to Mount Fuji and Takayama, a bullet train to Kyoto, exploring the history of Hiroshima and finally Osaka.
Prior to departure, customers will receive a tour booklet with a selection of images, maps and stories meaning they can dive into tales of those who mapped their journey centuries ago. Working with the RGS adds extra depth to clients’ travel experience, drawing from historical archives and making the experience
so much richer for guests.
Japan has been one of our fastest-growing destinations in the past 12 months through the trade, with sales up 179%."
Book it: Travelsphere’s 13-day Japan – Land of the Rising Sun tour starts from £5,199, including flights from London, 10 nights’ accommodation, select meals and a specialist guide. Departing November 8, 2026.
travelsphere.co.uk
Arnhem, the Netherlands, in 1945. Image credit: Will Johnston Photography
3. It’s like travelling with a walking, talking encyclopedia
Paul Reed began working as a battlefields guide in 1987 and joined Leger Holidays for its first battlefields tour in April 1997. He also works as a military historian on television and is the author of several books on both world wars.
Paul Reed, head battlefield guide, Leger Holidays
"A battlefield tour brings history to life – clients will get the wider context and walk around the area, but they’ll also discover the fascinating stories of individual soldiers and their experience of war.
A specialist battlefields guide is the key to unlocking what the battlefields represent today.
A guide can show clients things they would never find on their own and share the stories that they have read and researched over many years. It’s like travelling with your own walking, talking historical encyclopedia!
On Leger Holidays’ Last Days of WW2 tour, we follow some of the forgotten battlefields of 1944-45 which were significant in the final weeks of the Second World War in Europe, exploring the battlefields, cemeteries and memorials connected to the stories of those who served and died. This tour, and other Leger battlefield tours, are for any level of knowledge, from those with passing interest or a family connection to the Second World War, to clients passionate about military history who might want to discover more. Tours are popular and often sell out quickly, so it is always advisable to secure a place early.
Interest in military history is growing and we’re seeing large cross-generation group bookings.
Our tours are respectful and, at times, poignant as they bring this important part of history to life."
Book it: Leger Holidays’ seven-day Last Days of WW2 tour starts from £999 including coach travel from the UK with local joining points, six nights’ hotel accommodation and battlefield guide, for departures from July 12-18.
legerbattlefields.co.uk
Main image credit: Shutterstock/Sailingstone Travel
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