History Trips in Europe

This itinerary shows Germany's cities, and precisely what they have to offer. You'll tipple to your hearts content in the beer gardens of Munich, see the magnificent architecture of Dresden—much of it restored since the fall of communism—before finishing up in Berlin, the design center of Germany and home to many of its modern architectural masterworks.

This Trip's Top Experiences:

• History
• Food and Wine
• Art and Culture
• Architecture

Many people come to Turkey to see the stunning ruins, while others are drawn by the siren call of the beaches. This itinerary, starting and ending in Istanbul, will satisfy both, and you'll see some of the greatest preserved ancient sites in Turkey. Some happen to be nestled along beaches, and others are just a short detour from a boat ride and sunshine.

This Trip's Top Experiences:

• Archaeology
• Beaches
• Architecture
• History
• Natural Beauty

This itinerary shows that there is some fine walking afoot in England and Wales. It starts in the Lake District, famous for its varied hikes and beautiful mountains, moves to the grand house gardens and rugged trails of the Peak District, and finishes on the ground of Wales' windswept castles. For travelers who like to take it slow, this trip is a fine way to explore distinctive British landscapes.

This Trip's Top Experiences:

• Architecture
• Natural Beauty
• History

This itinerary—ideal for train travel—hits three of central Europe's artiest capitals. You'll see the modern treasures of Berlin, the Baroque beauty of Dresden (Saxony's capital), and the time-honored splendor of Prague.

This Trip's Top Experiences:

• Great Train Ride
• Architecture
• History
• Art and Culture

The hills are alive in this itinerary! Experience the charms of Vienna and Zurich along with the classic mountainside towns of Innsbruck, Interlaken, and Luzern. The route is easy to follow by rail.

This Trip's Top Experiences:

• Art and Culture
• Natural Beauty
• History
• Great Train Ride

To satisfy your deepest craving for Old World atmosphere, this itinerary explores the picturesque and beautiful provinces that straddle the border between Germany and France. From the Bavarian capital of Munich, we head west through Heidelberg and Baden-Baden's old-fashioned German castles and spa. Then to Strasbourg, an irresistible mix of medieval houses and modern Parliament buildings. Finish by tippling your way down the Alsatian Wine Road.

This Trip's Top Experiences:

• Food and Wine
• Art and Culture
• History

The southern islands of Crete and the Dodecanese are full of superlative experiences: a lost civilization, deep gorges, Crusader's castles, and isolated beaches. This itinerary will take you through all of them, beginning and ending in Athens.

This Trip's Top Experiences:

• Natural Beauty
• Food and Wine
• Archaeology
• History

This itinerary showcases some of the best that Portugal has to offer, at a relaxed pace. Start your journey exploring Lisbon, before heading north to discover hilltop towns, castles, and fishing villages. Burn off all the rustic food by hiking in the massive Serra da Estrela, and don't miss the port-making region before heading south again to Lisbon and back home.

This Trip's Top Experiences:

• Food and Wine
• Architecture
• History
• Shopping
• Nightlife

It would take a lifetime to explore all that France has to offer, but this itinerary highlights some of the key regions. Kick off your trip in Paris, to take in the architecture, art, and food. Then wend your way south to Dijon and visit the vineyards of Burgundy before stopping in Provence to see the landscape that inspired Van Gogh. Finish your trip sunning yourself along the French Riviera, exploring the big cities and remote villages. Finally, make your way back to Paris before flying home.

This Trip's Top Experiences:

• Food and Wine
• Art and Culture
• History
• Beaches

This trip, true to its moniker, gives you all the best of the Netherlands and Belgium. Start among Amsterdam's canals, see the seaside by The Hague, and check out Rotterdam's busy nightlife. In Belgium, you'll see Brugge's medieval splendor, the artistry of Ghent, and the street life of Brussels before heading home.

This Trip's Top Experiences:

• History
• Food and Wine
• Natural Beauty
• Nightlife
• Architecture

This itinerary goes up Norway's famed west coast, all the way to the Europe's northernmost point. Fjords, bears, sea eagles, arctic cathedrals, and shipbuilding—you'll find it all on this wild voyage.

This Trip's Top Experiences:

• Natural Beauty
• Architecture
• History

This tried-and-true river cruise itinerary takes you through a long cross-section of Europe. Touching the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland, it allows you to experience the Rhine's best, from the leafy canals of Amsterdam to the contemporary art mecca of Basel.

This Trip's Top Experiences:

• Natural Beauty
• History
• Great River Cruise
• Architecture
• Art and Culture

Looking for a royal flush? This itinerary takes in royal themed sites in Portugal and Spain. You'll follow in the footsteps of kings, queens, and royal explorers, visiting castles, monasteries, and palaces. Start in Lisbon and Sintra before heading to Spain to explore Madrid, Segovia, and Toledo. It's not all palaces and churches, though; we've included plenty of cultural and food stops as well as the occasional nature break.

This Trip's Top Experiences:

• Art and Culture
• Architecture
• Food and Wine
• History

This trip focuses on the best of Germany's southern region. From the bustling beer gardens of Munich to the financial buzz of Frankfurt, along the way you'll see the old-fashioned pomp of Augsburg, the scholarly focus of Heidelberg, and the perfectly preserved streets of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

This Trip's Top Experiences:

• Art and Culture
• Food and Wine
• Museums
• History
• Nightlife

This itinerary takes you to three of Spain's greatest destinations: Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville. Each city has its own charm and attractions. You'll take in art museums and architecture, as well as superb cuisine—with plenty of time for breaks in parks or the beach. Best of all, these cities are linked by high speed trains.

This Trip's Top Experiences:

• History
• Architecture
• Museums
• Food and Wine

Beginning in London, this trip highlights some of the quintessential attractions and cities in both England and Ireland. You'll see treasures ancient and new, from the Tower of London and the Roman spas at Bath to the Book of Kells and one of Ireland's liveliest cities.

This Trip's Top Experiences:

• History
• Food and Wine
• Art and Culture
• Architecture

Turkey is a cultural crossroads where the world's major three religions (Islam, Christianity, and Judaism) have coexisted for centuries. It's not uncommon to see a mosque next to an ancient church or synagogue. On this trip, you'll explore some of the most important religious sites in Turkey. Keep in mind that Turkey's bus network is more comprehensive than its train network.

This Trip's Top Experiences:

• Archaeology
• History
• Natural Beauty

This itinerary gives the best of what Austria has to offer—and some bonus Bavaria. After Vienna, head west through the gingerbread towns of Dürnstein and Bad Ischl, then to Salzburg, Mozart's birthplace and stomping grounds, and finally to Munich's beer gardens and Bavarian beauty. From classic operas to lemon sponge cake and cathedrals, you'll get a real taste of Hapsburgian grandeur.

This Trip's Top Experiences:

• History
• Food and Wine
• Art and Culture