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History & culture expert recommendations
+44 (0)1653 617001
History & culture expert recommendations
+44 (0)1653 617001

History & culture holidays across the UK and Europe

Our routes take you through some of the UK and Europe’s most historically and culturally rich destinations. Castles, medieval towns, museums, Roman forts, art galleries, and ancient pilgrim’s trails – these are just a few of the places you visit en route. At Inntravel, we uncover not only the most inspiring landscapes, but also the most enriching, intriguing cultural experiences.

Watch Travel Expert James as he shares his passion for a walking holiday taking in history and culture and explains why with Inntravel is about so much more than just a walk.

Our expert's view

"Inntravel holidays are about so much more than the walking. It's about the opportunity to really get under the skin of a destination, and that could be everything from the food, the language, the music, the culture & the architecture. They cover so many things and vary so much from one area to another. The Inntravel notes will help you uncover that."

- James Keane, Destination Expert

Walk through history

Walk in the steps of history | From the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy to the castles and vineyards of Alsace, each route brings you closer to the stories behind the landscapes.
Authentic experiences | Pause in a historic squares, admire local artisans at work, or meet an innkeeper whose family has lived in the region for generations.
Paths shaped by generations | Walk trails used by farmers, traders, and pilgrims over hundreds of years.
Comfort and insight | Stay in carefully selected hotels, many with historic charm, and enjoy evenings filled with regional food in centuries-old inns.

Legendary tales

  • The superb acoustics of the 4th century BC theatre in Epidavros; the ancient city of Olympia, whose centrepiece is the Temple of Zeus, complete with sculpted panels depicting the labours of Hercules; the cave that is one of the mythological entrances to Hades; the forbidding Bronze Age citadel of Mycenae; the Byzantine town of Mystras… these are just a few highlights of a holiday in the Peloponnese, an enticing region where many civilisations left their mark. Even on the walks, the sense of history is palpable – you follow ancient paved kalderímia, some of them 3,000 years old!
  • Our walking holiday in western Crete may be among the more demanding routes in our selection, but you will still have plenty of opportunity to take in the island’s rich history. Ancient cities, tales of marauding pirates, Venetian fortresses and frescoed churches, along with reminders of the Cretan-Turko wars (1822-1908) and the more recent German occupation during WWII, add an intriguing extra dimension to the walks through rugged mountains, spectacular gorges and along the coast.
  • Linking Seville, Córdoba and Granada, our A Trail of Three Cities train journey is essentially a discovery of the legacy of the Moors, who ruled for almost 800 years until well into the 15th century. The monuments they built – the Giralda and Alcázar in Seville, the great colonnaded Mezquita in Córdoba, and Granada’s iconic Alhambra – testify to their great craftsmanship; the intricacy of the tiles and stucco decoration is amazing. The detailed notes which we provide to guide you through the streets bring each city’s history alive for you, from the expulsion of the Jews to Seville’s conquistador links.
  • The joy of a holiday in Puglia, Italy’s ‘heel’, comes in wandering through the distinctly southern towns and the surrounding sea of olive groves, stumbling across treasures that tend not to feature in guide books. Menhirs, dolmens and even the well-preserved remains of a Palaeolithic woman in labour, testify to the fact that the area has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Since then, the Romans, Greeks, Byzantines, Normans and Aragonese have all left their mark. Not to be missed is Lecce, whose Roman amphitheatre is juxtaposed with its Baroque architecture.
  • Cyprus has one of the longest recorded histories in the world, and its archaeological sites vie for your attention with the panoramic paths across the pine-clad mountain slopes in the heart of the island and the enchanting Akamas Peninsula in the north-west corner. The two most important sites are Kourion, where mosaics abound, and Nea Pafos, a huge complex containing monuments from prehistoric to medieval times, but there are plenty of other sites too, including the ‘tombs of the kings’, complete with Doric columns, and places connected to the cult of Aphrodite.
  • The holidays above aren’t the only ones with a strong emphasis on history. Other holidays which you might like to consider include: Sicily which was ruled in past centuries by Elymians, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Normans; Lake Constance, at the heart of Europe, where you can visit medieval towns and museums devoted to Bronze Age settlers and Zeppelin airships; and the Soča Valley, which is home to a fascinating World War I museum focusing on the nearby Isonzo Front. Closer to home, Jersey and Guernsey are also good choices.
  • Often closely related to a region’s history are its architectural treasures. If you’re looking for other holiday ideas in areas with a rich architectural heritage, we recommend Burgundy, where the vineyards hide Renaissance châteaux, an ancient pharmacy and the intricately tiled hospice in historic Beaune; the Pont du Gard, testimony to the Romans’ engineering prowess; the Aracena Sierra in Andalucia, where seemingly every village, however small, boasts an architectural gem; and On the Waterfront, visiting Lisbon, Coimbra and Porto.

Top picks for history and culture

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Step into centuries of history

Away from tourist hotspots, these walking holidays take you through regions where history is part of the landscape; be it Tuscany's medieval villages to Sintra's palace-studded hills.

  • Some routes are more than just beautiful walks - From Baroque abbeys to WWII beaches, and vineyard-covered hills to Roman aqueducts, these routes bring a region's history to life. 

    They're ideal if you:

    • Enjoy the discovery, not just ticking off landmarks.
    • Appreciate comfort and a good meal after a day exploring.
    • Are fascinated by an area's history, architecture, and traditions.
    • Want to experience places where life still moves at a slower pace.
  • Our 40 years of experience means we’ve built relationships with local guides and guesthouse owners who are more than happy to share their knowledge with Inntravellers. 

    With detailed route notes, luggage transfers, and hand-picked hotels, you can focus on discovering rather than planning. 

    Walk Normandy’s D-Day Beaches, France – Explore the key landing sites, coastlines, and countryside while immersing yourself in the history of one of the 20th century’s defining moments.

    The Wachau World Heritage Trail, Austria – Wander the Danube Valley from Dürnstein to Melk, passing medieval towns, hill-top castles, and Baroque abbeys, with vineyards and river views along the way.

    To the Pont du Gard, South of France – Meander through gently undulating Mediterranean hills, discover Roman monuments, and savour local market produce in timeless villages.
  • Since 1984, we’ve been refining routes to showcase the historical and cultural heart of Europe. Every route highlights the region’s heritage by walking and exploring Baroque abbeys, Roman aqueducts, medieval castles, or WWII landmarks. Many itineraries include visits to museums, artisan workshops, and medieval villages, giving you insight into local culture and traditions.

    The beauty of going self-guided also means you can take your time to visit the museums and landmarks that interest you, and spend as much time as you wish there. There's no group to hurry you along or hold you back.
  • We offer 24-hour support for peace of mind.
    • Walking grades and daily distances are clearly explained so you can choose a route that suits your pace.
    • We provide seasonal recommendations to make sure you experience these regions at their best.
    • Luggage transfers and high-quality accommodation all sorted so you can concentrate on the experience.
  • These holidays are generally graded from easy to moderate. Most days involve 10-15km of walking on well-maintained trails, gentle hills, and historic paths. Routes are designed for enjoyment, with plenty of stops at points of interest.
  • While some walking is involved, the pace is relaxed and flexible. You can tailor your day with shorter options or additional sightseeing. Our detailed route notes clearly explain terrain, distances, and any ascents, so you can choose a holiday that matches your ability.
  • Our holidays are planned around the best time of year to travel to each region.  Spring and early summer bring wildflowers and mild temperatures, while autumn offers harvest festivals, changing leaves, and quieter trails.

Forts & follies

  • Of the three countries featured on our Nordic Cities Explorer touring holiday, two – Denmark and Sweden – are monarchies. Cue a profusion of palaces, particularly in Stockholm, where you’ll find no fewer than fourteen – including the Royal Palace and the parliament buildings – within Gamla Stan, the city’s iconic medieval quarter, and neighbouring Riddarholmen. While Sweden’s Royal Palace boasts the largest number of rooms of any royal residence still in use (a staggering 600), the main residence of the Danish royal family, the Amalienborg Palace, is the country’s greatest example of Rococo architecture. Just as worthy of a visit are Copenhagen’s star-shaped Kastellet, and Rosenborg Castle, set in immaculate gardens. What Helsinki lacks in castles – it has just two: the simplistic yet majestic Presidential Palace, and the island fortress of Suomenlinna – it makes up for in the thrilling contrast between its cutting-edge design quarter and its grand architecture, ranging from opulent Neoclassical buildings to Uspenski Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in western Europe.
  • Innsbruck, Salzburg and Vienna are different in character. Innsbruck is dominated by mountains, while cosmopolitan Salzburg is dominated by music – it is, after all, Mozart’s city. Graceful Vienna feels different again. One thing they do have in common is an abundance of castles and palaces, including the Hofburg Palace with its opulent Giants’ Hall, and Archduke Ferdinand II’s Renaissance Schloss Ambras in Innsbruck; Salzburg’s Schloss Mirabell (in whose gardens several scenes from The Sound of Music were filmed) and Festung Hohensalzburg, the largest completely preserved fortress in central Europe; the Hofburg in Vienna, from which the Habsburgs ruled for over seven centuries, and, also in the capital, Schloss Schönbrunn, a celebration of Baroque architecture. It was in the Hall of Mirrors here that a 6-year-old Mozart played for Empress Maria-Theresa.
  • It was the elaborate murals in his childhood home, the yellow Neo-Gothic castle of Hohenschwangau in Bavaria, that kindled Ludwig II’s passion for the Middle Ages. Neighbouring Neuschwanstein was one of three castles he commissioned in his lifetime, and is the most whimsical, with fairy-tale turrets and a fantastically adorned minstrels’ gallery, not to mention a suitably quixotic location above a wooded gorge. If it looks strangely familiar, it’s because it featured in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. You can visit both castles as you walk or cycle amid Bavaria’s equally romantic landscapes. To see them at their quietest, visit in winter (we offer a holiday for non-skiers here).
  • In terms of proliferation of châteaux, the Loire Valley (dubbed the Vallée des Rois because of its popularity among kings) is unrivalled. On our Chateaux & Vineyards walk and Châteaux of the Loire cycle, you can visit between three and five over the course of your holiday. Ranging from the imposing fortified château at Chinon to small, but perfectly formed, Azay-le-Rideau, they are all so different, with such intriguing (and often grisly) histories, that they really add to your holiday. But, fascinating as they are, do not overlook the villages themselves, or the wine!
  • Thanks to Shakespeare, who chose Kronborg as the setting for Hamlet, this remarkable Renaissance castle has been forever linked with the legendary Danish prince, and the Bard’s most famous play is performed here every summer. It is not the only castle built by Danish kings in the area: Fredensborg is known as the ‘Danish Versailles’ and still serves as the royal summer residence, while Frederiksborg, set in superbly manicured gardens, is the largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia, and is all the more impressive approached by boat across its lake.
  • Gathered together as if for a beauty pageant, the palaces and mansions in and around Sintra in western Portugal are flamboyant and ostentatious, each trying to outdo the others with their turrets, octagonal towers, ornate colonnades, brightly coloured domes, intricate azulejos (tiles) and luxuriant gardens. With such architectural treasures taking centre stage, the walking, though enjoyable, is relegated to the wings – these are places that you will want to linger, admiring the elaborate architecture and manicured grounds.
  • There is so much history in Castile, from age-old transhumance routes, to medieval towns that seem hardly to have changed over time, and from Segovia’s huge Roman aqueduct (one of the best preserved in the world, despite not a drop of mortar having been used), to the magnificent castles. Our rail journey linking Segovia, Salamanca and Madrid – on which you will be transported back to Spain’s Golden Age thanks to our detailed cultural notes – takes in the turreted castle which reputedly inspired Walt Disney, as well as the grand royal palace in the capital.
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