History Train & Rail Journeys Tours & Trip Packages

History Train & Rail Journeys Tours & Trips

3,529 History trips. Tours from 490 tour companies. 17,070 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating.

144 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Train & Rail Journeys
Highlights of Switzerland
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bern, Grindelwald, Lucerne, Mt. Pilatus, Zurich

Highlights

  • Visit two medieval cities, Zürich and Bern, both laced with history.
  • Head to the Top of Europe at Jungfraujoch to admire the Bernese Alps.
  • Visit a traditional cheesemaker to learn how Emmental gets its holes.
  • Ride the world’s steepest cogwheel train to the top of Pilatus Kulm.
  • Journey on the GoldenPass panoramic train through some of Switzerland’s most inspiring scenery.

Themes

Birding, Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Train & Rail Journeys

What travelers are saying

"It's hard to describe how lucky we are to have been able to work with Stephanie in planning our honeymoon to Japan. From the very beginning, Stephanie was friendly, flexible, and an absolute wealth of knowledge. We had several meetings with her leading up to our trip to come up with the perfect itinerary. Throughout this, Stephanie was mindful of our budget, without sacrificing anything. During our trip, Audley was available at all hours to help with anything and everything which was such a relief to know we had that resource available to us. I truly cannot imagine having planned this trip without all of Stephanie's guidance and knowledge- and cannot imagine taking another big trip like this without the help of Audley. Thank you again!"

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Trans-Siberian Railway from Beijing to Moscow
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Irkutsk, Kazan, Lake Baikal, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Ulaanbaatar

Highlights

  • Witness demonstrations of traditional Mongolian wrestling, archery and horsemanship
  • Ride the Old Railway along UNESCO-listed Lake Baikal
  • Visit classic sites in Moscow such as Red Square and the Kremlin’s Armory Museum

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

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Japan's Cultural Treasures
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3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Hakone, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Tokyo

Highlights

  • Visit the seventh-century Asakusa Kannon Temple
  • The trip to Hakone, located about 50 miles west of Tokyo.
  • Hakone is beloved by the Japanese for its hot-spring resorts, mountains, lakes, and historical sites
  • Visit Hamamatsuya, a workshop specializing in wooden handcrafts.
  • Visit one of the many houses of Kanazawa where the samurai—Japan's famed class of noble warriors—once lived
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Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys, Religious

What travelers are saying

"This letter is effectively what was communicated no less than 8 times in writing and conversation to OAT representatives up the chain, beginning 19 days before the trip. OAT was IMMOVABLE on allowing us to find an alternative travel companion and it was 100% due to rigid policy, not real barriers. We never expected a refund and wouldn't have blamed them if we could not fill my spot. They refused to even give us the opportunity. Appalling and sadly representative of their customer service. Congratulations, you lost two customers and one long time referral source. I only think it is fair that folks know the nature of the company at this point. An absolute shame. As a dedicated Edmund Hillary member of OAT with a history of introducing countless friends to your service including 4 who booked trips, I am writing to express my deep concern over the handling of our Galapagos trip booking in light of a recent medical emergency. This situation not only highlights significant gaps in customer communication and care but also underscores the need for immediate, effective action. Timeline of Events and Communication Issues: Initial Contact on 11/22: We contacted OAT 19 days before the trip, scheduled for 12/11, as soon as it became clear that extended surgical complications would prevent my travel. Policy of No Refunds or Changes Under 30 Days: We were informed that the trip is non-refundable under 30 days, which is understood. However, OAT also refused to allow a replacement traveler, posing zero risk to the company. Both of us called, met with the same response. Response from Exceptions Department on 11/22: The no-change policy was reiterated by the Exceptions Department on the same day. Written Escalation on 11/22: Both parties sent written letters to escalate the matter. Delayed Response Until 11/29: We did not receive any response until 11/29, with OAT mentioning the inability to make changes 12 days before the trip. Policy vs. Practical Reasons: The response seemed more policy-based than practical. We offered to cover the cost for a replacement traveler for the internal Galapagos flight, which was declined. The rep always returned to the policy prohibiting it. She further added we do not sell trips within 30 days. Upon looking the next day, I found no less than 7 different itineraries with no less than 13 different trips that I could have booked within 30 days. Further Escalation Request and Conversation on 11/30: A further request for escalation resulted in a 23-minute conversation on 11/30 without any change. Given these circumstances, I propose the following practical solution: Future Travel Credit in Exchange for Re-Selling My Space: If finding a substitute traveler is unfeasible, I suggest OAT resell my space to another interested party, crediting me for a future trip. This solution aligns with my preference and ongoing loyalty to OAT. The lack of a constructive response and rigid adherence to policy without considering exceptional circumstances is alarming. It not only affects this immediate trip but also impacts my ability to continue advocating for OAT in good conscience. An amicable and prompt resolution to this issue would speak volumes about OAT's commitment to customer satisfaction and flexibility. Unless there is a prompt and constructive resolution to this matter, we will be forced to escalate our concerns further. This includes reaching out to higher management within OAT, engaging with consumer protection agencies, sharing our experience through travel forums, and social media for breach of service. Our preference is to resolve this amicably, yet the current trajectory leaves us little choice but to pursue these avenues. I implore you to seriously consider these options and respond in a manner that reflects OAT's values of empathy and customer support. Your immediate attention to this matter is not only appreciated but necessary for a resolution that respects both parties' interests. Thank you for your understanding and prompt attention to this critical issue."

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Heart of Wales & England
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Caernarfon Castle, Cardiff, London, Snowdonia National Park, Stonehenge

Highlights

  • Explore Cardiff Castle Welsh Banquet, spend an unforgettable evening of Welsh hospitality in the historic surroundings of Cardiff Castle, which dates back centuries.
  • Enjoy the very best of Welsh food, with complimentary wine, entertainment and the warmest of welcomes from your hosts.
  • Visit St.Pauls Cathedral, London With its world-famous dome, this building by Sir Christopher Wren is an iconic feature of the London skyline.
  • Visit Stonehenge is probably the most important prehistoric monument in the whole of Britain.
  • See the Roman Baths & Pump Room Around Britain’s only hot springs, the Romans built the finest religious spa in northern Europe.
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"I waited 20 years for my dream trip to Scotland and Ireland and splurged $7000 on this tour. The second half of touring Ireland was great, the first portion in Scotland was horrendous. The tour guide for Scotland made sexual advances and inappropriate comments to me and I had to cautiously avoid him and stay with the group to not have any interaction with him. I also sustained an injury on the bus, caused by the driver, which I had to report to CIE myself. I filed a complaint with a CIE customer service manager when I returned and learned that another woman also filed a complaint regarding the tour guide (2 women from the same tour!) CIE has not responded from the initial report over a month ago and have DONE NOTHING!!! This sexual predator is still working as a tour guide for them which is a screaming indicator regarding the sexual harassment investigations and policy enforcement for this company. Beware if you are a single woman and are looking to book with CIE, there are better options and I strongly recommend you avoid this company!!"

Trip dates & details
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Highlights of Britain
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cardiff, Edinburgh, Lake District, London, Stonehenge

Highlights

  • Visits and admissions to Windsor Castle
  • Travel through the glorious Lake District, associated with the children’s author
  • Explore central Edinburgh Castle
  • Explore Devon & Cornwall
  • Visit St Andrews, famously known as the “Home of Golf” and location of Scotland’s oldest university
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"I waited 20 years for my dream trip to Scotland and Ireland and splurged $7000 on this tour. The second half of touring Ireland was great, the first portion in Scotland was horrendous. The tour guide for Scotland made sexual advances and inappropriate comments to me and I had to cautiously avoid him and stay with the group to not have any interaction with him. I also sustained an injury on the bus, caused by the driver, which I had to report to CIE myself. I filed a complaint with a CIE customer service manager when I returned and learned that another woman also filed a complaint regarding the tour guide (2 women from the same tour!) CIE has not responded from the initial report over a month ago and have DONE NOTHING!!! This sexual predator is still working as a tour guide for them which is a screaming indicator regarding the sexual harassment investigations and policy enforcement for this company. Beware if you are a single woman and are looking to book with CIE, there are better options and I strongly recommend you avoid this company!!"

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New Zealand Adventure
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3.5/5 Great
30 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Abel Tasman National Park, Mount Cook, Nelson, Queenstown

Highlights

  • Sea kayak among dolphins and fur seals on the coast of Abel Tasman National Park.
  • Trek across Franz Josef Glacier, exploring the maze of crevasses and towering icefalls.
  • Go tubing through caves lit up by glowworms.
  • Stargaze and watch for wildlife on an overnight cruise in glorious Milford Sound.

Themes

50 plus, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Train & Rail Journeys, Sailing

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

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Trans-Siberian Rail Journey
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3.5/5 Great
30 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Moscow

Highlights

  • Discover the evocative choral music and unique culture of Buryat’s Old Believers.
  • Trace the shores of Lake Baikal, and stop for tea in a family home.
  • Attend musical performances, including a concert at the Decembrist House Museum in Irkutsk.
  • In Moscow, take an in-depth tour of the Kremlin, and meet a Russian cosmonaut.

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning, Train & Rail Journeys

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

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India by Rail Photo Expedition
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3.5/5 Great
30 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Amber Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur, Jama Masjid, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Taj Mahal, Udaipur

Highlights

  • Capture sunrise and sunset over the Taj Mahal, and go on photo shoots at five other UNESCO World Heritage sites.
  • Photograph the fairy-tale marble palaces of Udaipur's Lake Pichola by boat, and take a sunset camel safari among the sweeping dunes of the Thar Desert.
  • Search for tigers in Ranthambhore National Park, and for rare birds and other wildlife in Keoladeo National Park.
  • Document the dazzling energy of the Jaisalmer Desert Festival, a celebration of color, music, and Rajasthani folk culture

Themes

Education / Learning, Train & Rail Journeys, Photography

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

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144 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Train & Rail Journeys

History Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
17,070  Reviews
See all History tour reviews
Excellent
7,300
Great
2,695
Average
504
Disappointing
136
Terrible
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A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

postscript

Sorry, I meant to add that Exodus should perhaps delete the reference to the "library" on the cruise from the Trip Notes. The library consisted of 16 dog-eared bo...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Nile Cruise

This was a wonderful trip - I enjoyed it enormously. Visit to the temples at Karnak & Luxor Khaled Lotfy was an excellent & inspirational group leader. He ...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

History in the Heat

I've always been interested in Egyptian history and when friends suggested joining this holiday I booked straight away. And it didn't disappoint. Seeing & bein...

A

Anonymous

Feb 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Nile Cruise

I do not have a very long 'bucket list', in fact Egypt is the only destination on it and this holiday did not disappoint. From the flight to Cairo to the flight ho...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Nile Cruise and Pyramids

This was a wonderful trip. It was very exciting to get our first glimpse of the Pyramids which were only a short ride from the airport. There was a few early mor...

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History Tour Selection Trips

Travel Tips for Historical Travel Tours

A historical travel tour offers an exciting opportunity for those passionate about the past to explore ancient civilizations with a historian guide. To make the most of your journey, here are some practical tips to enhance your history trip:
  • Familiarize yourself with the historical significance of the sites you visit to deepen your understanding and appreciation.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking and exploring historical sites, often involving uneven terrain and outdoor elements.
  • Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, especially in warmer climates where historical sites may lack amenities.
  • Be mindful of local customs and traditions when visiting historical sites, and adhere to any dress codes or etiquette guidelines.
  • Take advantage of the expertise of your tour guide, who can provide valuable insights and historical context during your exploration.
  • Bring extra storage and charging devices to ensure you can capture all the photos you want of the historical sites you visit.
  • Remember to be respectful of any photography restrictions.
  • Carry essentials such as sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat to protect yourself from the elements during outdoor excursions.
  • Keep an open mind and be prepared for unexpected changes to the itinerary, as historical travel tours may encounter unforeseen challenges or delays.

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