If travelling for you is all about exploring the local history, just visiting a museum may not feel like enough of an experience… You want to be fully immersed in the past, learning about it first-hand. Below are a few unique holiday ideas that will help you do just that!
1. Walk through history on a walking holiday
Walking holidays are one of the most rewarding ways to experience history. It allows you to step on the exact trails that our ancestors did, revealing the landscapes they found and the structures they built.
The Camino de Santiago, in particular, are ancient pilgrimage routes dating back more than 1000 years. These routes were undertaken by Medieval pilgrims, reaching the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela, in Spain. Every church, bridge, monument or stone has a story on these trails.
Booking a walking holiday is also incredibly accessible to anyone, with specialist operators like Orbis Ways taking care of the logistics. All you have to do is choose a route (e.g. Camino Frances is the most popular, while Camino Primitivo is the oldest) and they will plan the itinerary as well as book the accommodations for you.
2. Travel back in time on a historic rail journey
Railways played a significant role in shaping modern Europe with more than 200 years of history behind them. While they look very different today, there are still historic rail journeys welcoming passengers, to celebrate their legacy in style.
You may find train routes across the Scottish Highlands on the iconic Royal Scotsman, through the Alps on the vintage steam trains or in Eastern Europe on the world-famous Orient Express. These journeys feature authentic historic carriages and period dining cars, immersing you back into the early 20th-century travel.
Along the way, the stops are also made at various heritage stations and historic cities, which you can explore for the day before continuing on. Combined with delicious food and breathtaking views, it’s a holiday that has it all.
3. Join an archaeological dig or research-based break
If you prefer to be a lot more hands-on, personally contributing to our historical knowledge, consider participating in an archeological dig or similar research project. These breaks allow interested participants to assist professional archeologists on real excavation sites, ranging from Roman villas to prehistoric settlements.
Days are typically spent uncovering artefacts and learning about the different excavation techniques. You will get to witness how historians interpret physical evidence in real-time. Not just that, many programmes also include site visits and museum access, making them ideal for curious holiday-makers who enjoy learning as much as travelling. No previous experience is usually required, just enthusiasm and a willingness to get your hands dirty!
The past becomes the holiday
Whether you are walking the ancient routes of the Camino de Santiago or uncovering artefacts from the soil with your own hands, these trips offer meaningful connections with the past. For history enthusiasts, it’s about turning a simple holiday into an immersive experience – a journey through time.
