Top 15 Best Countries for a Cultural Tour Abroad: Routes Full of History and Culture

For those who want to do more than just see new cities abroad, but to discover the traces of different civilizations, get to know local life, and closely observe cultural heritage formed over centuries, cultural tours are one of the most enjoyable travel options.

From historic cities in Europe to ancient temples in Asia, from ancient cities in the Middle East to colorful markets in North Africa, there are countless routes to explore for a cultural tour all around the world.

In particular, Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Japan, Egypt, and Morocco offer very rich options in terms of history, architecture, museums, gastronomy, and traditional life. The UNESCO World Heritage List is also an important reference for identifying culturally rich destinations. For example, Italy has 56 cultural heritage sites on its UNESCO list, while France has 47 and Japan has 22.

So, which are the best countries for a cultural tour abroad? Which countries should be preferred to experience history, art, architecture, and local culture together?

Here are the 15 countries and cultural routes that culture lovers must consider.

1. Italy

Italy is one of the world's strongest destinations when it comes to cultural tours.

The legacy of the Roman Empire, the cities where the Renaissance was born, historic squares, museums, palaces, and impressive cathedrals make the country unique for cultural tours.

In Rome, you can follow the traces of ancient Rome; in Florence, you can explore Renaissance art; and in Venice, you can discover the historic city fabric surrounded by canals.

Places to visit in Italy

• Rome
• Florence
• Venice
• Milan
• Naples
• Pompeii
• Siena
• Bologna
• Verona
• Amalfi

Italy has 62 areas on its UNESCO World Heritage List, 56 of which are in the cultural heritage category. Many important destinations such as Pompeii, the historic center of Florence, and Venice are part of this heritage.

Best cultural experience: Rome + Florence + Venice

Ideal duration: 7–10 days

2. France

France is an ideal destination for those who want to experience art, architecture, history, gastronomy, and fashion culture together.

The capital Paris forms a cultural tour route in itself with the Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Montmartre, and historic squares.

Outside of Paris, you can explore France's castles, historic villages, vineyards, and cities along the Mediterranean coast.

Places to visit in France

• Paris
• Versailles
• Lyon
• Nice
• Bordeaux
• Strasbourg
• Mont Saint-Michel
• Loire Valley
• Provence
• Normandy

France has 56 areas on its UNESCO World Heritage List. Important cultural areas such as the Loire Valley, Bordeaux, and Arles show the country's historical diversity.

Best cultural experience: Paris + Versailles + Loire Valley

Ideal duration: 5–8 days

3. Spain

Spain is one of the most colorful countries in Europe for cultural tours thanks to its Andalusian heritage, royal palaces, Gothic structures, Gaudi architecture, and vibrant local culture.

Madrid's museums, Barcelona's modernist architecture, and Seville's Andalusian atmosphere offer distinct experiences.

Places to visit in Spain

• Madrid
• Barcelona
• Seville
• Granada
• Córdoba
• Toledo
• Valencia
• Málaga
• Santiago de Compostela

In particular, the Alhambra Palace in Granada, the historic center of Córdoba, and Seville can be considered among the most important stops on Spanish cultural tours.

Best cultural experience: Madrid + Seville + Córdoba + Granada

Ideal duration: 7–10 days

4. Greece

For those who want to follow the traces of ancient Greek civilization, Greece is at the top of the list of countries for cultural tours.

From the Acropolis in Athens to Delphi, from Olympia to the medieval city center of Rhodes, the country offers historical heritage from different eras together.

According to UNESCO records, Greece has 21 World Heritage Sites, 18 of which are in the cultural heritage category. The Acropolis, Delphi, Olympia, Delos, and the Medieval City of Rhodes are some of them.

Places to visit in Greece

• Athens
• Acropolis
• Delphi
• Olympia
• Meteora
• Rhodes
• Thessaloniki
• Crete
• Santorini
• Delos

Best cultural experience: Athens + Delphi + Meteora

Ideal duration: 5–8 days

5. Japan

Japan is one of the countries where traditional culture and modern life coexist in an extraordinary way.

Temples, traditional tea culture, samurai heritage, Japanese gardens, wooden architecture, and traditional neighborhoods distinguish the country from other cultural destinations.

UNESCO's list for Japan includes 27 World Heritage Sites. Historic structures around Kyoto and Nara, Himeji Castle, Mount Fuji, and other areas are important parts of the country's cultural heritage.

Places to visit in Japan

• Tokyo
• Kyoto
• Osaka
• Nara
• Hiroshima
• Himeji
• Nikko
• Kanazawa
• Mount Fuji

Best cultural experience: Tokyo + Kyoto + Nara + Osaka

Ideal duration: 10–14 days

6. Egypt

For those who want to discover the traces of ancient civilizations, Egypt is one of the most impressive cultural tour destinations in the world.

Pyramids, temples, pharaohs' tombs, and historic cities stretching along the Nile River make the country indispensable, especially for history enthusiasts.

Places to visit in Egypt

• Cairo
• Giza Pyramids
• Great Sphinx
• Luxor
• Karnak Temple
• Valley of the Kings
• Abu Simbel
• Aswan

Combining an Egyptian cultural tour with a boat journey on the Nile River is also a very popular travel option.

Best cultural experience: Cairo + Luxor + Aswan + Nile Cruise

Ideal duration: 6–9 days

7. Portugal

Portugal is one of the enjoyable options for a cultural tour in Europe with its historic cities, maritime heritage, colorful neighborhoods, and traditional architecture.

You can explore the country's past in different cities, from Lisbon's historic streets to Porto's riverside architecture.

Places to visit in Portugal

• Lisbon
• Porto
• Sintra
• Coimbra
• Évora
• Braga
• Guimarães
• Douro Valley

In particular, the trio of Lisbon + Sintra + Porto can form an ideal cultural route for those visiting Portugal for the first time.

Best cultural experience: Lisbon + Sintra + Porto

Ideal duration: 5–8 days

8. Czechia

Prague is one of the most impressive historic cities in Central Europe.

Gothic churches, baroque buildings, historic bridges, castles, and squares turn the city into an open-air museum.

Places to visit in Czechia

• Prague
• Karlovy Vary
• Český Krumlov
• Kutná Hora
• Brno
• Olomouc

In particular, Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and the Astronomical Clock can be among the fundamental stops of a cultural tour.

Best cultural experience: Prague + Český Krumlov

Ideal duration: 4–6 days

9. Austria

Austria is a strong destination for cultural tours with its imperial history, classical music, palaces, museums, and historic cities.

Vienna's historic palaces and museums offer rich content, especially for art and history enthusiasts.

Places to visit in Austria

• Vienna
• Salzburg
• Innsbruck
• Graz
• Hallstatt
• Schönbrunn Palace
• Belvedere Palace

The combination of Vienna + Salzburg offers a very rich trip in terms of both music and art and history.

Best cultural experience: Vienna + Salzburg

Ideal duration: 5–7 days

10. Morocco

One of the most colorful cultural destinations in North Africa, Morocco, carries the traces of different civilizations and traditions together.

Medinas, markets, palaces, mosques, traditional riads, and desert culture make the country a different travel experience.

Places to visit in Morocco

• Marrakech
• Fes
• Casablanca
• Rabat
• Chefchaouen
• Meknes
• Ait Ben Haddou
• Sahara Desert

In particular, the Marrakech and Fes medinas are places that anyone wanting to get to know Moroccan culture up close must see.

Best cultural experience: Marrakech + Fes + Sahara Desert

Ideal duration: 6–9 days

11. United Kingdom

United Kingdom is a versatile destination for cultural tours with its royal history, museums, castles, and literary heritage.

You can spend a few days in London and visit many cultural points ranging from museums to historic palaces.

Places to visit in the UK

• London
• Oxford
• Cambridge
• Bath
• Stonehenge
• Windsor
• York
• Liverpool

In particular, the route of London + Stonehenge + Bath can be evaluated for a trip focused on history and culture.

Best cultural experience: London + Bath + Stonehenge

Ideal duration: 5–8 days

12. India

India offers a unique experience for those who do not want to limit their cultural tour only to historic structures.

Temples, palaces, spice markets, traditional festivals, different beliefs, and regional cuisines reveal the country's cultural diversity.

Places to visit in India

• Delhi
• Agra
• Jaipur
• Varanasi
• Udaipur
• Mumbai
• Jodhpur

In particular, the route of Delhi + Agra + Jaipur is one of the most well-known cultural tours for those visiting India for the first time.

Best cultural experience: Golden Triangle – Delhi + Agra + Jaipur

Ideal duration: 7–10 days

13. Peru

One of the countries that anyone wanting to take a culture and history tour in South America must consider is Peru.

The traces of the Inca civilization, historic settlements in the Andes Mountains, and cities left from the Spanish colonial period constitute the country's cultural richness.

Places to visit in Peru

• Lima
• Cusco
• Machu Picchu
• Sacred Valley
• Arequipa
• Lake Titicaca

While Machu Picchu is one of the most important stops of a Peruvian cultural tour, Cusco and the Sacred Valley are also very valuable for understanding the Inca heritage.

Best cultural experience: Lima + Cusco + Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu

Ideal duration: 8–12 days

14. Alongside Morocco: Jordan

For those who want to follow the traces of historic civilizations, Jordan is one of the notable cultural routes in the Middle East.

In particular, the ancient city of Petra is one of the country's most important historic sites.

Places to visit in Jordan

• Amman
• Petra
• Jerash
• Wadi Rum
• Madaba
• Dead Sea
• Aqaba

The combination of Petra + Jerash + Amman can be quite impressive for a short-term cultural tour.

Best cultural experience: Amman + Jerash + Petra + Wadi Rum

Ideal duration: 5–7 days

15. Mexico

With its ancient civilizations, colonial cities, colorful festivals, and rich gastronomy culture, Mexico is one of the standout countries for a cultural tour in Latin America.

The traces of Aztec and Mayan civilizations and cities left from the Spanish period can be explored in the same trip.

Places to visit in Mexico

• Mexico City
• Chichén Itzá
• Tulum
• Oaxaca
• Puebla
• Teotihuacan
• Mérida
• Guanajuato

Best cultural experience: Mexico City + Teotihuacan + Yucatán

Ideal duration: 8–12 days

Comparison of the Best Countries for a Cultural Tour Abroad

Best Countries for First-Time Cultural Tours

If you are taking a cultural tour abroad for the first time, you can evaluate the following countries in terms of ease of transportation, density of sights, and tour options:

🇮🇹 Italy

For those who want to experience history, art, and gastronomy together.

🇬🇷 Greece

For short cultural holidays with its proximity to Turkey and ancient history.

🇪🇸 Spain

For those who want to experience history, architecture, gastronomy, and city life together.

🇨🇿 Czechia

For those who want to take a short-term European cultural tour.

🇵🇹 Portugal

For those who want to explore historic cities and local life.

Best Cultural Tour Routes for History Enthusiasts

If your main goal for your trip is to discover history and ancient civilizations, you can particularly evaluate the following routes:

Ancient Rome: Italy

Ancient Greece: Greece

Ancient Egypt: Egypt

Inca Civilization: Peru

Maya Civilization: Mexico

Andalusian History: Spain

Islam and North African Culture: Morocco

Indian Civilizations: India

Ancient Petra: Jordan

Japanese Traditions: Japan

Best Countries for Art and Architecture Cultural Tours

For those who want to discover art and architecture:

Italy: Renaissance and Baroque architecture

France: Louvre, palaces, and historic cities

Spain: Gaudi and Andalusian architecture

Austria: Imperial architecture and classical music

Czechia: Gothic and Baroque architecture

Japan: Traditional temples and gardens

The number of UNESCO cultural heritage sites in Italy and France also shows how rich these countries are in terms of history and architecture.

What is the Best Time for a Cultural Tour Abroad?

The ideal period for a cultural tour may vary depending on the destination.

Spring

It can be quite enjoyable for Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, and France.

Milder temperatures make city tours easier.

Summer

Can be evaluated for Northern European countries and destinations like the United Kingdom.

However, crowds and heat may be higher in popular cities of Southern Europe.

Autumn

It can be a beautiful period for cultural tours in countries like Italy, Spain, Greece, Japan, and Morocco.

Winter

Europe's Christmas markets and winter atmosphere can transform countries like France, Germany, Austria, Czechia, and the United Kingdom into a different experience.

What Should Be Considered When Planning a Cultural Tour?

When planning an international cultural tour, looking only at flight tickets and hotels is not enough.

1. Determine the number of cities correctly

Instead of adding too many cities to a short trip, spending more time in fewer cities can be more enjoyable.

2. Prefer central accommodation

In particular, central locations in European cities can provide a great advantage in terms of access to museums and historic structures.

3. Check museum days

Remember that some museums may be closed on certain days of the week or may require prior reservation.

4. Evaluate guided tours

In particular, touring ancient cities with a professional guide can help you better understand the history of the structures you see.

5. Plan intra-city transportation

Researching metro, tram, train, and public transport cards in advance can save time.

6. Experience local culture

Do not limit your cultural tour only to museums and historic structures.

Try local foods, visit markets, and observe local life as much as possible.

Cultural Tour or Classic Vacation?

In a classic vacation, the priority is generally relaxing and spending time at the hotel, whereas in a cultural tour, discovery and experience are at the center of the trip.

If you want to get to know the history, cuisine, architecture, and local life of the country you are visiting more closely, a cultural tour may be more suitable for you.

Which Country Should You Choose for a Cultural Tour Abroad?

Short European cultural tour: Czechia, Austria, Italy, Greece

Art and museums: France, Italy, Spain

Ancient civilizations: Egypt, Greece, Peru, Mexico

Eastern culture: Japan, India

Different and exotic culture: Morocco, Egypt, India

History + gastronomy: Italy, Spain, France, Portugal

Cultural tour with family: Italy, France, United Kingdom, Spain

Romantic cultural trip: Italy, France, Portugal

Long-duration cultural tour: Japan, India, Peru, Mexico

Plan Your Reservation for an International Cultural Tour Now

One of the best ways to truly get to know a country is to experience its history, art, architecture, cuisine, and daily life on site.

There are unique cultural routes waiting to be discovered all around the world, from Italy's Renaissance cities to Japan's traditional temples, from Egypt's ancient heritage to Spain's Andalusian cities.

Don't Postpone Your Dream Cultural Tour!

Select your country → Set your travel date → Compare flight and hotel options → Plan your tour and guide options → Complete your reservation.

Don't just see a new country; discover its history and culture by experiencing it!