Culture Holidays

Tired of the same old holiday routine of laying on the beach all day tanning until you’re crispy around the edges? Fancy a total change of scene? Well we have the perfect solution, why not try a cultural holiday in a number of excellent destinations which are all sure to impress you.

Rome wasn’t built in a day and you’ll need a lifetime to see it. With so many sites and places to see, you’ll never be at a loss with what to do. Whether it’s exploring the ancient roman forum and walking where Caesar did, seeing the Vatican, or making a wish at the Trevi Fountain, Rome is an obvious stop for anyone’s trip to Italy. Traditional pizza and pasta, gelato and a local favourite, Ricotta cake, are just some of the delicious foods originating from Italy that are sure to blow your taste buds away!

Marrakech is a truly enchanting destination; its narrow streets weaving through the city are teeming with life and culture. Walking down through the busy markets and sukhs you will be greeted with hundreds upon hundreds of different stalls and shops selling vibrant fresh foods, clothing and all sorts of wonderfully interesting items. No matter where you eat in the city, mint tea will be on the menu. It is part of the life-blood of the country – the essential fuel that oils the path of difficult transactions, cements friendships, marks life’s big events and celebrations. The sweet refreshing drink is definitely one that should be tasted by anyone who visits.

Athens, birth place of the ancient Greek goddess Athena and originating home to the Olympic Games, is a hotbed of modern and historic culture sure to keep visitors occupied all year round. The city is peppered with ancient ruins of theatres and temples, most notably the Parthenon known for its dignified white marble columns and perfect sense of proportion. Another must for history buffs is the Acropolis, a world heritage site, located on a large hill which lies in the centre of the city and contains a cluster of ancient ruins. It is a truly spectacular sight that cannot be missed!

Turkey is a diverse and delightful destination that contains a mixture of cultures from across the globe. In spite of its close relations with the east, there is a great degree of western influence in many aspects of Turkish life. With 99% of the population following Islam, there is of course a heavy underlying Islamic influence however Turkey is a militantly secular country and life here is far removed from that under fundamentalist regimes. At times you'll forget that you're in an Islamic country and only be reminded next time you hear the call to prayer, broadcast through a dodgy PA system from the nearest mosque. The marketplaces are always great fun with plenty of weird and wonderful foods on offer along with clothes and various other things. One word of advice – never settle for the asking price there is always space to haggle!

These are just some examples of exciting and wonderful destinations you could visit, but there is a whole world of choice at your fingertips so why not take a look at our culture holidays page and find the perfect destination for you.