Textbooks, documentaries and novels exist to educate future generations about the diverse history of the world.

But what they fail to do, is highlight the magic of watching history come to life through unmissable travel moments. If you consider yourself to be an avid history enthusiast, these are our top travel experiences. Get ready to be transported you through the ages.

1. Hear personal stories from survivors of the Siege of Leningrad, Russia

Wildly colourful churches, indulgent cuisine and baroque architecture are just a few of the reasons to visit Russia. However, it’s the history that captivates the attention of travellers (and history buffs) from across the world. On Peregrine’s Limited Edition Siege of Leningrad, you’ll enjoy an in-depth exploration of St Petersburg, but also a very special dinner. Over the course of a meal, spend time with a survivor of the Great Patriotic War (Russia’s name for World War II) who lived through the Leningrad siege. Learn more about this tumultuous time in detail, visit the iconic war sites such as the Nevsky Pyatachok battlefield and become completely immersed in the history of Russia.

While you’re in Russia, a visit to the Winter Palace is a must-do. Image by Art Konovalov/Shutterstock.

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF ON OUR 7-DAY LIMITED EDITION ST PETERSBURG & THE SIEGE OF LENINGRAD OUR

2. Walk along the Great Wall, China

The Great Wall of China might be thousands of years old, yet the legendary tales of the dynasties that once ruled become even more compelling when experienced on Peregrine’s Best of China tour. Although unsuccessful in protecting the Chinese empires from ancient enemies, it’s without a doubt one of the country’s most remarkable achievements and a historic destination that should be at the top of your must-visit list in China.

An exploration along the Great Wall of China is essential. Image by Jason Yang.

WALK ALONG THE GREAT WALL ON OUR 10-DAY BEST OF CHINA TOUR

3. Meet with a local community in Lake Titicaca, Peru

There’s no time like the present to uncover stories from around the world. The best way to reach the heart of a destination is by spending time with the local communities. On our Peru Highlights tour, a visit to Lake Titicaca offers an unexpected history lesson. Exploring the incredible floating Uros Islands in Peru is an insightful experience, as these islands were initially constructed as a form of protective isolation in ancient times. To this day, they are built from multiple layers of totora reeds and the structures are regularly replenished with fresh material as the reeds beneath rot away.

Spend time getting to know the communities in Peru. Image by Mike Roffe.

UNCOVER THE BEAUTY OF PERU ON OUR 21-DAY PERU HIGHLIGHTS TOUR

4. Explore tombs and temples in Luxor, Egypt

The tales of the Middle East have captivated the attention of historians, academics, experts and avid travellers, making it the perfect place to embark on a journey through time. While the Great Pyramids of Giza are a real wonder to gaze at, it’s Luxor that makes for an excellent open-air history lesson. On Peregrine’s Pyramids, Mummies and Pharaohs tour, you can explore the Karnak temple, built over some 2000 years, and some of it dating back to 2,055 BC, along with other temples in the area. However, one site you can’t miss is the Valley of the Kings. Here, there are over 60 tombs have been discovered and was Tutankhamun’s final resting place. With a local guide, you can find the significance of funerary rites of the ancient Egyptians and learn about the importance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics that adorn the tombs.

The history of Egypt will astound you. Image by Steve Wroe.

GO BACK IN TIME ON OUR 14-DAY PYRAMIDS, MUMMIES & PHARAOHS TOUR

5. Spend time roaming through Ephesus, Turkey

There are few places in the world as historically rich as Turkey, which makes it the perfect destination for history lovers. On the Ancient Ruins of Turkey tour, this is one of the best ways to experience the history of countless civilisations and broaden your knowledge of the world. At Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman classical cities in the world comes alive when accompanied by an expert local guide to enhance the experience. Once the capital city of Roman Asia Minor, the city has a fascinating history and is worthy of an endeavor to learn more.

The ruins in Turkey are even better in real life. Image by Steve Wroe.

SEE THE MAGIC OF TURKEY FOR YOURSELF ON OUR 14-DAY LIMITED EDITION ANCIENT RUINS OF TURKEY TOUR

To discover more unmissable experiences to add to your list, visit our website.

Feature image by Anton Watman/Shutterstock.