9 Best Educational Tours For Adults
by Sully Montero | 9/19/22
Are you looking for educational tours for adults? If so, consider booking a tour with one of the many companies that offer educational tours specifically for adults. Educational tours for adults provide an opportunity to learn about new places while enjoying all the amenities of a traditional vacation.
Why Educational Tours for Adults?
As an adult, educational tours allow me to take a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of a typical vacation. How many times have you said to yourself, “I need a vacation from my vacation?” Why is that? Probably because you’ve just spent about a week on location looking at 100 tourist “must-see” places and you can’t remember any of them?
From history to nature to science, there is something for everyone on an adult education tour. The benefits of educational tours are that you can customize them to avoid the hustle and bustle of a constant on-the-go vacation.
9 Best Educational Tours For Adults
How about these itineraries for a more in-depth educational tour? One’s that cater to adults who want to learn about where they are and what they are seeing. Here are my recommendations.
1. Grand Tour of Italy
The first time I visited Italy, I thought “Oh, I’ll just do Rome and be happy with that.” Ha! How naive. Trust me, you can’t just do Rome. Rome is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to educational tours of Italy. And when doing an educational tour for adults, you’ll want to hit more rather than less.
For more info on what to do in Rome at Night, check out my post Here!
Take my advice and tour as much of the country as you can. With a grand tour, you can hit all of the iconic cities of Italy and feel as if you are in a different country with each stop. Your grand tour of Italy should include Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome, Assisi, and Sorrento.
If you have more time, I recommend spending at least 2 to 3 days in each location to maximize your trip. I can promise you that one day just isn’t enough. If possible try to coordinate your flight to arrive in Milan and return from Rome. That way you are not wasting too much time traveling in between.
Pro Tip: I know the celebrities make it sound amazing (and rightfully so), but I would avoid the Lake Cuomo region. It is spectacularly stunning. But aside from a small residential town, there isn’t much for you to do or see.
2. Athens and the Greek Islands
This tour will take you to some of the most iconic and significant sites in Greece, including the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Zeus. You’ll also get to explore the picturesque islands of Mykonos and Santorini.
In Athens, the capital of Greece. Your first stop should be the Acropolis, where you’ll see the ruins of the Parthenon, one of the most famous temples in all of antiquity. You’ll also get a breathtaking view of the city from atop the hill.
Visit the Ancient Agora, where Socrates used to teach, and see the Temple of Hephaestus. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the scenic Plaka and of course enjoy a delicious Greek dinner!
You can then board several ferries to the Greek islands. Mykonos is one of Greece’s most popular tourist destinations. Here, you can spend the day lounging on the beach, swimming in crystal-clear waters, exploring the island’s quaint streets and shops, and enjoying some delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
Or visit Hydra, where you can explore its medieval castle and take in views of the Aegean Sea from its Venetian port. Santorini or Capri is where all the celebs go, so make sure you get your photos for the gram!
Pro Tip: Delphi is worth a stop on your itinerary. Perched high on Mount Parnassus, Delphi is home to several important archaeological sites including the Temple of Apollo and the Oracle of Delphi. Be sure to take in the sweeping views of olive groves and mountains before returning to Athens. Just don’t look down when the bus driver is driving…there are no guard rails!
3. Historic Japan
If you’re looking for an educational tour that’s also a lot of fun, then a historical tour of Japan is something you should definitely put on your bucket list. You’ll learn all about Japan’s rich history and culture while enjoying some of the country’s most beautiful scenery.
The tour will take you to some of Japan’s most important historical sites, including the ancient capital of Kyoto and the beautiful city of Nara. You’ll also get to experience traditional Japanese culture firsthand with a visit to a local sake brewery and a traditional teahouse.
If you have the time, adding Osaka to your itinerary is worthy of a stop. It’s home to one of the country’s most famous landmarks. Whether you’re interested in history or just looking for a unique travel experience, a historical tour of Japan is something you won’t want to miss.
Pro Tip: The best time of year to visit Japan is in late spring when the cherry blossom trees are still in full bloom. I don’t recommend traveling in the summer since it’s hot, humid, and crowded. Not an ideal combination when exploring this country.
4. In-Depth in England
After the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, I’ve seen an increase in the number of travelers wanting to visit England to experience its regal history. England is a hub of art, music, literary, and cultural history, so it should be no surprise that it’s one of the best educational tours for adults.
If you are trying to do this itinerary in a relatively short amount of time, then I suggest you dedicate most of your time to the countryside. Primarily because the city of London can be done in one day.
See our Blog Post on How to do London in a Day here.
While you do get a lot packed into one day in London, if you have more than one day to spend there you are definitely not going to regret it.
- As long as you check off:
- Buckingham Palace
- Trafalgar Square
- Tower of London
- Parliament Building/Big Ben
- Westminster Abbey
One of the other historical sites to visit include Hadrian’s Wall, which is a popular destination for tourists who want to learn about the Roman Empire. The wall was built by Emperor Hadrian as a defensive measure against barbarian invasions, and it spans over 73 miles. Visitors can explore the remains of forts and watchtowers, and take in the stunning views of the countryside.
Another popular destination is Stonehenge, which is a prehistoric monument that dates back to 3000 BC. Visitors can learn about the mystery surrounding its construction, and see the massive stones up close.
There are also plenty of castles to explore, such as Windsor Castle and Warwick Castle. These educational tours give visitors a chance to step back in time and learn about England’s rich history.
Pro Tip: Spend an entire day at Stratford-upon-Avon (locally known as Stratford). This is the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and the town itself makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time! Check out some options here.
5. Ancient Peru and Machu Picchu
Peru is a land full of history and mystery, and there is no better way to explore its fascinating past than by taking a tour of some of its most iconic ancient sites. From the Lost City of the Incas to the mother Temple of the Sun!
Your first stop should be the ancient city of Cuzco, once the capital of the mighty Inca Empire. From there, make your way to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Machu Picchu – one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. An expert guide will bring this 15th-century citadel to life as you explore its temples, palaces, and plazas.
You will also learn about the fascinating Inca culture that once called this place home.
After exploring Machu Picchu, head to Lake Titicaca – the highest navigable lake in the world. Here, you can take a boat ride to the floating islands of Uros, where you will learn about the unique indigenous culture that has survived for centuries on these man-made islands.
End in Chan Chan – the largest adobe city in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient city was once the capital of the powerful Chimu Empire, and today it stands as a testimony to this great civilization. On your tour of Chan Chan, you will explore its magnificent temples, plazas, and pyramids, and learn about the fascinating Chimu people who once called this place home.
Pro Tip: Be prepared for altitude sickness! Machu Picchu is 7,972 ft. above sea level. Although the symptoms usually disappear gradually, there are effective ways to combat it such as drinking plenty of water and drinking coca tea prepared by the locals!
Education Tours For Older Adults
There are plenty of tours for baby boomers and older adults too. We like to use the phrase “lifelong learners.” These tours are specifically designed to be more leisurely paced and structured around your needs.
Some programs offer shorter tours (one week or less) and offer itineraries around the world and in the U.S. There are even some tour companies that offer virtual educational tours!
One of the highest rated is Road Scholar which is specifically tailored to older adults.
6. WWII History Tour
These tours are by far the most “historical” since you are getting an immersive experience of several different countries. Most WWII tours cover multiple cities including Germany, Austria, Belgium, Holland, and France, so it’s not one that you could do quickly.
But, wow, do they pack a punch. On a WWII historical tours, you can visit some of the most famous military sites that you have come to know throughout history and many more of the lesser known landmarks. You’ll need at least 2 weeks to do this.
Pro Tip: Try this tour on a River Cruise! A land and sea adventure of this magnitude is going to be the best way to visit WWII sites around Europe. As a bonus, these river tours provide 5-star luxury, so you can vacation and learn in style!
7. History and Culture of China
Many people travel to China without ever leaving the big cities. But for those who want to get a taste of the country’s rich history, there’s no better way than to take a tour of ancient China. From the Great Wall to the Terra Cotta Warriors, there are countless historical sites to see.
Start your trip in China’s capital city, Beijing. Be sure to check out the Forbidden City, the largest palace complex in the world. You can also visit Tiananmen Square, home to the Monument to the People’s Heroes and Mao Zedong Mausoleum. If you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at haggling in one of Beijing’s many markets.
No trip to China would be complete without seeing the Great Wall. The wall stretches for over 5,000 miles, making it one of the most impressive engineering feats in human history. You can hike along a portion of the wall or take a cable car for a bird’s-eye view.
Continue learning about China’s past, by heading south to Xi’an to see one of its most famous historical sites: the Terra Cotta Warriors. These life-size clay soldiers were built over 2,000 years ago to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb. Today, there are more than 8,000 warriors on display.
End your trip with a few days in Shanghai, China’s largest and most populous city. Visit Yu Garden and The Bund before taking a ride on the Maglev Train (the world’s fastest train!) out to Pudong International Airport.
Pro Tip: Get your Visa before traveling to China. Without your Visa, you will not be allowed to enter the country!
8. The Wonders of Israel
Start this educational tour in Tel Aviv, where you’ll get acquainted with the city and its many sights and attractions. You’ll visit Independence Hall, the site where Israel’s Declaration of Independence was signed, as well as Jaffa, one of the oldest ports in the world.
Then explore ancient Israel with a visit to Caesarea Maritima, a Roman port city built by Herod the Great. From there, head to Megiddo, an important archaeological site that was the scene of many battles throughout history. Don’t forget to visit Nazareth, the place where Jesus grew up, and see the Church of Annunciation, built over the site where Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel.
Jerusalem is one of the holiest cities in the world for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. Explore the Old City and visit sites such as the Western Wall (the last remaining wall of the Second Temple), the Temple Mount (site of the First and Second Temples), and Mount Zion (burial place of King David). In the afternoon, take a walking tour of the New City and see places like Yitzhak Rabin Square and Mahane Yehuda Market.
Pro Tip: Don’t finish your tour with a stop at Yad Vashem, Israel’s official Holocaust museum and memorial dedicated to those who perished in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. It’s one of those places that stays with you for a while. I recommend making that stop towards the beginning.
9. A Study of Germany
If you’re looking for a vacation that’s both historical and scenic, look no further than ancient Germany. From the remnants of classical civilization to the picturesque mountains of the south, there’s something for everyone in this beautifully varied country.
Cologne is your must-see first stop and is located in the west of the country. This 2,000-year-old city is home to a wealth of historical landmarks, including the world-famous Cologne Cathedral. The cathedral, built in 1248, is a Gothic masterpiece and one of the most visited tourist destinations in Germany.
Trier is a city that has a long and storied history, having been founded by the Celts in 16 BC. Trier was later conquered by the Romans and served as the capital of Gaul during the height of Roman power. It’s the home to a number of well-preserved Roman ruins, including the Porta Nigra, or “Black Gate,” one of the best-preserved Roman gates in existence.
Also worth seeing are the Imperial Baths, an enormous complex used by Roman nobles for public bathing, and the Amphitheater, which once held up to 20,000 spectators for gladiatorial battles and other public entertainments.
Make sure you visit Heidelberg, located in southwest Germany in the state of Baden-Württemberg. This charming city is situated on the banks of the Neckar River and is home to Heidelberg Castle, one of Germany’s most iconic landmarks.
Other highlights include Heidelberg University—one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning—and Old Town, with its quaint cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses.
Pro Tip: Berlin is an amazing stop on your historical tour, but you can definitely plan to be there for one day. The city’s historic sites are easy to get to! I recommend a walking or bike tour. Check out some options below
Bonus Pro Tip: What To Pack For Your Tour?
As little as possible! I tell this to my students every year. You are going to be so busy, so emersed in culture and history and so tired, that you are not going to have time to worry about your appearance.
Pack some light, comfortable clothes that you can wear a couple of times, some toiletries, and comfortable shoes! Remember you are on an educational tour for adults, not a singles cruise, there’s no need to pack your finest!
Keep in mind, that these tours have you going to multiple locations, and you will have to carry your luggage with you! Pack light and save yourself the hassle! Check out the set below for my recommendation!
Conclusion: Educational Tours For Adults
Educational tours for adults are the best way to get the most out of your vacation. My advice is to book with a small group so that you can experience the most out of each place you visit or risk whirling through a dozen sites without fully understanding where you are.