10 top cultural tours in Europe

Gaze up at the timeworn columns of the Doric Temple of Zeus on a cultural trip into the Valley of the Temples in Sicily, Italy. Set in a forest clearing on an isolated hilltop, these mighty ruins are a striking juxtaposition against the modern skyline of Agrigento. Take a seat in the ancient stalls of Taormina's crumbling open-air Greek theatre to admire cinematic views of Mount Etna, Europe's highest volcano, before browsing boutique shops and street-side delis in the narrow alleyways of Taormina.

From the quiet White Mountain rural villages and the peaceful shores of Lake Ohrid to the colourful buildings and eclectic bazaars of Tirana, there are plenty of cultural sights to discover in the European country of Albania. The Roman city of Butrint is a treasure trove of fascinating historical sights including ancient thermal baths, a crumbling amphitheatre and ornate mosaic floors. Uncover colourful frescoes in the domed ceilings of 16th-century churches and admire panoramic views from the 12th-century hilltop castle of Gjirokastra.

Available as a small group tour or private tour.

The lesser-visited eastern European Baltic States of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia boast endless cultural delights and fascinating traditions. From the ornate spires of Gothic churches in Vilnius and the gloomy Medieval underground tunnels of Tallinn to jars of sauerkraut and pickled garlic in Riga's lively Central Market, you'll get a great introduction to the primary Baltic cities on our Baltic Republic Tour. 

Available as a small group tour or private tour.

A European country steeped in tradition, you'll feel as though you've stepped back in time on a cultural tour of Romania. Horses tow carts of local produce and fortified towns are shrouded in tales of myth and legend. Go in search of Dracula's Castle in Transylvania and uncover the lavish neo-renaissance Peles palace. Wander through winding alleyways lined with pastel-coloured houses in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sighisoara, before sampling some traditional beef goulash washed down with locally-brewed beer. 

Available as a small group tour or private tour.

From the medieval buildings and cobbled streets of the UNESCO-restored town of Dubrovnik to the ancient courtyards of Diocletian's Palace in Split, the southeast European country of Croatia has many cultural highlights to uncover. Head to the seaside town of Zadar, the ancient capital of Dalmatia, to hear the dulcet tones of the Sea Organ and discover the Church of Saint Donatus, a Byzantine stone-walled shrine. Or, if you're a Games of Thrones fan, you may recognise the mighty Klis Fortress, set on a rocky cliff 360-metres above the sea, that played host to scenes set in the fictional city of Meereen.